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.
Old Rocking Chair
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Roller coaster roll nowhere
Deaf and dumb old dancing bear
I'll change this heart of mine
This time, this time
Sea cruise in a diving bell
Run a mile in a wishing well
I'll change this heart of mine
This time, this time
Here comes the real thing
I've been waiting, for so long
For so long
I've been looking for a love like you.
Crossed-line on the telephone
Crossed eyes and a canny moan
Cross fingers and head for home
I'll change this heart of mine
This time, this time
Play sick in a feather bed
Act cool when you're stony dead
I'm a fool with a size one head
I'll change this heart of mine
This time, this time
Here comes the real thing
I've been waiting, for so long
For so long
I've been looking for a love like you
Jet plane in a rocking chair
Roller coaster roll nowhere
Deaf and dumb old dancing bear
I'll change this heart of mine
This time, this time
This time, this time
This time, this time
The lyrics of Richard and Linda Thompson's "Jet Plane in a Rocking Chair" are filled with surreal imagery that paint a picture of someone who feels stuck and limited in their current situation but is determined to change their heart and find something better. The first stanza speaks of a jet plane in a rocking chair, a metaphor for someone who is going nowhere fast. The roller coaster imagery suggests a person who is stuck in a cycle of highs and lows that never seems to change. The deaf and dumb old dancing bear may represent the singer themselves, feeling as though they are performing for others and not truly able to express themselves.
The second stanza continues with surrealistic imagery, with the sea cruise in a diving bell suggesting a person who is trapped underwater with no way out. The line "soft soap and nothing to sell" speaks to a lack of authenticity in the singer's relationships and intentions. The singer then declares their intention to change their heart and their circumstances, using the repetition of "this time" to emphasize their determination.
The final stanza of the song uses "crossed" imagery, including crossed lines on the telephone and crossed fingers, to convey a feeling of entrapment and desperation. The singer then moves to the surreal once more, with the line "play sick in a feather bed" suggesting a person who is comfortable in their misery. However, the singer refuses to stay in this state, declaring once again that they will change their heart "this time, this time."
Overall, the lyrics of "Jet Plane in a Rocking Chair" suggest a person who feels trapped and unable to express themselves but is determined to break out of their cycle and find something real and meaningful. The surreal imagery adds to the sense of disillusionment and disconnection, but the repeated refrain of "this time" suggests that the singer is not giving up, no matter how many times they may have tried before.
Line by Line Meaning
Jet plane in a rocking chair
Feeling stuck between being grounded and propelled, like being in a rocking chair on a jet plane.
Roller coaster roll nowhere
Feeling like life is going up and down without any destination or purpose, like a roller coaster that leads nowhere.
Deaf and dumb old dancing bear
Feeling powerless and voiceless, like an old dancing bear that can no longer hear or speak.
I'll change this heart of mine
Expressing a desire to change the way one feels and thinks.
This time, this time
Emphasizing the urgency and importance of making a change in oneself.
Sea cruise in a diving bell
Feeling suffocated and confined while surrounded by beautiful and vast scenery, like cruising the sea in a diving bell.
Run a mile in a wishing well
Wishing for something impossible, like running a mile inside a wishing well.
Soft soap and nothing to sell
Being insincere and fake, with nothing of value to offer.
Here comes the real thing
Anticipating the arrival of something genuine and true.
I've been waiting, for so long
Expressing a long-standing desire for something.
I've been looking for a love like you.
Searching for a romantic partner who is genuine and true.
Crossed-line on the telephone
Experiencing a communication breakdown or misunderstanding, like being on a crossed-line while on the telephone.
Crossed eyes and a canny moan
Feeling confused and frustrated, like having crossed eyes and letting out a groan.
Cross fingers and head for home
Hoping for the best and returning to a place of comfort and safety.
Play sick in a feather bed
Feigning illness or weakness to get attention or evade responsibility, like pretending to be sick while lounging in a comfortable bed.
Act cool when you're stony dead
Putting on a tough facade even when feeling completely empty or dead inside.
I'm a fool with a size one head
Feeling foolish and small-minded.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN 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.