Richard Thompson - Beeswing

I was nineteen when I came to town, they called it the Summer of Love
They were burning babies, burning flags. The hawks against the doves
I took a job in the steamie down on Cauldrum Street
And I fell in love with a laundry girl who was working next to me
Oh she was a rare thing, fine as a bee's wing
So fine a breath of wind might blow her away
She was a lost child, oh she was running wild
She said "As long as there's no price on love, I'll stay.
And you wouldn't want me any other way"
Brown hair zig-zag around her face and a look of half-surprise
Like a fox caught in the headlights, there was animal in her eyes
She said "Young man, oh can't you see I'm not the factory kind
If you don't take me out of here I'll surely lose my mind"
Oh she was a rare thing, fine as a bee's wing
So fine that I might crush her where she lay
She was a lost child, she was running wild
She said "As long as there's no price on love, I'll stay.
And you wouldn't want me any other way"
We busked around the market towns and picked fruit down in Kent
And we could tinker lamps and pots and knives wherever we went
And I said that we might settle down, get a few acres dug
Fire burning in the hearth and babies on the rug
She said "Oh man, you foolish man, it surely sounds like hell.
You might be lord of half the world, you'll not own me as well"
Oh she was a rare thing, fine as a bee's wing
So fine a breath of wind might blow her away
She was a lost child, oh she was running wild
She said "As long as there's no price on love, I'll stay.
And you wouldn't want me any other way"
We was camping down the Gower one time, the work was pretty good
She thought we shouldn't wait for the frost and I thought maybe we should
We was drinking more in those days and tempers reached a pitch
And like a fool I let her run with the rambling itch
Oh the last I heard she's sleeping rough back on the Derby beat
White Horse in her hip pocket and a wolfhound at her feet
And they say she even married once, a man named Romany Brown
But even a gypsy caravan was too much settling down
And they say her flower is faded now, hard weather and hard booze
But maybe that's just the price you pay for the chains you refuse
Oh she was a rare thing, fine as a bee's wing
And I miss her more than ever words could say
If I could just taste all of her wildness now
If I could hold her in my arms today
Well I wouldn't want her any other way

[@randwan]

"Maybe that's just the price you pay for the chains you refuse". Stunned by this line. What a piece of genius.

[@djdaforce22]

same here. amazing lyrics. genius.

[@travleer1]

One of the best lines ever.

[@matthewryan6952]

djdaforce22 love the lyrics wonderful lyrics

[@01halle]

Could you explain to me what it means?

[@randwan]

Sure, the song is at least partly inspired by English folk singer, Anne Briggs, who led a kind of mythical existence in the 60s, travelling round Britain and Ireland and living wildly. So if you read the rest of the lyrics and a bit about Anne Briggs' story, you understand a bit more about what Richard is saying here - the romanticism of her lifestyle and also, perhaps, the sadness of it? Anyway - check out Anne Briggs and her songs.

[@arnoldlayne1991]

Possibly one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@debraseale6867]

One of my own favorites. A guy I dated learned it over night and played it on my daughter's little blue kid guitar and 1 string was missing. He still broke my heart but what a special gift it was. It's in my special memories. 🦩

[@BunkMorelandsTie]

"The last I heard she was sleeping rough, back on the Derby beat. White Horse in her hip pocket and a wolfhound at her feet." I don't think there are two lines of lyric in all of music that I love more.

[@BillMurrayismyuncle]

I love this so much ❤

[@44mazza]

@@BillMurrayismyuncle it’s the last line that gets me .i wouldn’t want her any other way.forgive me if I messed it up a bit,but it does my head in truly.keep on rockin’

[@Tagurrit]

I know someone like that. Yes I loved her, still do, but the demons drive her on. Yes, she hurts herself, but she hurts me as well.

[@laoban1954]

@@Tagurrit I understand. 😢

[@newfoundlanderonthego8729]

I am in collision with every stone i ever threw “That would have to be my favourite line.David Gray

[@VerbranntiChaib1]

Driving down a busy road, I heard this song on the radio. I had to pull over to listen it out. I could vision the girl. the same spirit as my one lost love from 45 years before She was her own thing, wanted to visit Darwin, I was well employed in Perth. She left one night. I never found out where she went. I miss her still.

[@g11clark]

+Philip Price I know how you feel.. I watched her walk away.. not understanding it was for the last time..

[@complexlittlepirate3589]

I was driving (through suburban Melbourne) one night a few decades ago listening to one of the music shows on RN when this came on. I was immediately and completely carried away by it, such an incredible song in every way, lyrically, melodically, the story, the spirit, the performance, everything. Above all else it's a truly COMPLETE song, perfectly realised. Once heard, never forgotten.

[@yobbo3]

back a century or 2, the Beeswing who set England ablaze -- they made a hot movie about her -- was Lady Caroline Lamb. tho married, her big squeeze was Lord Byron ("Mad, bad, and dangerous to know.").

[@garrynorris4478]

I know the feeling me too

[@patbonny1175]

Good man.

[@morgaffi]

Beeswing, Dimming of the Day, Vincent Black Lightning...these three songs alone place RT in a pantheon of the greatest lyricists ever. The pictures they paint, the sound of his voice, his musicianship, it's just mindboggling talent this man has

[@beckyevepete]

Well said! 3 of my favorite songs!! I substitute with Harley Davidson...💞

[@pauldabinett1308]

"Dad's gonna kill me" ... lyrics like the best novelists, inhabiting a character. Lou Reed's ambition fulfilled.

[@SoloSailingSapphira]

Vincent Black Lightening seemed to describe my dad's life pretty well, he was even called Jimmy. Played it at his funeral and to this day i can't get through the whole song. Richard Thompson is a legend.

[@jinjocat]

Try The Woods of Darney

[@terryeggett1]

So glad I've finally caught up with this song and I'm not ashamed to admit I've shed tears listening to it's beauty.

[@paulahunt5621]

Terry Eggett I shed tears everytime I hear this song. I can go years without hearing it but the effect is the same.

[@terryeggett1]

Hi Paula, thought I'd get back. A very beautiful song..take care.

[@progchick1]

Me too. It’s beautiful

[@honeymonster84]

Same here @@paulahunt5621

[@paulahunt5621]

Terry Eggett Hi Terry, checking on you a year later as I listen to this song and shed a few tears.

[@maximusprimus1]

Holy shit, 1st time hearing this. Wow. Absolutely wow

[@AllenGarvin]

I remember the first time I heard it! It was listening to some public radio station on the east side of Tennessee. It was pouring rain, and I had another 800 miles left to drive, but I found a pen and scribbled down some lyrics to remember it by. I posted on Usenet asking if anyone could identify the lyrics and that was my introduction to Richard Thompson!

[@adafrogg7646]

The first time I heard this I was seeing him live and wasn’t very familiar with him. I enjoyed all the show but when he played this toward the end it was all but a holy experience.

[@raybradhausen]

The first time I heard this song, I was literally stunned. It's rare to find poetry in music. With Richard Thompson, it's a normal occurrence. Thank you for this video.

[@whitetigress7448]

I agree though I'm compelled to say perhaps you were not literally 'stunned.' I'm sorry. I'm drunk and tired and my mom was a grammar Nazi. (In defiance of mother, I'm assuming that "Nazi" should be capitalized, and I'm not checking first.)

[@craigmurphy5871]

You should check out the futureheads a Capella cover

[@JohnD-dl2lb]

@@whitetigress7448 ⁹I'll IM n j p

[@nicholasj.evancik7878]

I saw him in a small venue in Miami in 1992...he played for the first time...I was staggered by the poetry

[@LeadMe2TheBliss]

@@nicholasj.evancik7878 Lucky you! I was only like 9 years old in 1992 haha

[@1530peterfoster]

20+ years of listening to Beeswing and only just discovered the person who inspired it - Annie Briggs. What a voice she had.

[@jamesmoconnell]

Same here. Only you had a month more than me. Thanks for the info.

[@billking8843]

Possibly still has. Who knows what she still gets up to while washing the dishes or whatever..... She is only 79 and at 75 Richard Thompson still has a solid singing voice.

[@whitetigress7448]

"You might be lord of half the world, you'll not own me as well." I like to think this is one of my husband's favorites. (I wish he'd play it for me more often.) He met me when I was a laundry girl, and he took me out of there. We're together now more than 30 years.

[@castleofsong9620]

I’ve heard countless attempts at covering this song and nothing comes even close to this performance. Richard Thompson is a stone cold genius.

[@eddyom8510]

Listen to Christy Moores version its very good also

[@alistairewen7005]

met one like her still think about her 40 yrs later

[@alistairewen7005]

stargate669 i'm sad for you if you haven't met such a woman yet, they are special.

[@66smashy]

stargate669 i got it.

[@alistairewen7005]

***** yup, precisely !

[@alistairewen7005]

***** and to you.Still hoping for something !

[@Hedge_witch]

Most of you don't understand us when we show up anyway. Takes just as rare a man to appreciate us.

[@DarkeningSkies1]

Many wonderful poets and songwriters capture the mixed blessing of being alive as a human, but nobody has ever captured it better in a single song as RT has here. Utterly, gut wrenchingly beautiful.

[@diggerson88]

all about the emotion and what Sir Thompson puts into it. Van Halen could never pull this off.

[@moonbeanification]

Richard is, quite simply, a supreme master of guitar and songwriting. I've had the pleasure of seeing him live and he's nothing short of stunning.

[@paulmatschull1923]

I wouldn't say underrated for those that are aware of his considerable talent, superb musicianship and amazing songwriting ability will always bestow upon him all the accolades he richly deserves.

[@michaelcarey3727]

Top çlass

[@benvonwildenhaus2277]

Saw him last night. So stunned how consistently good his songwriting is thru all the decades. And his performance is top notch as this vid demonstrates. What a freaking gem.

[@eahannan]

@@benvonwildenhaus2277 & where did you see him?

[@FREEZER4000]

I wonder how many times he had to play it before he could perform it without crying , excellent song !

[@paulahunt5621]

Good question, even your thought provoking comment elicits tears.

[@aineyconstruction3838]

The first time i heard this song i was on a jobsite with my old man many years ago before my dad passed. I heard it on the site radio. It struck me soo deep i litterally stopped doing my job and stood listening, welled up with emotion. Theres not many songs that have that effect on me. Years later i shared this treasure of a song with my wife. Not a day that goes by that she doesnt ask me to play it. Needless to say this song has a special spot in our hearts

[@haqkhan269]

Richard is one of those rare things himself. A genius with a huge sense of understanding and a soft heart.

[@pinklilyblossom]

This was my mum. Her nickname was bee and she used to say to the children “see a bee, think of me”. I’m always reminded of her when I hear this song

[@gregorysullivan7175]

Yeah.

[@datimez]

Beautiful memory

[@davetynan5045]

This song is on another level. It's got everything a song could ask for

[@billde7160]

I had the privilege of attending a performance of Richards, January 14 this year, 2023 at Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair New Jersey. Absolutely Awesome. And in all honesty, If I was just listening to this and not seeing his younger appearance, you could not tell a lick of difference in his singing or playing between this and the performance then! He's a force of nature!

[@randyhair9851]

This is the most beautiful song of love lost I have ever heard. He is so freakin' talented!!!

[@MrStudiolespaul]

totally!!! Brilliant poet on top of his beautiful guitar work.

[@SirPeter6464]

What a pro. A live performance which you couldn't better in a studio. Massively under rated talent.

[@smileandwave1987]

SirPeter6464 totally, the studio version is not as fine as this.

[@fecklessmovies]

Saw him last night, and several of the versions live were way better than the studio recordings. Including this one, and Vincent black lightning.

[@paulbradshaw303]

Not under rated, just undiscovered by too many. Rated highly by those who have discovered

[@francisoboyle]

Naw just someone who loves his trade a craftsman 👌

[@patbonny1175]

@@francisoboyle sure that's the truth.

[@Kawnipi]

That short guitar lick after 'rambling itch' expresses regret as perfectly as anything I've ever heard...

[@johnleighton5913]

Every man has loved a free spirit like her at some time. Keep them safe, enjoy them, and then move on.

[@boboala1]

You're right, John, except we understand it as hindsight...and now there's nobody around for me in my golden years! (I like to promote the point to possible candidates that 'Older man & younger woman is where it's at!' ;-) They know it in their heart...but we're/I'm not 'hot' enough to quench an estrogen fire!

[@GustavoJacob]

One of the best songs ever. The lyrics, the guitar playing, the performance, the combination of all its elements communicates something beyond your regular good song.

[@FPInvention]

It doesn't matter who is a better singer. It is how you express the song. Thompson clearly express realness to what he is singing as it is his experiences, he wrote it. It's not about having the strongest voice, it's about passion.

[@nancyl2]

I so agree with you Stewart. What a delightful song it is....

[@billtaylor9931]

Except strangely his voice has moe and mor powerful as the years have gone by. With Sweet Warrior he hit a peak Guns are the Tongues in particular and Dads going to Kill me as well.

[@emasaurus]

I love Richard Thompson. This is my favorite song he does. His voice reminds me of Alan Rickman...lol

[@hot4july]

The voice! Yes!

[@thepuppetshow4556]

One of the most beautiful songs in the history of the world, but others r billionaires when all of their songs sound the same. The world is so f’d up. 😢

[@athenacrowne9103]

This song is as fine as a beeswing.... fragile and delicate beyond words.

[@maysraise]

im 19 ive been to 4 of his concerts he never disapoints i can gladly say, he's one of the best simply put

[@Yahziboy]

This song is so beautiful. His love for her was gentle, and patient, adoring . . . . and tragic. He couldn't keep her so he let her go. I'd give anything to see a picture of her.

[@Tagurrit]

I have one. Unfortunately I can’t post it here though. But I would if I could.

[@melissapinol7279]

Look up folksinger Anne Briggs. That's her.

[@swami19581]

Yep. Anne Briggs. Look up Black Waterside her version.

[@robertlepper5460]

I am English and always fascinated by hard it is to create English music which avoids being a pastiche of American music especially in terms of lyrical content. I write poetry myself and struggle to avoid the shackles of people like Dylan. In this song Richard Thompson achieves this to a remarkable extent

[@mississippichris]

This! This! This is the finest example of songwriting and delivery I've ever heard. Richard Thompson has no peer.

[@spudmuncherireland989]

Once had my heart broken by a similar kind of girl..years later, she's in my mind at least once a day

[@nick-jo3hy]

For everyone who relates to this For everyone who's been there For Christy and for Richard Thank you for this song . Thank s to everyone who said they liked it. Thanks to anyone who ever plays this in a bar if I am not there to buy the round. This song tell me I am not the only one who has these feelings. I needed to know that. Losers die alone. Losing love does not make you a loser just human ! A million have been there before a million more will follow. Thank you Richard !

[@nichth6744]

Richard Thompson says that this song was "kind of about" the immensely talented folk singer Anne Briggs, who was indeed running wild during the 1960s

[@mahone9048]

I think he also said that he only met her twice and she was unconscious on both occasions! I do see her face whenever I hear this though.

[@jkoff76]

Really? That makes a lot of sense. She definitely hated being tied down. Great voice though.

[@Frege100]

Annie is a fair bit older than RT and seems to be enjoying life in the Isles so maybe this was a bit of a pean to an older and in a way glamorous muse rather than Annie herself.

[@ricstunneloftunes4288]

yeah didn't she push andy irvine and johnny moynihan out of a hay loft?

[@douglaspatrick868]

@@Frege100 Anne has four years give or take on Richard, they aren't far apart in age at all. *Edit: I just checked for argument's sake and they are 75 and 71 now respectively. Both were very active on the UK and Ireland folk circuit at the same time, Anne had dalliances with lots of her fellow musicians and a decidedly free spirit, and Richard has said himself there is absolutely something of her in the song. It's at least inspired by Anne Briggs in part, if not entirely about her in fact...

[@TheIkaraCult]

how on earth he plays the guitar like that will always be beyond me

[@adanacman666]

this man, is the most underrated artist,he is, simply brilliant,and, he should be, way more known,but, then again, its cool,secret heros, like him, are more my kind of artist...

[@donbosco50]

How can anyone compare this exquisite faultless sublime rendition - from the creator of the piece - to the lightweight Christy Moore version............and find it wanting - Thompson captures the essence of the piece as only he can. Awestruck!

[@rob6624]

This is the best version of a beautiful song, and Richard's playing is better than Declan's, but you can't say the Christy Moore version is lightweight.

[@johndillon6859]

One of those very rare songs that have you crying with every single listen. Genius.

[@andytheantifash360]

My all time favourite folk song. A working class hero pining for lost love, a better life. Could their be more beautiful and sad a story? Makes me cry every damn time!. Love you Richard

[@bronwendavies943]

This song always reminds me of the young people I knew in 1968 - Josh, Toni, Annie, Joe, Gareth, Cindy, Jan. Josh died the following year. I wonder how many of those young people survive.

[@sarina1014]

It matters not how many times I hear this song, I can go months without listening to it and yet each time the result is the same, I end up in tears. I wonder what it feels like to have someone adore a person as much as the character in this song did? It takes someone very strong to let go of someone or something they love, to make that person happy.

[@billparry3591]

sarina1014 b

[@garrynorris4478]

I have and still think of her every day and miss her

[@timothygoodman942]

I have done that. After four years she said I was not who she thought I was. That night I cried so hard my body racked until there were no more tears to come, only heart break. The next day I moved out.

[@paulahunt5621]

Timothy Goodman I’m sorry Timothy, one foot in front of the other my friend. May you find peace.

[@paulahunt5621]

Bill Parry ?

[@andygriffiths3501]

I love Christy Moore's voice, but this will always be THE version for me :)

[@suecherry3824]

Definitely. Christy syncopates the song which ruins it. RT's version is perfect. And his guitar playing is sublime.

[@rossdimond]

Look up the whistlin donkies version

[@tonyflanagan4259]

@@rossdimond agree

[@tonyflanagan4259]

@@rossdimond agreee

[@Jack-lq9lk]

I likes christys version more because he’s one of my favorite singers and I’m not fond of richards singing but his guitar playing adds a lot to the song

[@Chaoitcme]

There will always be those few idiots that thumbs down a masterpiece on KZbin.

[@briandunstan3503]

Chaoitcme so your some kind of musical genius are you ,if someone doesn't like everything you like then this proves them to be an idiot does it, feckin ejit .

[@banjodenjo]

Their probably the type who insist on clapping on the first and third beat of every song they ever hear regardless of time signature and tempo.a plague of epidemic proportions .

[@billcbren]

@@briandunstan3503 If you don't like Richard Thompson, then yes, you're a "feckin' ejit." Fuck you.

[@briandunstan3503]

@@billcbren you do t know much do you?

[@mummygrim]

just fallen in love with him all over again.

[@rca7591a]

My favorite Richard Thompson song. So beautiful it makes one ache... Makes me think of my late ex. 😞😞😎😎🙏🙏

[@jons1809]

I used to love the Christy Moore version of this song but after listening to this a few times i can't listen to it anymore. Still love Christy mind but this is perfection.

[@stpetersandstsaviours1169]

I sing this myself, but since too many people know the rumpty-tumpty version, I avoid singing it in Irish traditional sessions.

[@Stratospheria]

i heard a boy sing and play this tonight in Dublin - just listened to this and it's immensely beautiful

[@chopkins276]

Would that be in cassidys??

[@Stratospheria]

No, it was in the international bar,a guy called Fionn!

[@dbob3405]

The only thing he does as well as play guitar is write and perform amazing songs. A true gift to humanity

[@liegebricking]

This is pure genius. One of the best songs ever written

[@deadspooner]

I'm probably the only 18 year old who even knows this song, but it hits me really deep. I met a girl like that, and we separated in a similar fashion. She passed 2 months ago, and It brings me to tears every time I hear this song because of how similar the stories are.

[@sarina1014]

Sorry for your loss deadspooner, it sounds like you are growing up fast. I don't want to sound like an old fart here even though I am old fart age, but geez, stay young as long as you possibly can or grow older but think young. Another song for you that you may find interesting is "These Days" written by Jackson Brown when he was 16. It has been covered by many artists from Greg Allman to Glen Campbell, and no, it isn't an old fart's song. The interesting part about "These Days" is that for a 16 yr old, it expresses a world view that is weary and seen it all. Here's to a better tomorrow. I wish you peace.

[@lulukallinen6670]

i am also 18 and this Music touch my Soul and also heal my soul

[@theowickenden8174]

May have been written about Ann Briggs . Listen to her and you will be free.

[@ainsleyg8657]

deadspooner i’m 13 dude.

[@itsjustaridelife5345]

why is your name dead spooner? you from Wisco? sorry to hear about that poor girl. this is a song to linger in memories while you admire his beautiful playing

[@seanytucker4673]

I once loved (and still love) a similar type of girl..I still think of her a hundred times a day.. 💔

[@1endpaper]

This was Richard's encore at his Bristol gig last week. Clearly is a deep memory for him. The song always conjures up the spirit of Sandy Denny when I hear it.

[@thearab59]

He has been quoted as saying Sandy and Anne Briggs are inspirations for the song, plus a homeless guy he met. Not autobiographical though. He never even worked in the Steamie in Caldrum Street (Dundee, its a real thing, or was in the mid 50's).

[@superbabybull88]

This is just magic, my father played me this song thinking I would like it. I have to say Dad "You were spot on."

[@PeterBrown42]

Probably Thompson's finest song, so wonderfully sad but true, about a person who can't adjust to the realities of life (like so many of us!)

[@georgecav]

Disagree. She had a very different set of realities of life than the ‘conventional’ ‘choices’- I have a friend in such a relationship now and I cant warn hime and he doesn’t see it but she is clearer than any human I have ever met about what works for her and its nothing conventional although he still thinks or hopes he can bend her a little more to the conventional. She is however absolutely magnetic…. This is both an amazing song and also an amazing performance of it. ‘She never could resist a winding road’ is a great partner song to this and there is a great clip of rt and joan baez doing it live

[@swami19581]

I believe it’s about Anne Briggs the singer

[@nevillelaybourne5610]

One of the best songs ever written, by one of the best songwriters.

[@johnscudder4552]

One of the greatest songwriter storytellers of all time!

[@44elisdad]

Like Van Zandt's Loretta I can almost taste the memory of the wild love that got away...

[@mickfoil]

I loved a woman like this once. God keep her in peace and bring her joy, wherever she is now.

[@sheilabloom6735]

This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful.

[@kevinb3812]

Ah, me too friend, me too.

[@evertonsean]

What can you say about this song that hasn't already been said... "As long as there's no price on love ill stay..." Magic

[@splorticussuii3303]

Love that line .

[@sirbla1rsco239]

Bumped into a local old timer he spoke about richard thosmon and he was also I to guitars and would build his own, now im here listening 😊

[@dreamwell2020]

Richard helped found Fairport Convention, inspired by all the American songwriter singers. In 1967, though, when Dylan delved back into his heritage (See: "The Basement Tapes"), Thompson began making new songs with deep old roots - and he's still England's answer to The Band.

[@ozbluesman]

I've been a RT fan since the mid -80s . This song is so beautiful. In an interview from Acoustic Guitar magazine in 1995 Richard talks of the people he knew dropping out from accountancy and the like to live on communes etc. The song has that longing and nostalgia. It's so beautifully written , lyric wise and his guitar playing of the highest order. RT is truly one of the greatest. EVER.

[@kevinb3812]

Thanks for a that bit of insight.

[@JockLambert1972]

Richard Thompson YOU are a rare thing. Genius.

[@samandjennysambrook]

Richard is a national treasure for certain.A musical gymnast and one of the best song writers and musicians on planet earth.I love this story.genius 💖

[@paulmalloncounselling2576]

Cheers RT I absolutely love this tune, every drunken night ends here and an odd sober one too.

[@djdaforce22]

great comment. half drunk myself and back here again

[@formzino]

Honestly this deserves to stand up as some of the greatest English art to have ever been produced

[@therealbeav]

Not a single word is wasted. There is no limit to the amount of times you can listen to this back to back.

[@iraisraelofficial]

I'm always astonished that more Americans don't know who Richard Thompson is. I mean, quite honestly, it's irresponsible for any songwriter to not be familiar with his stunning catalogue. One of the few living master guitarists and songwriters.

[@kws767]

50 yr old Singer/guitar player here. I just discovered RT yesterday. I know I'm late to the party but at least I made it. Incredible talent.

[@pelotasdad]

Ira Israel exactly how many of the 360,000,000 americans will it take to satisfy you? just ball park it, since, you know, we have so few bands to listen to and compete for our ear time. counting justin beiber and john moreland, that makes only six bands we know about in this country. i have nine of his albums, not including some fairport convention albums, and have only seen hime seven times. am i the tipping point? i understand your dilemma, though, as i am astonished the english still think they know how to play, coach, or commentate a soccer game. or better yet, how few english understand that england created the word “soccer.” maybe that is why he lives in california.... to educate us.

[@pelotasdad]

kws767 hard to keep track of everyone.... it isn’t like we don’t already have 6 million bands competing for our attention..... enjoy the discovery and his crazy great sense of humor to go along with his epic guitar and lyrics.

[@jj9homer]

I do not know a thousand guitar players/songwriters but all I do know know RT well. How could one study guitar in the 20-21st centuries and not look up to the master?

[@Jane-nm7vu]

Ira Israel *_How beautifully put ..._*

[@AndyDSmithuk]

This made me feel like I was someone else. Here is a man who knows what he sings and sings what he knows. @Cleapatr, thanks for the upload.

[@tonifrancis2189]

Love this man with all of my heart and I believe it’s the 1st time I think I’ve seen him without wearing his beret! One of my favorites of his.

[@thearab59]

You can see why he wears the beret.

[@juliancosmos]

Just wonderful. Fortunate enough to have seen him do this tune live on four occasions and brought tears to my eyes each time! Christy Moore is not better at singing Richard's tune either. He brings sentimentality where as Thompson brings sincerity.

[@Lowdenjim]

Written in tribute to Annie Briggs. This guy is the supreme master of acoustic guitar. Plays a Lowden - supreme master of acoustic guitar builders...

[@nancyl2]

What a sad beautiful song.... Pain always brings out something special when creating master pieces such as these lyrics and melody. Delightful RT. :-) What a gem this was my Angel Warrior. Magnificent..... :-))))

[@49erfrank28]

who cares if this is the best or Christy? This, by RT, is pure genius. I have seen him do it twice. If i had a chance i would go tomorrow to see it again.

[@markw6031]

Music appreciation is subjective. But this tune seems way underrated.

[@Pattieire]

one of my all time favourites and one hell of a performance - if he sang that to me I'd have stayed put :)

[@MrJohnnyahern]

I am a big fan of Christy Moore but I have to say that Richard Thompsons version of this song cannot be beaten

[@ciaranmac646]

The Whistlin’ Donkeys: Hold my beer.

[@peterbielecki3294]

He did write it like!!!

[@longshotkdb]

nobody plays it like richard. not even close ...

[@douglaspatrick868]

I would hope so, Richard fucking wrote it.

[@markp7023]

Thanks for uploading Cleapatr. Great song, great performance, and a genius artist. Top drawer.

[@jazzncorrib]

Acoustic perfection, a unique artist at one with his instrument, his voice and a beautiful song .. how can 26 musically challenged fools dislike this!!!

[@briandunstan3503]

Chris Wilson I think it's called freedon

[@briandunstan3503]

I didn't finish that slagging I was about to write ,freedom of choice you half wit.

[@dannycostello1978]

I can't get through it without crying. Beautiful.

[@billr1000]

This is an incredibly good song. The lyrics, the melody, the delivery -- all coming straight from the heart, and in our mind's eye we can picture the two at each stage of the song with brilliant clarity. Simply amazing.

[@robertharlow861]

What a classic song!!! It is being covered by many and often quite beautifully. That is probably the highest tribute to the song writer. I have played them over an over, like I am addicted to them.

[@thepeckhampoet1909]

Just a beautiful sad story captured in song forever

[@mhisalive]

Possibly my favorite song ever

[@runrunrun6777]

Easily one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@wungabunga]

This and Vincent Black Lightning are as central to british/celtic music as anything else I can imagine. He's a treasure.

[@stuqua]

I used to think that the lyrics said "the price you pay for the chances you refuse". The fact that it actually says "the price you pay for the CHAINS you refuse" makes it an even better song.

[@lazlomattachine8334]

Absolute genius. This song reminds me of my dear friend who passed away this year. Rest in light, Kathryn.

[@59ggh]

Hard to believe how anyone could thumbs down this song. Then I look at the world around me ---- Ah yes!

[@Frege100]

Even his devotees don't mention his voice as often as we should. That wounded attack and then the sort of verdigris quality of the words decaying to paint a picture of, I dunno, an extinct volcano in Dudley or a lame lion in the Alban Hills. Something lost and lovely.

[@dalescott831]

I love his voice, possibly even more than his guitar playing, and I can't fathom why some people don't. It has such a strange and unique beauty to it - kind of like Richard himself.

[@TelecastPropellor96]

So, so, so many, ever so many songs have tried and failed to capture what he just captured.

[@gcmvw1201]

What a very great singer-songwriter Richard Thompson is!

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Saw Richard last night. He played this one, one of my faves. Awesome show.

[@LifeGetsBetterDayByDay]

This song is amazing

[@Gallowgate]

Beautiful - love both Richard and Christy singing this - respect to both.

[@EdwardWeissbard]

No one does Beeswing as well as Richard Thompson, without a doubt.

[@j.alexanderbakeriii8655]

Oh,I knew this girl, yes I did.

[@g11clark]

+Alex Baker Yeah, I knew her too....

[@rubnsracn]

We all knew a girl like her in one place or time or another. " … and all the boys … at the bar began to sing along, 'If you'll be my Dixie Chicken, I'll be your Tennessee lamb' …"

[@samandjennysambrook]

You've either got it or you haven't. Richard has it by the bucket full...genius.