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’ll Keep It With Mine
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But how long can you search for what's not lost?
Everybody will help you
Some people are very kind
But if I can save you any time
Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine
I can't help it, if you might think I'm odd
If I say I'm loving you, not for what you are, but for what you're not
Everybody will help you
Discover what you set out to find
But if I can save you any time
Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine
The train leaves at half past ten
But I'll be back tomorrow at the same time again
The conductor, he's weary
He's still stuck on the line
But if I can save you any time
Come on, give it to me
I'll keep it with mine
In Richard Thompson's song I'll Keep It With Mine, he expresses his willingness to help someone out in any way he can. He acknowledges that while others may also be willing to assist, he is ready to offer his support without taking away any of the person's time. He reassures them that he will keep their secret safe, even if they might think he, himself, is strange. He then goes on to use a train metaphor, suggesting that he might have to go away for a little while but promises to come back at the same time to continue his support.
At the heart of this song is the idea of offering unconditional love and support. Thompson seems to want to help someone without expecting anything in return. His declaration that he loves them not for what they are but for what they're not indicates that he sees beyond their flaws and mistakes and values them as a person regardless. He also understands that everyone has their own struggles, and he wants to help ease the burden for another person if he can. The train metaphor captures the idea that even though he cannot be present all the time, he'll always come back to offer support.
In summary, I'll Keep It With Mine is a song about offering support and love to someone in need. Richard Thompson emphasizes his willingness to help, his secrecy, and his readiness to be there when needed, even from a distance.
Line by Line Meaning
You may search at any cost
Despite the effort and cost, you may still search for what you have already lost.
But how long can you search for what's not lost?
Why continue searching for something that was never lost or missed in the first place?
Everybody will help you
People are generally helpful and will offer assistance when needed.
Some people are very kind
There are particularly kind people who will go above and beyond to offer help.
But if I can save you any time
If I am able to save you any time or effort, then let me do so.
Come on, give it to me
Please let me have the responsibility of taking care of it for you.
I'll keep it with mine
I will safeguard and protect whatever it is you entrust to me.
I can't help it, if you might think I'm odd
I cannot change how others may perceive me, even if they think I am unusual.
If I say I'm loving you, not for what you are, but for what you're not
My love for you is not based on your qualities, but rather what you lack.
Discover what you set out to find
In search of something, you may find it and achieve what you intended to do.
The train leaves at half past ten
A train leaves at a specific time.
But I'll be back tomorrow at the same time again
Despite the train's schedule, I will return at the same time as before.
The conductor, he's weary
The train conductor is tired.
He's still stuck on the line
The train conductor is still metaphorically stuck on his job and obligations.
Contributed by Josiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.