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.
God Loves A Drunk
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will the pubs never close? Will the glass never drain?
No more DTs and no shakes and no horrors
The very next morning, you feel right as rain
'Cause God loves a drunk, lowest of men
Like the dogs in the street and the pigs in the pen
But a drunk's only trying to get free of his body
His shouts and his curses they are just hymns and praises
To kick-start his mind now and then
O God loves a drunk, come raise up your glasses, amen
Does God really care for your life in the suburbs?
Your dull little life full of dull little things
And bring up the babies to be just like daddy
And maybe I'll be there when he gives out the wings
But God loves a drunk, although he's a fool
Oh he wets in his pants and he falls off his stool
And he can't hear the insults, and whispers go by him
As he leans in the doorway and he sings sally racket
He can't feel the cold rain beat down on his body
And soak through his clothes to the skin
O God loves a drunk, come raise up your glasses, amen
Will there be any pen-pushers up there in heaven?
Does crawling and wage-slaving win you God's love?
I pity you worms with your semis and pensions
If you think that'll get you to the kingdom above
Oh God loves a drunk, although he's a clown
Oh you can't help but laugh as he gags and falls down
But he don't give a curse for what people think of him
He screams at his demons alone in the darkness
He's staying alive for just one more pint bottle
Won't you throw him a few pennies, friend?
Ah God loves a drunk, for ever and ever, amen
The song "God Loves A Drunk" by Richard Thompson delves into the idea of alcoholism and how it is perceived by society and religion. The lyrics express the hope of a possible afterlife where the drinking problem is no longer an issue, where one can drink to their heart's content without any negative repercussions. The song asks if there will be bartenders serving drinks in heaven and if the pubs will never close, creating a picturesque paradise for those who struggle with alcoholism. The singer goes on to describe how society views alcoholics as the lowest of men, comparing them to pigs and dogs. But the drunk is only trying to escape their physical being to feel free like an eagle, soaring high up in heaven. In fact, their shouts and curses are merely meant to jumpstart their minds, and the alcohol serves as a way to escape the harsh realities of the world.
The chorus "God loves a drunk, come raise up your glasses, amen" is a reiteration that the song's message is not to condone alcoholism, but rather to romanticize the idea of an end where it is not viciously punished. The lyrics ask God's forgiveness and mercy for the inevitable hangovers, the slips, and falls. Despite the common perception of alcoholics as a burden to society, the song humanizes them, portraying them as people with weaknesses and vulnerabilities, in a world where we are constantly shielding ourselves from our flaws. The song's final verse takes a dig at the societal norms, where one is expected to lead a life of job security, raise kids and retire, and states that God loves us all the same regardless of our success, providing a sense of comfort for those not conforming to these ideas.
Line by Line Meaning
Will there be any bartenders up there in heaven?
Are there bars in heaven?
Will the pubs never close? Will the glass never drain?
Will the parties in heaven never end?
No more DTs and no shakes and no horrors
There will be no withdrawal or hangover symptoms in heaven.
The very next morning, you feel right as rain
After drinking, one feels better.
'Cause God loves a drunk, lowest of men
God loves those who are looked down upon by society.
Like the dogs in the street and the pigs in the pen
The drunk is often compared to animals due to societal stigma.
But a drunk's only trying to get free of his body
The drunk is trying to escape his physical reality.
And soar like an eagle high up there in heaven
The drunk wishes to rise above his earthly existence.
His shouts and his curses they are just hymns and praises
The drunk's behavior is a form of worship.
To kick-start his mind now and then
The alcohol is used to stimulate his mind.
O God loves a drunk, come raise up your glasses, amen
God accepts the drunk and his actions.
Does God really care for your life in the suburbs?
Is suburban life valued by God?
Your dull little life full of dull little things
Suburban life is seen as uninteresting.
And bring up the babies to be just like daddy
Passing down mediocre lifestyles from one generation to the next.
And maybe I'll be there when he gives out the wings
Questioning whether or not he'll actually find himself in heaven.
But God loves a drunk, although he's a fool
Despite being looked down upon, God still loves the drunkard.
Oh he wets in his pants and he falls off his stool
The drunkard's physical state is often humiliating.
And he can't hear the insults, and whispers go by him
The drunkard is oblivious to ridicule.
As he leans in the doorway and he sings sally racket
The drunkard is often seen singing in public inebriated.
He can't feel the cold rain beat down on his body
The drunkard is numb to physical sensations.
And soak through his clothes to the skin
He is oblivious to the discomfort that comes with being wet.
Will there be any pen-pushers up there in heaven?
Are clerks valued in heaven?
Does crawling and wage-slaving win you God's love?
Is working a 9-5 considered favorable in the eyes of God?
I pity you worms with your semis and pensions
Feeling sorry for those living a conventional life.
If you think that'll get you to the kingdom above
Questioning whether or not a conventional life will lead to salvation.
Oh God loves a drunk, although he's a clown
Despite the drunkard being seen as foolish or ridiculous, God still loves him.
Oh you can't help but laugh as he gags and falls down
The drunkard's physical state is often comical.
But he don't give a curse for what people think of him
The drunkard is not concerned with the opinions or judgement of others.
He screams at his demons alone in the darkness
The drunkard uses drinking to cope and escape with personal difficulties.
He's staying alive for just one more pint bottle
His survival is a top priority.
Won't you throw him a few pennies, friend?
Asking for financial aid for the drunkard.
Ah God loves a drunk, for ever and ever, amen
God's love for the drunkard is eternal.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stevie Yorkie
Britain's greatest songwriter at his very best.
Alistair Ewen
I was very close to someone who suffered from this horror, the song explains it exactly.
babyweems
I've had the honour to see him perform twice in my life. An epic talent . I was in owe both times. He deserves more recognition in the music industry. One of the true greats. ❤️
Don Simms
Lost my best friend to alcohol. I still haven't gotten over it. I tried, but couldn't save him. This one's for you, Stan. I miss you
Philip Price
Richard Thompson is the Shakespear of our day.
Richard Eggleston
amen indeed
randy meeder
Love the "Citizen Smith" beret!
Romy Animal Advocate
He sells, or used to sell them. I know cuz I bought one!
Pierre Moors
2 Meter Sessies ... Top ... 👍👍👍 Pier 🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪 Richard ook!
Menno Bults
Pierre Moors, volkomen gelijk. Dit is muziek op zijn puurst.