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Richard Thompson — Turning of the Tide
Album: Amnesia
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1614









Released: 1988
Length: 2:53
Plays (last 30 days): 2
How many boys, one night stands,
How many lips, how many hands, have held you
Like I'm holding you tonight
Too many nights, staying up late,
Too much powder and too much paint
No you can't hide from the turning of the tide

Did they run their fingers up and down your shabby dress
Did they find some tender moment there in your caress

The boys all say "You look so fine"
They don't come back for a second time
Oh you can't hide from the turning of the tide

Poor little sailor boy, never set eyes on a woman before
Did he tell you that he'd love you, darling, for evermore?

Pretty little shoes, cheap perfume,
Creaking bed in a hotel room
Oh you can't hide from the turning of the tide

Did they run their fingers up and down your shabby dress
Did they find some tender moment there in your caress

The boys all say "You look so fine",
They don't come back for a second time
Oh you can't hide from the turning of the tide
Comments (134)add comment
 tichy wrote:

Catchy, but what's really the message of the (narrator of the) lyrics? "Your love life sucks according to my outside perspective", haha thank you. If only my dress wasn't as shabby!


Like many of RT's songs, it's like a short story: as I read it, he's singing about a "good-time girl" (or prostitute) whose looks and appeal are fading, and the poignancy of the depreciation of her currency.  Thompson often sings about people on the margins of society - Down Where The Drunkards Roll, King of Bohemia, Beeswing - all examples of his extraordinary craft and art.
 Bev_and_Wendy wrote:

Showing my ignorance here, I have never heard of Richard Thompson until it was played on here, in fact I thought Richard Thompson was John Boy from the Waltons until I googled, Love this guys voice, but looking at the other reviews it seems like it's either love or hate and no in-between, definitely love him here



Try 1952 Vincent Black Lightening epic saga
RT on RP!! Can I get an Oh, yeah 😎 ?!
Catchy, but what's really the message of the (narrator of the) lyrics? "Your love life sucks according to my outside perspective", haha thank you. If only my dress wasn't as shabby!
 tinypriest wrote:

Terribly hit-and-miss artist. His great stuff is truly stellar. His mostly ho-hum stuff is like this.


I agree, except that this is absolutely not ho-hum.  His early albums up to Mock Tudor are almost without exception wonderful, but of late the quality control seems to have waned ... or my tastes have changed ... or he's shifted direction.  I've seen him live at least a dozen times but I don't think I'd make the effort now.
 rbrise wrote:


Leo Kottke's 'Louise'...tragic
always thought Bonnie Raitt's version was incredible and touching. I didn't get the "hooker" comment, more like a gal looking for something unattainable...

This guy writes some really great songs. I'd like to hear a collaboration between him and Mark Knopfler.
 Andybob wrote:

A great song about a hooker in the finest Richard Thompson storytelling tradition. How about keeping the theme going for a few tracks and playing The Stranglers Princess of The Street and Joe Jackson's 50 Dollar Love Affair?



Leo Kottke's 'Louise'...tragic
Bucket list artist that I was able to see in Sacramento at the Crest Theater just under three years ago.  Spectacular performance.  If you have a chance to go see him, just do it.
Talking heads or what?
 tinypriest wrote:

Terribly hit-and-miss artist. His great stuff is truly stellar. His mostly ho-hum stuff is like this.

An acquired taste...

 tinypriest wrote:

Terribly hit-and-miss artist. His great stuff is truly stellar. His mostly ho-hum stuff is like this.




Well Stated!
To answer Silvermanman, yes, he and Princeton love each other!
 Grahamthefirst wrote:

Such a gifted performer. See him live if you get the chance. In addition to his insightful and pithy lyrics, RT is one of the most accomplished guitarists around. One of Englands' finest musicians, now resident on the West side of the pond. Our loss.




Has he managed to find a bit of the US that isn't on fire, or flooded, or is a gun toting trump supporting racist enclave? Miraculous if so.
 jonahboo wrote:


and his voice is annoying .....and his face is too


...and he speaks so highly of your hollywood looks. 
What a treasure this man is. A legend. My favorites playlist for this guy is 50+ songs.
 tinypriest wrote:
Terribly hit-and-miss artist. His great stuff is truly stellar. His mostly ho-hum stuff is like this.
 

and his voice is annoying .....and his face is too
Terribly hit-and-miss artist. His great stuff is truly stellar. His mostly ho-hum stuff is like this.
where else would you hear this cut?
A great storyteller, with dry British humor, and great guitar skills. Give us more Richard Thompson.
I've enjoyed this tune in the past but I never bothered to look at the lyrics, and would end singing the words I thought I was hearing. Now, looking at the lyrics, don't think I got a single word right.
Amazing voice and guitar player. Love this tune. 
 kcar wrote:

 
I love Joni but Richard's voice just doesn't do it for me.
 

I love Richard' s voice can't stand Joni's.
Showing my ignorance here, I have never heard of Richard Thompson until it was played on here, in fact I thought Richard Thompson was John Boy from the Waltons until I googled, Love this guys voice, but looking at the other reviews it seems like it's either love or hate and no in-between, definitely love him here
 bb_matt wrote:
Try as I might, I find the voice massively irritating, I have the same issue with Joni Mitchell. I find the voice unnatural - like there's too much effort gone into it, at the expense of a natural sound. Yep, it's just me I guess.

 
 
I love Joni but Richard's voice just doesn't do it for me.
 bam23 wrote:
Richard Thompson played the Fillmore in San Francisco last week. The opening act was him playing acoustic guitar, followed shortly by his trio. They did 3 encores, of (I believe) 3 songs each. There was no way anyone could have left less than satisfied. His ability to shift from acoustic to wailing electric guitar in seemingly a heartbeat is remarkable. If I have a regret it's that younger folks appear to not know or care about this brilliant, humorous, and technically astonishing musician. So what he described as old people standing to listen to folk music was pretty accurate.

 
{#Cheers}  RT Rocks
 glassbrain wrote:
"It's not just you.  I find him as authentic as a cowboy on the streets of London. " You are definitely not alone. Irritating voice and person in general.

 
Irritating person? Have you met RT?

Weird.
"It's not just you.  I find him as authentic as a cowboy on the streets of London. " You are definitely not alone. Irritating voice and person in general.
It's not just you.  I find him as authentic as a cowboy on the streets of London.

bb_matt wrote:
Try as I might, I find the voice massively irritating, I have the same issue with Joni Mitchell. I find the voice unnatural - like there's too much effort gone into it, at the expense of a natural sound. Yep, it's just me I guess.

 


Saw Sir Richard this past Monday night in Easton MD.  He was spectacular.  
Such a gifted performer. See him live if you get the chance. In addition to his insightful and pithy lyrics, RT is one of the most accomplished guitarists around. One of Englands' finest musicians, now resident on the West side of the pond. Our loss.
Try as I might, I find the voice massively irritating, I have the same issue with Joni Mitchell. I find the voice unnatural - like there's too much effort gone into it, at the expense of a natural sound. Yep, it's just me I guess.
Zero.

 

Skydog wrote:
he's like the bottomless cup of coffee, it just keeps coming
 how many good songs has Thompson wrote?
 

 


 Andybob wrote:
A great song about a hooker in the finest Richard Thompson storytelling tradition. How about keeping the theme going for a few tracks and playing The Stranglers Princess of The Street and Joe Jackson's 50 Dollar Love Affair?

  And Walter Becker's "Junkie Girl".


Volume down low I thought it was Fleetwood Mac's Tusk. Hmm.
Richard Thompson on the radio is a wonderful thing.
A great song about a hooker in the finest Richard Thompson storytelling tradition. How about keeping the theme going for a few tracks and playing The Stranglers Princess of The Street and Joe Jackson's 50 Dollar Love Affair?
 Philchill wrote:
Being more of a melody-orientated person I never paid much attention to lyrics.. until I was introduced to RT!

Just discovered Radio Paradise a couple of weeks ago. Third song to come up was another Thompson piece...  That's when I decided to add Paradise to the bookmarks bar {#Cheesygrin}

Never thought I'd hear Thompson on a 'mass appeal' kind of service.

 
A reason why RP is listed within the "alternative" list of radios in TuneIt ... and now enjoying Steve Ray Vaughan after Thompson, where else do you get this? C'mon guys and send your support to RP!! {#Bananajam}
Being more of a melody-orientated person I never paid much attention to lyrics.. until I was introduced to RT!

Just discovered Radio Paradise a couple of weeks ago. Third song to come up was another Thompson piece...  That's when I decided to add Paradise to the bookmarks bar {#Cheesygrin}

Never thought I'd hear Thompson on a 'mass appeal' kind of service.
Richard Thompson played the Fillmore in San Francisco last week. The opening act was him playing acoustic guitar, followed shortly by his trio. They did 3 encores, of (I believe) 3 songs each. There was no way anyone could have left less than satisfied. His ability to shift from acoustic to wailing electric guitar in seemingly a heartbeat is remarkable. If I have a regret it's that younger folks appear to not know or care about this brilliant, humorous, and technically astonishing musician. So what he described as old people standing to listen to folk music was pretty accurate.
he keeps crankin out new music thats exceptional
This is some of my favorite album art ever. 
Like it! need it for my running playlist. It moves.
 
RT - maybe the best combination of songwriter, singer and guitarist?  Who is better at any one of them, not to mention all three....
 
Dont' hear the Springsteen thing in this myself. Both brilliant in their own ways. Richard Thompson is a complete original - Beeswing and 1952 Vincent Black Lighning remain favourites...
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
..... how can you compare a twat like Sringstein to Richard Thompson.  Words fail me.
 
What's a "Sringstein"?
Apparently words do fail you.
I'm not a Thompson fan, but I don't feel the need to call him a "twat".
As for Springsteen, he is one of the greatest writers/performers in the history of rock.
 Disti wrote:
springsteen fake

 
..... how can you compare a twat like Sringstein to Richard Thompson.  Words fail me.
 Disti wrote:
springsteen fake

 
Springsteen wishes!
 Hasan wrote:
There's kind of a jarring clash between the cheerful peppy music and the pathetic, sordid imagery in the lyrics. No?

 
That particular brand of irony is his trademark. Welcome to our world.
 Hasan wrote:
There's kind of a jarring clash between the cheerful peppy music and the pathetic, sordid imagery in the lyrics. No?

No kidding.  But, silly me, I detect a touch of sorrow in the lyrics, too.
There's kind of a jarring clash between the cheerful peppy music and the pathetic, sordid imagery in the lyrics. No?
 Disti wrote:
springsteen fake

  who came first?
love the guitar...... !
Awesome song

Awesome album


But the cover art hasn't aged so well!! 
 Disti wrote:
springsteen fake
 
WTF?  Are you kidding?
 Disti wrote:
springsteen fake
 
 {#Eek}  Um, no!  {#Stupid}  {#Snooty}
springsteen fake
A good start to $10 Tuesday, in case 'we' forget (Amnesia)
Here's hoping it's a good one Bill/Rebecca? {#Cheers} cheers!
 akiml wrote:
I am at a loss for words - Richard's playing, composition, vivid characters, storytelling and singing take the words and breath away every time.
 
Agree, great songwriting!
 
Just never get tired of listening to this man sing. He's superb. Thanks RP!
I am at a loss for words - Richard's playing, composition, vivid characters, storytelling and singing take the words and breath away every time.
 BijouBijou wrote:
COME ON RP! I just linked my friend your station, and the last two songs have been thoroughly unconvincing of this station's greatness...
 
You win some, you lose some....with RP you win most of the time. If you don't like song A then chances are song B will kill you...so relax...let your friend listen and become a fan, it'll happen.

edit: and come on...Richard Thopson? He's amazing...
 BijouBijou wrote:
COME ON RP! I just linked my friend your station, and the last two songs have been thoroughly unconvincing of this station's greatness...
 
t-hee hee...
COME ON RP! I just linked my friend your station, and the last two songs have been thoroughly unconvincing of this station's greatness...
This shines with energy. {#Sunny}

THIS is why RP implemented the "PSD" button. Also for most Dylan tunes.

I just don't get the appeal of this guy.  Never will.


This is very lovely!!!

9
The man is a god , guitarist, lyricist and all round entertainer, forget the voice it's the words  and fingers that matter. 
Lost count of the number of times we have seen him, solo ,duo, group or with a historical music group, he ALWAYS   gives a superb performance.

You guessed I like him. 10++ 
Aw hell...I missed Blind Faith
LOVE this man!
Best concert I've ever been to....and I've been to ALOT!
 Wizzuvvoz wrote:
cool song I think, but I don't particularly like Bryan Ferry vocals even when Bryan is doing them (maybe that's it)
 
It's definitely the vocals that grate on my nerves. I think he's an excellent songwriter/guitarist but I can't handle the voice. This from someone who loves Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen etc. Go figger.

LOVE RICHARD THOMPSON.  BEEN LISTENING TO HIM SINCE THE EARLY 70'S.  FINALLY GOT TO SEE HIM.  IT WAS WONDERFUL BEYOND WONDERFUL.
 toterola wrote:
The closest thing we have to a modern day troubadour. Beyond excellence! {#Clap}
 
Totally agree!  He certainly tells a good story, and with guitar skill, too! (Well, Knopfler is another one, but he's in a different thread.) {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Notworthy}
RT...my man!!
{#Bananajam}
i have yet to hear a richard thompson song i did not like.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Me2
  cool song I think, but I don't particularly like Bryan Ferry vocals even when Bryan is doing them (maybe that's it)

Virtuoso!
 laprincessa wrote:
Why does this grate on my nerves so??
 
Me2


Very honest sounding recording.

Almost makes you forget its a record.

The closest thing we have to a modern day troubadour. Beyond excellence! {#Clap}
yuk.
Brilliant, as Richard T always is.
 laprincessa wrote:
Why does this grate on my nerves so??
 
same here


Been following Richard Thompson since Shoot Out The Lights came out.  That was one of the real jaw-on-the-floor records for me and still is.  Amazing guitarist and lyricist.
 a_genuine_find wrote:
John Boy?

 
It's ThomPSON not ThomAs(s)!

John Boy?

Newbie. Jellicle wrote:
Um, last time I heard this it also followed an Ian Anderson track. Is Radio Paradise on auto-pilot?
Um, last time I heard this it also followed an Ian Anderson track. Is Radio Paradise on auto-pilot?
laprincessa wrote:
If you REALLY want to hear/see some amazing work, check out this and this and this and this. NOBODY can pick like Tommy, nobody.
But can he sing, write songs and play electric with equally amazing skill?
Do I hear "I am on fire" by Bruce Springteen?
I have always found Richard Thompson to be one of the elite musicians, both for his astonishing and inventive playing, but also for the often off-kilter lyrics. How many of you have his 'Henry the Human Fly' album? Now that was quirky, featuring a healthy taste of his characteristic guitar proficiency and strange songs, it shows where he has come from. See him live if possible. Good earplugs are recommended for the front area.
Really don't mind if you sit this one out. My words but a whisper -- your deafness a SHOUT. —Ian Anderson
OK, RT is growing on me. This is pretty good.
Gives me chills. RT's wonderful guitar, and story telling that goes straight to the heart.
Yes, good follow up song indeed.
Just the artist to follow Ian! Fantastic guitar!
So I've never understood Richard Thompson, but this song is okay. It ends with a flourish.
Wish my daughters had heard this--heard this--starting way back when. . . .
I like a lot of folks voices that get trashed on RP: Dylan, Cohen, Waits, Costello, etc. But I Thompson's voice is a wedge for me from enjoying his songs and music
Its Bill's aging British rock legends set. Great stuff! Daniel_Pittenger wrote:
Love it, great after Ian Anderson.
Awesome, love Richard Thompson ...
laprincessa wrote:
Why does this grate on my nerves so??
Perhaps you have grateful nerves...
Hon, you have one great treat coming if you haven't found older RT. Also look for his collaborations with ex-wife Linda Thompson. DownHomeGirl wrote:
LOVE this. Gonna have to get this one. I just have his newer stuff.
Love it, great after Ian Anderson.
LOVE this. Gonna have to get this one. I just have his newer stuff.
chuck_flacks wrote:
I don't mean to be rude, but get a clue! You rag on this song whenever it comes on!
Uhm, well that WAS rude. Duh.
BruceN wrote:
Richard Thompson's art was an acquired taste for me. I saw him as first act, mostly acoustic solo. He made his 6 and 12 string guitars make sounds I had never heard before. They were strummed, struck, bent, and beat on. Needless to say, I was fascinated, and at the time I knew NONE of his music. Now, maybe 10 or 15 years later, I stop in my tracks and listen when an RT song comes on.
If you REALLY want to hear/see some amazing work, check out this and this and this and this. NOBODY can pick like Tommy, nobody.
laprincessa wrote:
Why does this grate on my nerves so??
I don't mean to be rude, but get a clue! You rag on this song whenever it comes on!
eskles wrote:
Never was a great fan....until seeing him live at Sierra Nevada this year. What a great performer! Now, the more I hear, the more I like.
I liked what I heard of RT before, but I too was absolutely blown away after seeing him live at Hardly Stricty Bluegrass a couple of weeks ago. Sitting amid pine trees on a hillside in Golden Gate Park, watching his fingers fly over that guitar. Wow, just wow.
Oh, he's my favorite singer songwriter ever. I like him better than Dylan, John Prine, or John Hyatt!!! He's also an unbelievable guitarist!!
Never was a great fan....until seeing him live at Sierra Nevada this year. What a great performer! Now, the more I hear, the more I like.
Why does this grate on my nerves so??
the guitar work is awesome. and he has a GREAT voice. nice tone. articulate. probably one of the best musical artists out there. bar none.
Brilliant guitarist, but his singing leaves a lot to be desired, IMHO.
Richard Thompson's art was an acquired taste for me. I saw him as first act, mostly acoustic solo. He made his 6 and 12 string guitars make sounds I had never heard before. They were strummed, struck, bent, and beat on. Needless to say, I was fascinated, and at the time I knew NONE of his music. Now, maybe 10 or 15 years later, I stop in my tracks and listen when an RT song comes on.
My least unfavorite RT song so far. Mostly I can't stand him but this is listenable.
i suddenly feel ill
Spenny wrote:
How comforting. Working from home for the first time in ages, and here is one of my uploads from way back when gracing the netwaves :)
no offense, but YUK.
How comforting. Working from home for the first time in ages, and here is one of my uploads from way back when gracing the netwaves :)
KevDogRedux wrote:
Richard Thompson has a knack for setting a mood and painting a vivid picture, and this song is by no means an exception. I'd like to have a pint or two with Richard.
Amen! The sad thing is that I remember RT from back when he was but a gangly youth with a 30" waist. His has increased by a few percent: mine more so. ÂÂ