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.
I
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way you care for me, it's so kind.
Love to see you again, I wish I had more time".
She was laughing as she brushed my cheek
"Why don't you call me, angel, maybe next week
Promise now, cross your heart and hope to die".
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying good bye
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying good bye
Things I tried to put shine in her eyes
Wire wheels and shimmering things
Wild nights when the whole world seemed to fly
She said "The thing that's so unique
When we're together we don't have to speak.
We'll always be such good friends, you and I"
Oh but I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying good bye
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood,
But I misunderstood
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying good
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying good
I thought she was saying good luck,
She was saying goodbye
Oh, she was saying goodbye,
Oh, she was saying goodbye
Oh, she was saying, saying, saying, saying
The song "I Misunderstood" by Richard & Danny Thompson touches on the theme of miscommunication in a relationship. The singer reminisces on a past romantic encounter with a woman who he believed had shown interest in him. She had expressed admiration for his mind and the way he cared for her. She even urged him to call her and promised to find time for him in the future. However, the singer had misunderstood her signals and thought that she was wishing him good luck instead of saying goodbye. He had tried to impress her with material and extravagant things but failed to understand that all she was looking for was a genuine connection and friendship.
This song speaks to the idea that sometimes people can misinterpret signals in a relationship, leading to confusion, hurt, and heartbreak. It is a reminder to always communicate clearly and not make assumptions about others. The use of repetition in the lyrics emphasizes the singer's frustration and disappointment while also underscoring the importance of recognizing the miscommunication.
Line by Line Meaning
She said "Darling I'm in love with your mind.
She expressed to me that she loves my intellect and inner self.
The way you care for me, it's so kind.
She appreciated the way I treat her with kindness and empathy.
Love to see you again, I wish I had more time".
She expressed her desire to spend more time with me and see me again soon.
She was laughing as she brushed my cheek
She was in a jovial mood as she caressed my face.
"Why don't you call me, angel, maybe next week
She casually suggested that I call her next week, calling me an endearing term.
Promise now, cross your heart and hope to die".
She asked me to make a promise of calling her and swearing upon it by making the cross sign on my heart as an expression of sincerity.
But I misunderstood,
I misconstrued her message.
But I misunderstood,
I got the wrong idea.
But I misunderstood
I failed to comprehend her true intent.
I thought she was saying good luck,
I mistook her farewell message for a good luck wish.
She was saying good bye
Her message was actually a farewell.
Things I tried to put shine in her eyes
I attempted to dazzle her with various things.
Wire wheels and shimmering things
I may have given her gifts like jewelry and other sparkling items.
Wild nights when the whole world seemed to fly
We may have had exciting, exhilarating evenings together.
She said "The thing that's so unique
She remarked upon something special or distinctive about our dynamic.
When we're together we don't have to speak.
She noted the comfortable silence that can exist between us.
We'll always be such good friends, you and I"
She expressed her desire for us to maintain a strong, lasting friendship.
Oh but I misunderstood,
Again, I failed to comprehend her message.
But I misunderstood,
I got the wrong idea yet again.
But I misunderstood
I still didn't get her true intent.
I thought she was saying good luck,
I misunderstood her farewell once more, thinking it was a good luck wish.
She was saying good bye
But once again, she was really just saying goodbye.
Oh, she was saying goodbye,
I finally understand her message.
Oh, she was saying goodbye
I comprehend her farewell now.
Oh, she was saying, saying, saying, saying
I keep repeating this to myself to really let it sink in.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juliebiddle1636
I've always loved this song but I felt it needed another verse, so in the spirit of the "folk process" I've written one.
Come down young James, said Red Molly, it's your 17th year
There's breakfast on the table and a story to hear
I'll tell you of your father's last night in this world
Before I was your Mother, just a red headed girl
He wasn't any saint and he died just as he lived
He had one precious treasure in his life to give,
And she took young James outside
And gave him his father's Vincent to ride!
@dgnorwich1205
As a person who has played guitar for almost 60 years (I'm 70 now), RT's performance is truly humbling. As a rider of motorcycles for almost 50 years, I can't listen to the lyrics without a tear coming to my eye. This is simply one of the finest ballads performed by one of the finest guitar players of all time. Thank you, Richard.
@leadme2thebliss21
It's beyond me why RT is not in the Rock & Roll HOF yet but someone like Eminem is? That is totally absurd and makes zero logical sense.
@edmerkel2407
Brother you said it all, I'm 73, have three guitars, and I don't have these notes on any of them!
@leemac1659
I'm 75, been playing over 50 years. If I could play 1/10 as good as this, I'd die a happy man.
@curse4316
Only temporary are the follies of man😊
@speeddemon9555
in my humble opinion, this is one of the best songs ever written.
@ericbloss7032
My opinion too
@MrRonk55
"In my opinion, there's nothing in this world like a '52 Vincent and a red-headed girl".
@speeddemon9555
@@MrRonk55 i have two red headed sisters, with tempers, so i agree to disagree.
@Noitisnt-ns7mo
@@speeddemon9555 Better than one two headed sister. Although that probably would have been quite popular with the lefty's of our equal rights cancel cultures.