Quotes from Richard Thompson

I try to make songs visual and tactile to kind of put you into the action.

But music can save your life sometimes. It probably saved me from working in a bank or something. That's a kind of salvation right there.

There is in fact a controversy over Darwin's theory. Clearly both theories have religious implications. But this is not about God.

The thing I do, really, is a communication with audiences more than any achievement through records.

It's fun to sing sad songs. And it's fun to listen to sad songs. Enjoyable. Satisfying. Something.

To stand up on a stage alone with an acoustic guitar requires bravery bordering on heroism. Bordering on insanity.

It's amazing what some people read into songs.

People want to hear about the extremes of human nature. They want things that are larger than their own lives, and more romantic, and not necessarily of their own experiences.

I want people to come to my music without prejudice. I want them to get the music first. And who I am isn't that important. If they like the songs to me that's a good thing.

As the writer, you're always a presence in the song. If you get close to what human beings are like, you're writing about common experience. We all do much the same things, so if you nail somebody, then you've also nailed yourself.

I'm glad there are a lot of guitar players pursuing technique as diligently as they possibly can, because it leaves this whole other area open to people like me.

The thing I do, really, is a communication with audiences more than any achievement through records.

I try to look for the good in everybody, regardless of the way they're labeled.

I have to remind myself not to set boundaries.

Amplifying acoustic instruments more than a little is really cheating, and everything becomes a compromise.

I probably wrote three-quarters of the songs without an instrument in my hands.

I just like to entertain myself by sitting down and writing songs.

All audiences should be slightly off balance.

I think the reason kids get into drugs and smoking is they don't have anything to do.

It's amazing what some people read into songs.

It's fun to sing sad songs. And it's fun to listen to sad songs. Enjoyable. Satisfying. Something.

You want the audience to be uncomfortable.

When you stand up acoustic in front of an audience, you really are a man without any clothes on. And that can be fun - it depends how much of an exhibitionist you are, I suppose. I quite enjoy it.

People want to hear about the extremes of human nature. They want things that are larger than their own lives, and more romantic, and not necessarily of their own experiences.