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.
The Hand Of Kindness
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I struck out my neck and I tightened the knot
O stranger, stranger, I'm near out of time
You stretch out your hand, I stretched out mine
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Maybe just the hand of kindness
Maybe just a hand, stranger
Well I scuppered the ship and I bent the rail
Well, I cut the brakes and I ripped the sail
And they called me a Jonah, it's a sin I survived
Well, you stretched out your hand, I stretched out mine
Maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
O maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
O shoot that old horse and break in the new
O the hung are many and the living are few
I see your intention, here's my neck on the line
You stretch out your hand I stretched out mine
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
O maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
Well, maybe just a hand, stranger
Will you reach me in time in time
The Hand of Kindness by Richard Thompson presents a series of verses where the singer describes himself being in dire situations, with seemingly no way out, right before somebody who might help arrives. In the first verse, he's about to hang himself, having prepared everything himself, when out of nowhere comes a stranger's hand, extending kindness. In the second verse, he's partially responsible for having damaged a ship, and is about to pay the ultimate price, when he's once again saved. The final verse sees him offering himself as a sacrifice, knowing that he's bound to be executed, but still hoping for a last minute intervention. The common thread is the singer's desperation, and, seemingly in contrast, the stranger's benevolence.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for life, and the trials and tribulations one encounters, as well as the unexpected kindness or help that can come when we most need it. It's also possible to see the stranger as a religious figure or an inner voice, providing hope and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wove the rope and I picked the spot
I prepared for my own death and chose where it would happen.
Well I struck out my neck and I tightened the knot
I put the noose around my neck and made sure it was secure.
O stranger, stranger, I'm near out of time
I am running out of time and need help from anyone.
You stretch out your hand, I stretched out mine
I reached out for help and someone else did as well.
Maybe just the hand of kindness
I hope that someone will show me kindness in my time of need.
Well I scuppered the ship and I bent the rail
I caused a shipwreck and damaged the vessel.
Well, I cut the brakes and I ripped the sail
I disabled the brakes and tore the sail of a vehicle.
And they called me a Jonah, it's a sin I survived
People blamed me for the disaster and it feels wrong to be alive.
Maybe just the hand of kindness
I hope that someone will show me kindness despite my mistakes.
O shoot that old horse and break in the new
Get rid of the old and start with the new, no matter who gets hurt.
O the hung are many and the living are few
Many people have died, and there are few left alive.
I see your intention, here's my neck on the line
I understand what you want to do, and I'm willing to risk my life to help you.
O maybe just the hand of kindness
I hope that someone will offer me help and compassion in difficult times.
Well, maybe just the hand of kindness
It's possible that a simple act of kindness could change my life.
Well, maybe just a hand, stranger
Even a small gesture from a stranger could mean everything to me.
Will you reach me in time in time
I wonder if someone will come to my aid before it's too late.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
HeartoftheDragonColo
This man has put out great music for many years. Thanks for the title track from a superb album, if a bit bitter.
Dwain Wilson
"A bit?"
Bernd Jenter
His best solo album . Genius guitar play . Thanks !
Madeleine Hague
Only 2,800 views? This man is brilliant! I never miss his gig when he's in Toronto.
Tony Mockeridge
@EnosEverything Goes to prove quantity is not the same as quality. Richard is one of the best for sure. I often go to gigs though where I see brilliant people and wonder where everyone else is and how could they be missing this? It's the end result of the corporatision of music, sadly.
EnosEverything
I know how you feel Madeleine... Some people simply have no taste... I've been fortunate to see him play live three times here in Brisbane ( once with Loudon Wainwright supporting him ) and I've also been fortunate enough to have a wee chat with him after one gig... A truly remarkable human being.
Carsten Moser
Great Guitar and Great Bassline
Pete Nelson
Thanks!