Guitar Heroes
Richard Thompson Lyrics

I can't go out with my friends on a Saturday night
I prioritize practicing guitar over socializing with friends on a Saturday night.

My guitar's like a woman and you know I've got to treat her right
I treat my guitar with care and respect because it is important to me like a romantic partner.

I've got to practice all night and day
I am devoted to practicing guitar consistently, both day and night.

I've got to play the way my heroes play
I aspire to play guitar like my musical inspirations.

I've got to learn how the do it the Django way
I want to learn how to play guitar in Django Reinhardt's unique style.

O my teacher says they're going to kick me out of school
My teacher threatens to expel me from school because of my preoccupation with playing guitar.

'Cause I'm nothing but a bebop, twang-headed rock and roll fool
My teacher views me as foolish for being fixated on bebop, twangy rock and roll music.

If I don't do my homework I've got to go
If I don't complete my assigned homework, I face disciplinary action.

But they can't teach me what I've got to know
My school cannot provide me with the knowledge and skills I desire for playing guitar.

How do I make my guitar sound like Les Paul?
I am curious about the techniques required to emulate Les Paul's distinct guitar sound.

I'll do the washing up later, let me practice if I choose
I choose to prioritize guitar practice over household chores like washing dishes.

But how does Chuck Berry make it bounce right out of the grooves?
I am fascinated by Chuck Berry's ability to create energetic and lively guitar tracks.

My girlfriend says she's going to dump me any day soon
My girlfriend threatens to leave me due to my obsessive focus on playing guitar.

If I don't stop strumming my guitar and get out of my room
My girlfriend wants me to stop playing guitar and leave my room to spend time with her.

If I don't get a life she's going to look elsewhere
My girlfriend feels neglected and will seek a relationship with someone who does not prioritize playing guitar so highly.

She says, there's some normal boys out there
My girlfriend considers other men who do not play guitar obsessively to be more 'normal' than me.

I said, I'll catch you up when I've cracked this James Burton tune
I tell my girlfriend that I will resume our relationship when I have mastered playing a song by James Burton.

My Mum and Dad say they're going to put me out in the street
My parents threaten to kick me out of the house and onto the street.

I'm excommunicated till I get a job and get on my feet
My parents believe I must get a job and become self-sufficient before they will accept me back into the household.

They say I'm not making a contribution
My parents believe that my focus on playing guitar does not contribute to society or their family.

But I'm still searching for a musical solution
Despite my parents' criticism, I continue to pursue my passion for playing guitar and search for ways to improve my skills.

I've got to know how the Shadows get that beat
I seek to learn how The Shadows achieve their distinct musical rhythms and beats on guitar.

Well I played and I played till my fingers bled
I have dedicated countless hours to practicing guitar, even causing physical discomfort by playing until my fingers bleed.

I shut out all the voices but the voice in my head
When I play guitar, I am fully absorbed in the experience and do not listen to external voices or distractions.

Now I stand on stage and I do my stuff
I have reached a level of proficiency where I am comfortable performing guitar on stage for an audience.

And maybe it's good, but it's never good enough
Even though my guitar playing may receive praise from others, I always strive to become even better and never feel satisfied.

To tell you the truth, I always hid it
Despite my passion for guitar, I have not always been open about it and may have kept it hidden from others.

I still don't know how my heroes did it
Although I have learned much from my guitar heroes, I still feel as though I have not yet fully understood or learned their techniques.

I still don't know how my heroes did it
Although I have learned much from my guitar heroes, I still feel as though I have not yet fully understood or learned their techniques.

Guitar Heroes
The title of the song, referencing the singer's admiration and attempted emulation of famous guitarists.