| What It Is | |
| Cover: | What It Is (Mark Knopfler single) cover art.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Mark Knopfler |
| Album: | Sailing to Philadelphia |
| Genre: | Roots rock |
| Length: | 4:57 (Album version) 3:33 (Radio edit) 5:36 (Mexican version) |
| Producer: | Mark Knopfler |
| Prev Title: | Rüdiger |
| Prev Year: | 1996 |
| Next Title: | Sailing To Philadelphia |
| Next Year: | 2000 |
"What It Is" is a song written and recorded by the British rock musician Mark Knopfler. It was released on 4 September 2000 as the lead single from his second solo studio album, Sailing to Philadelphia (2000).
An extended version of the song released in Mexico contains an additional verse:
And the highwayman stands blowing on his fingers by the green
I've walked inside his shoes before so I always buy his magazine
He's with a local mystery with blood stains on her hands
I like the way she winks at me but I leave her with the highwayman
The song's lyrics pay homage to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, making reference to Edinburgh Castle, the Stone of Scone and Canongate Tolbooth.
| Chart (2000–01) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Poland (Music & Media)[1] | 10 |
| Poland (Polish Airplay Charts)[2] | 6 |