I turned my youngest son on to Richard Thompson and this song..... years later, he's in college in Rome. His Facebook posts are typical 22 year old posts and tonight - he posted this link. I guess amidst the mistakes I've made in life I've been able to share amazing music with my kids :-)
This is folk at its blinding best, Richard is a musical gymnast. A masterpiece. I love this haunting song, and never tire of Richard's first class delivery of genius. ♥ 🎸 🌹 XxxX
Nobody has a right hand like Richard Thompson. The independence between his pick and fingers is incredible. His fingers aren’t impacted by whether his pick is on the beat, off, or something in between.
And he's the most musically pleasing and tasteful of all virtuosos in addition to being an unbelievably talented songwriter and expressive singer. The guitar work is about as good as music on an instrument can get. He is one of those few people who is able to use exceptional technical proficiency to produce amazing, nuanced music instead of just making music that is impressive but not especially memorable or moving.
Thompson's music makes me laugh, makes me cry, raises my ire, and soothes my soul. Blake, Yeats...lets add Richards name to the list. Beautiful imagery. Beautiful song.
that lines the one that gets the tears that have been waiting flowing, every time. God couldn't write a better song, Dylans a big fan. I hope wont spoil it by saying it was written about Anne Briggs, a lesser known talent with a wonderful voice - I think the affair is poetic licence but its all so true... I met Anne years later when she ran a stall in Market Rasen Linc, married with kids but she's still roving - gone to Scotland I heard.
A lot of songwriters get a line right now and then...but not many come up with perfect lines and verses over and over and over again (Leonard Cohen? Gilian Welch?) . And RT does it here: "They say her flower is faded now, hard weather and hard booze But maybe that's just the price ya pay for the chains that you refuse..." Chillingly brilliant. An unflinching look at a long lost love, the choices and changes and consequence thereof and the ultimate regrets...my emotions got goosebumps!
It always makes me smile when I see some of these "guitar-players" playing Rock music, swinging their guitars around while they play, the real guitar players like Richard and D.Gilmour concentrate more on playing than showing off for the fans!
RT came to DC earlier this month and he was as sublime as ever, my first live show after Covid lockdown, not a dry eye in the house (except RT of course, he's British :-)) And of course he played this song.
Although he does not have what is either classically or popularly considered a beautiful voice, he is one of those people who know how to sing. Richard, along with Gabriel Yacoub, Christy Moore, Stan and Garnet Rogers, Ian Anderson and James Keelaghan are among my favorite folk/pop singers. Over all, one of the most talented singers ever is Colm Wilkinson who, as I have said, could sing the phone book.
This man always delivers. I am a devoted student of his and feel so lucky to be so. I think I have it all from watching. The notes anyway. His execution is so flawless! This'll be my song to practice for about 2 months! Lucky! RT is the perfect guitarist to emulate. If you get 1/2 as good as him, you're a great guitarist. I'm almost a good guitarist because of him.
I can never stop listening to this song I love it especially way he finger picks his guitar it sounds very Scottish Celtic to me Richard is so magical loved him in Fairport convention, was fortunate enough to see him live in San Francisco @ the Fillmore when I worked that show for the Fillmore west in San Francisco CA thanks Richard your the best 🎸🎤👍🏴🇬🇧🙏❤️
I have an afternoon after a good visit to my eye doctor.....I'll listen to bit of RT, I thinks. Absolutely nothing wrong my tear ducts I now find. This is a fine beauty. Gawd bless yer, Richard!!
...seen him 8 times in the States. 3 more times this coming March. If I had to pick one artist that I can return to again and again it would be Richard Thompson.
Where do you start with this? Lyrics, playing, fine damned vocal nuance, just the overall shaping in the writing. The thing is perfect, no matter how often you listen. Heartbreaking.
manthasagittarius1 no other song can emotionally cut me down without a moments notice. He has such a gift for worming through the walls we hold that keep the heartbreak in our lives at bay. A true master of his craft.
RT is totally recognized for every thing that he does and his audience grows immensely from year to year. I would say most of it is word of mouth. I've taken 8-10 friends to see him over the years and they are all big fans now. Thats all it takes. Every guitarist who is worth his salt knows exactly who Richard Thompson is. If your expecting him to win a bunch of Grammies, that type of recognition. its never going to happen.
Absolutely magnificent! RT comes to Bloomington, IN every year or so, but not often enough! One of the great geniuses of our time. See him when you can!
And yes, I have a long-lost oft-reconsidered love...but the other way around. I would have "made her the lady of as much land...as she shall ride in a long summers' day" but SHE was the one with skills and a plan, with things to accomplish and goals to achieve. I was the one who saw a never-ending party...
RT's imagery is unsurpassable - who, after listening to this song can not say that they have a vivid image of the subject? Lines like 'White horse in her hip pocket and wolfhound at her feet' sum up in a few words an image others would need to write a whole sog to convey! 'Maybe thats the price we pay for the chains we refuse' - CLASS
this is so good.....have fun as travel the Scotland country side. Man, I really love this song, as I listen to the words for the first time. She was a love child..............xxx
Average bears...average bears not in this cave! Like most of his stuff deep but not autobiogriphal...its his playing which is astonishing .......but yes just...... xxx
i usually avoid youtube comments like the plague, but yours is may be the most insightful and eloquent i've ever read. i wish i had written it (and you may consider it stolen!).
Arguably the most beautiful lost love song ever. Interesting how RT uses a regular flatpick plus two fingers for a hybrid style. I always thought he played regular fingerstyle.
Thompson says it isn't about anybody in particular, and that he only met Anne a few times. There are a couple of references to her, however. Anne almost completely dropped out of the music scene about 35 years ago, which is most unfortunate as she was a marvelous singer. If you search the video "Fairport Convention on Folk Brittania" there is a very brief interview with Anne talking about Sandy Denny. Sadly she looks and sounds pretty rough.
He IS recognised. Amongst his peers, and by fans of this style of music, as an absolute gem. But this stuff is not chart fodder. It is not that kind of pap. Remember, the chart is what the public buy. The public, as a group, have quite embarrassingly poor taste in music. Such is the way of things. That's why Martin Simpson, Chris Thile, Michael Hedges and so many others are not household names. If it were done on merit alone, they would be legends. I like it this way. He is our wonderful secret!
I turned my youngest son on to Richard Thompson and this song..... years later, he's in college in Rome. His Facebook posts are typical 22 year old posts and tonight - he posted this link. I guess amidst the mistakes I've made in life I've been able to share amazing music with my kids :-)
Thats deep man Richard thompson is great
It’s a great way to foster love.
I know exactly what you mean. Many mistakes made -but they all have good values and good taste in music.
You are a Good Papa.
Fair play ken👍
If I lived to be a hundred and listend to this song every day i would still love it. Best folk balled ever written, bar non.
This song has been making me cry for 15 years.
Incredible story telling. In 5 minutes describing an entire life arc. I will never tire of hearing this song telling truth about life choices.
Do not ever miss this guy in concert, you will be most impressed. He is one of the greatest guitarist and storytellers of the last several generations
"The" greatest guitarist+storyteller...
This is folk at its blinding best, Richard is a musical gymnast. A masterpiece. I love this haunting song, and never tire of Richard's first class delivery of genius. ♥ 🎸 🌹 XxxX
the last verse and chorus breaks your heart every time............mesmerising
Nobody has a right hand like Richard Thompson. The independence between his pick and fingers is incredible. His fingers aren’t impacted by whether his pick is on the beat, off, or something in between.
And he's the most musically pleasing and tasteful of all virtuosos in addition to being an unbelievably talented songwriter and expressive singer. The guitar work is about as good as music on an instrument can get. He is one of those few people who is able to use exceptional technical proficiency to produce amazing, nuanced music instead of just making music that is impressive but not especially memorable or moving.
it’s alien technology.
Thompson's music makes me laugh, makes me cry, raises my ire, and soothes my soul. Blake, Yeats...lets add Richards name to the list. Beautiful imagery. Beautiful song.
Well said
'... maybe that's just the price you pay for the chains that you refuse...'
Truth and beauty combined...
that lines the one that gets the tears that have been waiting flowing, every time. God couldn't write a better song, Dylans a big fan. I hope wont spoil it by saying it was written about Anne Briggs, a lesser known talent with a wonderful voice - I think the affair is poetic licence but its all so true... I met Anne years later when she ran a stall in Market Rasen Linc, married with kids but she's still roving - gone to Scotland I heard.
A lot of songwriters get a line right now and then...but not many come up with perfect lines and verses over and over and over again (Leonard Cohen? Gilian Welch?) .
And RT does it here:
"They say her flower is faded now, hard weather and hard booze
But maybe that's just the price ya pay for the chains that you refuse..."
Chillingly brilliant. An unflinching look at a long lost love, the choices and changes and consequence thereof and the ultimate regrets...my emotions got goosebumps!
Timeless. This man is a treasure Do make a serious effort to see him live It will be an experience you'll not forget.
Beautiful and bittersweet. This is one of the best songs you'll ever hear.
It always makes me smile when I see some of these "guitar-players" playing Rock music, swinging their guitars around while they play, the real guitar players like Richard and D.Gilmour concentrate more on playing than showing off for the fans!
Sweet mother of God.
The beauty of this is simply stunning.
A perfect ballad, if there ever was one.
Just stunning. Beautiful. I'm speechless!
RT came to DC earlier this month and he was as sublime as ever, my first live show after Covid lockdown, not a dry eye in the house (except RT of course, he's British :-)) And of course he played this song.
A mastercraftsman at work . Sublime .
Richard has influenced so many.........a living treasure, let's appreciate him while we can!
I've listened to practically nothing else for two weeks since discovering this beautiful beautiful song. It's perfect.
If ever one was to search for an anthem to lost love, this is it.
Over the years I have seen RT many times and never tire of his songs.
I have many happy recollections of Cropready.
Superb. Just gorgeous, and one of those songs that never fails to move you.
Richard Thompson writes the most beautiful songs about the soft places inside hard men.
It's hard to find enough complimentary words to describe Richard's musical genius. I just wish more people knew about him.
The royal family of the UK,Richard,Linda,Teddy & Kamil-one of my favs,from a heroic
back catolgue of gems to last 100 tears!
The last 60 seconds of this just break me.
Some of his 3 minute songs are outlines for 90 minute films. I'm surprised nobody has made this and '52 Vincent Black Lightning' into movies.
Although he does not have what is either classically or popularly considered a beautiful voice, he is one of those people who know how to sing. Richard, along with Gabriel Yacoub, Christy Moore, Stan and Garnet Rogers, Ian Anderson and James Keelaghan are among my favorite folk/pop singers. Over all, one of the most talented singers ever is Colm Wilkinson who, as I have said, could sing the phone book.
I'm going to see him tomorrow night! For the first time. I am so excited. I can hardly wait.
This man always delivers. I am a devoted student of his and feel so lucky to be so. I think I have it all from watching. The notes anyway. His execution is so flawless! This'll be my song to practice for about 2 months! Lucky!
RT is the perfect guitarist to emulate. If you get 1/2 as good as him, you're a great guitarist. I'm almost a good guitarist because of him.
WHAT A GENTLE SOUL RICHARD IS, THIS SONG WOULD BREAK YOUR HEART ! PEACE
I love RT....my mum had his early records when I was a kid so I grew up listening to him, then I continued. His music is part of me.
I can never stop listening to this song I love it especially way he finger picks his guitar it sounds very Scottish Celtic to me Richard is so magical loved him in Fairport convention, was fortunate enough to see him live in San Francisco @ the Fillmore when I worked that show for the Fillmore west in San Francisco CA thanks Richard your the best 🎸🎤👍🏴🇬🇧🙏❤️
This song always brings up so many emotions for me.
I have followed this one for 30 years. This is very very very rare talent ! Only one in 100 million. Shuvleman1
this is soulful and spiritual stuff. Lifts me every time I hear this Musical Guru.
My mom turned me not RT! We have seen him twice and going again in March ....so lucky to know him! This is my fav! And yea,...I am 16
Nobody fucking cares about your age.
Not so. I think it's great that someone so young appreciates a class act like Thompson.
''Maybe that's just the price you pay for the chains that you refuse'', amazing songwriting.
I have an afternoon after a good visit to my eye doctor.....I'll listen to bit of RT, I thinks. Absolutely nothing wrong my tear ducts I now find. This is a fine beauty. Gawd bless yer, Richard!!
Run it up a flagpole and salute it. Simply perfect.
Oh my. This is the finest song. It moves me to tears every time I hear it.
...seen him 8 times in the States. 3 more times this coming March.
If I had to pick one artist that I can return to again and again it would be Richard Thompson.
Where do you start with this? Lyrics, playing, fine damned vocal nuance, just the overall shaping in the writing. The thing is perfect, no matter how often you listen. Heartbreaking.
manthasagittarius1 no other song can emotionally cut me down without a moments notice. He has such a gift for worming through the walls we hold that keep the heartbreak in our lives at bay. A true master of his craft.
Astonishingly beautiful and tragic. Oh, thank you!
What an amazing song, amazing story.
My favourite song of all time. So poignant and carries resonance for all who hear it.
What an absolutely beautiful tune.
A truly extraordinary man, a truly beautiful work.
RT is totally recognized for every thing that he does and his audience grows immensely from year to year. I would say most of it is word of mouth. I've taken 8-10 friends to see him over the years and they are all big fans now. Thats all it takes.
Every guitarist who is worth his salt knows exactly who Richard Thompson is.
If your expecting him to win a bunch of Grammies, that type of recognition. its never going to happen.
Absolutely magnificent! RT comes to Bloomington, IN every year or so, but not often enough! One of the great geniuses of our time. See him when you can!
This song was great on record, but this is absolutely stupendous. What a talent.
The storyline in this song should be a movie.
Pure gold!
And yes, I have a long-lost oft-reconsidered love...but the other way around. I would have "made her the lady of as much land...as she shall ride in a long summers' day" but SHE was the one with skills and a plan, with things to accomplish and goals to achieve. I was the one who saw a never-ending party...
This man is an enduring treasure,We are indeed fortunate............
So beautiful...
Breathtaking.
The man is Brilliant!!!
this song never loses anything
RT's imagery is unsurpassable - who, after listening to this song can not say that they have a vivid image of the subject? Lines like 'White horse in her hip pocket and wolfhound at her feet' sum up in a few words an image others would need to write a whole sog to convey! 'Maybe thats the price we pay for the chains we refuse' - CLASS
There are some songs that only the writer can do justice to.(it is certainly the case with this incredibly talented human)
Oh a real gem no matter how often I hear
It doesn`t get much better than this.. Mirror Blue is a must.. Great stuff, Mc T
Perfection in its purest form.
Time just stood still. My goodness.
Beautiful genius.
Always the consummate craftsman! Thanks for posting.
you just made my day. it was the first thing i noticed too. some of the best pickers in the world play this way.
Perfect
he plays with such ease technically THE modern master, emotionally supple Richard has written some great songs.must upload them
....she was a love child....she was running wild.
He's fabulous.
"lost child", actually.
Best song ever written no contest
makes me greet every time i hear this
Love his improv on that
mmm xxx
His signature and astonishingly complex and beautiful.....for a little village in the SW of Scotland....
this is so good.....have fun as travel the Scotland country side. Man, I really love this song, as I listen to the words for the first time. She was a love child..............xxx
Average bears...average bears not in this cave!
Like most of his stuff deep but not autobiogriphal...its his playing which is astonishing .......but yes just......
xxx
Heartbreaking
RT is the BEST.
truly awesome
Thanks again for supplying me with a primo Thompson fix.
DD
i usually avoid youtube comments like the plague, but yours is may be the most insightful and eloquent i've ever read. i wish i had written it (and you may consider it stolen!).
@stelvans
I couldn't agree more with you- both the song and the performance are sublime.
Thanks Steve...
Bloody excellent..
goose bumps!!!!!!!!!!!
Arguably the most beautiful lost love song ever.
Interesting how RT uses a regular flatpick plus two fingers for a hybrid style. I always thought he played regular fingerstyle.
He is fine. Wow!
He epitomises the word "talent"! David Gates of Bread (a fan) said "he's not a household name - serves him right for being so good!"
Superb
I know how he feels!
hey stevie lee .....!!! i agree with you on this one ,dont like to comment ... but this deserves a comment and i wish i thought of it too!
This waltz
True humility, like the buddha taught.
Thompson says it isn't about anybody in particular, and that he only met Anne a few times. There are a couple of references to her, however. Anne almost completely dropped out of the music scene about 35 years ago, which is most unfortunate as she was a marvelous singer. If you search the video "Fairport Convention on Folk Brittania" there is a very brief interview with Anne talking about Sandy Denny. Sadly she looks and sounds pretty rough.
He IS recognised. Amongst his peers, and by fans of this style of music, as an absolute gem. But this stuff is not chart fodder. It is not that kind of pap. Remember, the chart is what the public buy. The public, as a group, have quite embarrassingly poor taste in music. Such is the way of things. That's why Martin Simpson, Chris Thile, Michael Hedges and so many others are not household names. If it were done on merit alone, they would be legends. I like it this way. He is our wonderful secret!
This was loosely based on Anne Briggs. Richard said one time that he met Anne twice and she was dead drunk both times.
joni36! Love your videos!
fucking brilliant songwriter.
I wasn't knocking. It was an observation and it was supposed to go under another person's comment. There is such a thing as subtlety.