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.
Time to Ring Some Changes
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The walls are gone but the roof is sound
The landlord's deaf, he can never be found
It's time to ring some changes
they'll arrest you son if you just stand still
They'll ask you to pose with your hand in the till
They'll ask you to die when you've written your will
It's time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
O the politicians they look so smug
You say tell the truth and they give you a shrug
You might find the truth swept under the rug
It's time to ring some changes
You pay for your money for your daily bread
But the bread's gone up so you need more money
The money's gone down, better borrow instead
It's time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
O you fall in love with the girl you've seen
Diamond studded on a TV screen
But the change in your pocket won't buy you a dream
It's time to ring some changes
So you steal a car and you go for a ride
You end up sleeping with some girl guide
And everything you do leaves you empty inside
It's time to ring some change
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
The lyrics to Time to Ring Some Changes by Richard Thompson, a folk-rock singer-songwriter, convey a sense of disillusionment with societal systems, particularly those related to politics, finance, and love. The first verse sets the scene of a crumbling, neglected house, but the singer notes that the roof is still intact, suggesting that there is something salvageable amidst the decline. The landlord is nowhere to be found, highlighting a sense of neglect and abandonment that pervades the song. The refrain urges the need for change, signaling a desire for a renewed sense of agency and action amidst the decay.
The subsequent verses focus on the problems that the singer sees with various aspects of society. The second verse references corruption, with the threat of arrest suggesting a lack of transparency and accountability. The third verse addresses financial struggles, with rising costs and stagnant income. The fourth verse critiques consumerism and the fantasies sold by media, with the line "the change in your pocket won't buy you a dream" conveying a bleak reality. The final verse touches on the consequences of rebellion, as the singer describes stealing a car and having empty, unfulfilling experiences.
Overall, the song can be seen as a call to action, urging listeners to awaken from apathy and recognize the flaws in the status quo. By ringing some changes, the singer suggests that there is hope for improvement, even amidst the decay and disillusionment.
Line by Line Meaning
This old house is a-tumbling down
This place is falling apart.
The walls are gone but the roof is sound
The external structure is compromised, but the foundation is still strong.
The landlord's deaf, he can never be found
The one in control is oblivious and unresponsive to the state of things.
It's time to ring some changes
It's time to make some substantial adjustments.
they'll arrest you son if you just stand still
If you don't take action, you're doomed to face the negative consequences.
They'll ask you to pose with your hand in the till
Sometimes, others will try to drag you down with their unethical behavior.
They'll ask you to die when you've written your will
Others may encourage giving up on things you've worked hard for.
It's time to ring some changes
It's time to take control and steer things in a new direction.
O the politicians they look so smug
Politicians often seem to take pride in appearing invincible.
You say tell the truth and they give you a shrug
It can be frustrating to watch those in positions of power dismiss honesty.
You might find the truth swept under the rug
Sometimes, the truth is deliberately concealed or ignored.
It's time to ring some changes
It's time to make a move towards positive transformation.
You pay for your money for your daily bread
You work hard to pay for necessities.
But the bread's gone up so you need more money
The cost of living has increased, putting a strain on finances.
The money's gone down, better borrow instead
Sometimes, people mistakenly turn to borrowing in a financial crisis.
It's time to ring some changes
It's time to reconsider financial habits and make positive changes.
O you fall in love with the girl you've seen
It's easy to fall in love with things that are unattainable or unrealistic.
Diamond studded on a TV screen
The media often influences our ideas of what is valuable or desirable.
But the change in your pocket won't buy you a dream
It's important to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.
It's time to ring some changes
It's time to reevaluate priorities and make meaningful changes.
So you steal a car and you go for a ride
Reckless behavior and criminal activity can be dangerous and destructive.
You end up sleeping with some girl guide
Negative actions can lead to negative consequences in unexpected ways.
And everything you do leaves you empty inside
Harmful behavior can cause emotional pain and dissatisfaction.
It's time to ring some change
It's time to take responsibility for actions and make positive changes.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
fivethumbsfrank
It amazes me how He can flat pick and fingerpick at the same time so perfectly.
oliver kenny
The tone is unbelievable, what he's playing is not unbelievably complex (for the left hand) but the right hand wizardy is of the charts
jayrayinnv
This song can be found on the album Small Town Romance, a recording from a solo acoustic show.
Henk Westerik
Love this song! great performance !
beerbrothers03
Great tune!!!!
Theresa Coss
I adore this man! his music,, Wow... what can I say. Blows me away
goonerjimmy30
One of my favourites. wonderfull
FredericN
great song and artist. Shame about the low quality
Mzung Nguyen
The Albion Band do a great version of this song on seminal album "Rise Up Like The Sun"
IvyCottageIndustries
He tells it like it is.