Quotes from Mark Knopfler

I actually spend as much time listening to new music as to old. Probably more. I just try to get something out of it all.

I had a lot of jobs before I got into music. When I was 15, I was a copy boy for the 'Evening Chronicle' in Newcastle. Then I was a journalist. I value those experiences - I got to see how the world works.

Instead of receding, the past actually becomes more important. That's what will happen to you. It sounds unlikely, but the past actually changes complexion as you get older.

While listening, to things like western swing, for instance, I'd work something out in my head, then play it on my National; not the same song, but one that captured the feeling of the original tune.

Every guitar I own gets used and has its purpose.

I'm also getting an Ovation Legend, because I like them so much.

The music just tends to be a vehicle for that poetry.

I even played bass for a while. Besides playing electric guitar, I'd also get asked to play some acoustic stuff. But, since I didn't have an acoustic guitar at the time, I used to borrow one from a friend so I could play folk joints.

If you feel that you're not getting enough out of a song, change the instrument - go from an acoustic to an electric or vice versa, or try an open tuning. Do something to shake it up.

I'm not a collector, however, and I have no desire to own 50 or 60 guitars.

Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug.

The music just tends to be a vehicle for that poetry.

I don't like definitions, but if there is a definition of freedom, it would be when you have control over your reality to transform it, to change it, rather than having it imposed upon you. You can't really ask for more than.

There happened to be guitar classes at the college, and there was a guitar teacher there with whom I used to play. In addition, I also would go out into country schools and teach little kids basic guitar and singing a few times a week.

Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug.

There's so many different worlds, so many different suns. And we have just one world, but we live in different ones.