As the writer, you're always a presence in the song. If you get close to what human beings are like, you're writing about common experience. We all do much the same things, so if you nail somebody, then you've also…

Quote by Richard Thompson

Topics: Richard Thompson Quotes

I have to remind myself not to set boundaries.

I have to remind myself not to set boundaries.

I don't have much of a problem with interruptions. I keep a detailed record of...

I don't have much of a problem with interruptions. I keep a detailed record of...

When you stand up acoustic in front of an audience, you really are a man...

When you stand up acoustic in front of an audience, you really are a man...

I like the idea of playing in unison with yourself.

I like the idea of playing in unison with yourself.

I make paintings, try to get others to look at them and hopefully buy them.

I make paintings, try to get others to look at them and hopefully buy them.

What I wanted to hear didn't exist, so it was necessary for me to go...

What I wanted to hear didn't exist, so it was necessary for me to go...

Amplifying acoustic instruments more than a little is really cheating, and everything becomes a compromise.

Amplifying acoustic instruments more than a little is really cheating, and everything becomes a compromise.

To stand up on a stage alone with an acoustic guitar requires bravery bordering on...

To stand up on a stage alone with an acoustic guitar requires bravery bordering on...

I think it is an inborn talent - just luck. Some people can learn languages;...

I think it is an inborn talent - just luck. Some people can learn languages;...

I just like to entertain myself by sitting down and writing songs.

I just like to entertain myself by sitting down and writing songs.

I think the reason kids get into drugs and smoking is they don't have anything...

I think the reason kids get into drugs and smoking is they don't have anything...

Well, first of all it's entertainment. That stops us becoming too pretentious or thinking we're...

Well, first of all it's entertainment. That stops us becoming too pretentious or thinking we're...

All audiences should be slightly off balance.

All audiences should be slightly off balance.

I probably wrote three-quarters of the songs without an instrument in my hands.

I probably wrote three-quarters of the songs without an instrument in my hands.

I try to make songs visual and tactile to kind of put you into the...

I try to make songs visual and tactile to kind of put you into the...

I'm always making a conscious effort to be viable and accessible.

I'm always making a conscious effort to be viable and accessible.

I want people to come to my music without prejudice. I want them to get...

I want people to come to my music without prejudice. I want them to get...

Don't think of your courses as providing all you need for your career.

Don't think of your courses as providing all you need for your career.

I try to look for the good in everybody, regardless of the way they're labeled.

I try to look for the good in everybody, regardless of the way they're labeled.

You want the audience to be uncomfortable.

You want the audience to be uncomfortable.