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From album
Dire Straits
Dire Straits · 1978 · Track 3
Details
Duración3:19
ÁlbumDire Straits
Año1978
ISRCGBF089601038
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The story behind
The song Setting Me Up, written by Mark Knopfler, is presented with a mix of irony and melancholy, addressing the theme of a complicated relationship. What makes it stand out is the way Knopfler combines a tale of heartbreak with a vocal tone that evokes a growl, and the presence of a guitar solo that leans towards the country style. This combination gives it a particular character, despite its romantic theme, which was noted by critics like Ken Tucker in Rolling Stone, who described it as a "celestial number." The guitar, with its rockabilly tinges, was also a point of attention, although some, like Carly Darling in Billboard Magazine, found the lyrics less convincing.
Originally recorded by Dire Straits for their self-titled debut album in 1978, Setting Me Up was not released as a single at the time. The production was handled by Muff Winwood, and the recording engineer was Rhett Davies. The song has a duration of 3:18 (or 3:20 according to MusicBrainz) and is classified within roots rock and country rock. Interestingly, this piece became material for country covers. Knopfler's publisher prepared demos of five songs, including this one, in a country style without the author's approval, which opened the door for other artists to perform it. An example is the American band Highway 101, which included it on their 1988 album, 101², and released it as a single in January 1989, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in April of the same year. In this version, the lead vocals are shared by Paulette Carlson and bassist Curtis Stone. Additionally, the song has been performed live by Eric Clapton on his 1980 album, Just One Night, with Albert Lee on lead vocals, and Albert Lee also included it on his own album, Hiding, with backing vocals by Don Everly.