The Meaning Behind The Song: Industrial Disease by Dire Straits - Beat Crave (2024)

Introduction

The ’80s were a time of great change, full of new technology, culture wars, and political upheavals. The music of this era was influenced by the many changes happening, and dire straits’ single “industrial disease” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the era. Released in 1982, Industrial Disease became a top-ten hit in many countries, and it’s still a beloved classic in the Dire Straits’ discography.

The Lyrics

The song begins with a description of a factory worker, whose hands are “black with soot and oil.” The lyrics continue to detail how the worker’s job takes a toll on his body and his spirit. The pre-chorus highlights how the worker becomes trapped by societal expectations, as people tell him he should “be satisfied,” and “not complain.” In the chorus, the song’s title is repeated, and the lyrics hint at something more.

The Meaning Behind The Song

Mark Knopfler, the lead singer and songwriter of Dire Straits, said that the song was inspired by the “dis-ease” he felt seeing people working in factories and losing their identity to their jobs. The song is about how we’re all affected by the industrial machine in one way or another.

The chorus reveals a deeper meaning behind the song’s title. The “industrial disease” is a metaphor for how we lose ourselves in the pursuit of money and success. The disease is a pestilence that affects not only the factory worker but the whole modern world, where people are expected to work long hours and ignore their health, families, and passions.

The Legacy of Industrial Disease

The song’s message is still relevant today, as many people in our modern world feel trapped and unfulfilled in their jobs. However, the song’s legacy goes beyond its message. The guitar riff is iconic, and it’s often used when talking about the golden age of rock music. Industrial Disease was also covered by other artists, and it’s often played on classic rock stations around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Dire Straits to write “Industrial Disease”?

Mark Knopfler, the lead singer of Dire Straits, said that the song was inspired by his experiences seeing people working in factories and losing their identity to their jobs. He wanted to highlight how the industrial machine has affected our society as a whole.

What is the main message behind “Industrial Disease”?

The song is about how we’re all affected by industrialization and the modern world’s pressure to work hard and earn money. It’s a critique of how our society values material wealth over human happiness and fulfillment.

Is “Industrial Disease” still relevant today?

Yes, the song’s message is still relevant today, as many people feel trapped in unfulfilling jobs that make them sick and unhappy. The modern world’s obsession with productivity and material success causes many people to ignore their passions and well-being, leading to an “industrial disease” of sorts.

Is the guitar riff in “Industrial Disease” famous?

Yes, the guitar riff in “Industrial Disease” is iconic. It’s often used when talking about the golden age of rock music, and it’s one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in music history.

Who covered “Industrial Disease”?

Several artists covered “Industrial Disease,” including The Jukes, The High Five Quintet, and Full Circle. The song is popular among classic rock bands and fans.

Did “Industrial Disease” win any awards?

No, “Industrial Disease” did not win any major awards. However, it was a top-ten hit in many countries and remains one of Dire Straits’ most popular songs.

What other songs are similar to “Industrial Disease”?

Songs that share a similar message and theme to “Industrial Disease” include “Working Class Hero” by John Lennon, “The Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd, and “Politik” by Coldplay.

What is the legacy of “Industrial Disease”?

The legacy of “Industrial Disease” goes beyond its message. The guitar riff is iconic, and it’s often used when talking about the golden age of rock music. The song has been covered by other artists, and it’s still beloved by fans around the world.

What impact did “Industrial Disease” have on rock music?

“Industrial Disease” was a hit in many countries and is still a beloved classic in the Dire Straits’ discography. The song’s guitar riff and message inspired other rock musicians and songs that criticize the modern world’s obsession with productivity and material success.

How does “Industrial Disease” fit into Dire Straits’ discography?

“Industrial Disease” is one of Dire Straits’ most popular and critically acclaimed songs. It fits into the band’s discography as a critique of modern society and a tribute to rock music’s golden age.

Did “Industrial Disease” influence other musicians and artists?

Yes, “Industrial Disease” has influenced other musicians and artists who criticize the modern world’s obsession with productivity and material success. Its guitar riff and message continue to inspire new generations of rock musicians and fans.

What does Mark Knopfler say about “Industrial Disease”?

Mark Knopfler said that the song was inspired by his experiences seeing people working in factories and losing their identity to their jobs. He wanted to highlight how the industrial machine has affected our society as a whole.

What themes does “Industrial Disease” address?

“Industrial Disease” addresses themes of alienation, identity loss, and the unhealthy pursuit of material wealth. It’s a critique of modern society’s obsession with productivity and progress at the expense of human happiness and fulfillment.

What impact did “Industrial Disease” have on the music industry?

“Industrial Disease” was a hit in many countries and is still a beloved classic in the Dire Straits’ discography. The song’s guitar riff and message inspired other rock musicians and songs that criticize the modern world’s obsession with productivity and material success. Its impact on the music industry is seen in the new generations of musicians and fans it inspired.

Conclusion

“Industrial Disease” is a rock classic that captures the spirit of the ’80s and still resonates with people today. Its message of critique and warning about the modern world’s offensive pursuit of material success and the subsequent loss of human identity and fulfillment deeply saddens human minds. The song’s legacy is felt in the continued love and fandom it still enjoys today, inspiring a new generation of rock musicians and fans alike.

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