One of the most self-reflexive songs 'bout performing musicians that i know of ...

All The Roadrunning
written by: Mark Knopfler
performed by: Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris
from: All the Roadrunning, Knopfler and Harris



A million miles our vagabond heels
Clocked up beneath the clouds,
They're counting down to show time
When we do it for real with the crowds.
Air miles are owing, but they don't come for free
And they don't give you any for pain -

But if it's all for nothing,
All the roadrunning's
Been in vain.

The rimshots come down like cannon fire
And thunder off the wall,
There's a man in every corner
And each one is giving his all,
This is my fife, this is my drum
So you never will hear me complain -

And if it's all for nothing,
All the roadrunning's
Been in vain

All the roadrunning, all the roadrunning...

Well if you're inclined to go up on the wall
It can only be fast and high
And those who don't like the danger soon find
Something different to try.
When there's only a ringin' in your ears and
An echo down memory lane -

But if it's all for nothing,
All the roadrunning's
Been in vain.

All the roadrunning, all the roadrunning...

The show's packing up, I sit and watch
The convoy leaving town
There's no pretending I'm not a fool for
Riding around and around.
Like the pictures you keep of your old wall of death
You showed me one time on the plane -

But if it's all for nothing,
All the roadrunning's
Been in vain.

A million miles of vagabond sky
Clocked up above the clouds,
I'm still your man for the roaming
For as long as there's roamin' allowed.
There'll be a rider, and there'll be a wall
As long as the dreamer remains -

And if it's all for nothing,
All the roadrunning's
Been in vain.

All the roadrunning, all the roadrunning...
All the roadrunning, all the roadrunning...