Meaning of "Rüdiger" by Mark Knopfler

The lyrics of "Rüdiger" paint a portrait of a lonely man who finds solace in collecting autographs and being close to fame, even if just through paper and photographs. His fixation on attending events where his name is mentioned suggests a longing for recognition and a desire to be part of something bigger than his isolated existence as a clerk. The mention of Berlin and the motif of waiting outside in the cold and dark symbolize the barriers and obstacles Rüdiger faces in trying to connect with the world beyond his own. The song ultimately conveys themes of loneliness, longing, and the human need for validation and connection.