A Mark In Time

Previous Albums => Down The Road Wherever (2018) => Topic started by: shangri la 1 on September 22, 2018, 04:58:58 AM

Title: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: shangri la 1 on September 22, 2018, 04:58:58 AM
(https://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6309.0;attach=2993)
Drovers’ Road  Mark Knopfler (5:05)
Richard Bennett, Guitar
Ian Thomas, Drums
Glenn Worf, Bass Guitar
Mark Knopfler, Guitar, Vocals
Jim Cox, Piano
Danny Cummings, Percussion
Guy Fletcher, Synthesizer
John McCusker, Fiddle
Kris Drever, Background Vocalist
Mike McGoldrick, Whistle


LYRICS
It’s a drover’s road
High up where ravens fly
And soon I'll lose my way
And I won’t know
It’s a drover’s road
From days so long gone by
When we knew who we were
And where to go

It’s a drover’s road
It winds a hundred miles
You'd sleep out in the open
Calm and still
You could trust a friend
To keep a watch awhile
Your cattle grazing
Quiet on the hill
 
Walk with me
And you can leave that old dog be
He does much better on his own
Leave him be
He’s a better man than me
He likes to find his own way home

On a drover’s road
With the moon and misty stars
We walked these hills
Before this all began
Before we gazed at screens   
Went shopping in our cars
And a million houses
Sprawled across the land

Walk with me
And you can leave that old dog be
He does much better on his own
Leave him be
He’s a better man than me
He likes to find his own way home

© © 2018 Will D. Side Limited
℗ 2018 Will D. Side Limited


CHORDS: Drovers’ Road - by quizzaciously
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/mark_knopfler/drovers_road_chords_2515707
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on October 04, 2018, 09:02:08 PM
This fragment reminds me of Before Gas And TV

"On a drover’s road
With the moon and misty stars
We walked these hills
Before this all began
Before we gazed at screens...   
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on October 04, 2018, 09:27:11 PM
Indeed these are the only lyrics from Down The Road Wherever I can relate to at the moment. This song sounds like a mixture of Before Gas & TV and Hill Farmer's Blues, very dark, sad with a lot of poetic power. Very interesting is that JF didn't pay any attention to the lyrics (as he said) but compared the sound of this song also with Before Gas & TV.

All other lyrics at the moment are (still) totally strange to me. Cryptic, disguised, with a lot of references I don't understand. I feel not as motivated as usual to "work them out" because they would inspire me but have an insecure feeling that he has reached a level too high for me to understand. And it seems in some lyrics Bob's influence is bigger than ever.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: JF on October 04, 2018, 10:57:33 PM
Yes indeed, I focused on the music only, as my english understanding is so poor, and I can say that this song is clearly Before gas and TV part.2, I mean musically : same kind of atmosphere, and that typical irish/scotish recurrent theme played by a saturated guiatr, doubled by pipes
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on October 04, 2018, 11:03:34 PM
Quite fascinating.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on October 04, 2018, 11:25:32 PM
Before Gas And TV is one of my beloved songs. I am glad that there will be something similar:)
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 11, 2018, 09:44:02 AM
The song is here, around minute 30, according to a friend of mine

http://wwuh.streamrewind.com/bookmarks/listen/242321/friday-gothic-blimp-works-underground-radio-with-john-scott

Apparently there are also floating away and when you leave.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 09:56:01 AM
Oh please can somebody of you skilled people make it available!!!  :o

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: trufol on November 11, 2018, 10:20:51 AM
Hi guys. Can you send me a PM of the 2 songs? Thank you very much.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: vr46mk on November 11, 2018, 10:29:51 AM
Both me and Dutchessy are in the works.

I don't know what method he has but will probably finish faster, I download the original stream to keep original quality. Slow speed from the page. Anyway enjoy the songs once they come :)
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: straitsway75 on November 11, 2018, 10:32:32 AM
jbaent talks about 3 songs, Drover, Floating and When you leave  :P
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 11, 2018, 10:36:51 AM
jbaent talks about 3 songs, Drover, Floating and When you leave  :P

According to my friend "when you leave" is not in the stream despite it says it is...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Nick14 on November 11, 2018, 10:37:53 AM
Hi all, yes any links to further songs very much appreciated!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 11, 2018, 10:47:52 AM
Got this one recorded now. stay tuned
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
That guy on the microphone must be the most boring man on Earth ever ... did not manage to say Edie Brickell and the new Bohemians right although said it three times. .. Pothead...

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: herlock on November 11, 2018, 10:51:48 AM
Iinks welcome please !
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 11, 2018, 10:59:21 AM
Cannot share through amit boys.

PM's are welcome...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Nick14 on November 11, 2018, 11:06:21 AM
PMs most welcome!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: InTheSky on November 11, 2018, 11:09:10 AM
Thanks Julio for the link to this archive. This strange guy on this independent radio does not hesitate to play a very very large part of the album :)

The more I listen to new songs, the more I like this album (despite the too strong influence of Guy on many titles).

I just like a lot Drover's Road! Floating Away is nice too.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: 2manyguitars on November 11, 2018, 11:14:12 AM
PM would be great again if possible guys. Thanks.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: herlock on November 11, 2018, 11:18:07 AM
Cannot share through amit boys.

PM's are welcome...
Yes sorry this is what I meant.
Anyway we will all buy the album...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: straitsway75 on November 11, 2018, 11:25:16 AM
magic song  :thumbsup
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 11:28:52 AM
Thank you Mark for this masterpiece. Goosebumps all over and over. Magic, yes. So absolutely my song, as if he thought he will bring me a gift personally.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: dmg on November 11, 2018, 11:36:38 AM
Mixed feelings on this one.  It's okay but never going to be a favourite. 

Got a feeling this is going to be played live, be the same every night and get very boring.  Hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: GIUMK on November 11, 2018, 11:37:35 AM
Guys, can you give me a PM of these two songs today?
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 11:39:54 AM
Mixed feelings on this one.  It's okay but never going to be a favourite. 

Got a feeling this is going to be played live, be the same every night and get very boring.  Hope I'm wrong.

This will and must be played live and will get an outro solo and will become the new Kingdom of Gold.  ;D

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hunter on November 11, 2018, 11:42:36 AM
Could someone pm me a link to the latest songs? I'd be much obliged.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hfscardoso on November 11, 2018, 11:45:57 AM
Can someone PM the two new songs??

Thanks
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: GIUMK on November 11, 2018, 11:56:02 AM
Guys, sorry if I continue to insist, can someone send me a PM of the two songs of today? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: dmg on November 11, 2018, 12:16:32 PM
This is a grower for sure;  liking more and more.  I reckon once I get the CD onto a proper hi-fi and turn it up then the power of this track will be fully realised.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hfscardoso on November 11, 2018, 12:30:19 PM
Great great song!!!!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Banjo99uk on November 11, 2018, 12:32:53 PM
If someone could PM it to me that’d be great thanks.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 11, 2018, 12:36:25 PM
Could some good soul please send me these new songs? Please? Please? Please?  :wave
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: trufol on November 11, 2018, 12:42:18 PM
Could some good soul please send me these new songs? Please? Please? Please?  :wave

Send two song please
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: TheTimeWasWrong on November 11, 2018, 12:45:30 PM
Could someone send me Drovers' Road and Floating Away? Thankssssss!! :clap
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Ignasi Bargalló on November 11, 2018, 01:16:43 PM
hi there

I want this 2 songs  by PM

Regards from Barcelona
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 11, 2018, 01:18:41 PM
http://wwuh.streamrewind.com/bookmarks/listen/242321/friday-gothic-blimp-works-underground-radio-with-john-scott

skip 7 times and you got exact before Drovers Road - One song at a Time - Floating away
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hunter on November 11, 2018, 02:05:22 PM
This song is the weakest so far and doesn't fit the mood of the other songs (so far). I can see why it's a bonus track.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 02:09:13 PM
Bonus Track??

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 02:12:42 PM
Best track so far together with One Song At A Time. Pure MK magic. Not comparable to the rest of the experimental "Guyish" crap partially..

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hunter on November 11, 2018, 02:23:33 PM
Bonus Track??

LE

According to the official website, yes.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: kaleo74 on November 11, 2018, 03:17:08 PM
Hello, can someone please share ?

Dutchessy, our local hero :)
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: rmarques821 on November 11, 2018, 04:42:49 PM
Best track so far together with One Song At A Time. Pure MK magic. Not comparable to the rest of the experimental "Guyish" crap partially..

LE

Completely agree! This is my favourite of the album so far...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: rmarques821 on November 11, 2018, 05:52:32 PM
Mixed feelings on this one.  It's okay but never going to be a favourite. 

Got a feeling this is going to be played live, be the same every night and get very boring.  Hope I'm wrong.

This HAS to be played live. I will ask for a refund if I don't hear this one live. ;D
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: PensaGhost on November 11, 2018, 05:55:34 PM
the new kingdom of gold, this is basically an album full of 2.0 versions, still interesting overall
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: mon on November 11, 2018, 06:30:02 PM
can someone please share mp3 ?
I need to listen another MK song like One song at a time...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: GIUMK on November 11, 2018, 07:53:40 PM
This song, after several plays, reminds me of Sands of Nevada, a little dark but with the usual electric guitar tone that surrounds the listener. Beautiful!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: mschaap on November 11, 2018, 09:57:11 PM
Nice sounding song, contrary to most of the new songs up untill now I do not have an instant opinion about the strenght of it, need a couple of more listenings....
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Millionaire Blues on November 11, 2018, 10:12:34 PM
May someone pm me the two new ones??
 ;D
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 11, 2018, 10:59:05 PM
I really love this song. Thinking about the background vocals which are pretty much completely over the song, I realized just now that Kris Drever is credited for them. Can't remember much talk about it. I googled a bit. Is he well-known? Appearing just on this single song?

Did I say that I love this song?

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: emilianomk on November 11, 2018, 11:06:22 PM
Someone have the tracks on mp3? I can't listen in my phone
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: K-alberto on November 11, 2018, 11:21:52 PM
Me too... Can't manage to listen via phone... Could anyone send a pm?? Thank you all
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: regmka on November 11, 2018, 11:56:20 PM
I really love this song. Thinking about the background vocals which are pretty much completely over the song, I realized just now that Kris Drever is credited for them. Can't remember much talk about it. I googled a bit. Is he well-known? Appearing just on this single song?

Kris Drever is McCusker's pal: they collaborated on album Before the Ruin (which is great actually, if you like folk/folk-rock). He's from the same league as John & Mike, Phil Cunningham and so on. According to qobuz he is also presented on My Bacon Roll, however, I can't hear him on that track (maybe it's due to recording quality).
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: quizzaciously on November 12, 2018, 12:37:01 AM
We were discussing recently the songs being Terminal Of Tribute 2, Junkie Doll 2, this seems like Kingdom Of Gold 2.
Which we know is one of the best live MK tracks in the last 10 years. And it can be well executed on live occasions.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: holaknopfler on November 12, 2018, 07:11:44 AM
Drovers Road would be a great one to swap with Haul Away live. Great song!!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: superval99 on November 12, 2018, 09:06:28 AM
Drover's Road is definitely for me!    It's a cross between Before Gas & TV  and Yon Two Crows and I would love to hear it played live! 
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 12, 2018, 01:09:09 PM
Awesome song!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 12, 2018, 01:20:18 PM
He really plays consequently that same riff from the beginning to the end. It takes a lot of artistic confidence to do so. At least at the outro I would have expected a little jump or variation. I like it a lot but would understand if people argue about it being repetitive, more as in Before Gas & TV.
The drums sound as in Wanderlust and in that 1996 live version from Water Of Love, I like that a lot.
Even being repetitive, this song has drive. I would call this one the only pure MK song so far, close to a masterpiece, together with A Song At A Time.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: superval99 on November 12, 2018, 01:28:08 PM
He really plays consequently that same riff from the beginning to the end. It takes a lot of artistic confidence to do so. At least at the outro I would have expected a little jump or variation. I like it a lot but would understand if people argue about it being repetitive, more as in Before Gas & TV.
The drums sound as in Wanderlust and in that 1996 live version from Water Of Love, I like that a lot.
Even being repetitive, this song has drive. I would call this one the only pure MK song so far, close to a masterpiece, together with A Song At A Time.

LE

So why did you only give Drover's Road 7/10, LE?
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 12, 2018, 01:31:00 PM
Did I?  :lol

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 12, 2018, 01:32:39 PM
Ok 8/10.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: superval99 on November 12, 2018, 01:40:38 PM
Ok 8/10.

LE

 :thumbsup
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: hunter on November 12, 2018, 01:42:19 PM
To me, the sound quality is too poor to get a proper impression of many of the songs. I'm sure I will like this song when I can listen to as the "artist intended".
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 12, 2018, 07:47:18 PM
Drover's Road is definitely for me!    It's a cross between Before Gas & TV  and Yon Two Crows and I would love to hear it played live!

 :thumbsup :thumbsup :clap
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 13, 2018, 03:29:37 PM
Definitely a grower, looks like this album will have no skipper to me after all.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: neco on November 13, 2018, 05:54:30 PM
How come that nobody mentioned that gorgeous les paul? Especially when it comes in at the beginning, only surrounded by few instruments. Fantastic! Can‘t imagine how amazing this big fat and loud gibson would sound played live! Almost like on brothers in arms  ;)
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 13, 2018, 06:40:26 PM
How come that nobody mentioned that gorgeous les paul? Especially when it comes in at the beginning, only surrounded by few instruments. Fantastic! Can‘t imagine how amazing this big fat and loud gibson would sound played live! Almost like on brothers in arms  ;)


My heart beats harder.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 13, 2018, 06:42:17 PM
Agree, the intro is superb! Instant goosebumps
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: holaknopfler on November 13, 2018, 08:12:56 PM
Agree, the intro is superb! Instant goosebumps

The outro is even better. It just builds up like KOG or YTC. Really like that. Could work great live.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 13, 2018, 08:28:55 PM
I think I will stop reading the forum until Friday :smack Three days.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 14, 2018, 07:54:01 AM
A friend of mine told me that Drovers road melody rang a bell to him but he didn't know why and that was driving him crazy...

In the end he found out. He says it reminds him this song:

https://youtu.be/m5BETb-hLgA
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 14, 2018, 08:04:38 AM
Another friend says Drovers road remind him to this:

https://youtu.be/nazktL9CCUk

I don't find the resemblance but...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 14, 2018, 08:17:33 AM
A friend of mine told me that Drovers road melody rang a bell to him but he didn't know why and that was driving him crazy...

In the end he found out. He says it reminds him this song:

https://youtu.be/m5BETb-hLgA

Funny!   My first thought was that it reminded me of this someHOW, not exactly but it was my first idea and from the same movie:

https://youtu.be/upCADwxvLOA

What is so funny to me is that when I listened to that song from the (good) album when it came out I was thinking this Ed Sheeran song has something from MK..

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 14, 2018, 09:15:08 AM
Good call, 'Drovers Road' is most definitely simular to 'the misty mountains' from the fabulous hobbit....  :clap
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 16, 2018, 03:01:20 PM
How could I ever not love this one? God forgive me for that! Walk with meee...  :clap
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 16, 2018, 03:05:58 PM
Pure Mark.
It gets sp much drive although he plays exactly the same notes over and over again. Great indeed!

Now the dog gets a lot of attention in the lyrics. Is it about him? What does he stand for? Any thoughts?

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 16, 2018, 10:45:09 PM
Pure Mark.
It gets sp much drive although he plays exactly the same notes over and over again. Great indeed!

Now the dog gets a lot of attention in the lyrics. Is it about him? What does he stand for? Any thoughts?

LE

I have the impression that the dog was holding the drovers back, but I’m probably wrong lol
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on November 17, 2018, 08:28:49 AM
Pure Mark.
It gets sp much drive although he plays exactly the same notes over and over again. Great indeed!

Now the dog gets a lot of attention in the lyrics. Is it about him? What does he stand for? Any thoughts?

LE

I have the impression that the dog was holding the drovers back, but I’m probably wrong lol
I have hardly slept since I heard this song and I'm about 90% through Making a Video of it. I can share, but please do not pass it to anyone as it is subject to copyright! If the release of "Tracker" was any indication, then it may be able to be uploaded to Youtube in a month or 2  ??? ???  :wave
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: straitsway75 on November 17, 2018, 09:53:06 AM
This is a Great Great Song.
The Mark's voice is amazing.
Musically it take you away in heaven.
The line .'He likes to find his own way home'
give me a great emotion
Magic MK
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 17, 2018, 03:54:50 PM
This is a Great Great Song.
The Mark's voice is amazing.
Musically it take you away in heaven.
The line .'He likes to find his own way home'
give me a great emotion
Magic MK

 :thumbsup Number one
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 18, 2018, 10:37:16 AM
What is a 'Drover's Road'? So for those who don't know here is a lovely historic explanation....

Drovers Roads

Drovers roads were the routes for droving livestock on foot to market. Many droveways started in Wales, and the drovers, many of whom came from Wales, accompanied the beasts on foot or on horseback. Sheep, cattle, pigs, turkeys and geese were taken long distances. The drovers used dogs to help herd the animals.

The main purpose of country roads used to be for moving beasts, so most of the roads we drive along were made by or for drovers. The ones that are not tarmacked are now byways or bridleways.

Most have vanished, but there is still a vast network criss-crossing the countryside. These roads were wider than usual roads to accommodate the large herds, at least 40 foot and up to 90 foot wide. There were often long, thin fields parallel to the verges leading the market towns that were used for the same purpose.

There were many drovers roads out of Buckingham on the way to London, where the animals were sold at Smithfield market. The road from Winslow through Swanbourne was probably a drovers road, passing through to the Stewkley Lane or along the ridgeway towards Mursley, on the way to Leighton Buzzard. The roads through the village are wider than one would expect, for normal use.

The inn at Holkham Cottages (The Small Beer Hall) could well have been a drovers inn. There were many inns, where the drovers were used to find hospitality and these were often marked by the Scots pines. In Swanbourne, the old pub that is now Hart House has a Scots Pine at nearby Fir Tree cottage. Also pictures of The Boot from around 1910 show that it too had a pine beside it. The inns were often off the beaten track as drovers were not always welcome in settlements, or at a crossroads where the main road went on and the drovers road diverted to avoid a village. Farmers, however, often welcomed the drovers, making use of the copious amounts of the manure the animals left behind!

It was necessary to feed and water the herds to keep them healthy. Cattle for example, needed 8 to 10 gallons per beast per day so roads were often near sources of water. The cattle wore iron shoes, but the geese had boots and ducks feet were dipped in tar to make the journey possible.

Drovers roads had high and ancient hedgerows with wide verges where the animals could feed. A local example of this could be Ave (or Hayway) Lane coming in from Granborough. It has all the appearance of a drovers road, and before enclosure, continued straight on to the south of the village, linking up with Stewkley Lane.

In the 1851 census, there was one person whose occupation is given as that of a drover.  James Carter, aged 44 and born in Swanbourne was said to be married and lodging with John Rose, a pauper and former Carman, and his wife Rosetta and 2 children. Rosetta was actually James’s sister. From the parish records, it seems that he was the son of William Carter, an agricultural labourer and his wife Mary, who also had a daughter named Rosetta. Rosetta Carter married John Rose on 3rd May 1825. However, no record of James’s marriage has been found, and there is no sign of a wife. But if he was a drover, he could have had a wife elsewhere – or else, because all drovers were supposed to be married, he might have invented one!  James Carter is recorded as having died aged 48 in 1855, being buried on 26th July.

With the building of the railways, it became much easier and cheaper to transport animals by rail, and the practice of long-distance droving died out, though there was still a need for drovers to get beasts to the railway, and to get them to market at the other end of the journey.

I do hope this helps bring a bit more depth to such a fantastic song & tune....
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: skydiver on November 18, 2018, 10:50:38 AM
Wonderful, thank you.
Feeds the imagination when listening.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 18, 2018, 11:04:28 AM
After a little more research, I've come across this beautiful painting by Edward Hargiit dating back to 1893 called simply 'The Drovers Road'

It captures everything I first thought about when I listened to this haunting song......

I hope it helps with the explanation of the song....


'It’s a drover’s road
It winds a hundred miles
You'd sleep out in the open
Calm and still
You could trust a friend
To keep a watch awhile
Your cattle grazing
Quiet on the hill'

'Walk with me
And you can leave that old dog be
He does much better on his own
Leave him be
He’s a better man than me
He likes to find his own way home'




Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 18, 2018, 11:53:58 AM
Pure Mark.
It gets sp much drive although he plays exactly the same notes over and over again. Great indeed!

Now the dog gets a lot of attention in the lyrics. Is it about him? What does he stand for? Any thoughts?

LE

This part of the song is purely about 'The dog'

'Walk with me
And you can leave that old dog be
He does much better on his own
Leave him be
He’s a better man than me
He likes to find his own way home'

The Dog (usually a Border Collie) was the 'brains' of the Drovers as it was the dog who actually controlled/drove the livestock with the Drover's commands....
A very simular practice to sheepdog trials and indeed sheep herding (Yon Two Crows)....

Look at the painting I posted above and you will see the Border Collie at the Drovers side waiting patiently for his next command from the drover.....
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: dmg on November 18, 2018, 01:11:10 PM
What is a 'Drover's Road'? So for those who don't know here is a lovely historic explanation....


The Cowgate in Edinburgh was a Drovers' Road years ago.  It was used to take cattle to the Grassmarket for sale.  The original spelling would have been 'Cow Gait' as Gait means a walkway.

Love the painting.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 18, 2018, 02:29:23 PM
What is a 'Drover's Road'? So for those who don't know here is a lovely historic explanation....


The Cowgate in Edinburgh was a Drovers' Road years ago.  It was used to take cattle to the Grassmarket for sale.  The original spelling would have been 'Cow Gait' as Gait means a walkway.

Love the painting.

The painting is glorious and again captures everything I thought about when I first heard it. Interesting about cow gait
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: allen on November 18, 2018, 02:31:54 PM
great painting, thanks for sharing!  It gives me the overall meaning of the image MK wants to create in this songs!

Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on November 19, 2018, 03:31:04 AM
great painting, thanks for sharing!  It gives me the overall meaning of the image MK wants to create in this songs!

Yes, thanks Knopflerfan! Agree with Allen. This one even features in a video I'm making of my own impression of this great song.
Another one of his paintings was in a Sydney NSW Exhibition:- https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/5778/

SL1
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Justme on November 19, 2018, 05:15:47 PM
Thanks to all you folks for the input.  :wave
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 19, 2018, 09:29:35 PM
great painting, thanks for sharing!  It gives me the overall meaning of the image MK wants to create in this songs!

Yes, thanks Knopflerfan! Agree with Allen. This one even features in a video I'm making of my own impression of this great song.
Another one of his paintings was in a Sydney NSW Exhibition:- https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/5778/

SL1

Fantastic, thankyou for the link....
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: koobaa on November 19, 2018, 11:20:20 PM
Fantastic song. I wouldn't be surprised if Mark was not inspired by that particular painting, Knopflerfan. Very fitting. Thanks for your description of what drover roads actually were, great stuff.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 19, 2018, 11:24:05 PM
In a way, what became of these Drover's Roads when trucks and cars and trains took over the cattle, is comparable what happened to the Telegraph Road in that song.

LE
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 19, 2018, 11:37:07 PM
In a way, what became of these Drover's Roads when trucks and cars and trains took over the cattle, is comparable what happened to the Telegraph Road in that song.

LE

Great point there LE....    :thumbsup
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: enrkaton82 on November 20, 2018, 04:14:19 PM
In a way, what became of these Drover's Roads when trucks and cars and trains took over the cattle, is comparable what happened to the Telegraph Road in that song.

LE

My thoughts exactly

And also in "Farm on the freeway" from Jethro Tull
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: jbaent on November 23, 2018, 03:12:38 PM
As I said about "when you leave", this song is great and the guitar solo is very powerful but it has zero creativity as it's MK, John and Mike repeating time after time exactly the same that MK sings.

It's a very fast and easy way to arrange a song, like staying in the comfort zone without taking any risk.

Think about Sultans of swing and the great two and different solos MK played. That's creativity. Now substitute that solos by one in which MK what plays with the guitar is exactly the same melody that he sings. It won't be the same... Would be nice anyway but... Not so great.

It's like they were in a hurry arranging...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 23, 2018, 03:19:19 PM
As I said about "when you leave", this song is great and the guitar solo is very powerful but it has zero creativity as it's MK, John and Mike repeating time after time exactly the same that MK sings.

It's a very fast and easy way to arrange a song, like staying in the comfort zone without taking any risk.

Think about Sultans of swing and the great two and different solos MK played. That's creativity. Now substitute that solos by one in which MK what plays with the guitar is exactly the same melody that he sings. It won't be the same... Would be nice anyway but... Not so great.

It's like they were in a hurry arranging...

But that's how celtic music works. I agree there could've been a nice guitar solo in the end though.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: jbaent on November 23, 2018, 03:58:09 PM
As I said about "when you leave", this song is great and the guitar solo is very powerful but it has zero creativity as it's MK, John and Mike repeating time after time exactly the same that MK sings.

It's a very fast and easy way to arrange a song, like staying in the comfort zone without taking any risk.

Think about Sultans of swing and the great two and different solos MK played. That's creativity. Now substitute that solos by one in which MK what plays with the guitar is exactly the same melody that he sings. It won't be the same... Would be nice anyway but... Not so great.

It's like they were in a hurry arranging...

But that's how celtic music works. I agree there could've been a nice guitar solo in the end though.

It's not only in celtic songs. Check When You leave trumpet solo, or many of the guitar solos or fillings in almost every song... Even it sounds great anyway because it's guitar, in the end is just repeating the sung part... It's not that is bad, is just that is easy...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: shangri la 1 on November 24, 2018, 05:08:24 AM
DROVER'S ROAD - AMIT TV video is banned by YT (record company), but a PM will allow those interested in video clip to preview it.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Fletch on November 24, 2018, 10:07:59 AM
DROVER'S ROAD - AMIT TV video is banned by YT (record company), but a PM will allow those interested in video clip to preview it.

That's a great vid SL-1 ! A shame YT have taken it down, have you tried contacting MK.com to see if they'd use it?
Also; credit for not being tempted to put images of Australian stock routes in the vid, like I would have! :)

Edit - this would be a huge hit on YT if it had have been allowed, recommend checking it out. Maybe we could petition Mk.com again...?
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: shangri la 1 on November 24, 2018, 10:20:43 AM
Thanks for your critic Fletch. I will wait a few weeks. When I released the "Tracker" videos that I did, most were banned (I know it is the record company, or music copyright company who do it) early doors, but after the sales period died down they allowed some videos and by 12-months out all had been allowed.

SL1
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Fletch on November 24, 2018, 10:24:20 AM
Fair enough - I think your video is so good it will rival The Long Road which the YT algorithm constantly recommends to me & has 5+million views. Terrific effort mate, must have taken a fair bit of dedication to produce that!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: dmg on November 24, 2018, 01:19:08 PM
Just watched the video and it's really fantastic.  Not only because my hometown Falkirk gets a mention either!

Here's a little article about droving to Falkirk:

http://www.localdroveroads.co.uk/scotland/


Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 24, 2018, 03:17:15 PM
Just watched the video and it's really fantastic.  Not only because my hometown Falkirk gets a mention either!

Here's a little article about droving to Falkirk:

http://www.localdroveroads.co.uk/scotland/

Absolutely fabulous Video and Interesting article thank you dmg...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: vr46mk on December 07, 2018, 07:51:02 PM
Amazing about this album how some songs start to grow a couple of weeks later. I thought this was OK at release. Now I really start to like it a lot, even want to hear it live!

This album has many aspects  ;D
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Nick14 on December 11, 2018, 12:51:02 PM
This is one of many excellent songs on the new album. Mark is so good at this style of song - very moving.
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on August 08, 2021, 02:16:07 PM
In a way, what became of these Drover's Roads when trucks and cars and trains took over the cattle, is comparable what happened to the Telegraph Road in that song.

LE

That's true. Before Gas And TV and earlier Telegraph...
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Knopflerfan on August 09, 2021, 02:49:41 PM
This is one of many excellent songs on the new album. Mark is so good at this style of song - very moving.

This is still a standout track on the album....So simple, yet so powerful....
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: Knopflerfan on August 10, 2021, 03:21:48 AM
Think Glenn Wharf said of another of MK's tunes - 'you feel as if you've always known it' which I think can apply to Drovers Road. The tune has a very 'olde Worlde' sound about it, mysterious even... Nonetheless it is a classic!
Title: Re: (09) Drovers’ Road
Post by: bobfan on April 20, 2024, 01:15:34 PM
This is one of many excellent songs on the new album. Mark is so good at this style of song - very moving.

This is still a standout track on the album....So simple, yet so powerful....

Easily in my top 3 from, what I felt at least, was a generally underwhelming album. This song is amazing though.