Musically and vocally this song might not be a catcher at first. But it is a wonderful song!!!!
The context, the melody, the strong reference to Mark’s crucial decision between 1973 and 1974 to move to London and give up his spouse have a huge emotional impact on me. Without that sacrifice and determination I would have been a different person. I can’t stop listening to it and feeling emotional.
I am incredibly grateful to Mark’s work, the company of his songs, the growth of the breath of my music palate owed to his collaborations, and the inspiration he has been to my own creativity over the last 35 years.
In "Watch me gone," Mark crafts a lyrical journey through the complexities of love, loss, and personal ambition. The song is a poignant reflection on the end of Knopfler's relationship with Kathleen Urwin White, interwoven with his aspirations and initial struggles to breakthrough in the music industry. The song's opening lines immediately set the tone, evoking a sense of departure and forward motion. Knopfler reminisces about leaving Leeds to pursue his musical dreams, symbolised by the train departing for a "big beat in a big life." This departure is both literal and metaphorical, marking a pivotal moment in Knopfler's life where he chooses to follow his passion despite the inevitable heartache and uncertainty that accompanies such a decision. The chorus, "Watch me going, Watch me gone," captures the bittersweetness of this moment, as Knopfler acknowledges Kathleen's presence in his life while also recognising the irreversible nature of his departure. The first part of the chorus ‘Watch me going’ refers to the time when Mark repeatedly left his marital home in Leeds to attempt his musical breakthrough in London. The second part of the chorus “Watch me gone” is a statement for the present time as Kathy cannot but watch him gone due to his popularity and fame. The song seems an attempt to communicate with Kathy one more time to say that he loved her, that what happened may have felt wrong at that time but was necessary: it was no one’s fault. The repetition "watch me gone" reinforces the finality of his decision and inevitability of their separation. As the song progresses, Knopfler expresses a mix of frustration, obsession, and uncertainty. He acknowledges the hardships they faced and the role that his own ambition played in their breakup. Despite the pain and heartache, Knopfler remains resolute in his decision, recognising that leaving was necessary for both his personal and professional growth.
"Watch me gone" is a testament to the complexities of love, ambition, and self-discovery. The song invites listeners to reflect on the inevitability of change and the courage required to pursue one's dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. The song captures the universal themes of longing, resilience, and the enduring power of music to heal and inspire.
Let’s delve into each line of the lyrics one by one.
“There was a train leaving for a big beat in a big life": This line sets the stage for the song, introducing the metaphorical journey that Mark embarked on. The train represents the opportunity for a new beginning, a chance to pursue his dreams. The phrase "big beat in a big life" suggests the excitement and promise of this new path, hinting at the vibrant and dynamic world that awaited him."Are you coming? I may have asked you once or twice": Here, Mark addresses Kathleen inviting her to join him on his journey. The repetition of the question emphasises his desire for her companionship, highlighting the emotional significance of their relationship and the difficulty of parting ways."But I'd already left the hallway with broken lights": This line vividly depicts Mark’s departure from their shared past, symbolised by the hallway with broken lights. The broken lights may represent the fractured nature of their relationship, suggesting that it was already in a state of disrepair before he decided to leave."Some dingy landing we used to tumble from": The mention of a "dingy landing" recalls memories of their shared experiences, both joyful and tumultuous. The word "dingy" conveys a sense of decay or neglect, suggesting that their relationship may have been marred by hardship or conflict."Where the stairs were cracked and worn, whatever": This line further emphasises the dilapidated state of their relationship or place, with the cracked and worn stairs serving as a metaphor for the challenges they faced. It may also be a reference to the state of their house at that time and his current house. The casual use of the word "whatever" suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance of those circumstances."Watch me go, babe, watch me gone": The repetition of this refrain underscores the finality of Mark’s departure, as he bids farewell to Kathleen and begins his journey alone. The use of the term "babe" adds a personal touch, highlighting the intimacy of their relationship even in its final moments."And the songs were pushing harder all the time": Here, Mark reflects on his growing obsession with his music career, which intensified over time. The metaphor of songs "pushing" suggests a sense of urgency or pressure to succeed, highlighting the competitive nature of the music industry and the challenges he knew he had to face to pursue his dreams."Wasn’t your fault / Then again it wasn't mine": This line captures the complexity of the relationship and the blame that may have been placed on both sides. Mark acknowledges that neither he nor Kathleen was solely responsible for the breakdown of their relationship."Broke, frustrated / And obsessed": These words convey the emotional turmoil that Mark experienced as he grappled with the challenges of his music career and the end of his relationship. He felt broken and frustrated by the obstacles he faced, yet he remained determined, unable to let go of his dreams despite the hardships."You saw me as ridiculous, I guess": Here, Mark reflects on Kathleen's perception of him during their relationship. He acknowledges that she may have viewed his aspirations as unrealistic or impractical, perhaps feeling frustrated or disillusioned by his relentless pursuit of his music career."And I didn’t know from nothing not even my own voice": This line captures Mark’s sense of uncertainty and self-doubt as he navigates the early challenges of his music career. He felt lost and disconnected from himself, unsure of his own identity and purpose in life. He may have doubted that his own voice was good enough to sing. "But I knew there was something and I knew there was no choice": Despite his uncertainty, Mark remained steadfast in his belief that music was his calling. He felt compelled to pursue his dreams, recognising that there was no other path for him to follow."I was leaving mostly heartache but I was in no mood to rejoice": While he was filled with sadness and regret over the end of his relationship with Kathleen, he also must have felt a sense of determination and resolve to move forward."There was so much that was wrong, whatever". He dismisses the difficulties and challenges of their relationship with the word "whatever," suggesting a sense of resignation or acceptance of their circumstances. He acknowledges that their relationship was flawed, yet he is unwilling to dwell on the past."Well, maybe I’ll hit the road with Bob or maybe hitch a ride with Van": This line alludes to Mark’s aspirations to follow the footsteps of his musical heroes: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and others. As we all know, time proved Mark right, as he recorded several songs with Bob Dylan and Van Morrison and toured with Bob.
"It’s all gonna happen and I'll be a happening man": Here, Mark expresses confidence in his ability to achieve success. He emphasises how his dreams materialised and he became a celebrated figure in his own right."And God must still be laughing at a boy and his plans": Mark deliberately plays down his dreams: time slowly erase our traces in history. This line reflects Mark humility and self-awareness. He acknowledges that his dreams and aspirations may seem foolish or naive in the grand scheme of things.
"In the streets where they were born": This line alludes to the roots of Mark’s musical influences and the time when he lived in Newcastle and Leeds."And the hopscotch traces, well you can still see them here": Here, Mark reflects on the fleeting nature of time and memory. The mention of "hopscotch traces" evokes a sense of nostalgia and childhood innocence, suggesting that even as time passes, the memories of his previous relationship remain etched in his mind."The chalk lines faded and unclear / Time for me to disappear": This line encapsulates the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The fading chalk lines symbolise the ephemeral nature of their relationship, while Mark’s decision to "disappear" represents his acceptance of the need to move forward with his life."Put my old boots back on, whatever": This final line reflects Mark readiness to embrace the next chapter of his life, moving forward with determination and resolve.
A bit of history mostly taken from the Unauthorised Biography of Mark Knopfler written by Myles Palmer in 1991.
(Disclaimer: it is plausible but unverified)
Kathleen (Kathy) Urwin White was Mark’s university sweetheart. They were a couple at least since 1970 and married on the 4th of March 1972, while he was still a student. Kathy had just started teaching in a school. They lived together in Leeds until 1974. Mark dreamed about becoming a successful song writer and guitar player. He joined a band called Brewer’s Droop in mid 1973 and went touring across the UK (possibly also abroad) with them while he was a part-time teacher in Leeds.
In the song “Matchstick Man” published in 2018, Mark Knopfler recalls hitching his way back hom) alone on a very white Christmas Day (1973), the morning after a gig in Penzance with a disbanding band (the Brewery’s Droop) he would leave shortly after, as they wanted to stop touring and didn’t want to play his songs. Although Mark loved Kathy the relationship was not working as Mark felt compelled to write songs for a living and move to London while Kathy wanted to stay up north near her family who owned a farm near Newcastle in Northumberland. In 1974, Mark found a new teaching role and temporarily moved to London hoping to get his breakthrough in the music industry. He had been wanting to do so at least since 1970 as Dave Johnson recalled in an interview for the BBC radio, 8 years ago when he commented on the recording of Mark’s first song ‘Summer’s coming my way’.
In 1974 in London Mark would spend his evenings practicing with his guitar and playing gigs for very little moneys, while working as a teacher. Mark often went back to Leeds to see Kathy trying to persuade her to move south. In the summer 1974, Mark and Kathy were still together but the relationship was very strained. Kathy’s brother George recalled the time when they watched the 1974 World Cup together. It is probably between 1974 and 1975 that Mark wrote the songs ‘Southbound again’, ‘Setting me up’ and ‘Six blade knife’ where he alludes at a potential man in the life of his beloved one. It was in that year that Mark decided to go to the US for the first time. He asked Kathy to go with him but she refused. Over time, Mark felt even more compelled to put a band together to record his songs. 1975 was the year when his marriage to Kathy formally ended. He moved into a mixed flat in London where he started a close friendship with a lady called Letitia Walker-Cale who recalled that Mark was just in transit and was in a bad place emotionally still hurting from his divorce. At that time Mark was playing gigs with the band Cafe’ Racers.
