Down To The Waterline

Dire Straits' song "Down To The Waterline" is a nostalgic reflection on youthful romance and the adventures that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two young lovers who find solace and excitement by the water's edge. The quayside, with its cargo shadows and foghorns, serves as a backdrop for their secret rendezvous and tender moments. The imagery of counting numbers down to the waterline suggests a sense of anticipation and the thrill of being on the brink of something significant.

The song captures the essence of young love with lines like "French kisses in the darkened doorways" and "Your hands are cold but your lips are warm." These moments are fleeting yet intense, marked by the thrill of near misses and the warmth of shared intimacy. The presence of a policeman shining a light upon the narrator's shoulder adds a touch of danger and the reality of being caught, which only heightens the excitement of their secret meetings.

As the song progresses, it shifts to a more reflective tone. The woman in the song reminisces about the times they spent together by the river and the railway line. Even though those days are gone, she can still feel his presence and hear his whispers, urging her to return to the waterline. This longing for the past and the enduring connection to those memories highlight the song's themes of nostalgia and the lasting impact of young love. The waterline becomes a symbol of their shared history and the place where their love story began.