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Richard Thompson — I Can't Wake Up To Save My Life
Album: Mirror Blue
Avg rating:
6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 812









Released: 1994
Length: 3:09
Plays (last 30 days): 0
In my nightmare everything's wrong
I'm waiting for love, but you come along
You smile, you wave, you great me, Ciao!
but you seem too happy to see me somehow
Then the sky falls in on my head
Your nails grow long, your eyes turn red
You say, forever dear and a day
You promise you're never going to go away
And my feet won't move when I run the other way
CHORUS
I can't wake up to save my life
I can't wake up to save my life
In my nightmare you forgive me
The cruellest gift you could ever give me
You say that you understand me now
But your eyes say, brother, I'll get you somehow
Then the lightning streaks across the room
You smell like something fresh from the tomb
You squeeze too hard, you iinsist on kissing
When it seems like half your face is missing
And your hair's turned into reptiles hissing
CHORUS
Things I done make my dreams go bad
Like Borstal boys coming home to Dad
What ye reap so shall ye sow
Now shake me, wake me, go man go
CHORUS
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Comments (70)add comment
A master working his craft.
Wait no more. Richard Thompson is the 2nd coming. This is as good as it gets ...for now.

Keep the faith y'all. Enjoy the gifts you have been given.
Sounds like Joan Armatrading.
 Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:

Ha. If you think that's bad, I feel the same way about the Beatles! Makes for some weird looks from my friends to say the least. 
 I've never liked the Beatles especially their early years where were utter crap. To those that don't like my opinion, oh well. Please by all means, get bent out of shape.

too early in the morning for this song.
 hbs47 wrote:
This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player. OK he may not be the greatest singer, but it fits his music.

Yes he is amazing live, solo, duo with Danny or with "his" band , truly awesome.

He is a bit like Marmite though. 

 
Can't really get past the singing, unfortunately. Has he done instrumental stuff?
And he plays a mean 12 string...like Bruce Cockburn. 
Terrific black humor lyrics:

Then the lightning streaks across the room
You smell like something fresh from the tomb
You squeeze too hard, you iinsist on kissing
When it seems like half your face is missing
And your hair's turned into reptiles hissing 
This is my theme song. 

{#Sleep} 
i personally thik this song and feel so goodi'm gonna kill somebody tonite are more representative of this dude than '52 vincent black lightning. but what a range. plus how very hot he looked in his beret on david letterman.
oh my i have never heard of Richard Thompson

Live Music: Richard Thompson’s “Cabaret of Souls” at Royce Hall

Richard Thompson gave a memorable performance of his folk oratorio Cabaret of Souls in a UCLA Live concert at Royce Hall on Friday night.   Perhaps it was the tall stone walls and arches of the building, and perhaps it was the layers of costuming on everyone working at the venue, but as the audience simply walked into Royce Hall they just knew something different was awaiting them.   The usher who checked my ticket was wearing a long cape and a wolf mask, and all the other ushers, too, had their own unique set of late 1800’s English togs and a different mask.   Think of the masquerade party in the movie Eyes Wide Shut and you’ll get the vibe.

Cabaret of Souls began as a project that Thompson was commissioned to write by the International Society of Bassists for bass player Danny Thompson (no relation).    It evolved from a suggested 6 minute passage into an hour and a half-long presentation of songs and narration.    One hugely impressive aspect of the production was that on every level the concert hall was turned into the In Between — not heaven or hell, but a rather boring place with no chance of escape.   With so much time on their hands the waiting souls in the In Between sang about their mortal lives and we listened.  Everyone who was part of the show, onstage or off, in the lobby or in the theater, was in costume and it surrounded the audience to marvelous effect.

Extract of review by Mike Finkelstein
The International Review of Music



 Cynaera wrote:
Before I read any of the other comments, I have to say that I love Richard Thompson's music. He's one of those dangerous geniuses who sails wicked truths past a person who dozes through the broadcast.

 
Kaaa-chiiinnnng

seek out the brilliant notes of this dear mind, she always makes it worthwhile         
Nice Song ♥
 hbs47 wrote:
This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player. 



{#Yes}   I got to meet him and shake his hand and tell him so. {#Lol}
This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player. OK he may not be the greatest singer, but it fits his music.

Yes he is amazing live, solo, duo with Danny or with "his" band , truly awesome.

He is a bit like Marmite though. 
It's a pity all his really good tracks have been rejected.
 WonderLizard wrote:
You must be new here...
 
Leave me alone :P
I just thought he was too... Folky.
And with the wide variety of music on here, I'm sure even with even Richard Thompson's repertoire he doesn't get played that often, relative in the scheme of things
Richard Thompson on RP?!
My jaw dropped

YAYS!
Before I read any of the other comments, I have to say that I love Richard Thompson's music. He's one of those dangerous geniuses who sails wicked truths past a person who dozes through the broadcast.
 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player.  However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it.  I almost feel guilty...almost. {#Shifty}
 
Ha. If you think that's bad, I feel the same way about the Beatles! Makes for some weird looks from my friends to say the least. 
 ?? wrote:
I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?
 
For me the appeal is the lyrics, guitar, bass, drums, and the overall production of the tune. I love it.

"I can't wake up to save my life..." Brilliant.


 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player.  However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it.  I almost feel guilty...almost. {#Shifty}
 
I feel exactly the same way . . . except for the guilt.
Just cuz he's got talent doesn't mean you have to like him.

 RadioDoc wrote:

Congratulations for making it this far without having a box of knives dropped on your heart.  Once that happens, you'll "get" Richard Thompson songs.

 
Oh, I get the songs.  Hell, I even listen to Richard Thompson.  But I don't enjoy it, particularly.  Not a guy I really like to listen to while he sings.  But I do, anyway.  'Cuz of that box of knives. . . .

 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player.  However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it.  I almost feel guilty...almost. {#Shifty}
 
Congratulations for making it this far without having a box of knives dropped on your heart.  Once that happens, you'll "get" Richard Thompson songs.

I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player.  However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it.  I almost feel guilty...almost. {#Shifty}
healyf52 wrote:
His songwriting is terrific and his guitar playing is on a plateau by itself, nobody can play like RT. I heard a saying once that goes something like "I know there is a God, I've heard Richard Thompson play a Stratocaster.".
In concert, he's all the above, plus witty, funny, and engaging. I would travel to see him perform again. And yet, I've never felt the urge to buy any of his music.
?? wrote:
I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?
Maybe he chose this one because he's following Belle and Sebastian's Sleepyheads... like a sleeping theme. Dunno
I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?
I know this guy is viewed as a great artist, but the melody in this tune, such as it is, really grates on me.
Here's another one of those artists that I know I'm supposed to like... I just don't.
Great to hear RT anywhere, anytime. Way under-appreciated, a true artisan.
webslinger48 wrote:
Say what you will about the music...the guy CANNOT sing. I would like the music much more if somebody else was belting it out, but Thompson's vocals are extremely substandard. No range, very amateurish sounding voice. He sounds EXACTLY like the lead singer of a very poor band a friend of mine was in. Painful.
Actually, Richard can and does "belt it out", not routinely but when called for, he can 'holler' with the best of them. When I first heard his music, I didn't care for his voice, but over time, I came to really like his singing. His voice is so unique, it can take a little getting used to. His songwriting is terrific and his guitar playing is on a plateau by itself, nobody can play like RT. I heard a saying once that goes something like "I know there is a God, I've heard Richard Thompson play a Stratocaster.".
beelzebubba wrote:
Richard Thompson just never did anything for me. Except Leige & Liefe w/ Fairport Convention. That was incredible
That's funny, I found exactly the opposite was true with me. I can't stand the Fairport Convention hobbit-music, and hearing it almost ruined all Richard Thompson's work for me, but I'm coming around.
Amazing songwriter, way under appreciated guitar player, do yourself a favor and see him live! And Listen to lots of RT. A real treasure.
All this time I thought that was Bruce Cockburn.
Businessgypsy wrote:
Originally Posted by roguewarer: "I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. " Cripes! I'm further behind than I thought! At this rate, my playing is embryonic - no, make that first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands. Unless, of course, you take emotion and expression (and not just technique or note/measure census) into account. Then Richard Thompson would qualify as second-from-the-left-assistant-to-God and I would be, um... first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands.
I liked your post. I had a buddy (sadly deceased) who was a fantastic guitar player, concentrating mostly on pre-war blues and ragtime in the time that I knew him. Apparently for a number of years he was a technique snob, and wouldn't listen to, for example, Nirvana, because their guitar was so amateurish. Later he would say "yeah, I'm embarassed I was ever like that" I love to listen to good guitar playing (I love Leo Kottke for example), but guys like Joe Satriani bore me to tears. All technique and no heart.
funny -- the cover looks almost exactly like Fripp/Eno's No Pussyfooting. But the music is much different.
Say what you will about the music...the guy CANNOT sing. I would like the music much more if somebody else was belting it out, but Thompson's vocals are extremely substandard. No range, very amateurish sounding voice. He sounds EXACTLY like the lead singer of a very poor band a friend of mine was in. Painful.
The guy can play that guitar!!!!!
Richard Thompson just never did anything for me. Except Leige & Liefe w/ Fairport Convention. That was incredible
nightmare of an ex? You squeeze too hard, you insist on kissin' When it seems like half your face is missin' And your hair turns into reptiles hissin'
This guy consistently catches my ear. I like!
I"ve been turned on to RT via RP and have really come to love his stuff. A sincere artist. Powerful music that stands out on my ipod mixes.
andrewpickford81 wrote:
Good song, great artist - his wife contributes backing vocals to the new ocean colour scene record, well worth taking a look at
This is an old post, but it caught my attention. Are you referring to his EX wife, Linda? And is "Ocean Color Scene" a CD title? Or are you referring to "Mirror Blue"? Sorry, I'm a bit confused....
" You smell like something fresh from a tomb!" A 9.
I certainly don't deify the man but I really like his work.
Originally Posted by roguewarer: "I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. " Cripes! I'm further behind than I thought! At this rate, my playing is embryonic - no, make that first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands. Unless, of course, you take emotion and expression (and not just technique or note/measure census) into account. Then Richard Thompson would qualify as second-from-the-left-assistant-to-God and I would be, um... first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands.
I have always been curious about RT, and hearing this song, I'm looking for more. Not the *greatest* song in the world, but the lyrics really held me. Very John Hiatt-ish lyrics.
more richard thompson, please! :)
Good stuff. But RP could do with some of RT\'s recent CD. OK? ;)
Good song, great artist - his wife contributes backing vocals to the new ocean colour scene record, well worth taking a look at
Originally Posted by roguewarer: I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. I've heard other songs of his on RP which merit airplay, but I think this one falls way short.
Thanks for summing up my thoughts :) - Don't get the 7.3 rating for this particular song.
Not my favorite Richart Thompson song(*) but you have to admit he\'s amazing. If he\'s not your favorite guitarist, he\'s probably your favorite guitarist\'s favorite guitarist. (*)I\'m partial to \"1952 Vincent Black Lightning\" myself.
I agree with JustListening (the comment right before mine, I know I should have used reply -- but I can't wake up to save my life) but I do soooo love that title!
Not a favorite. Musically a little bland. Don\'t quite get the high rating but it doesn\'t deserve a dumpster rating either. About a 5 for me.
RT is a great addition. More please.
Cool tune. The opening instrumental bit reminds me of Jethro Tull for some reason...
Been waiting to hear Richard Thompson--thank you. More, please.
Proofs, you don't need to be young to be renewing. On the contrary, you know what went before and what did and didn't work. But Richard Thompson isn't just anybody of course!
Originally Posted by Dagno-M: More RT, please, from all periods of his career. The man's a genius. And see him live each and every time you can, solo or with his band.....
Agreed - was fantastic live - my first exposure was live and been a fan ever since.
Some nutty bird turned me on to Mr. Thompson a while back...a true gem. Thanks!
A good song for a time of troubled sleep for the entire collective populace.
I can\'t wake up to save my life ....sounds like me most workday mornings. ;)