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.
Night and Day
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like the beat beat beat of the tom-tom
When the jungle shadows fall
Like the tick tick tock of the stately clock
As it stands against the wall
Like the drip drip drip of the raindrops
When the summer shower is through
Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
Its no matter darling where you are
I think of you
Day and night, night and day, why is it so
That this longing for you follows wherever I go
In the roaring traffics boom
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you
Day and night, night and day
Under the hide of me
Theres an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me
And this torment wont be through
Until you let me spend my life making love to you
Day and night, night and day
The song Night and Day was originally written by Cole Porter and has since been covered by a range of artists. The lyrics describe the strong, persistent feeling of longing and desire for someone. The various metaphors used in the song help to emphasize this desire. The beat of the drum is compared to the beating of the heart and stands out as a distinct sound amidst the quiet of the jungle. The ticking of the clock represents the passage of time and how temptation and desire can be all-consuming. Finally, the sound of the raindrops represents a persistent, consistent feeling that cannot be ignored. Throughout the song, the recurring theme of obsession highlights the idea that love can sometimes take over a person's thoughts and actions.
The song's lyrics were inspired by Porter's infatuation with his wife, Linda Lee Thomas. He wrote the song while on a train ride to Hollywood and later described it as "the most intense expression of love that he had ever put into words." Night and Day was originally written for the 1932 musical play The Gay Divorce, which starred Fred Astaire. The song's popularity quickly rose, and it became one of Porter's most iconic works.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the beat beat beat of the tom-tom
When the jungle shadows fall
The sound of my heart beating for you is as loud and unavoidable as the beat of a drum in a jungle at night.
Like the tick tick tock of the stately clock
As it stands against the wall
My love for you is constant and ever-present, like the steady ticking of a clock on the wall.
Like the drip drip drip of the raindrops
When the summer shower is through
My love for you is as persistent and refreshing as the gentle drip of raindrops after a summer storm has passed.
So a voice within me keeps repeating you, you, you
My heart and soul are filled with thoughts of you, and a constant voice within me repeats your name.
Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
Its no matter darling where you are
I think of you
My love for you knows no bounds - day and night, near or far, you are always the one I think of and long for.
Day and night, night and day, why is it so
That this longing for you follows wherever I go
No matter what I do or where I am, the longing for your love follows me like a shadow, day and night.
In the roaring traffics boom
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you
Whether in the noisy chaos of the city or in the silence of my lonely room, my thoughts are always consumed with you.
Day and night, night and day
Under the hide of me
Theres an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me
Beneath the surface of my being, there is a deep, insatiable longing burning within me, day and night.
And this torment wont be through
Until you let me spend my life making love to you
This burning desire within me will never subside until you allow me to spend the rest of my life making passionate love to you, day and night.
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
greenlight studios
Every time I hear this it takes about 3 bars in and I can literally feel the tumblers to my heart spin and click. Then I’m there - right there in the groove with them - tears streaming down my face. And that happened when I first heard it off Pour Down Like Silver and just now - 43 years later. Now THAT is a piece of art.
David Hinkes
^^^EXACTLY!!! :)
C.C. Rider
I love that : ' ...the tumblers to my heart spin and click...'
Marnie Patterson Leonard
Great response....it IS a INDEED a piece of art....
Charlene Williams
What an incredibly beautiful response. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Groucho Marxist
Well said.
Toni
Loved her from the 1st time I heard her. Her soul reaches out in her music.
henry Woolley
Richard just stands back and gives Bonnie the reins , she is amazing, he is probably the most gracious of all artists
pwwatson8888
His ex wife might have a different opinion. He left her and their three Children for a younger woman.
Mailey McAslan
I met him and shook his very talented hand. He is most kind and gracious.I was so nervous I couldn’t say a word. He was so nice.