Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing"

[SoundBoyBrad]

Hey,

I know, I know, I rarely post. I just had a quick question that I couldn't find an answer to anywhere else online, so I figured I'd try here...

A bunch of us were talking about Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" today at lunch. We were successful in deciphering most of the rest of the song, but couldn't get a few lines. Does anyone know to whom the following part refers??

"See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire"

Is it another rock star?? A movie star??

If anyone has any info, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!

Brad

[chiliD]

Being that they're talking about MTV, I think "rock star" is a BIG clue.

I forget who is being shown on the TV screen during that part of the video of the song. But, watching the video would probably answer your question.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by SoundBoyBrad

Hey,

I know, I know, I rarely post. I just had a quick question that I couldn't find an answer to anywhere else online, so I figured I'd try here...

A bunch of us were talking about Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" today at lunch. We were successful in deciphering most of the rest of the song, but couldn't get a few lines. Does anyone know to whom the following part refers??

"See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire"

Is it another rock star?? A movie star??

If anyone has any info, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!

Brad

Being probably the biggest Mark Knopfler fan on here I'll give my thoughts on this one..

I don't think it's really about anybody in particular. The inspiration for the song was given to Knopfler when he was in an electronics store in NYC, sometime around 1983-84. He overheard two warehouse guys talking about the rock stars on MTV when they were moving some stock. They were watching the wall of tvs at the back of the store and MTV happened to be on, so they were moaning about millionaire rock stars.. Perhaps they were watching Mark Knopfler's friend Elton John? ( I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues and I'm Still Standing were released around that time) I think he sort of had his own hair at that point..

[amber]

I agree, though in my head I always made up that they were talking about Duran Duran, or Boy George.

[SoundBoyBrad]

Awesome!! Thanks so much...

[madformac]

Originally Posted by amber

I agree, though in my head I always made up that they were talking about Duran Duran, or Boy George.

Boy George sounds a good bet for that one Ambs .. He was pretty big at that time.

[Nixxxed]

Originally Posted by chiliD

Being that they're talking about MTV, I think "rock star" is a BIG clue.

I forget who is being shown on the TV screen during that part of the video of the song. But, watching the video would probably answer your question.

Isn't that part of the video showing a fake video on MTV? I never thought it was a real band...

And who knows who he really meant. That part of the song always pissed me off anyway, especially cuz it sounds like sour grapes.

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by Nixxxed

That part of the song always pissed me off anyway, especially cuz it sounds like sour grapes.

It IS "sour grapes"...not from Knopfler, but the character who is "talking" (an appliance delivery/installer guy)

[WildInTheWind]

I've always really like that song. When they play it on the radio hear, sometimes they don't even play that verse. I guess it pisses alot of people off?

[ShangriLaTroubl]

I love Mark Knopfler's single from his latest CD , the song "boom..like that." Incredible song...they play it many many times a day here on 92.9 Dave FM in Atlanta

Chris

[Janet]

The "band" in the video was fake.

I think it was generally just about music at the time. I don't think it was about a "faggot" because then it would be offensive. It was about the rock stars at the time who were more about looks than music...and that was just a reference to their hair/makeup....as someone said...Duran Duran, Boy George...bands like that.

I am surprised "pretty boy" Sting is singing backround LOL.

[Nixxxed]

Originally Posted by chiliD

It IS "sour grapes"...not from Knopfler, but the character who is "talking" (an appliance delivery/installer guy)

Yeah, I heard the same story MadforMac posted when the song came out, so I understood the "it's not me talking" argument. I just don't buy it.

Imagine instead if the electronics guy he's pretending to be had been talking/griping about "See the niggers with their rapping and the gold teeth". I doubt Mark would have included THAT in the song.

[Johnny Stew]

I definitely think it was a general reference, not directed at any one rock star in particular. I imagine a hard-working, blue-collar guy, like the one depicted in the song, would find any "pretty boy" rockstar with eyeliner on, to be fey.

I also assume Knopfler used the word "faggot" in the song because it wasn't really referring to anyone's sexual orientation in a derogatory way, but rather the notion this fellow had that any man with earrings, makeup, and styled hair, is not a "real" man.

My high school Crafts teacher used to let us listen to the radio in class, but anytime "Money For Nothing" came on, he'd make us turn the channel or turn off the radio... because of the "faggot" verse.
Always bummed me out, because I love the song!

[BTFLCHLD]

maybe he wishes he could have one?

[WelshWitchPMD]

Originally Posted by amber

I agree, though in my head I always made up that they were talking about Duran Duran, or Boy George.

Or Wham and George Michael.