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 Misunderstood
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
"I Misunderstood" by Richard Thompson is a song about misinterpreting a conversation between two people, which leads to miscommunication and ultimately the end of a relationship. The first verse suggests that the woman is expressing how much she appreciates the man's intellect and kindness, and how she wants to see him again. The second verse implies that the man is attempting to impress the woman with gifts and experiences, but she values their connection and friendship over material things. The chorus then repeats the misunderstanding, that the man believes she is saying "good luck" when she is actually saying "goodbye." The final line emphasizes this miscommunication, with the repetition of the word "saying."
The song is a poignant and relatable depiction of how easily miscommunication can occur in relationships. The line "when we're together we don't have to speak" speaks to the deep connection and understanding that can exist between two people, but also implies that communication is key in any relationship. By misinterpreting the woman's intentions, the man ultimately ruins their chance at a deeper or lasting connection.
Line by Line Meaning
She said "Darling I'm in love with your mind.
She expressed her admiration for my intelligence and kindness.
The way you care for me, it's so kind.
She appreciated how attentive and thoughtful I am towards her.
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 cheerful mood and touched my cheek in a playful manner.
"Why don't you call me, angel, maybe next week
She suggested that I call her soon, using an affectionate term.
Promise now, cross your heart and hope to die".
She asked me to make a promise and swore an oath herself as a sign of sincerity.
I thought she was saying good luck,
I misunderstood her intentions and believed she was wishing me luck.
She was saying good bye
In reality, she was saying goodbye and ending our relationship.
Things I tried to put shine in her eyes
I attempted to impress her with luxurious and flashy things.
Wire wheels and shimmering things
I tried to appeal to her with material possessions and extravagant items.
Wild nights when the whole world seemed to fly
I took her out for exciting and thrilling experiences.
"The thing that's so unique
She described what makes our relationship special and distinctive.
When we're together we don't have to speak.
She valued the comfort and ease of our companionship, even in silence.
We'll always be such good friends, you and I"
She wanted to maintain a friendly relationship with me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard John Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sammydawes
seeing how this song is played live is totally insane
GeorgeC AV
Strangely as an acoustic player this is one of the few of his songs I do understand …. Relatively Simple but so appropriate
Robert Amato
Just came from his live performance. This man is an absolute treasure. Don’t miss seeing him live if you have the chance.
RM 2020
Saw Richard twice. He was truly a one man band. Absolutely fabulous shows.
Brian Drexler
I saw him perform this song live in concert. The whole show was phenomenal. It was just Richard with his guitar. A concert I'll remember for the rest of my life. If your able to see him you should. You won't be disappointed.
itsROMPERS
Me too. He was right mesmerizing live. I never saw anyone with such absolute control of an audience since Bob Marley, but those people were all stoned.
Carbon Crank
I've been lucky enough to see him once as a solo and once with his band here in Columbus Ohio. Both were phenomenal. With his band, he did a solo in Vincent Black Lightning that blew the roof off the place. Applause after an instrumental solo is much more common in jazz than popular music but this one got Applause and cheering and people on their feet. He is a great songwriter. I should check and see if he's on the road
Sunlinebeeches Nomaddahtous
I just got turned on to his music and I’m sorry I had never heard of him until now. He’s awesome
Will Go
... one of his best. Feel the power of a really good song - not much more to be said.
Matt Herrett
Got to sit in a radio show with him many moons ago. Absolute hero. Saw him onstage that night and it was transcendent - like watching Hendrix.
Triple threat musician - voice, guitar and incredible songwriting. Some people have all the talent.