Richard Thompson - Beeswing

[nobuckshot]

Always thought Cristy Moore wrote this.Thanks for the education.

[SharonGardner1]

Never heard this artist until today. What a great voice

[SupernalOne]

"the English Bob Dylan"

[signofthebeast666]

Does anyone have a pretty accurate TAB of this version? I got a good bit of it, though the rhythm and coordination of the right hand will probably take a lifetime to get. A worthy endeavor compared to what else I've experienced in my 65 years.

[MsLouis3]

one word..special...well two...really special

[sexandsugar3]

I'm in tears every time I listen to this song ... So beautiful

[MsLouis3]

@sexandsugar3 top comment friend!

[curlytail55]

This song is excellent and richard sings it well but search Youtube for 'Luke Murray sings' to hear a guy with a great voice who sings it with total feeling. Can't seem to find any other work from this Luke - unless you know differently of course....

[spacedragonsinspace]

i wish i could just get this song on itunes with only him and his guitar

[zhanay]

@spacedragonsinspace Download the most recent version of Real Player. It will give you the option of recording this song. Then you can convert to an MP3 and open it with Itunes. Unless you object to not paying for it...

[bartlettandbosc]

Oh my god. I listen to extreme Metal but this just reduced me to plop. It's fucking amazing.

[AndyMHTR]

I first heard this song at a local open mic night, the guy playing pulled it of 100% and as a guitar player this makes me a bit excited

[saintalph0nz0]

Who wrote the lyrics here? "Wait for the frost?" Really? Are you that F'ing clueless? It's "wait for the first time." Pretty lame, get the words right (esp key ones) if you're gonna post 'em for chrissake.....

[gaspode18]

@saintalph0nz0 3.25, cloth-ears. It's frost.

[djdaforce22]

@saintalph0nz0 It's 'frost' you ignorant person. 'She thought we shouldn't wait for the first time' means absolutely nothing. They never waited for anything that's the point. I expect an apology to Cleapatr (who was good enough to post the song) but judging by the ignorant tone and stupidity of you comment I doubt they'll get one.

[callumcartymusic]

brilliant guitarist, truly one of a kind

[Pattieire]

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

[hautelick]

The man is just a fucking genius..

[2253glen]

If you don't love this song, I have nothing to say to you, you are lost...

[MinersClub]

Great song. Just bloody great.

[runrunrun6777]

Easily one of the greatest songs ever written.

[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."

[TimRFA]

I am an absolute Mad Dog Mcrea fan, but even they couldn't improve on perfection. On this song Richard, you own it!

[Irishswede]

I first heard this song in Ellen's Pub in Sligo. I loved it then, but Richard Thompson sings with such feeling. I keep playing it over and over again.

[andreaneilcmc]

There is a village in Southern Scotland near Dumfries called Beeswing.

[jimboofharrock]

@andreaneilcmc I know, I was driving through there a while ago and saw the village sign and thought of this lovely song. It is in a beautiful place too.

[thebaxterbertie]

Thank the lord of your choice for this man. His work is sublime, and live he is a true force of nature. Always reminds me of the parts Alan Rickman plays - lugubrious, world-weary, but as sharp as a tack and capable of beautiful stuff.

[octarhaberee]

7 Dead Souls

[AndyHN34]

7 dislikes??? Must be Westlife fans....

[davidnogoodboyo]

Oops! That should read...Rare footage indeed... RT sans chapeau !!

[davidnogoodboyo]

Real footage indeed... RT sans chapeau!!

[spennamac]

Fuckin Amazing, I love ya Christy but this is his and nobody will touch him on this one. GENIUS X

[Lysten2100]

I found this completely by accident, and boy am i glad i did! Mesmerizingly good. :O

[smartychase]

And his baby boy Teddy is just as brilliant......

[TheIkaraCult]

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

[AndizzleDSizzle]

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.

[UFOIST]

The 7 people who disliked this must be insane.

[angryone]

Absolutely extraordinary song. I knew the first Fairport Convention pretty well but i've just discovered RT work solo and my jaws been dropping since!

[GrisGrisOnUrDoorStep]

a couple thousand of those views are mine

[jtstallings]

Well put cosmo, exactlyy sentiments. I want to get out on the road and feel the earth moving .

[Botheuk]

Unbelievably Good.

[CosmoMemory91]

I know about everyone's said this. But, I love this song, and Richard Thompson. He writes the most beautiful songs, technically and emotionally. They make me want to cry, laugh, love, and live. Thank you so much for this.

[jabbajabbajembe]

Master piece :-)

[creaturagirl]

thanks to my ex welsh husband for introducing me to this lovely stuff!

[RoadPublications]

Lol, had to analyze part of this song for my english test today. Awsome song.

[MrCopperhead1861]

Aaron Jones makes a pretty impressive effort if anyone has interest. But no one can beat Richard Thompson's presence, I mean, JUST LISTEN. Engrossing and beautiful. I don't trust the seven people who disliked it!

[deadlift99]

astonishing, the kind of song that can change your life

[sheps1200]

I always have to ask, in situations this pure, but

Who is Disliking This? I just don't get it.

[rogwheel]

@sheps1200 Tell me about it. This is one of the best songs ever written!!!!

[salbrown51]

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

Indeed.

[rambodeish]

Near 200,000 views and just under 500 likes, that's criminal. Heartbreaking song, and the original is the only version with the skill and the soul to do it justice. People would do well not to cover it as it's simply just not "another song" to casually throw out, it is a trademark, and a masterpiece.

[jpstirling]

sublime.

[nicechuck1956]

Love his music, Beeswing and She Cut Off Her Long Silken Hair are 2 of my favorites

[retepnalon]

Richard Thompson-Brilliant ------ Christy Moore average at best

[melissamusic]

oh my god, how moving.

[400OTD]

it just doesn't get any better ....Look up "Well Crafted Song" in the dictionary... the words and music to Beeswing will be the definition.

Superb!!

[41774831]

i am sure he is crying inside while he is singing this song. :(

[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

[gabe25591]

@maysraise Huh! Same age, same number of concerts! Coincidence. And yeah, every time he is just UNBELIEVABLE. Recommended to anyone and everyone!

[mctribble]

Top Man..

[quicktothe4]

I saw him in 1995 1996 and he was still playing this guitar -magic

[Bluebuthappy182]

Thanks for the upload, an amazing song

[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.

[Bluebuthappy182]

@juliancosmos did Christy Moore cover this song?

[eimead]

@Bluebuthappy182 he sure did, and whilst I'm a huge fan of christy, there's no beating this version(at least for me.)

[Bluebuthappy182]

@Bluebuthappy182 I actually found Christy's version on the side bar almost immediately after i hit the post button. I love Christy but for me to be honest Richard's version has the edge he's an amazing artist. It would be pretty cool if Christy Moore, Richard Thompson and Chris Woods did a somethig together thought, that would be one hell of a concert

[stratman123]

Chris Elliott

[Cleanetta]

Wow, I love this song - just beautiful. Richard Thompson, you rock!

[bobcordson]

Everytime I write a song I come back to this and just think to myself whats the point? This is one of the greatest ever written, it evokes so much emotion it is ridiculous! to those who compare the versions, save your breath. Music is about listening to the heart!!

[MrNonoz]

Heartbreakingly beautiful

[englishcelt]

love this song

[jesmarluk]

I surely do love you RT. Saw you this weekend in Asheville, NC and cried at the wonderful beauty and grace you produce. Thank you for who you are and for sharing your talent and heart with us who love and appreciate you.

[hautelick]

A genius; plain and simple.

[hmsgambia]

christy does it cause but this is thompson song sung by a pure genius with his mind and giutar nothing can come close !!!!!

[stelvans]

Genius, all you clowns comparing Christie Moore or Paolo Nutini get a life and give your heads a shake..

[MrConeman]

I absolutely love Christy Moore, and listened to his version of this first, but my God, Richard Thompson is so much better on this song.

[MrIpomoea]

@MrConeman love christy too... and have to agree about this one

[keok24]

i think christy moore is better singing this song. there just something about this fella mybe it is i heard chisty's version years ago and it grew on me

[TheBanyanEmperor]

4 people are allergic to bees.

[CoalCutter73]

RT is such a rare talent. Not only a blinding guitarist but the way he can tell stories in his lyrics is wonderful. And what a cracking voice too!

[LovingLifeandWords]

Timeless.. 

[37zeus37]

magical .............

[meeshhead]

Like all genuine art, it satisfies completely.

[mmcdonn2]

Brilliant



[mmcdonn2]

This has to be one of the greatest songs ever written in the sense of a "singer-songwriter", and in the sense (almost as an afterthought) of the guitar

musicianship of the songwriter, ie the poet. Check RT's Vincent Black Lightening too. If the Eagles famous, RT is the hidden, better still version!

[nancywebbcorbett1]

thank you for adding to my growing list of favorites from this incredible singer/songwriter.

[fewtv]

Beautiful

[ksjoyjespeace]

Nanci Griffith/Richard Thompson/Danny Thompson : this song; HEAVENLY!!!

[rorrt]

personally i think this is one of the best, neh, the best love song ive heard.

right next to Billy Braggs Greetings to the new brunette.

or even Love Letter by Nick Cave.

Ive seen him twice live and for the 1000 years of popular music was the best concert ive seen, and ive seen Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.

actually i would put Richard Thompson on a par as a live performer with Joan Biaz.

[TheRailroaddan]

Straight from the heart Richard.

[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.

[Od1n90]

@raybradhausen If you like poetry in music, try Tom Waits.

[raybradhausen]

@Od1n90 I'm also a fan of Tom Waits as well. My favorites of his are Swordfishtrombones and Bone Machine.

[walkawayheatherene]

this is from the cd mirror blue

[dontfunkaround]

Hey leah this is our song. Click on my username :)

[taquitobro]

Does "a wolfhound at her feet "refer to an empty bottle of Irish whiskey or a real dog?

[Diddyell]

@taquitobro

its a reference I think to a dog , the white horse in her hip pocket is the grog

[somelogicplease]

@drpurpell White 'horse' is heroin.

[RatherLargeAllan]

@somelogicplease "White Horse in her hip pocket" is the quote - White Horse is cheap whisky

[kristi449]

thank you for posting this cleapatr. such beuatiful soulful music. nohting like beautiful day.

[hakki57]

can you tell me what DVD I can find this particular performance?

[Cleapatr]

@hakki57 It's not from a DVD but was recorded off the TV onto VHS. I don't know when or if it will ever get an official release :(

[lustreboy]

@Cleapatr was this on BBC2 late at night?

I have a real vague but powerful feeling of watching him on the Late Show, or Late Review or something, and just loving it!

[Cleapatr]

@lustreboy Yes it was...Late Roots BBC2 24-01-94

[EricDurland]

@hakki57 The album is Mirror Blue.

[Leonmitch]

Just beautiful...xxx

[GretaGargoyle]

@hakki57 Mirror Blue

[alexandersocool]

I heard this first time this morning on the radio...one or two tears running down my face. Wonderful song and performance. I wouldn't want it any other way

[pyramidion]

One of the greatest songs ever written IMO.

Pure beauty.

[dazpatreg]

Fuckin amazing guitarist!

[ItsCabs]

It's so funny that Richard dismisses this song as a triffling throwaway, yet his fans love it. Exactly like George Jones regarding his recording of "the grand tour". Crazy.

[amazongift]

fantastic....Mel

[TheBanyanEmperor]

Legend!

[Khulanoo]

RT - a true poet, singer, troubadour of our times and his guitar playing is just astounding. A "rare kind",! Love the post from carollizc, "real stuff, fine as single malt and enduring as stone" ,, just wonderful.....

[TheIkaraCult]

what a song

[thelittleunsaid]

beautiful. thank you for uploading this.

[benbg]

Does it matter who she is ,,the themes of passion ...love .... time ...and loss, are universal. I know this girl... she has broken all our hearts. Class.

[johnmckinlay67]

Richard Thompsons' discography is second to none, but when he's touring THIS is the one the audience screams out for ! PS ..And "Vincent Black Lightning"..and "Just the Motion"...and......x

[wattdabny]

no other version can beat this. real singing. christy moore totally ruins the melody by taking all the melisma out of it

[19EIRE16]

i know a local music that does a brilliant live version of this song should check it out

Stephen Mooney at the Craic n´Ceol

[carollizc]

This is the real stuff, as fine as single malt, and enduring as stone.

[TheIkaraCult]

richard thompson makes us all feel humble and rightly so

[Elspode]

One of the greatest songwriters and guitarists of all time, a true global treasure, and an incomparable live performer.

[neohip]

@Elspode

I agree with you,but you are just echoing the rather dry "evaluation" of the "critics".

I want to know why Richard is special to you!.(it's important).

I want to know why he is more important to you than say Bach,Beethoven,or David Swarbrick.

[Gilyslas]

Fairport Convention was a pretty cool group

in the 60's-70's. Sandy Denny was an amazing

singer in the group. I think that was FC highlight

when she was with them. Another group worth

mentioning was Pentangle. "Free Flight" is their flagship song. Great stuff coming out of the U.K. then. Still good today.

[SupernalOne]

they say her flower is faded now -

hard living and hard booze -

but maybe that's just the price you pay

for the chains you refuse -

[MissGummi]

I just heard this song for the first time this morning, on the radio. I'm not terribly fond of his voice, but it no doubt fits this song, and the lyrics made me want to find it. Thanks for posting it!

[1956godrevy]

Listen to Christy Moore sing it.

[MissGummi]

I did. c:

[TheIkaraCult]

yeah Christy does a good version, but its nothing on the original

[padraigpurseal]

@MissGummi

You should dig a bit more Miss G.

Thompson has been around since the late 60's has a large catalogue a truely great guitarist and is tremenduous live if you ever get the chance [not sure what your problem is with his voice but to each their own]

[mmcdonn2]

Incomparable, as always, this old take on the song is just as fresh now as if it was recorded yesterday

[govan64]

Thompson is my favourite guitarist of all time and I've seen him many times live in many guises. I've seen him perform solo, as a duo with Danny Thompson and with a full band. I've never been disappointed yet.

[MrCountrypop]

this song is genius, the lyric alone sings.

Thanks for uploading

[81MJT]

Wonderful. Absolutely truly wonderful.

[GibsonHummingbird]

Terrific song , Richard is a diamond.

[apacolipps]

Certainly not too many around writing lyrics at this level; after RT, Cohen, and Springsteen, perhaps, that pretty much exhausts the quality-field in today's Adult-Contemp scene.

[kenorian]

I've loved Richard for decades. The crazy thing is that my 19 year old loves him too.... Says something 'bout my son and Richard.

[TomBandfield]

I love both this one and Christy's version equally. Paolo Nutini's version is bloody awful though O.O

[kisscycles]

Roy Baileys version - check this out on the Coda album, a work of art.

[PavePaws]

Richard has the folk voice. Much more impressive than some mick doing his cover (it's okay, I'm Irish...I can say Mick...Black people can't! ha ha ha) Christy has a girls name. I'm sure he caught a few whacks for that at school. And he can't sing at the same pace. Richard has a more melodic rhythm. The only cover I ever liked was William Shatner's Rocketman. (PS William Shatner, you for IPODERS, is was and always will be CAPTAIN KIRK! "Mr Spock I'm...not sure we can DO that."

[MoonPaddy81]

Shatner's Basoon..

[verityandstu]

Bless Christopher Morris!

[malismad]

The fact that Thompson can play a guitar and Christy can't helps this version.

Mind you Declan Synott can play.

But Thompson wrote this, and his is the definitive version.

[skippythebushy]

christy moores version is better..

[joeygsmom]

this is very good! songs are usually best sung by the lyrics writer

[valdestana]

Cleapatr-thanks for that.

[valdestana]

can anyone remind me who the female artiste this song is meant to be loosely based on? Used to know but seem to have forgotten along the way!

[Cleapatr]

Anne Briggs

[bebopper24]

Many thanks !!!

I never heard her music before. What a beautiful voice. :)

[neohip]

Anne Briggs.Very loosely.

She was the "Bees Knees" of English folk music to the artists,in the 60's.Incredibly influential but nearly forgotten herself.

Track her music down,if you dare!.

[bebopper24]

Thanks, I tracked her music down. I love her voice.

[chrisharro]

@valdestana I suspect it was Judy Henske. Surely the point is to lament with Richard that he's lost a woman who he wishes he could capture "all of her wildness now", but who tells him, "If there's no price on love I'll stay - you wouldn't want me any other way." But i"m only going by his lyrics - what do you think?

[valdestana]

@chrisharro I think I tend to agree it was probably Anne Briggs from other comments etc. and what I have found out since. I think "loosely" based is true and it could be the subject of the song is something of a mixture of different people RT came across in his long and varied career-especially, maybe, in the early days. All the best,

[OxTheWriter]

I saw him--again--recently on tour with Loudon Wainwright on the "Loud and Rich" tour (great name for the tour), and I was yet again amazed.

I haven't heard him do this song for years, though. I wonder why it's not in his regular set lists.

[LauraEManning]

"As long as there's no price on love i'll stay. And you wouldn't want me any other way" <3 favourite bit!

[TheIkaraCult]

I can listen to this all day, mesmeric

[guted0]

such a great song. evokes many a sad emotion and memory

[Debbiebookworm]

I heard an amazing cover of this at the Big Green Gathering in England in 2006 and Pixie and Lynn, if you are reading this you are messengers of Thompson, your cover is ACE, and you are amaxing people!!!!

[Debbiebookworm]

@Debbiebookworm

I mean amazing people - spelling not so good tonight.

[padraigpurseal]

Thank you for reminding me just how good Thompson is

[TheIkaraCult]

Thompson and Fahey occupy that upper echelon, exceptional players

[wungabunga]

A great English folk artist and one of my favourite guitarists to boot.

[gummoboy333]

hey all added "foxes" by richard thompson check it out!

[MrNonoz]

Wow

[Gallowgate]

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

[TheNigelr]

A living National Treasure.

[Elliexir]

Oh my god. This is so fucking beautiful.

[mollitoff]

@Elliexir.  Exactly.

[FatArsedScouser]

What a lad... a truly rare thing