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.
To Hang A Dream On
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could be the one you're looking for
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
I might be the one, I just might be
You might be waiting for the likes of me
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
Even if you try, don't forget it mister
She'll get under you skin
And you won't care why
Santa Claus or Captain Cook
Everyone looking for the same old hook
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
This is my life, my whole career
Selling my soul for a good idea
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
This old town's been down so long
Looks to me like it needs someone
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
Romance is a peach, you can't resist her
Even if you try, don't forget it mister
She'll get under you skin
And you won't care why
Someone knocking at your front door
Could be the one you're looking for
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
In Richard Thompson's "To Hang A Dream On," he speaks about how people are all looking for something to hold onto, something to give their life meaning - a dream. The song begins with Thompson comparing himself to the possibility of being the one someone is looking for, someone to hang a dream on. He acknowledges that romance is irresistible and that it doesn't matter who you are, everyone is looking for the same thing. Thompson then speaks on how he is selling his soul for a good idea, for something to hold onto, and how the town has been down for so long, it needs a dream to believe in.
Overall, "To Hang A Dream On" is a song that speaks to the human condition. It highlights the fact that everyone, no matter who they are, is looking for something to believe in, something to hold onto - a dream. The song captures the feeling of hope, optimism, and the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone knocking at your front door
A possible opportunity is presenting itself
Could be the one you're looking for
This opportunity could be the key to success
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
This opportunity has the potential to fulfill a lifelong goal
I might be the one, I just might be
I could be the solution to your problems
You might be waiting for the likes of me
You could be hoping for someone like me to come into your life
Romance is a peach, you can't resist her
Love is irresistible
Even if you try, don't forget it mister
Even if you resist love, you can't ignore it
She'll get under your skin
Love has the ability to penetrate deep into a person's emotions
And you won't care why
The reason for falling in love is not always clear
Santa Claus or Captain Cook
Everyone has a dream, no matter how big or small
Everyone looking for the same old hook
Everyone is searching for an opportunity to make their dreams come true
This is my life, my whole career
My whole existence revolves around finding opportunities to chase my dreams
Selling my soul for a good idea
I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my dreams
This old town's been down so long
The town has been struggling for a while
Looks to me like it needs someone
The town needs someone to uplift it
To hang a dream on, to hang a dream on
The town needs a new opportunity to bring it to life
Contributed by Caroline R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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.