Brothers in Arms is one of the most well-known songs by Dire Straits. It was written in 1982 when Great Britain was involved in the Falkland War. 25 years later Mark Knopfler recorded a new version to raise funds for veterans suffering from PTSD. This version was recorded in the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

The atmosphere of this epic war ballad is captured by synth chords and the wailing sounds of the cherry sunburst Gibson Les Paul, wielded by the master Mark Knopfler himself. The stretched notes are like cries from soldiers to stop the senseless murdering of their brothers in arms. The guitar solo shows that less can be more. Knopfler focusses on filling every single note with feeling.

The story told in brothers in arms is one of angst and misery. Not emphasising the division of soldiers on sides, but the fact that they’re all people in an unfortunate situation. The lyrics aren’t blunt but subtle. A string of metaphors, painting a picture of the scenery and mood. The words and notes share a sense of despair that shows urgency, letting you know this song has a message that wants and needs to be heard. The anthem of the uselessness of war.