My read on this great song is that Knopfler is juxtaposing thoughts of a vet with those of an Irish terrorist, showing their common ground. Tanks vs tire irons....staying below the radar....having a party before they go...all visions that could apply to vets coming from or off to war, or terrorists plotting their attacks. The 'case of old damnation' is genius...it is also "case the whole damn nation" alluding to the terrorist plots. All in all I think this is unsurpassed in the amazing Knopfler catalog...Dire Straits included.
My read on this great song is that Knopfler is juxtaposing thoughts of a vet with those of an Irish terrorist, showing their common ground. Tanks vs tire irons....staying below the radar....having a party before they go...all visions that could apply to vets coming from or off to war, or terrorists plotting their attacks. The 'case of old damnation' is genius...it is also "case the whole damn nation" alluding to the terrorist plots. All in all I think this is unsurpassed in the amazing Knopfler catalog...Dire Straits included.
@mikekelsey This guy Kelsey is a music genius!
@mikekelsey This guy Kelsey is a music genius!