A Mark In Time

Previous Albums => Down The Road Wherever (2018) => Topic started by: shangri la 1 on September 22, 2018, 05:30:03 AM

Title: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on September 22, 2018, 05:30:03 AM
(https://www.amarkintime.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6309.0;attach=3003)
Pale Imitation  Mark Knopfler 3:57

LYRICS

Once I went back and I stayed on the street
Where I used to live
Got up in the morning
Put on my boots and I crossed the road
Stood in front of our house
And went back to my tricycle times

At the end of the terrace I looked up the alley
And there he was
A little blonde boy
With a stick in his hands looking straight at me
And if he wasn’t me
Then my god, he was just like I used to be

We stared at each other
But he stared me down and I looked away
After a moment
When I turned again he was gone

I don’t think I ever became half the man
That I used to be
The warrior captain
The bold pirate king of the sea
Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me
But I’m a pale imitation
I’ve been keeping my secret safe with me

© © 2018 Will D. Side Limited
℗ 2018 Will D. Side Limited
CHORDS: Pale Imitation  - by quizzaciously
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/mark_knopfler/......tba

VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acOGvstt15Y
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on October 06, 2018, 02:24:43 PM
Amazing text. Very mysterious and perhaps personal
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: naif on October 06, 2018, 02:48:36 PM
"I don’t think I ever became half the man
That I used to be
The warrior captain
The bold pirate king of the sea
Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me
But I’m a pale imitation
I’ve been keeping my secret safe with me"

Great lyrics. İndeed a very personel song. Can't wait to listen.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Stanko on October 06, 2018, 10:06:18 PM
Quote from: naif on October 06, 2018, 02:48:36 PM
"I don’t think I ever became half the man
That I used to be
The warrior captain
The bold pirate king of the sea
Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me
But I’m a pale imitation
I’ve been keeping my secret safe with me"

Great lyrics. İndeed a very personel song. Can't wait to listen.
:thumbsup
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Fletch on November 15, 2018, 07:05:37 AM
Haunting instrumentation. A fine first impression and nice end to an album!
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: straitsway75 on November 15, 2018, 07:47:44 AM
Hey amiters,
Please please a pm for me ::)
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 09:45:25 AM
What is it with these Kind of idiotic little game of more than one minute silence at the end? What's that good for? Never understood these practice and now MK comes up with this, too  :hmm

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 15, 2018, 10:02:55 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 09:45:25 AM
What is it with these Kind of idiotic little game of more than one minute silence at the end? What's that good for? Never understood these practice and now MK comes up with this, too  :hmm

LE

The person who kindly record us these songs put it on his turntable to record it, it looks just that he took too much to push the stop button to the recorder, nothing more...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:06:54 AM
No track official track  length is 6:09...

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Dutchessy on November 15, 2018, 10:12:28 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:06:54 AM
No track official track  length is 6:09...

LE

How do you know? Show us
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 15, 2018, 10:14:57 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:06:54 AM
No track official track  length is 6:09...

LE

Maybe there is the "Back in the day" track hidden and this guy didn't noticed it, or maybe that's the lenght just for the digital download, because the hidden song is there?

By the way, where you read that lenght? I can't find that info...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:22:21 AM
Ok guys you got me..  ;D

Sorry I habe the flu... I am running on 70% only .. 

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 15, 2018, 10:26:55 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:22:21 AM
Ok guys you got me..  ;D

Sorry I habe the flu... I am running on 70% only ..  :lo

LE

Take care! Remember you have to go today just in case they have the record. Kick that flu!
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:44:46 AM
Thank you!

I will go for sure

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 11:14:30 AM
Really wonderful song. He never was so personal about himself ever. This watching at himself is
mirrored in Floating Away somehow, don't you think?

Or he gets schizophrenic of course seeing other people where are no...  ;D

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Eddie Fox on November 15, 2018, 11:19:32 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 10:22:21 AM
Ok guys you got me..  ;D

Sorry I habe the flu... I am running on 70% only .. 

LE

I’ll give you a tip you’ll thank me for forever. Have you ever heard of clorella? Three capsules a day every morning and you’ll never have the flu or a cold again, for the rest of your life! 100% natural! Been doing it for four years now and it is simply miraculous.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 15, 2018, 11:25:23 AM
Quote from: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 11:14:30 AM
Really wonderful song. He never was so personal about himself ever. This watching at himself is
mirrored in Floating Away somehow, don't you think?

Or he gets schizophrenic of course seeing other people where are no...  ;D

LE

Also add Slow learner to the equation...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 15, 2018, 11:29:15 AM
No hiding behind pictures, allegories, not using other charakters to explore himself. Really literally "naked" talking about himself. Took him a long time to reach this part of development, and it's really one. And also he has the selfconfidence to tell us about him as he feels he is an artist and has something to leave behind.

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: enrkaton82 on November 15, 2018, 02:11:59 PM
I am curious about the song (I "only" have the "Deluxe" edition with 16 tracks), but MK store seems to be a "slow learner", so i bet i won´t receive it until next week, i guess. So i would be grateful by any PM (i won´t grab and run, for sure).

Lyrics seem something charming for me, like a Ray Bradbury Tale, whose writing i love.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Darling Pretty on November 15, 2018, 06:01:44 PM
Damn thing. My deluxe edition did not arrive today. All other friends already listening. Can someone please PM me the 3 bonus tracks from the EP as well. Thx very much.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Marnix on November 15, 2018, 10:45:17 PM
I bought the cd deluxe but don’t have a vinyl player so cab also get the vinyl bonustracks ? Thnx
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Urrim on November 16, 2018, 02:24:22 PM
Quote from: Marnix on November 15, 2018, 10:45:17 PM
I bought the cd deluxe but don’t have a vinyl player so cab also get the vinyl bonustracks ? Thnx


Same here. Got the deluxe digital, but would love to hear the LP bonus tracks!
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Jasper90 on November 16, 2018, 03:42:35 PM
Nice song as well, really nice melody, just beautifull :)
Track lenght is around 3:45/50 right?
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Ingo on November 16, 2018, 04:03:15 PM
It seems the bonus tracks are not available digitally at all !!?
I got the deluxe LP box set from Amazon yesterday. Unfortunately the bonus tracks are not included in the downloads you get with the code from the box (these are only 14 songs), and neither they are in your Amazon mp3 library like normally when buying a CD / LP at Amazon. Even worse, no mp3 songs at all in your Amazon account. This feature is for some obscure reason only available with the CD or with the LP but NOT with the expensive mega super CD+LP box set !!?? :thumbsdown
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 16, 2018, 11:05:11 PM
Mark this song should close the album. Why? Beautiful and moving ... Matchstick Man and then Pale Imitations. That should be the order
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 17, 2018, 04:00:34 PM
Number one
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: mschaap on November 17, 2018, 11:56:39 PM
Wonderful tune, nice guitar solo in de middle part. Would even be better if the flute parts were replaced by trumpet.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Love Expresso on November 18, 2018, 04:42:07 PM
In the intro there is very low some music on an accordeon if I am not mistaken... like an echoe
Gives me the feeling the narrator (Mark) leaves a room where music is played to be alone for a while?

He often said that in his family was so very important and that his Mum played all those records.
Could this be a little "hommage" to that?

LE
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: jbaent on November 18, 2018, 04:49:57 PM
I have the melody of this song stuck in my head. What a wonderful melodies and again so personal lyrics...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Urrim on November 19, 2018, 09:50:09 AM
Quote from: Robson on November 16, 2018, 11:05:11 PM
Mark this song should close the album. Why? Beautiful and moving ... Matchstick Man and then Pale Imitations. That should be the order

Agreed. This would've been a great closure of the (regular) album, very tender, sweet and reminiscent.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: dmg on November 19, 2018, 01:42:24 PM
Quote from: jbaent on November 18, 2018, 04:49:57 PM
I have the melody of this song stuck in my head. What a wonderful melodies and again so personal lyrics...

Agree with these sentiments.  Beautiful little solo too.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Justme on November 19, 2018, 05:21:22 PM
To me it sounds very personal, very intimate and a bit sad. But a bit spooky somehow at the same time.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on November 19, 2018, 10:00:19 PM
In fact, the last song Down The Road Wherever. Wonderful.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on November 19, 2018, 11:24:38 PM
Quote from: dmg on November 19, 2018, 01:42:24 PM
Quote from: jbaent on November 18, 2018, 04:49:57 PM
I have the melody of this song stuck in my head. What a wonderful melodies and again so personal lyrics...

Agree with these sentiments.  Beautiful little solo too.

The solo is very Mr Marvin to me...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: enrkaton82 on November 20, 2018, 04:32:03 PM
The solo is not any "little solo" or "small guitar break", no.

This solo is just pure Knopfler essence selected, manufactured and crafthanded with love, talent, passion and good taste. Nothing more.

I must recognise that nowadays, i didn´t expected that still were something left fromthe magic that MK used in 1979. Surprising and very pleasing.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Shai on November 23, 2018, 05:01:19 PM
Does anybody else besides me notice that the beginning of the song sounds like River of Grog?

It's truly amazing how MK sneaks in pieces from other songs, and they blend in so well. I guess after writing hundreds of songs, there are bound to be repeats since there are only a set number of notes to work with!

  Shai
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: tobi777 on November 25, 2018, 07:03:10 PM
The beginning and end remind me of "The Ghost Of Faffner Hall"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxcIc18fq4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxcIc18fq4)
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: superval99 on November 25, 2018, 07:11:32 PM
Quote from: tobi777 on November 25, 2018, 07:03:10 PM
The beginning and end remind me of "The Ghost Of Faffner Hall"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxcIc18fq4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxxcIc18fq4)

Yes, I thought so too! 
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Jarle on November 25, 2018, 09:22:01 PM
The best of all the "DTRW" songs. One of his best songs ever, actually. Sentimental and touching...
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Rail King on December 05, 2018, 10:53:48 AM
I'd listened to this for the first time at night, while walking by a place where I spent a lot of time as a child. In instant all-time favourite for me, just wonderful.

Mark always had good b-sides, but this collection must be his best overall. Impressed.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on December 06, 2018, 02:46:56 AM
AMIT TV - video for PALE IMITATION.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acOGvstt15Y
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: allen on December 06, 2018, 03:19:03 AM
Thanks for making and sharing this video to us, shangri la 1.  There must have been a lot of efforts putting in this video.  One of the best fan made music video of DS/MK I have ever seen.  Much appreciated!!!   :clap :clap :clap
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: kaleo74 on December 06, 2018, 04:16:29 AM
Quote from: Rail King on December 05, 2018, 10:53:48 AM
I'd listened to this for the first time at night, while walking by a place where I spent a lot of time as a child. In instant all-time favourite for me, just wonderful.

Mark always had good b-sides, but this collection must be his best overall. Impressed.

Absolutely, there is lots of melancholy in this song, the man can write songs that will touch the heart and the soul, who wouldn’t feel the same in front of his childhood home, the song has something magical.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on December 06, 2018, 09:01:22 AM
Quote from: allen on December 06, 2018, 03:19:03 AM
Thanks for making and sharing this video to us, shangri la 1.  There must have been a lot of efforts putting in this video.  One of the best fan made music video of DS/MK I have ever seen.  Much appreciated!!!   :clap :clap :clap

 :thumbsup
Thank-you Allen. Pleased that you like it. I find making these depictions of my own interpretation of Mark’s classic “stories”, very therapeutic. As you know I have chronic health problems which have played a huge part in my quality of life over the last 30-years.

Another motivation for me is to make use of You Tube’s huge ability to reach, especially  Gen Z and Millennial’s so as to introduce real music to some of them. Then, maybe many of them will, hopefully carry it forward to future generations.

I'm hoping the other 2 I have completed so far, will be cleared by the record company copyright scrutineers soon.

SL1
   
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: dmg on December 06, 2018, 12:16:26 PM
Great video.  I recognise some shots from Scotstoun and Bearsden there.   :clap
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Knopflerfan on December 06, 2018, 02:12:09 PM
Absolutely superb video for such a superb song - Thank you  :clap
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on December 10, 2018, 10:04:20 PM
...Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me...

I'm thinking about this line :think
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: shangri la 1 on December 11, 2018, 12:16:24 AM
...Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me...
My take on this is how his unmistakable voice and guitar style, tone, etc. are so difficult to replicate in one performer.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Stanko on February 14, 2021, 10:13:54 PM
Quote from: shangri la 1 on December 11, 2018, 12:16:24 AM
...Nobody does me like I do
Or that’s what they say to me...
My take on this is how his unmistakable voice and guitar style, tone, etc. are so difficult to replicate in one performer.
I believe the line is addressed to the close group of his followers, and perhaps fans,  "or that's what they say to me".
But let's face it, he doesn't sound like he cares about their take anyway.
Title: Re: (19) Pale Imitation ##* Spoiler Lyrics *##
Post by: Robson on May 04, 2023, 07:07:20 PM
This is one of my favorite MK songs. Every note is extraordinary... Guy Fletcher says that at the beginning we hear "echoes of a Northern past. It's actually a reel from the Local Hero musical. Mark's idea, my realization"