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.
Hand Of Kindness
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I struck out my neck and I tightened the knot
O stranger, stranger, I'm near out of time
You stretch out your hand, I stretched out mine
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Maybe just the hand of kindness
Maybe just a hand, stranger
Well I scuppered the ship and I bent the rail
Well, I cut the brakes and I ripped the sail
And they called me a Jonah, it's a sin I survived
Well, you stretched out your hand, I stretched out mine
Maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
O maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
O shoot that old horse and break in the new
O the hung are many and the living are few
I see your intention, here's my neck on the line
You stretch out your hand I stretched out mine
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
The lyrics to Richard Thompson's "Hand of Kindness" are full of images and metaphors that evoke a sense of desperation and impending doom. The song begins with the singer weaving a rope and picking a spot, suggesting that he is planning to hang himself. He then asks a stranger for help, reaching out his hand and hoping that the stranger will extend a "hand of kindness" and save him from his certain fate. As the song progresses, the singer describes other situations where he has deliberately caused harm or put himself in danger, only to be saved by a helping hand.
The repeated refrain of "maybe just the hand of kindness" is a plea for mercy and compassion. The singer is acknowledging that he has made mistakes and done wrong, but he still hopes that someone will help him when he needs it the most. The final verse of the song is particularly powerful, with the singer offering up his neck and asking the stranger to "shoot that old horse and break in the new." He knows that the consequences of his actions are severe, but he still believes in the power of kindness to save him.
Overall, "Hand of Kindness" is a haunting and thought-provoking song that explores themes of mortality, guilt, and redemption. It highlights the human need for connection and empathy, even in the darkest moments of our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wove the rope and I picked the spot
I took full responsibility and control over my fate.
Well I struck out my neck and I tightened the knot
I am determined to face the consequences regardless of the pain and difficulty.
O stranger, stranger, I'm near out of time
I am in desperate need of someone's help.
You stretch out your hand, I stretched out mine
I am willing to accept help from anyone who is willing to give it.
Maybe just the hand of kindness
I only need a small act of kindness.
Maybe just a hand, stranger
A stranger's help can be enough in my situation.
Well I scuppered the ship and I bent the rail
I am capable of causing chaos in my life.
Well, I cut the brakes and I ripped the sail
I have made reckless decisions in my past.
And they called me a Jonah, it's a sin I survived
People see me as a troublemaker because I have been able to survive after making mistakes.
O shoot that old horse and break in the new
I am willing to make sacrifices to start anew.
O the hung are many and the living are few
Death is inevitable and I acknowledge the possibility of not making it through this situation.
I see your intention, here's my neck on the line
I am trusting someone else's motives and putting myself in a vulnerable position.
Will you reach me in time in time
Time is running out and I need someone's help urgently.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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.