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.
Man In Need
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Left my dependents a-lying still
Just as the dawn was rising up
I was making good speed
I left a letter lying on the bed
From a man in need, it read
You know it's so hard,
Well, well, well.
Who's going to cure the heart of a man in need?
All of my friends don't comprehend me
Their kind of style it just offends me
I want to take 'em, I want to shake 'em
'Till they pay me some heed
Oh, you've got to ride in one direction
Until you find the right connection
You know it's so hard,
So, so, so, so
Well, well.
Who's going to cure the heart of a man in need?
Who's going to give you real happiness?
Who's going to give you contentedness?
Who's going to lead you? Who's going to feed you?
And cut you free?
Well I've sailed every ship in the sea
But I traveled this world in misery
You know it's so hard,
So hard, so hard
Well, well.
Who's going to cure the heart of a man in need?
Well who's going to shoe your feet?
Ah who's going to pay your rent?
And who's going to stand by you?
Well, well, well, well
Who's going to cure the heart of a man in need?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Of a man in need
In Richard Thompson's song "Man in Need," the singer of the song is leaving everything behind to seek out something he cannot find in his current life. He is discontented with his friends, his circumstances, and his own heart. The opening lines describe his departure, leaving behind his dependents, and a letter to them from a "man in need" that he writes to himself. This could indicate that the singer is aware that he himself is the man in need, and that he is searching for a way to cure his own heart.
As the song continues, the singer questions who will be able to give him what he needs. He is searching for someone who can cure his heart and provide real happiness and contentedness. He has "sailed every ship in the sea" looking for this person or cure, but has not found it. The chorus repeats the questions of who will cure a man in need, emphasizing the singer's desperation and longing.
Throughout the song, there is a theme of loneliness and isolation, as the singer feels misunderstood and disconnected from those around him. He knows that he needs help, but does not know where to turn. The song ends with a series of questions about who will be there to support him and care for him, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved longing.
Line by Line Meaning
I packed my rags, went down the hill
I left hastily and abruptly without a clear destination
Left my dependents a-lying still
I left behind those who rely on me without a proper goodbye or explanation
Just as the dawn was rising up
I departed in the early morning hours, before most people were awake
I was making good speed
I was moving quickly and efficiently
I left a letter lying on the bed
I left a note explaining my actions and emotions
From a man in need, it read
The note was written by someone who was desperately in need of help or understanding
You know it's so hard,
Life is extremely difficult
It's so hard to find
It's challenging to discover
Well, well, well.
An expression of frustration or disappointment
Who's going to cure the heart of a man in need?
Who can heal the emotional pain and suffering of someone who is in dire straits?
All of my friends don't comprehend me
My friends do not understand my situation, feelings, or perspectives
Their kind of style it just offends me
I dislike the way they behave or think, as it clashes with my values or preferences
I want to take 'em, I want to shake 'em
I want to confront them and make them understand how I feel
'Till they pay me some heed
Until they listen to me and take my concerns seriously
Oh, you've got to ride in one direction
You have to keep moving forward towards your goals and desires
Until you find the right connection
Until you discover a person or group who understands and supports you
So, so, so, so
An expression of pain or agony
Who's going to give you real happiness?
Who can offer genuine joy and fulfillment in life?
Who's going to give you contentedness?
Who can give you inner peace and satisfaction?
Who's going to lead you? Who's going to feed you?
Who can guide and provide for you?
And cut you free?
And free you from your troubles and worries?
Well I've sailed every ship in the sea
I have tried many things and explored many places
But I traveled this world in misery
But I have experienced much pain and suffering throughout my travels
So hard, so hard
Extremely difficult
Who's going to shoe your feet?
Who will provide for your basic needs?
Ah who's going to pay your rent?
Who will cover your housing costs?
And who's going to stand by you?
Who will support you during tough times?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
An expression of despair or sadness
Of a man in need
Of someone who is struggling and requires help
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD 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.