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Mark Knopfler — Postcards From Paraguay
Album: Shangri-La
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1496









Released: 2004
Length: 4:01
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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one thing was leading to the next
i bit off more than i could chew
i had the power to sign the cheques
it wasn't difficult to do
i couldn't stay and face the music
so many reasons why
i won't be sending postcards
from paraguay

i robbed a bank full of dinero
a great big mountain of dough
so it was goodbye companero
and cheerio
i couldn't stay and face the music
so many reasons why
i won't be sending postcards
from paraguay

i never meant to be a cheater
but there was blood on the wall
i had to steal from peter
to pay what i owed to paul
i couldn't stay and face the music
so many reasons why
i won't be sending postcards
from paraguay
Comments (110)add comment
Mark Knopfler is such a gift to this world.  While I wouldn't say that he is the only artist that is able to create music of so  many styles and cultures, I would say that I love almost every thing he has done.  I remember when Dire Straits came out and my friend group was like, "Wow".  This group is amazing.  And then when he began creating on his own, we were like, "Wow".  And it hasn't stopped.  Just wow, always.  Dire Straits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame and he didn't choose to show up (he said he "Wasn't feeling it."  I was miffed it, but I presume he has reasons that don't involve me.  

Nevertheless, thank you RP for playing one of our generations masters!
Posted 1 year ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 brellim wrote:
Never tire of Knoplfer. Alone or with Emmy Lou or the Straits whom ever. He puts forth great music. Keep it rolling.


Whad'ya say... This is a guy who catch his own luck and expluatating its cow. No more.
Posted 2 years ago by skurin59    [ Reply ]
Absolutely love this song. Always loved Knopfler and his style.
Posted 2 years ago by Steleks    [ Reply ]
Happy Tune! ...everybody sing along!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Where the heck did these lyrics come from?
Posted 3 years ago by Ralf    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
I robbed a bank for Rob De Niro?


Why would you? 😕🤔
Posted 3 years ago by cloudymcloudface    [ Reply ]
For those of you who love the sound of vinyl playback, try to find this one.  It's absolutely reference quality.  Years ago I found a new copy in an NYC HMV store that was going out of business.  $10. 
Posted 3 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
I suspect that Mark is the true musical passion of Bill and/or Rebecca.
Posted 3 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
I robbed a bank for Rob De Niro?
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Oh the NewCastle slick player —I was never a fan, but yer man sure can play smooth
Posted 4 years ago by timothy_john    [ Reply ]
 BluEyes wrote:
I could listen to Mark Knopfler for hours and love every minute of it.
 
I have, and yes.  
Posted 5 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
What a great voice!
Posted 5 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
My favorite tune from Knopfler.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
I want to believe the manager story Bill, but I can’t find any proof of that.

“Postcards From Paraguay”: I imagined some errant individual doing a runner with the stolen loot. Someone suggested to me recently that the album is partly about the honest toiler versus those who thrive on ill-gotten gains. Perhaps the subject has been more on my mind in these days of corporate crime.

http://www.odabasi.net/shangri-la.htm
Posted 5 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
I couldn't stay and face the music
So many reasons why
I won't be sending postcards
From Paraguay

Except this one —->


 
Beautiful! But Iguazú Falls are in the Argentina-Brazil border. Very close to Paraguay, though... 
Posted 6 years ago by nampelkafe    [ Reply ]
Such a fan! Have seen him live a couple of times, although not for the past 7-8 years. A great musician surrounded by an equally tight band.
Posted 6 years ago by johnalexford    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
I couldn't stay and face the music
So many reasons why
I won't be sending postcards
From Paraguay

Except this one —->


 
Eden. Or maybe Paradise. {#Wink}
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
I couldn't stay and face the music
So many reasons why
I won't be sending postcards
From Paraguay

Except this one —->


 
"Cept you ain't standing in Paraguay to get this photo.


Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
This always makes me think of the scene in the 'Who Shot Monty Burns' episode of The Simpsons where the wronged Tito Puente gets is revenge on Burns with an incendiary salsa rather than a gun. 
Posted 10 years ago by haljordan    [ Reply ]
Very nice!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I couldn't stay and face the music
So many reasons why
I won't be sending postcards
From Paraguay

Except this one --->

Posted 11 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
I like this

and I'd like to hear a slightly less beat-y cover by Sophie Zelmani.  Sophie... are you reading this comment?
Posted 11 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

Thanks for the tip!
 
Good to know. Great song.
Posted 12 years ago by pamorama    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

TRUE CRIME!

This is the song about the bookkeeper who cheated Mark for a few millions.

 
Hate those b_s___rds
Posted 12 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
 Synth80s wrote:
I've got over 1,500 albums and Shangri-La is at least in my top 20, if not my top 10.  It's a timeless album with great stories, the excellent musicianship you expect from MK and beautifully honest production.  This is a great song, but not even among the best on the album, IMO.  Live, MK is even better.  "Song for Sonny Liston" from this album absolutely smokes live even when it's just MK on vocals and guitar, acoustic bass and brushed drums.

Even better, Shangri-La is available on SACD with the standard stereo mix in super hi-fidelity and a really fun 5.1 surround mix.  HIGHLY recommended.

-Synth80s

 
Thanks for the tip!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]

TRUE CRIME!

This is the song about the bookkeeper who cheated Mark for a few millions.


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]

That's some good pickin man!


Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Ahh, nice. Haven't heard this one in awhile. It's a keeper.
Posted 13 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
Dire Straits didn't really catch on for me, no matter how much I heard them. But Knopfler's post Straits work is brilliant as far as I am concerned. Just really, really good stuff.
Posted 13 years ago by snitramc    [ Reply ]

Mark12 by ~catpain-balkudder

Mark Knopfler at Sofiero

.
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]

Mark Knopfler - "Postcards from Paraguay" Live

"Amazing Mark. This song has an insight that only a South American would comprehend. He obviously learned whilst performing in Brazil. He really doesn't waste time! Well done."     ioster3




Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I've got over 1,500 albums and Shangri-La is at least in my top 20, if not my top 10.  It's a timeless album with great stories, the excellent musicianship you expect from MK and beautifully honest production.  This is a great song, but not even among the best on the album, IMO.  Live, MK is even better.  "Song for Sonny Liston" from this album absolutely smokes live even when it's just MK on vocals and guitar, acoustic bass and brushed drums.

Even better, Shangri-La is available on SACD with the standard stereo mix in super hi-fidelity and a really fun 5.1 surround mix.  HIGHLY recommended.

-Synth80s

Posted 14 years ago by Synth80s    [ Reply ]
Just about to go home after a day's work, but now this one kicks in.... Oh well, then i'll stay another couple of minutes... {#Surprised}

9
Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Very knice.
Posted 14 years ago by kdogg73    [ Reply ]
love love this
Posted 14 years ago by araujokrl    [ Reply ]
 choiceimage wrote:

CONFIRMED! Thanks for making my day.

 
ditto!

Posted 14 years ago by stickers11    [ Reply ]
Nice!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Another tasty treat from Mr. K.
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
sounds like he's singing "fwom Pawaguay"

  HAHAHAHAHA!  Check your speakers.


Posted 15 years ago by cochlear    [ Reply ]
sounds like he's singing "fwom Pawaguay"

Posted 15 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]

Mark Knopfler interview, BBC
The complete interveiw from Parkinson 2000.
Nice and fun. Mark play small parts from three songs; Baloney again, Romeo and Juliet and Money for nothing.


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 drtjdel wrote:
Did you get a look at that javelin thrower  (female) from Paraguay at the Bejiing Games? Holy GAWD! Smoooooooookin caliente! The human form! Google 'extremely hot javelin thrower from Paraguay'.

 
CONFIRMED! Thanks for making my day.

Posted 15 years ago by choiceimage    [ Reply ]
A little too low key for me, but it's still Knopler. 
By the way, I am guessing the song alludes to Butch & the Kid... southern Bolivia & Paraguay.

https://brokeinbolivia.blogspot.com/2009/04/legend-butch-cassidy-sundance-kid.html
Posted 15 years ago by quesarah    [ Reply ]

¡¡Viva Parguay!! I´m from Argentina, I think that Paraguay  is a great country and Chilavert is the best goal keeper I´ve ever seen.  


Posted 16 years ago by juandepanonia    [ Reply ]
 drtjdel wrote:
Did you get a look at that javelin thrower  (female) from Paraguay at the Bejiing Games? Holy GAWD! Smoooooooookin caliente! The human form! Google 'extremely hot javelin thrower from Paraguay'.

 
Yowsah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Did you get a look at that javelin thrower  (female) from Paraguay at the Bejiing Games? Holy GAWD! Smoooooooookin caliente! The human form! Google 'extremely hot javelin thrower from Paraguay'.

Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
SIMPLY GREAT!
Posted 16 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Am I crazy or is there a hint of Johnny Cash in here? In any case, I liked this enough to login specifically to rate it.
Posted 16 years ago by exeter    [ Reply ]
kaz wrote:
Mark burst onto the scene as a leader and enjoyed several years as a rare talent... now it's considerably later and he needs to produce music on its on merit. On its own this is not special.
Context. Relativity. Everything has merit, even if it's only when considered in context, relative to various factors. Muhammad Ali isn't knocking out people in the ring anymore, but he's still relevant and important in what he's doing nowadays.
Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people.
i'm younger than you and i'm enjoying me some Mark Knopfler, you grumpy old fart.
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Mark burst onto the scene as a leader and enjoyed several years as a rare talent... now it's considerably later and he needs to produce music on its on merit. On its own this is not special.
Posted 17 years ago by kaz    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people.
Thanks for these beautifully misrepresentative words about my generation.
Posted 17 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
dharmanavy wrote:
... When an artist breaks away to discover their own signature they should be applauded for at least having the guts to try ... With little fanfare a true Troubadour is emerging.
Beautifully put. I couldn't agree more. I feel the same way about Tom Petty.
Posted 17 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people.
Eh? Im not so old, this is good, feel how the lead tells the story as much as the words...
Posted 17 years ago by arctos    [ Reply ]
It\'s amazing that there are so many differing opinions on this album. When an artist breaks away to discover their own signature they should be applauded for at least having the guts to try. Well this album is a definite break from the Dire Straits sound that doesn\'t mean it can not and does not stand on it\'s own merits. Mark Knopfler is an amazing musician and writer. After putting together a solo career that focused more on the instrumental textures he has left that almost completely behind. Instead we find him subdued, sometimes dark but always alive with stories. Every song takes us on a journey through a land that we could never really imagine. \"Boom, Like That\" is a first-person monologue in the voice of Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonalds. \"Song for Sonny Liston\" is a story about the famed boxers brush with the underworld. I could continue, but why? This album, and Mark Knopfler deserve our attention. With little fanfare a true Troubadour is emerging.
Posted 17 years ago by dharmanavy    [ Reply ]
Sorry, quite like this.
Posted 17 years ago by coentje    [ Reply ]
Good taste is its' own reward!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people.
Young twerp
Posted 17 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people. mute!
I don't normally dis folks for their musical opinion, but the first word that came to mind after reading that was: CHUMP. Sorry if you're offended. I'm offended at being called 'old'. Its rating shows I don't need to defend it. I dig the soft-Latin(?) groove and the story of a bad guy in South America. Like Butch and Sundance or something. It's cool. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
ChardRemains wrote:
nice. for old people. mute!
. not.
Posted 17 years ago by cptbuz    [ Reply ]
Very nice, but pretty tame stuff.
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
nice. for old people.
Posted 17 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
Best song on the album, IMO.
Posted 17 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
This is a very good song. Certainly not close to the Telegraph Road or Sultans of Swing, but very pleasing.
Posted 17 years ago by AlexR    [ Reply ]
Even with Knopfler's amazing catalog, I believe this is his best album. As great as it is in stereo, the SACD 5.1 surround sound mix is a real treat. -Synth80s
Posted 17 years ago by Synth80s    [ Reply ]
rococodeco wrote:
mark knopfler rocks, but this song...eeee ummmm it reminds me of the "margaritaville" song or something. maybe it just sounds kind of cheesy.
"Cheese, Grommitt, Cheeeeese!"
Posted 17 years ago by eisbaer_67    [ Reply ]
Double-take!!! At first I thought this was Roger Whittaker covering, "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" then I realized it was Knopfler. This isn't good.
Posted 18 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
dogdokken wrote:
I've been to Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, you'd be hard-pressed to find ANY post cards out there. You will find TONS of bootleg CDs, though luckily Justin Timberlake & Kelly Clarkson and not Mark Knopfler. He's way too advanced for the Paraguao Pirates.
Ha! I have a postcard from Paraguay right in front of me on my bulletin board.
Posted 18 years ago by rowdydaisy    [ Reply ]
mark knopfler rocks, but this song...eeee ummmm it reminds me of the "margaritaville" song or something. maybe it just sounds kind of cheesy.
Posted 18 years ago by rococodeco    [ Reply ]
I've never heard this song, but once again RP deserves credit for playing cool, interesting music
Posted 18 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
Stick around, Bill has it on an appropriately frequent rotation. manimal wrote:
Mark Knopfler is a genius and amazingly consistent. I love everything he's ever done. I'd love to hear some from his Ragpickers Dream album.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
He is just as great live! Maybe even better.
Posted 18 years ago by grotegutj    [ Reply ]
great song.....
Posted 18 years ago by spiritfla    [ Reply ]
So beautiful compañero
Posted 18 years ago by HombreDeMezcal    [ Reply ]
Great Song
Posted 18 years ago by zubietag    [ Reply ]
Never tire of Knoplfer. Alone or with Emmy Lou or the Straits whom ever. He puts forth great music. Keep it rolling.
Posted 18 years ago by brellim    [ Reply ]
keenevision wrote:
Y'know..... Mark Knopfler is like one of your favorite books- never lets you down, always there when you need it.... Saw the Dire Straits back in '84.... and have never been disappointed by ANY direction Mr. Knopfler has taken since.... Incredible when you consider what he has overcome recently.
Yeah? So what has he overcome recently? Does anyone know?...?
Posted 18 years ago by pianocomposer    [ Reply ]
Knopfler's voice is haunting, melodies lovely, and guitar playing outstanding. See him live if you get a chance.
Posted 18 years ago by tinamarie    [ Reply ]
I've been to Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, you'd be hard-pressed to find ANY post cards out there. You will find TONS of bootleg CDs, though luckily Justin Timberlake & Kelly Clarkson and not Mark Knopfler. He's way too advanced for the Paraguao Pirates.
Posted 18 years ago by dogdokken    [ Reply ]
Y'know..... Mark Knopfler is like one of your favorite books- never lets you down, always there when you need it.... Saw the Dire Straits back in '84.... and have never been disappointed by ANY direction Mr. Knopfler has taken since.... Incredible when you consider what he has overcome recently.
Posted 19 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
theo wrote:
Yep! And "Ladyhawke"
Actually that was the Alan Parsons project. Yeah, that surprised me too.
Posted 19 years ago by Dianyla    [ Reply ]
bluedot wrote:
didn't he do the score for "the princess bride?"
Yep! And "Ladyhawke"
Posted 19 years ago by theo    [ Reply ]
The guitar is great; the voice is mellifluous and never off key. The musical allusions to a favorite country of mine, which I loved being in, are on target. But it is too successful at evoking a sad and depressive mood. :(
Posted 19 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
bev wrote:
Yup! It's really nice, too! I also like his work on Cal and most especially Local Hero.
Local Hero is a fabulous movie, and I agree that the soundtrack is great.
Posted 19 years ago by TheLib    [ Reply ]
I love knopfler! glad to hear him on here. Sailing to phili!
Posted 19 years ago by the_reptile    [ Reply ]
My favorite Mark Knopfler work.
Posted 19 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
bluedot wrote:
didn't he do the score for "the princess bride?"
Yup! It's really nice, too! I also like his work on Cal and most especially Local Hero.
Posted 19 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
hearing this song motivates me to practice my guitar more often in the hopes that one day I can be even 1/1000th as good as this guy...
Posted 19 years ago by flandersdog    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
:nodhead: A-OK
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
jruhnke wrote:
The man don't have the world's greatest voice, and his lyrics are hit-and-miss, but he can play a guitar like nobody's business, and his knack for penning music that moves me is a gift for which I am grateful. I have shown my gratitude by buying just about every album/disc he's associated with, and I'm always happy to hear that there's another one available. Time to buy myself a gift!
I asked it for my birthday, but I didn't get it (they all came with quite original, but non-musical gifts). Now indeed reconsider buying it myself. Brilliant!
Posted 19 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
ashbyman wrote:
His film scores are excellent. He's one of those guitar players that it takes maybe 10 seconds before you know who you are listening to. Unique tone and unique phrasing. I might upload some tracks from the Wag the Dog score which are the most "Knopfleresque" pieces of music that exist.
didn't he do the score for "the princess bride?"
Posted 19 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
Knopfler is the man -- even when he's not.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
Ease up on the Knopfler...please
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I could listen to this one song of his only for 5 minutes without killing myself.
Whatever it takes - we're here to help
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
His film scores are excellent. He's one of those guitar players that it takes maybe 10 seconds before you know who you are listening to. Unique tone and unique phrasing. I might upload some tracks from the Wag the Dog score which are the most "Knopfleresque" pieces of music that exist.
Posted 19 years ago by ashbyman    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I could listen to this one song of his only for 5 minutes without killing myself.
Perhaps a reason to wish the song was a little longer?
Posted 19 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
jruhnke wrote:
The man don't have the world's greatest voice, and his lyrics are hit-and-miss, but he can play a guitar like nobody's business, and his knack for penning music that moves me is a gift for which I am grateful. I have shown my gratitude by buying just about every album/disc he's associated with, and I'm always happy to hear that there's another one available. Time to buy myself a gift!
I love his voice...It's unique. I like a voice with a little texture in it. I agree with the rest, though. :highfive:
Posted 19 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
the music is nice but every song from Mr. Knopfler sounds so much like a damn elegy . It is maddening.
Posted 19 years ago by edechewe    [ Reply ]
Gregorama wrote:
Give it six.
Maybe seven, just to be safe.
Posted 19 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
The man don't have the world's greatest voice, and his lyrics are hit-and-miss, but he can play a guitar like nobody's business, and his knack for penning music that moves me is a gift for which I am grateful. I have shown my gratitude by buying just about every album/disc he's associated with, and I'm always happy to hear that there's another one available. Time to buy myself a gift!
Posted 19 years ago by jruhnke    [ Reply ]
Mark Knopfler is a genius and amazingly consistent. I love everything he's ever done. I'd love to hear some from his Ragpickers Dream album.
Posted 19 years ago by manimal    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I could listen to this one song of his only for 5 minutes without killing myself.
Give it six.
Posted 19 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
BluEyes wrote:
I could listen to Mark Knopfler for hours and love every minute of it.
I could listen to this one song of his only for 5 minutes without killing myself.
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
I could listen to Mark Knopfler for hours and love every minute of it.
Posted 19 years ago by BluEyes    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
Solid! Shangri-La is great in both direct-listening and the background, highly recommended for Knopfler fans.
Totally agree. One of the best albums of 2004. Laurie
Posted 20 years ago by LaurieBlue    [ Reply ]
Mark Knopfler never fails. Wonderful musician. Play anything, anytime!
Posted 20 years ago by welshlass    [ Reply ]
Solid! Shangri-La is great in both direct-listening and the background, highly recommended for Knopfler fans.
Posted 20 years ago by Schmackdown    [ Reply ]
Positively Profound!
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]