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.
Sloth
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a roll, just a roll
Just a roll on your drum
Just a roll, just a roll
And the war has begun
Now the right thing's the wrong thing
No more excuses to come
And the war has begun
(Chorus)
She's run away, she's run away
And she ran so bitterly
Now call to your colours, friend
Don't you call to me
(Chorus)
Don't you cry, don't you cry
Don't you cry upon the sea
Don't you cry, don't you cry
For your lady and me
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
The song "Sloth" by Richard Thompson is a commentary on war and its consequences. The lyrics suggest that war can be started with just a single roll on a drum, and once the war begins, there is no turning back. The chorus repeats the line "just a roll on your drum, and the war has begun" to emphasize how quickly and easily war can be started.
The verses of the song describe a woman who has run away, and the singer urges his friend to "call to your colors," meaning to rally behind his cause instead of mourning the loss of the woman who has abandoned him. The lyrics suggest that in times of war, personal problems and emotions become secondary to the larger conflict at hand. The final verse of the song tells the listener not to cry for the singer's lost love, but to focus on the bigger picture of the war that is ongoing.
Overall, "Sloth" is a poignant and thought-provoking song about the destructiveness of war, and how easily it can be started and perpetuated.
Line by Line Meaning
Just a roll, just a roll
The initial warning sign of the imminent war.
Just a roll on your drum
With just a few words, the war is initiated and it becomes impossible to reverse.
Just one step at a time
The situation is out of control and every small decision can have a big impact.
And the war has begun
The consequences of small actions are revealed and it is too late to backpedal.
She's run away, she's run away
One side is retreating and it is a warning sign of the incoming danger.
And she ran so bitterly
The retreat is marked by bitterness and hatred towards the other party.
Now call to your colours, friend
It is time to take sides in the war and prove one's loyalty to their people.
Don't you call to me
But the singer refuses to get involved in the war and chooses peace over violence.
Don't you cry, don't you cry
The singer reminds everyone not to mourn the potential loss of life during the war.
Don't you cry upon the sea
He refuses to let his emotions affect his judgment during the war and chooses to remain composed.
Don't you cry, don't you cry
The warning is given again to emphasize the importance of emotional control.
For your lady and me
He reminds everyone that it is not just about one side winning or losing, but also about preventing loss of life and preserving peace.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: D. SWARBRICK, R. 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.