Teddy Thompson (born 19 February, 1976, in London, England) is a British fo… Read Full Bio ↴Teddy Thompson (born 19 February, 1976, in London, England) is a British folk and rock musician. He is the son of Linda thompson and Richard Thompson (who famously performed and recorded as Richard & Linda Thompson), and the brother of singer Kami Thompson. His fifth studio album, Bella, was released in 2011.

Thompson's style is difficult to categorize, because his influences are varied. Growing up around folk music, he listened to a musical gamut that covered Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Sam Cooke and gospel. As he fell in with other musical progeny, most notably close friend Rufus Wainwright, his sound developed into his own combination of country/western, rock, and his father's folk-rock.

Thompson played regular shows at Jon Brion's venue, Largo, in Los Angeles, while getting his first album contract together. He signed with Geffen who had big plans for him - but Geffen was soon after swallowed up by Virgin, who did not. In 2000 Thompson released his debut album, Teddy Thompson, which received much critical acclaim but little commercial success. He took a few years to tour and write before finally recording his second album on his own. While reviews for his first album were generally positive, the critics have gushed over his second album. Thompson has found his own sound and voice, although his family remains heavily involved in his music.

Thompson's fourth album, A Piece of What You Need was released in 2008. His fifth studio album, Bella, was released in 2011.

Frontlines
Teddy Thompson Lyrics

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Been away a long time
Come home to ruination
Smoke swirls in blue sky
The mourning of a nation

Stick around if I dare
Or move out to the country
But living in the sticks won't

Save you from what must be

Keep me from the frontlines
I'm no match for them
Cowardice in wartime
Hear my prayers
Amen

Go ahead and see
What happens to me

Keep me from the frontlines
I'm no match for them
Cowardice in wartime

Hear my prayers
Amen

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Teddy Thompson's song "Frontlines" describe a person who has been away for a long time and returns home to find destruction and chaos. The lyrics paint a picture of a nation in mourning, with smoke swirling in the blue sky. The singer is faced with the decision of either sticking around or moving out to the country, but realizes that neither option will save them from the difficult times that are to come.

Throughout the song, the singer admits that they are not fit for war, and instead ask to be kept from the frontlines. They express their fear and reluctance to fight, citing cowardice as a reason. They utter a prayer, asking for protection from the atrocities of war.

Overall, the song can be interpreted as an anti-war message, urging people to avoid conflict and violence. The singer recognizes the devastating effects of war and realizes their own limitations. The song is poignant in its plea for peace and an end to the suffering caused by war.

Line by Line Meaning

Been away a long time
I've been gone for a while

Come home to ruination
I came back to destruction and disrepair

Smoke swirls in blue sky
The air is hazy with smoke

The mourning of a nation
The country is in mourning

Stick around if I dare
I may or may not stay

Or move out to the country
I could leave for a more remote area

But living in the sticks won't
However, being in a remote area won't necessarily

Save you from what must be
protect you from unavoidable circumstances

Keep me from the frontlines
Please keep me safe from the battle

I'm no match for them
I'm not equipped to handle it

Cowardice in wartime
I'm afraid of war