Richard Thompson OBE (born 3 April 1949, Notting Hill, London) is a British… Read Full Bio ↴Richard Thompson OBE (born 3 April 1949, Notting Hill, London) is a British singer/songwriter and guitarist. Highly regarded for his guitar techniques, Thompson was awarded the Orville H. Gibson award for best acoustic guitar player in 1991. Similarly, his songwriting has earned him an Ivor Novello Award and, in 2006, a lifetime achievement award from BBC Radio. Thompson made his debut as a recording artist as a member of Fairport Convention in September 1967. He left the group in 1971 and began recording with his wife as Richard & Linda Thompson, before their marriage dissolved in 1983. Since then, Thompson has maintained a critically-acclaimed solo career.

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.

When I Am Laid in Earth
Richard Thompson Lyrics

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When I am laid, am laid in earth, may my wrongs create
No trouble, no trouble in, in thy breast.
When I am laid, am laid in earth, may my wrongs create
No trouble, no trouble in, in thy breast.
Remember me, remember me, but ah!
Forget my fate.
Remember me, but ah!
Forget my fate.

Remember me, remember me, but ah!
Forget my fate.

Remember me, but ah!
Forget my fate

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Richard Thompson's song When I Am Laid in Earth are a poignant reflection on death and the desire for forgiveness. The repeated refrain of "when I am laid, am laid in earth" creates a sense of finality and acceptance of one's fate. The singer asks that their wrongdoings not cause any trouble or strife for those left behind. They want to be remembered, but also hope that their fate can be forgotten.

The use of repetition in this song is powerful and emotive. The singer repeats the phrase "remember me" several times, highlighting their desire for remembrance and recognition even after they are gone. The use of the word "ah" adds a touch of longing to these lines, emphasizing the singer's hope for a lasting legacy. Ultimately, however, the focus of the song is on forgiveness and release. The singer does not want their wrongs to cause any further pain, but instead hopes for a peaceful passing and a sense of closure.

Overall, Richard Thompson's When I Am Laid in Earth is a beautifully crafted song that explores complex themes of death, remembrance, and forgiveness. The haunting melody and repeated refrains create a sense of solemnity and contemplation, while the lyrical themes speak to the human desire to be remembered and forgiven after death.

Line by Line Meaning

When I am laid, am laid in earth, may my wrongs create
As I am laid to rest in the earth, I hope that any mistakes I made in life do not cause you any pain or distress.

No trouble, no trouble in, in thy breast.
I hope that my faults do not weigh heavily on your heart.

Remember me, remember me, but ah!
I ask that you keep my memory alive in your thoughts and heart.

Forget my fate.
I hope that you do not dwell on my death or how I met my fate.

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Ken Soehn

on Love in a Faithless Country

32w

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.