As a person who has played guitar for almost 60 years (I'm 70 now), RT's performance is truly humbling. As a rider of motorcycles for almost 50 years, I can't listen to the lyrics without a tear coming to my eye. This is simply one of the finest ballads performed by one of the finest guitar players of all time. Thank you, Richard.
this Vincent must have had an after-market modification. They didn't have an ignition key, it was just a switch no key, and a little button to cut the feed from the dynamo to stop the bike. Good song very well played but they could have done a bit more work on the tech side for us pedantic old motorcycle riders. ''Note, I didn't write bikers''
@@speeddemon9555 Better than one two headed sister. Although that probably would have been quite popular with the lefty's of our equal rights cancel cultures.
@@Noitisnt-ns7mo two headed ? that would be a conversation starter, as for lefty's and cancel culture, along with the woke morons in our society, they can all go and get f#%$^* excuse my typing.
@@CorePathwayI’m sure locally he gets more attention, but he’s not broadly appreciated. I only found this song a year ago, and I have spent MANY years digging through old music from all over the world. If someone as thorough as I had trouble finding him, I can only imagine how few people know him.
@@allbottledup9513 fortunately, the radio station I listened to from the early 90's to just a few years ago (KFOG in San Francisco) had Acoustic Sunrise - and Rosalie played a lot of Richard's songs. Plus I was a Fairport fan from the 80's.
I only heard of him because Christy Moore covered his song Beeswing and it happens to be one of my favourite Christy songs. Other than that I would never have heard of him. He’s a master of his craft!!
Worry not. Rhichard Thompson is rated (justifiably so) in the the top twenty guitarist list of all time. Having been to see him a few times now, alone on stage, you keep looking around for the rest of the band. Such a full sound.
I agree and I gotta give Arlo a plug though, he's on my kitchen window sill, with Alice, WHAT A STRANGE CROWD- WHY DON'T THEY LAUGH- and yeah, when you meet many "cats" who love folk, why haven't they heard of Richard and Linda and Teddy? Guitar player extraordinaire up there with John Fahey- I blame pop radio in part- Namaste for pointing this out. Now where did I leave those pickles...Namaste
@@roddymcniven8734 And he has done many different versions of it over the years, with this one being my favourite. I fear I may have missed your point?
@@lieseweiss1224 What it means is no one can touch Richard, every RT fans knows that. Hell, even David Gilmour couldn't cover this song. He is probably the best kept secret in the music business, and that is a true shame!! But I'm pretty sure all of us RT fans know that! The man is a rock god that will never truly get the appreciation he deserves and it's a crime if you ask me!
By whom? Other than these ignoramuses. R Kelley on the list. No sign of Brittany Spears. www.rollingstone.com/interactive/lists-100-greatest-songwriters/#bj%C3%B6rk
Hey Guys this Maestro has many awards for both his songs and guitar playing. You should listen to a couple of his 50 or so albums. Seen him live so many times. Never fails to impress. My hat’s off to Richard Thomson!
I just now tonight saw a photo of my dad on his 1952 Vincent HRD Black Lightning and had no idea about this song! I would have played it for him before he died in 2019. What a song! Thank you, Richard Thompson
@@Noitisnt-ns7mo Yep, my dad was a one of a kind! He snagged my mom, (his molly) with that bike. I wish I had the photo of her sprawled across it. My dad rode until he was in his late 80s when we convinced him to just drive his car from then on.
@@robertmitton3584 Well.... early on I had a lot of brit bikes... Trumpets and Beezers. Couldn't trust one that had even moderate miles on it. Police would run them old pans and shovels for 50k or more miles and then someone would buy it at auction and run it till the pistons almost swapped holes LOL. We didn't have much money but we could always get a Harley running. Keep all your pistons... might just do a garage hone on a worn cyl and find the piston that was the closest LOL... we rode these duct tape and bailing wire worn out bikes from state to state.. there were no credit cards or cell phones. If it died on the side of the road? you could always get it home if you knew basic mechanics. The Vincent.... a work of art. But you might want to look up "crocker' You have never seen a Harley in a motorcyle wrecking yard. But I am a bit out of touch since the newest one I have every owned was an 81 and it was twenty years old when I got it.
He would never tarnish his legacy, if he wasn't performing his songs at the best of his ability and happy with his skills he would for sure stop touring. I hope to see him live some day.
There are so many great lines in this song that I couldn't begin to choose just one. It's absolute masterpiece in every respect: writing, singing, and, especially, guitar playing.
It's part of my regular Soul Armoursmithing video rotation, background music while I hunt down little bits of uplifting knowledge about human society or culture or art or progress. Scientific knowledge, theological knowledge, behavioural knowledge. All of which I melt down and use to repair the craters where the big shells have hit, or the areas where my plating has simply been worn away by the acid corrosion of daily life in western society. Eventually it all gets melted down into Stuff That I Know About Life.
I've always loved this song but I felt it needed another verse, so in the spirit of the "folk process" I've written one. Come down young James, said Red Molly, it's your 17th year There's breakfast on the table and a story to hear I'll tell you of your father's last night in this world Before I was your Mother, just a red headed girl He wasn't any saint and he died just as he lived He had one precious treasure in his life to give, And she took young James outside And gave him his father's Vincent to ride!
Not just with an acoustic guitar. One of the few guitarists I've ever seen capable of playing ac/el fluently. Just seen one other guitarist capable of this: Joe Bonamassa. Noo... actually he is a better acoustic player, than electric. Electric Bonamassa = flashy stuff. IMHO much better when he got the acoustic guitar in front of him. Stopped the flashy shit, and just sings/play. Alone. Impressed me a lot. My major moment with Bonamassa.
This is the best single person performance recording of all time. He wrote it, sings with fantastic inflection, and the guitar action is other-worldly with layers I might never understand. A master craftsman at work, and recorded for our enjoyment. Thanks.
One of the last times I saw my ex-husband (with whom I parted on friendly terms over a decade ago) was when I invited him and his girlfriend to see RT play live a few years ago. When he ended the show with this song, I glanced over at my ex and saw him literally wiping tears from his eyes. Fast forward to last weekend - my ex, only 68 and apparently in excellent health - had a heart attack and died two days later with his girlfriend, me, and the rest of his family at his bedside in the hospital. We will be playing this song at his memorial. Rest in peace, Lenny.
If Molly kept that Vincent it would be worth a small fortune today. Thanks to whoever posted this; I love this song and can only sit in awe of the guitar work.
The reactions of the two on stage is telling. They are in awe of what they're seeing. Personally, I'd be terrified at having to follow that, but they just look honoured to be there. Loudon especially, is just breathing it in, whilst Vega is learning every little thing that she can. A masterful performance.
I discovered this song a couple of weeks ago and have listened to it maybe a hundred times. Why am I not tired of yet. With every listening appreciate it more.
One of my favorite songs of all time, let alone acoustic folk, etc.. his song writing and guitar playing brings tears to my jaded face and eyes. He has a real soul.
If it isn't already, this is slowly becoming one hell of a classic tune. Already legendary among bikers world wide. An incredible story in its lyric. Songwriting at its finest. Guitar playing that is thrilling. And like Tom Waits, Thompson just knows how to sing a story, how to tell it, how to use inflection in all the right places. If you listen carefully your mind's eye will create a vivid picture about what Richard is narrating. For those unfamiliar, a 1952 Vincent Black Lightning was a great motorcycle...today worth a lot of money. One of the best songs I ever heard.
+John LaStrada This song was enough to get a little watery in the eyes the first few times I heard it when it came out, & still the best rendition ever done (since it was his anyway) the part where he sees angles on Arials got me. A very profound statement by you and I really like the way you compaired him to Tom Waits, most people I know don't know who either of the two artists are.
+chuck lane (Chuckylane) - Thanks for the compliment chuck lane. Yes, many people don't know Richard or Tom -- well, their lives are empty then. These men are the modern day poets, because the real poets today don't get much recognition. My son is a biker and he downloaded the tune to a real good system he brings to biker shows. Many bikers from other states always gather around when he plays this song by Thompson and they are moved by it. It's become a pilgrimage to his bike to listen and talk about the song (his girlfriend drives his 1965 Ford pickup with the system on it). They too, not all, were unfamiliar with Thompson's work. It's a document -- when you can touch a group of people with a tale they can relate to and a credit to your creativity when you can reach into them with it. Thompson, of course, is also blessed. He's one of the greatest guitar players I ever heard. A compelling quirky genius in his approach. If you haven't heard his "Cooksferry Queen," from Mock Tudor, treat yourself today.
+Brent Postlethwaite My Dad rode a Brough SS80 just before the war and told his mother he'd gone over 60mph. She didn't believe him because 'you wouldn't be able to breath at that speed'.!!! How times and bikes have changed.
I was driving through Boulder I believe when I first heard this song on the radio. Who IS That!!!! I nearly crashed my car. I became an instant fan of a guy I am embarrassed to say I overlooked in the seventies & eighties. I follow Richard Thompson now!
I have come to the conclusion that this guy is the single most underated artist in the history of music,he is a true master,destined to playing folk festivals and the like for ever,and thats a good thing,he is accesible,humble and funny,unlike those artists who become super famous where they become disconnected from their audience.............
When I took my seventeen year old grandson so see RT for the first time he (RT) started this song, grandson sucked in a deep breath, and didn't let it out until the song was over. Religious experience.
I actually first heard this song when Richard Thompson opened for a Bonnie Raitt concert. I had no idea who he was or about this song. I immediately fell in love...
To this day I still remember the first time I saw Richard play this song, back in 1992 or '93 -- shortly after Rumor and Sigh was released. I still consider it to be one of the best true love songs ever written! One cannot listen to it without feeling the heartbreak when hearing of James being shot. A great song, if ever there was one!
I have to listen to this song every now and then to hear Richard Thompson’s voice and amazing guitar playing on this wonderfully written song. It never ceases to please my soul. Thank you Richard.👍👍
One of the finest songs ever written and performed anytime anywhere. Richard, thank you for this song and the many other songs you've given to the world.
I can’t count how many times I’ve listened to this song. I love everything about it from the lyrics to Richard’s amazing guitar playing. I find myself drawn back to his version many times over the years.👍👍
Has the most beautful English voice. Rich & able to project voice. His songs tell a story. So interesting. Had a precious lady friend from Clayton,England Yorkshire County who passed in 2015. This song reminds me of her. His accent makes me feel her presence. I also love Renbourn & Jansch! Richard ministers to me. I am Irish American born & play the guitar. Am 67yrs.old. Just came upon him recently. Love his music!
I can't recount how many time's I have listened to this superb version of this track .....It still makes me smile EVERY time! "My hat's off to you" Richard Thompson. What a track...What a fucking talent you are. Cheers!
How can you not know this wonderful guitar player!? He’s one of the world’s greatest. He’s a whole other level brilliant rocking an electric guitar. You need to go see him live somewhere. You won’t regret it.
Been riding since I was 10, I am almost 63 now and I had the pleasure to actually ride a Black Lighting back in the 80s. A truly amazing machine back in her day she was the fastest production machine made. Tonight was the first time I heard this song, love it.
My grandpa passed away last week. In my memory he is mostly just bushy eyebrows, an amazing silver-tinted beard, and a booming resonant voice. But in his young days in England he owned a Vincent Black Shadow, and migrated to Australia on a Velocette via Europe, India, Kashmir, Pakistan and Southeast Asia. Farewell Bob. May you always find fair winds and a following sea... and a Vincent to ride.
G'Pa Bob could tell you more about than I, never did have natural-born sea legs, but he did his best to teach me. I watched and helped where I could as he built three beautiful timber watercraft, one of his own design. Sailboats for him were made of wood, and canvas, and rope. Sisal and hemp even, until he finally had to admit the benefits of nylon. He said fiberglass and metal had no "soul"... for a boat that is, a bike is a different story. :) Best wishes for fair winds and empty roads from Gosford, Australia.
Music and RU-vid is all I’ve got, what keeps me going...and this wonderful gem is one of those that I have to recharge with sometimes everyday, sometimes maybe weeks but always back. Shopping, porn, trivia all the rest is insignificant when compared to its ability to bring us music, this is what the internet does for me...
Yes, I heard it recently at a concert by the Del McCoury Band. When Del asked for requests, someone yelled out “The motorcycle song!” We all knew what he meant.
Wow wow wow! Why have I never looked this up on RU-vid? My dear brother, now gone from this world, introduced me to this song and outstanding guitarist 11 years ago. I play it often, but never witnessed how amazing Richard Thompson is to watch. It’s a breathtaking song. Love love love it. Thank you, Richard ❤️
I feel proud to have introduced my brother to Richard Thompson too... I just took him to a concert without any introduction. He said:" It sounds like three guitars up there! I can't believe it's only one".
Brings tears to my eyes. I've never owned a Vincent but I once had an old Triumph and I get the emotional connection. In fact, my Dad's dream machines were "Vincent/HRD" and Brough Superior. Although he never owned either of them, he had an Ariel and he's been with the angels since 1974. (WIpes eyes and scolds self for being so soft). An amazing song.
Years ago, I shared my life with a guitarist, songwriter. Richard was one his faves and he knew him well enough to visit with him when on tour in the US. I met him, and Linda a few times. He’s a genuine warm gifted man with with a huge body of great work. Always my great pleasure to listen.
The first time I heard this song it about knocked me flat on my back. One of the most finely crafted pieces of storytelling I’ve ever heard. Just brilliant, everything about it.
This is a great song and, as would be expected, Thompson does the best version by far. He really buffs the legend of the Vincent. My father was a California Highway Patrol motorcycle cop in the 30s and 40s. A friend from his police days had a shop where he took me to learn to ride and buy my first bike. In the back was a 1954 Vincent Black Shadow, the owner's bike. Black frame, big-Big-BIG black engine and 150 mph speedo. Scary! I wanted to ride it so bad, but was told no. It was for the owner and close friends who knew how to ride because, as he pointed out, "it had a frame like a door hinge" and had way to much power for a 15 yr old. I got to ride it at a track a few years later before going off to college. It did indeed have a squirrelly frame, one slow lap was enough to make my knees shake and I came close to wetting my pants.
Years ago , chap called Jeff Tanner [ RR mechanic } owned a Black Lightning with a Black Shadow motor. Thing would ........FLY. He had a Eurocar Dealership in local area for years.
Richard was awarded an honourary doctorate at Aberdeen University in July, where I was lucky enough also to be picking up my degree at the same ceremony, and he rewarded us all by playing this live at our ceremony. If Carlsberg did graduation ceremonies...............
I encountered this song 2 weeks ago via the Sean Rowe version. It is a simply perfect song. As a hack songwriter I know something is good when pangs of jealousy creep over me when I hear the underlying poetry that I will now never be able to write myself...there are 2 line in particular that stand out..."if fate should break my stride...' and.... 'he was running out of road, he was running out of breath'. You don't have to write 2 songs of this quality to be considered great.
You're probably a better poet than you think. But I understand the jealousy. I discovered Sean Rowe after watching The Accountant. Trying to Leave Something Behind plays as the credits roll. I love this version: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cje2e5P8dVk.html
Attended your show in Baton Rouge years ago. Got your CD and play God Loves A Drunk often. Lost my navy hero husband to PTSD last year. Keep on Keeping on!!!
I can't even come up with the words to truly describe this mans brilliance. I own about 4 of his albums but I really need complete the collection because I really love him and his music. On my way to work last week I listened to his album Rumor and Sigh, such a great album.