He continues to write and record new material and performs live frequently throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.
Thompson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music. On 5 July 2011, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa was conferred on Thompson by the University of Aberdeen, in a ceremony at the University's Elphinstone Hall.
Alexander Graham Bell
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Note the name and note it well
Father of the modern age
His inventions are all the rage
Of course there was the telephone
He'd be famous for that alone
But there's 50 other things as well
From Alexander Graham Bell
Edison had cylinders
But Bell made records flat
Which we remember gratefully
When we play our floppy or CD
Of course there was the telephone
He'd be famous for that alone
But there's 50 other things as well
From Alexander Graham Bell
Born in Scotland, moved away
To Canada and the USA
Studied speech, took a wife
Helped the deaf all his life
Came up with a threshing machine
Before he made it to a teen
After years of sweat and toil
He invented the hydrofoil
The respirator was his chance
To save his baby's life
And just like the Brothers Wright
He got heavily into flight
Of course there was the telephone
He'd be famous for that alone
But there's 50 other things as well
From Alexander Graham Bell
Graham Bell, Alexander,
It is tantamount to slander
To call him just a scientist
Why his inventions top the list
Edison, he was a thief
And Tesla nuts beyond belief
But Alexander was a gent
So philanthropic, so well meant
Founded Science Magazine
Wrote a book for kids
Because he was a caring fellow
Gave a hand to Helen Keller
Of course there was the telephone
He'd be famous for that alone
But there's 50 other things as well
From Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Bell, Graham
Modern life would sure be mayhem
Without tetrahedral cells
X-rays, faxes, decibels
I think I'd say, and it's no fiction
Without fear of contradiction
He improved our lot a smidgeon
From the age of carrier pigeon
Television was a thing
That he had all prepared
But he left that to his pupil
John Logie Baird
Of course there was the telephone
He'd be famous for that alone
But there's 50 other things as well
From Alexander Graham Bell
The song "Alexander Graham Bell" by Richard Thompson is an ode to the inventor's various contributions to modern society, beyond just the telephone for which he is most commonly known. The song highlights Bell's multiple inventions, such as the flat record, the hydrofoil, and the respirator, as well as his philanthropic work, including founding Science Magazine and writing a book for children. The song also comments on Bell's character, describing him as a caring and well-meaning gentleman, in contrast to inventors like Edison and Tesla.
The lyrics are presented in an almost conversational tone, with the singer urging the listener to "note the name and note it well," as Bell's numerous contributions are listed one by one. The song also touches on Bell's personal life, such as his move from Scotland to North America and his work with the deaf community, and acknowledges his role in inspiring and educating future generations of inventors.
Line by Line Meaning
Alexander Graham Bell
Introducing the subject of the song, Alexander Graham Bell, who is about to be celebrated for his many inventions.
Note the name and note it well
Encouraging listeners to pay attention to Alexander Graham Bell's name, which is deserving of recognition.
Father of the modern age
Referring to Alexander Graham Bell's impact on modern technology and culture through his numerous inventions.
His inventions are all the rage
Highlighting the popularity and influence of Alexander Graham Bell's inventions on contemporary society.
Of course there was the telephone
Acknowledging the famous invention for which Alexander Graham Bell is most well-known.
He'd be famous for that alone
Suggesting that the invention of the telephone alone would have made Alexander Graham Bell famous.
But there's 50 other things as well
Pointing out that Alexander Graham Bell's contributions go beyond just the telephone, with a reference to the numerous other inventions he created.
From Alexander Graham Bell
Concluding the first verse with a reminder of the subject's name.
Edison had cylinders
Comparing Alexander Graham Bell to Thomas Edison, who also made important technological advancements (in this case, creating cylindrical recordings).
But Bell made records flat
Contrasting Edison's cylinder recordings with Alexander Graham Bell's flat records, which he created and are still used to this day in various forms of media.
Which we remember gratefully
Expressing gratitude for Alexander Graham Bell's invention of flat records and how they are still enjoyed today.
When we play our floppy or CD
Referencing current technology that still uses flat recordings, such as floppy disks and CDs.
Born in Scotland, moved away
Providing some biographical background of Alexander Graham Bell's life, including where he was born and where he eventually moved to.
To Canada and the USA
Specifying the locations to which Alexander Graham Bell moved during his life.
Studied speech, took a wife
Outlining some key events in Alexander Graham Bell's life, including his studies on speech and his marriage.
Helped the deaf all his life
Noting one of Alexander Graham Bell's notable achievements, which was working with and helping the hearing-impaired.
Came up with a threshing machine
Explaining one of Alexander Graham Bell's lesser-known inventions, a machine that separates grain from wheat or other crops.
Before he made it to a teen
Highlighting the fact that Alexander Graham Bell was a prodigy, and had created a working threshing machine at a young age.
After years of sweat and toil
Indicating that Alexander Graham Bell had to work hard for many years to achieve his numerous accomplishments.
He invented the hydrofoil
Mentioning another landmark achievement of Alexander Graham Bell's, which was creating a boat with underwater wings to help it move through water.
The respirator was his chance
Describing how Alexander Graham Bell's invention of a respirator for his ailing child set him on a path to help invent other life-saving medical devices.
To save his baby's life
Explaining the personal motivation that led Alexander Graham Bell to invent the respirator.
And just like the Brothers Wright
Drawing a parallel between Alexander Graham Bell and the Wright Brothers, who were also pioneers in aviation.
He got heavily into flight
Revealing that Alexander Graham Bell was also deeply interested in aviation and making new discoveries in this field.
Graham Bell, Alexander,
Swapping the subject's name around for the second half of the song to offer a fresh perspective.
It is tantamount to slander
Asserting that it would be false and insulting to Alexander Graham Bell to describe him solely as a scientist.
To call him just a scientist
Emphasizing that Alexander Graham Bell was more than just a scientist, but a multi-talented inventor who made many contributions to society.
Why his inventions top the list
Arguing that Alexander Graham Bell's inventions should be recognized as some of the most important and influential in history.
Edison, he was a thief
Mentioning charges of plagiarism levied against Thomas Edison, who has often been compared to Alexander Graham Bell.
And Tesla nuts beyond belief
Referencing another famous inventor, Nikola Tesla, and the fervent fandom that has emerged around him and his work.
But Alexander was a gent
Contrasting Alexander Graham Bell's character with those of Edison and Tesla, and describing him as a kind and upstanding individual.
So philanthropic, so well meant
Praising Alexander Graham Bell's generosity and good intentions, as evidenced by his many helpful inventions and charitable works.
Founded Science Magazine
Mentioning yet another accomplishment of Alexander Graham Bell's, which was founding the popular Science Magazine.
Wrote a book for kids
Describing how Alexander Graham Bell was still interested in aiding education, even writing a book for children late in his life.
Because he was a caring fellow
Explaining the motivation behind Alexander Graham Bell's various efforts to help others and make the world a better place.
Gave a hand to Helen Keller
Pointing out that Alexander Graham Bell had even assisted famous author Helen Keller, who was also deaf and blind.
Modern life would sure be mayhem
Speculating that the world would be in dire straits without Alexander Graham Bell's contributions, and that we have much to be grateful for as a result.
Without tetrahedral cells
Referencing Alexander Graham Bell's pioneering work with tetrahedral shapes, which have been used in airplane design and other fields.
X-rays, faxes, decibels
Listing several other significant inventions that have come about due, at least in part, to Alexander Graham Bell's contributions and technological breakthroughs.
I think I'd say, and it's no fiction
Asserting that the above statements are not mere speculation, but based on fact and evidence.
Without fear of contradiction
Backing up the preceding claims with confidence and a sense of assuredness.
He improved our lot a smidgeon
Concluding that Alexander Graham Bell's inventions may not have changed everything overnight, but have certainly made many peoples' lives better in small ways.
From the age of carrier pigeon
Underlining how Alexander Graham Bell's inventions have helped modern communication progress from antiquated methods such as message-carrying birds.
Television was a thing
Noting that television was on Alexander Graham Bell's radar, reinforcing that he was always looking to the future and making new discoveries.
That he had all prepared
Highlighting Alexander Graham Bell's prescience and how he was often far ahead of his time.
But he left that to his pupil
Revealing that Alexander Graham Bell did not end up pursuing television himself, but rather passed on the baton to someone else who continued his work.
John Logie Baird
Identifying the recipient of Alexander Graham Bell's knowledge, who went on to be an important figure in television history.
Of course there was the telephone
Returning to the song's main refrain, acknowledging once more Alexander Graham Bell's most famous invention.
He'd be famous for that alone
Reiterating that the invention of the telephone by itself would have been enough to make Alexander Graham Bell famous.
But there's 50 other things as well
Ending the song on a reminder that Alexander Graham Bell's legacy goes beyond just the telephone, and that he made many other important contributions to society as well.
From Alexander Graham Bell
Closing the song with a repetition of the subject's name for emphasis.
Contributed by Caden W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ken Soehn
on Love in a Faithless Country
At a show at the Culch (The Vancouver East Cultural Centre) decades ago, Thompson said the song was inspired by two British serial killers, who seemed to be inspiring each other through the newspapers. Now you know why it sounds so spooky.
Mark Apelman
on Devonside
Not sure what this song means, but I love the feeling of it.