Linda Thompson (born Linda Pettifer in Hackney, London, on 23 August 1947) … Read Full Bio ↴Linda Thompson (born Linda Pettifer in Hackney, London, on 23 August 1947) is an English singer-songwriter. One of the most recognised names and voices in the British folk-rock movement of the 1970s and 1980s, she is notable as one-half of Richard & Linda Thompson (with fellow British folk-rock musician, guitarist Richard Thompson to whom she was married for ten years) and later as a solo artist.

Thompson began her singing career in the 1960s, doing advertising jingles for money and singing in folk clubs for enjoyment. She changed her name to Linda Peters, and was romantically linked to Martin Carthy before working with Richard Thompson, whom she married in 1972.

As part of Richard & Linda Thompson, she sang on a string of critically acclaimed albums until a bitter split in 1982. After battling voice problems over the years since, she resurfaced with a solo album in 1996, and has subsequently worked sporadically. Linda and Richard's children Teddy Thompson and Kamila Thompson are both musicians.

In 2007, Thompson released another set of original songs and covers, "Versatile Heart". Like her 2002 album "Fashionably Late", this too was primarily a collaboration with son Teddy Thompson, together with a supporting cast of family and friends.

Her fourth solo album, Won't Be Long Now, was released on 15 October 2013. The album features compositions and backing vocals from Teddy Thompson and his sisters as well as guitar work by Richard Thompson.

Do Your Best For Rock 'n' Roll
Linda Thompson Lyrics

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I feel no pain but I'm so dry
Take me to a bar and leave me there to die

The party's nearly over
The guests are all but dead
Take 'em to the graveyard
Lay 'em down instead

God, if there is a God save my soul
And if You can't do that
Just do Your best for rock 'n roll
We've lived a lot of years
Almost every place
There's a chance that I might miss you
It's a chance I'm gonna take

So grind me down like glass crush my heart
Turn it into junk recycle the good parts

God, if there is a God save my soul
And if You can't do that
Just do Your best for rock 'n roll

Mother of Jesus give me your light divine
And if you can't do that
Give me some holy wine

God, if there is a God save my soul
And if You can't do that
Just do Your best for rock 'n roll

And You can't do that
Just do Your best for rock 'n roll

Overall Meaning

In Linda Thompson's song "Do Your Best For Rock 'n' Roll," the lyrics convey a sense of despair and resignation, with the singer expressing feelings of numbness and emptiness. The opening lines, "I feel no pain but I'm so dry, Take me to a bar and leave me there to die," suggest a desperate attempt to find solace in alcohol, as a way to escape the emotional pain or detachment experienced.

As the song progresses, the lyrics allude to the end of a party or a metaphorical celebration of life. The line, "The party's nearly over, The guests are all but dead," implies a somber atmosphere and the passing of time. The singer then suggests taking the partygoers to a graveyard instead of continuing the festivities, indicating a confrontation with mortality and the fragility of life.

The chorus of the song contains a plea to God, questioning their existence and seeking salvation: "God, if there is a God save my soul, And if You can't do that, Just do Your best for rock 'n roll." This poignant statement seems to reflect a longing for some higher power or purpose, and an acknowledgement that perhaps only through their passion and connection to music (rock 'n' roll) can they find solace or redemption.

The following verses further emphasize the singer's willingness to take risks in the pursuit of something meaningful. They express a desire to experience life fully, even if it means potentially missing out on important moments or people. The lines "We've lived a lot of years, Almost every place, There's a chance that I might miss you, It's a chance I'm gonna take" convey a sense of urgency and determination to embrace life's adventures, despite the uncertainties that may arise.

The second half of the song introduces the idea of transformation and renewal. The singer asks to be broken down and rebuilt, using the metaphor of grinding glass and recycling the good parts. This can be interpreted as a plea to undergo personal change, letting go of the past and shedding the layers that hold them back.

In the final verses, the lyrics add an additional layer of religious imagery, invoking the Mother of Jesus and the concept of divine light and wine. These references suggest a longing for spiritual guidance and a sense of redemption, even if the singer doubts the likelihood of receiving it.

Overall, "Do Your Best For Rock 'n' Roll" explores themes of existential crisis, mortality, and the power of music as a source of catharsis and meaning in life.

Line by Line Meaning

I feel no pain but I'm so dry
I am emotionally numb and empty

Take me to a bar and leave me there to die
Allow me to drown my sorrows and fade away

The party's nearly over
Life's excitement and joy are dwindling

The guests are all but dead
The people around me are lifeless and drained

Take 'em to the graveyard
Let them rest eternally

Lay 'em down instead
Allow them to find peace in death

God, if there is a God save my soul
If there is a higher power, please save my inner being

And if You can't do that
If you are unable to fulfill this request

Just do Your best for rock 'n roll
Give your utmost effort for the spirit of rock 'n roll

We've lived a lot of years
We have experienced many years of existence

Almost every place
We have been to nearly every imaginable location