"The Bug" is a song written by Mark Knopfler and originally recorded by Dire Straits on the final studio album by the band, On Every Street (1991). It was covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter in 1992, and also recorded on the albums Blues Ballads (1996) by The Alex Bollard Assembly and Keep Your Hands to Yourself (2002) by Mike Berry & The Outlaws.
Dire Straits The song is the fourth and final UK single from the album On Every Street by English rock band Dire Straits, where it reached number 67, and it also was to be Dire Straits' final single release in the UK. The song reached number 21 in Canada. Other songs from the album were released as singles in selected countries ("You and Your Friend" in France and Germany or "Ticket to Heaven" in Netherlands).
Track listings 7-inch vinyl single "The Bug" "Twisting by the Pool"
5-inch CD single "The Bug" "Twisting by the Pool" "Expresso Love" "Walk of Life"
Charts Chart (1992)PeakpositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)21UK Singles (OCC)67UK Airplay (Music Week)46
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom15 June 1992VertigoAustralia13 July 1992
Mary Chapin Carpenter version
The song was covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter on her 1992 album Come On Come On, and was released as a single the next year, peaking at 16 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks.[ Artist Chart History], Billboard.com This version of the song is also included on the soundtrack of the 2006 animated film Everyone's Hero.
Charts Chart (1993)Peakposition
References