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.
Another Small Thing in Her Favour
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got her bags all packed to go
She'll find some other poor pilgrim who's braver
At least she looked me in the eye
With her less than fond goodbye
That's one small thing in her favour
Got the kids in the car
Then life gives you bitter pills to savour
Still she kissed me once more
As she gently slammed the door
That's another small thing in her favour
She said she felt bad
For the home that we had
And the effort I'd wasted to save her
She told me as much
As she slowly let out the clutch
That's another small thing in her favour
It's a slippery slope
To give her more rope
And I didn't exactly enslave her
And she says I'm still a part
Of her wandering heart
That's another small thing in her favour
Now there's trouble and strife
But we once had a life
For a while our vows didn't waver
I relied on her smile
And her love, for a while
That's another small thing in her favour
That's another small thing in her favour
The lyrics of Richard Thompson's song, Another Small Thing in Her Favour, discuss a relationship that has soured to the point where one person is leaving. The first verse describes the woman's readiness to leave, stating that she has "her ducks all in a row" and her "bags all packed." She is ready to move on and find another "braver" partner. Despite this, she does seem to make one small attempt at civility or politeness in "looking [him] in the eye" during her "less than fond goodbye," which he acknowledges as "one small thing in her favour."
The second verse shifts to the singer's perspective, as he reflects on the reality of the situation. He has children, and while he may have had dreams or aspirations for the relationship, he recognizes the "bitter pills" that life can serve up. Despite whatever animosity there may have been between them, she does give him "another small thing in her favour" by kissing him one more time before driving off.
The third verse alludes to the conversation they had before she left. The woman expresses regret that he wasted so much effort trying to save the relationship and apologizes for causing difficulty in their home. She also admits that she still cares for him in some way ("I'm still a part of [her] wandering heart"). These are "another small thing in her favour" to him, as it shows that she is not completely insensitive to his feelings.
In summary, the song's theme seems to center around the idea that despite the relationship ending and any hurt feelings, there are still small moments of kindness or civility that can be acknowledged as positives. Whether it's looking someone in the eye during a difficult moment or expressing a small amount of regret or gratitude, these gestures can make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Got her ducks all in a row
She has everything in order and is prepared to leave.
Got her bags all packed to go
She has packed her things and is ready to go.
She'll find some other poor pilgrim who's braver
She will leave and find someone else who is stronger than the singer.
At least she looked me in the eye
She had the courage to face the artist and say goodbye.
With her less than fond goodbye
She said goodbye in a way that was not particularly friendly.
That's one small thing in her favour
This is the only positive thing the singer can say about her leaving.
Got the kids in the car
She took the children and left with them.
Dreams will get you just so far
Dreams alone won't solve your problems or keep a relationship together.
Then life gives you bitter pills to savour
Life can be full of unpleasant surprises.
Still she kissed me once more
She gave the artist a parting kiss.
As she gently slammed the door
She left the house and closed the door softly.
That's another small thing in her favour
Another small positive gesture from her leaving.
She said she felt bad
She expressed regret for the situation.
For the home that we had
She was sorry for the home they built together.
And the effort I'd wasted to save her
The singer tried to save the relationship, but it was all for nothing.
She told me as much
She explained her feelings to the artist.
As she slowly let out the clutch
She began to leave in her car.
That's another small thing in her favour
Another small positive gesture from her leaving.
It's a slippery slope
The situation is precarious and could easily get worse.
To give her more rope
Giving her more freedom could be dangerous.
And I didn't exactly enslave her
The artist did not control or manipulate her in any way.
And she says I'm still a part
She still feels a connection to the artist.
Of her wandering heart
She is still searching for something.
That's another small thing in her favour
Another small positive gesture from her leaving.
Now there's trouble and strife
The situation is difficult and unpleasant.
But we once had a life
They had a good life together at one point.
For a while our vows didn't waver
They were committed to each other for some time.
I relied on her smile
The artist depended on her happiness and affection.
And her love, for a while
For a period of time, she loved the artist.
That's another small thing in her favour
Another small positive aspect of the relationship they had together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Barry Monks
Probably my favourite ever RT track. Vocal, arrangement, lyrics, composition, performance, solo. Has everything
Donagh Cronin
This and "Saving the Good Stuff for You" are two incredible songs to have on one album.
Linda
He is amazing.
Donagh Cronin
An incredible song, known by only a few. When you consider some of the rubbish that's played on our radios.!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob Bowman
an amazing piece of work
Pertti Markkula
Love this.
Tearloch
Happy belated birthday .. more exquisitely refined with each years passing .. wonderful album .. thanks you for sharing .. Namaste