Walk Of Life

Dire Straits' 'Walk Of Life' is a vibrant and upbeat track that captures the essence of perseverance and joy in the everyday hustle. The song, released in 1985 as part of the band's fifth album 'Brothers in Arms', has a catchy rhythm that is characteristic of Dire Straits' blend of rock, roots rock, and blues. The band, led by Mark Knopfler, is known for their storytelling through music, and 'Walk Of Life' is no exception, painting a picture of a character named Johnny and his journey through life.

The lyrics introduce us to Johnny, a musician who plays classic hits ('Oldies, Goldies') and works hard ('trying to make it pay'). The repeated lines about action, motion, dedication, and devotion suggest a strong work ethic and a passion for music. The 'walk of life' that Johnny does could be a metaphor for the way he lives his life, with a positive attitude and a commitment to his craft, turning 'all the night time into the day'—a phrase that implies making the best out of every situation, even the challenging ones.

The song also touches on the themes of storytelling and the power of music. Johnny is described as someone who tells stories ('Here comes Johnny goin' tell you the story') and uses music to overcome hardships ('after all the violence and double talk, there's just a song in all the trouble and the strife'). The 'walk of life' thus becomes a universal dance, a way to navigate through life's ups and downs with music as a guiding force. The song's infectious beat and optimistic lyrics have made it an enduring classic, encouraging listeners to find their own rhythm in the 'walk of life.'