WCSX Classic Cuts : Money for Nothing
WCSX Classic Cuts
Dire Straits: “Money for Nothing”
The Hook: Knopfler writes a character-driven song, then has to sing it as a character he doesn’t like.
Album: Brothers in Arms
Year: 1985
Writers: Mark Knopfler and Sting (only the “I Want My MTV” section)
Stats: Topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks
Background:The words Mark Knopfler sings in “Money for Nothing” are as far from his own thoughts and beliefs as can be, and are actually based on something he overheard in a store one day. Knopfler explains why he wrote them and how he felt singing them.
Mark Knopfler says he didn’t identify at all with the character he was writing about in “Money for Nothing.” OC:…from him. :14
”That’s just a character song. The character in ‘Money for Nothing” is a bit of an idiot. I mean, he’s an ignoramus. I was sort of amused by some of the things he was saying, but he was still an appalling character, really. You’ve got to try and divorce yourself from him.”
