“Angel of Mercy” is an iconic Dire Straits song that was recorded in 1979 and included in their album “Communiqué”. It’s the second song on the album’s second side and has a running time of 4 minutes and 29 seconds. Written and produced by the band’s frontman, Mark Knopfler, the song has become a fan favorite, even though it was never released as a single. The track features Knopfler’s signature fingerpicking guitar style, which helped establish the band’s early sound.
The album “Communiqué,” where “Angel of Mercy” appears, was a commercial hit, peaking at #5 on the UK Albums Chart and #11 on the US Billboard 200 chart. During a 1980 interview, Knopfler revealed that “Angel of Mercy” is a love song that was inspired by the concept of finding a “little bit of heaven on earth.” The song’s romantic themes and poetic imagery have made it a popular choice for Dire Straits’ live performances.
“Angel of Mercy” exudes a seductive and sensual tone that speaks of longing and desire. The lyrics portray the speaker’s yearning for a woman he refers to as the “angel of mercy.” He narrates his triumph in a battle and his yearning for a reward in heaven, which he envisions as being with this woman. The lyrics feature metaphors and imagery, such as the “Peter Pan moon” and the “dragon at noon,” which add to the dreamlike quality of the song. The chorus repeats the plea for the “reward in heaven” and the desire for the “angel of mercy” to come to him.
The song’s lyrics are both poetic and enigmatic, leaving the listener with a sense of mystery and fascination. The chorus’ repetition, combined with the haunting melody and Mark Knopfler’s distinctive guitar playing, creates a memorable and powerful song. “Angel of Mercy” is a song that beautifully captures the emotions of desire, longing, and hope, and stands as a testament to Dire Straits’ musical and lyrical prowess. To experience this fantastic track for yourself, listen to it below and enjoy!
Lyrics
Well there’s a Peter Pan moon, shepherd’s delight
I got the dragon at noon, yes, and I won the fight
Now, I want my reward in heaven tonight
Just like you promised
Angel of mercy you’ll come to no harm
Angel of mercy, there’s no need for alarm
The knight in his armour wants a night in your arms
You know, he’s honest
Angel of mercy, angel delight
Give me my reward in heaven tonight
And if I give up my sword
Won’t you give me the right, sweet angel?
Well, now it’s too late for talkin’, we could talk later on
Let the saxophone play us till the of dawn
All I need is a little oblivion, you don’t need protection
Well, now, here come the moonlight, down on your bed
Angel of mercy, let your heart rule your head
I don’t want your money, I want you instead
Don’t need rejection, yeah
Angel of mercy, angel delight
Give me my reward in heaven tonight
And if I give up my sword, won’t you give me the right?
Angel of mercy, give me heaven tonight
Well, if you cross your heart and spit
And swear upon the grave of your mother
You gotta get into it
You got to tell me that I’m more than your lover
Yeah, angel of mercy, angel delight
Give me my reward in heaven tonight
And if I give up my sword, won’t you give me the right?
Angel of mercy, give me heaven tonight
Yeah, angel of mercy, angel delight
Give me my reward in heaven tonight
And if I give up my sword, won’t you give me the right?
Angel of mercy, give me heaven tonight
Ah, angel of mercy, angel delight
Give me my reward in heaven tonight
And if I give up my sword, won’t you give me the right?
Angel of mercy, give me heaven tonight
Yeah, angel of mercy
You got me, baby
Oh, angel of mercy
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