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Richard Thompson — Crawl Back (Under My Stone)
Album: Mock Tudor
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1818









Released: 1999
Length: 3:57
Plays (last 30 days): 0
This time you hurt me
You really did it this time you did
Did you count your fingers after shaking my hand
God forbid
Riff raff crawling from the slums
Right there in front of all your chums
I swear by the pricking of my thumbs
I'll make your day and melt away

I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
But you won't have to stand next to me
You won't have to introduce me
You won't have to think about, talk about, care about, me
I'll crawl back

I've got a nerve just showing my face don't you think
Scruffy little likes ought to know their place don't you think
Old boy, sorry to intrude
Damn shame pretty bloody rude
I should be horsewhipped and sued
Then I'll go quietly my tail between my knees

I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
But you won't have to stand next to me
You won't have to introduce me
You won't have to think about, talk about, care about, me
I'll crawl back

I want to be middle class
Floors and ceilings made of glass
I just want to be, I just want to be free

You had me in a second you had it all reckoned, you did
You guessed my game and my name, rank and number, you did
Somehow I gave myself away
Some code, some word I didn't say
I missed one line in the play
And the trap shut tight and you did me all right

I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
I'll crawl back under my stone
But you won't have to stand next to me
You won't have to introduce me
You won't have to think about, talk about, care about
You won't have to ask about, fuss about, discuss about
You won't have to mind about, swear about, forget about, me
Crawl back
I'll crawl back
I'll crawl back
Crawl back

I'll crawl back
Crawl back
Crawl back
I'll crawl back
Comments (125)add comment
Richard Thompson is God or so stated hip brits regarding Clapton.  Richard shares the throne as lyricist and chief songwriter with perfect chord changes.  12 bar blues throne remains held by Clapton.

Long live the kings.
 1wolfy wrote:

me, I'm just a lawn mower..you can tell me by the way I walk



oh, yes! play that one instead! 
A fine song by Richard "How many guitars are on that stage?! (solo performance)" Thompson.
I'm most surprised that this isn't the Talking Heads. I genuinely thought this was David Byrne every other time I've heard it.
If you listen to a song after a long time and decide to give it a better rating, then that song is truly outstanding. It should be considered a long-lasting piece of art. This is what happened with Richard Thompson's Crawl Back. 
me, I'm just a lawn mower..you can tell me by the way I walk
Will be going to see RT at the Freight & Salvage in Feb '22. 
Always happy to hear RT here. How about Cold Kisses from You? Me? Us? Sure, it's creepy but that's part of the appeal.
hey man,

dont knock crawling back, until you try it 

Ha!
I felt exactly this a few times when I was in a frustrating relationship. Never seemed to end well...
No mistaking Richard's voice.  I saw him open for Wilco a few years ago, great show > The people who came in after his set really missed something.  As an aside, how about some Wilco here?
 69Grace_M wrote:


 
Look after the king of R n R
 JayHay-Char wrote:
A strong contender for the title of Britain's greatest living songwriter.  Left wing, politically, and a Sufi Moslem, so I concede that he may not exactly be flavour of the month with everyone across the pond.  My wife and I had the huge privilege of going to his 70th birthday celebration at the Royal Albert  Hall last month (not sure how we managed to get tix because they were as rare as rocking horse poo, but we did).  Much of the UK's folk music royalty were there, as were Dave Gilmore of the Floyd and Hugh Cornwell of the Stranglers.  As well as Dimmng of the Day, Giimore did Fat Old Sun, from Atom Heart Mother, which made a welcome change from the tendency to trot out Wish You Were Here . Cornwell and RT did the old Stranglers  number , Peaches, which was a glorious thing to behold.  Highlight of the night for me was the English folk singer Kate Rusby, performing Withered and Died.  Precious memories.... 
 

I would sell my soul at the crossroads for a slice of Richard's talent.
great stuff 
Nice! Like the Elvis Costello band, but with a fun guest vocalist.
My first impression on hearing this song is that David Byrne had a few cigarettes before recording it. Sounds EXACTLY like Talking Heads.
Do you think Garth Brooks had this in mind when he wrote Low Places? 
If he ever comes to your town go and see him.
Interesting... I think I like it!
A strong contender for the title of Britain's greatest living songwriter.  Left wing, politically, and a Sufi Moslem, so I concede that he may not exactly be flavour of the month with everyone across the pond.  My wife and I had the huge privilege of going to his 70th birthday celebration at the Royal Albert  Hall last month (not sure how we managed to get tix because they were as rare as rocking horse poo, but we did).  Much of the UK's folk music royalty were there, as were Dave Gilmore of the Floyd and Hugh Cornwell of the Stranglers.  As well as Dimmng of the Day, Giimore did Fat Old Sun, from Atom Heart Mother, which made a welcome change from the tendency to trot out Wish You Were Here . Cornwell and RT did the old Stranglers  number , Peaches, which was a glorious thing to behold.  Highlight of the night for me was the English folk singer Kate Rusby, performing Withered and Died.  Precious memories.... 
Fantastic social commentary on relations between the so-called classes. Written so long before the recent focus on income inequality. Proving that artists like RT understand the truth before the academics and the talking heads.
Jeez! Annoying as hell. This song (& his music in general)
SO NOT a fan. *meh* 
 FluorideFreeMN wrote:
warming up to this one....

5 to a 7 (and climbing)!
 

Up to an 8...!
 onerb wrote:
If he plays in your town go hear him.

 
Yes, yes, yes.  He's in Napa at the end of October (with the Blind Boys of Alabama) and in Berkeley in December (doing a bunch of all-request shows, which are incredible, as he will do any song that he knows.... and get lyrics/music for those he doesn't).
{#Bananajam} I used to mow the lawn with one of those...also used a hand drill with a crank handle..The good old days !
If he plays in your town go hear him.
 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:

too right. totally agree.

 
You are right indeed!  Really nice sound.
 Pharlap wrote:
criminally underrated artist. such a great body of work

 
too right. totally agree.
 allenface wrote:

Im a long time RP listener and supporter. This is the first I've heard or paid any mind to Richard Thomas but I truly dug Crawl Back. My high rate is based on this one song. The rest of his stuff might bite but I'll shift through his material and make a judgement. 
 
Meant to say Richard Thompson. Just scanned his other stuff and I like it. Reminiscenet if Bruce Cogburn. Hard to believe this album has been around since '99. Just bought it. 
 Djoy wrote:
Well, I listen to A LOT of RP, but this was the first time I heard Richard Thompson.  Giving a 9 for the body of his music not this song per se.

 
Im a long time RP listener and supporter. This is the first I've heard or paid any mind to Richard Thomas but I truly dug Crawl Back. My high rate is based on this one song. The rest of his stuff might bite but I'll shift through his material and make a judgement. 
Well, I listen to A LOT of RP, but this was the first time I heard Richard Thompson.  Giving a 9 for the body of his music not this song per se.
i do appreciate hearing such variety of richard thompson on RP. Most stations will only play 52 vincent black lightning if even that. And he is truly the poster boy for eclectic music.

PS I apologize for the italics which seem unable to be turned off right now. The nook has learned it is going into the shop, is afraid it is going to be neutered, having a little breakdown. 

As this started up, it crossed my mind that I wasn't really up for the dreary misery of another Richard Thompson song .... there's better out there.
 Brammer wrote:
Play this again. Reasonably soon.

 
A 1999 release... Where have I been?
Play this again. Reasonably soon.
Nice song!
 cupajoe wrote:
I saw Richard Thompson (again) on October 19th.  It was just him and his guitar.  Very, very good show.  If you at all like Richard Thompson then I urge you to see him live. 



 
Agree 100%. I've seen him 5 or 6 times, probably more than any other artist, and he never fails to deliver a spectacular show, acoustic or electric, with or without a backing band.
 helgigermany wrote:
Not my taste!
 
...meins auch net...singer
 Sloggydog wrote:
Does anyone else hear a bit of Midnight Oil in this song?  By the way for those unaware that's a good thing.
 
Midnight Oil was my first thought until he started singing.
For those who are unaware, I humbly suggest that a few minutes perusing their back catalogue would be time well spent.
 jadewahoo wrote:
RT doing Crawl Back was one of the first songs I heard when I came across RP back in '04. That a station would play something as deep from the possibilities of songs to choose from convinced me, along with the other song choices BillG was making, that this was the place for me to hang my hat, sit down on the couch and kick back and listen for a while. It is 2010 and I am still here.
 

This song was also my first exposure to RT which i heard on a college station out of Philadephia, i remember pulling my car over and waiting for the DJ to say who the artist was. I bought Mock Tudor that weekend and have been hooked ever since.
I saw Richard Thompson (again) on October 19th.  It was just him and his guitar.  Very, very good show.  If you at all like Richard Thompson then I urge you to see him live. 


I just saw him in an old renovated school auditorium (Maryland Hall).  Wow!  Go see him.  Wonderful entertainer and the guitar work, amazing!

I like his son Teddy much more.
 zenhead wrote:
I wish he would do a "shut up and play your guitar" album, he such an amazing guitarist.
 

Well he's also an amazing songwriter also. It'd be a shame to rob listeners of that. Persuasion, Farewell Farewell and Beeswing are some of the best songs I know.
—-
I've never actually heard the original version of this song. More familiar with the live version, which I feel is quite a bit better
Richard Thompson is wonderful anytime.  I was lucky enough to see him live a few years ago in a small, quaint, theatre.  Up close and personal.  It was a wonderful add to the truly memorable concerts I've been able to experience.
 zenhead wrote:
i think i have yet to hear a richard thompson song i didn't like. and so amazing to see live. i wish he would do a "shut up and play your guitar" album, he such an amazing guitarist.
 

Strict Tempo!
Not my taste!
i think i have yet to hear a richard thompson song i didn't like. and so amazing to see live. i wish he would do a "shut up and play your guitar" album, he such an amazing guitarist.
criminally underrated artist. such a great body of work
My favorite song by him is "I Agree With Pat Metheny." He has the audience equal parts delighted and outraged. So typically Thompson... and so much FUN!
I also hear some XTC here. Nice tune...really always liked Richard Thompson.
RT doing Crawl Back was one of the first songs I heard when I came across RP back in '04. That a station would play something as deep from the possibilities of songs to choose from convinced me, along with the other song choices BillG was making, that this was the place for me to hang my hat, sit down on the couch and kick back and listen for a while. It is 2010 and I am still here.
Saw RT play at Bristol a couple of years ago, with Danny Thompson on bass, full hall, filled it with quality tunes, and guitar playing that just was superb. All 12 fingers working!
I agree about his voice, it is hard on the ear for long periods, but some of his songs work beautifully with his idiosincratic style, Bees wing and Vincent Black Lightning are great examples.
His Soundtrack for Grisly man was something else, check out the DVD with Herzog in the studio getting the tracks down, mostly ad-libbing to the film, and jamming it, but using the result.
He is GooD

Does anyone else hear a bit of Midnight Oil in this song?  By the way for those unaware that's a good thing.
 Brooky wrote:
He never fails to impress... Live or in person...
 
True enough - saw him two years ago and was amazed at the energy of the show. This guy has been touring FOREVER and he still gives it his best shot.

Again? And I'm a big RT fan.
I heard him perform "Oops, I did it again" on NPR the other day. Pretty funny and actually didn't sound bad.

Great track from the best RT album.
Never could get RT (even from the F Convention days) until a few years ago a friend gave me this CD.  It grew and grew and grew on me....now I GET IT!  {#Dancingbanana_2}
He never fails to impress... Live or in person...
Like his voice and love the chord progression. {#Bounce} It has an angry edge that I find appealing.


 RadioDoc wrote:

Well there's your problem.  John-Boy never did have much of a recording career.  You must have really had to hunt for whatever you are listening to.

 
LOL

solid tune...not godlike, just solid and backround singable....going to a show where RT solicits requests from tickethoilders in advance...suggestions?


 CamLwalk wrote:
<—Crawls back under his stone
 
me too

<—Crawls back under his stone
 tg3k wrote:

I know it's heresy around here, but I've yet to see any evidence of this musical virtuosity and brilliant songwriting people talk about when they bring up the subject of Richard Thomas. I mean, he's OK and all, but you'd think he walks on water based on what gets said about him sometimes.

Not sayin' your opinion of him is wrong, just that it doesn't match mine.

 
Well there's your problem.  John-Boy never did have much of a recording career.  You must have really had to hunt for whatever you are listening to.

Two songs: "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" and "Galway To Graceland" qualify Richard Thompson as a songwriting deity. All the other songs are just festooning around his shrine. {#Notworthy}
This whole album is GR8!!!!!!!!!
 tg3k wrote:

I know it's heresy around here, but I've yet to see any evidence of this musical virtuosity and brilliant songwriting people talk about when they bring up the subject of Richard Thomas. I mean, he's OK and all, but you'd think he walks on water based on what gets said about him sometimes.

Not sayin' your opinion of him is wrong, just that it doesn't match mine.

 

You know, I like Richard Thompson, but its not his virtuosity, but the evocative feel some of his music has.  That being said, the stuff that cements his reputation with me is probably less than 20% of his output.  He's one of those artists that (in my opinion) is either "meh" or "wow!" with not alot in between.  And I like the way you framed your opinion btw... wish everyone else were as considerate as you are.  Besides, I think I agree with you, and you just haven't heard the same performances I have ;)
tg3k wrote:

I know it's heresy around here, but I've yet to see any evidence of this musical virtuosity and brilliant songwriting people talk about when they bring up the subject of Richard Thomas. I mean, he's OK and all, but you'd think he walks on water based on what gets said about him sometimes.

Not sayin' your opinion of him is wrong, just that it doesn't match mine.


Don't know anything about Richard Thomas, but I love Richard Thompson! {#Roflol}
diazo wrote:
How many songwriters have been so brilliant for so long? Add in his virtuousity as a musician and RT is pretty much in a category of one.

I know it's heresy around here, but I've yet to see any evidence of this musical virtuosity and brilliant songwriting people talk about when they bring up the subject of Richard Thomas. I mean, he's OK and all, but you'd think he walks on water based on what gets said about him sometimes.

Not sayin' your opinion of him is wrong, just that it doesn't match mine.

RT is awesome, and was great live.
warming up to this one....

5 to a 7 (and climbing)!

Great guitarist, but have never really warmed to his voice.

He's been around forever, from playing guitar on some of the best Nick Drake songs to composing the soundtrack to Grizzly Man
Simple beat + no more than three cords + catchy lyrics = a great song! or a song that the masses can enjoy without thinking to hard......
The man's a genius!
Drummer4soul wrote:
I heard Talking Heads (Byrne) more
Though RT has been around MUCH longer
QueenLucia wrote:
Ugh....I am with you on that.
Well your majesty, climb down from your throne a bit please.............
How many songwriters have been so brilliant for so long? Add in his virtuousity as a musician and RT is pretty much in a category of one.

On tour soon playing 1,000 years worth of songs
Great album!
davin wrote:
Not my thing at all.
Ugh....I am with you on that.
Not my thing at all.
The new RT CD \'Sweet Warrior\' is must listening for RT fans.
great!
Hearing this song on RP three years ago is what got me hooked on RP. I dig this song!
MrsAustin wrote:
Why does an artist have to have 'tones of...' some other artist or 'sound like...' someone, or worse, a cross between two people? Especially in the case of Richard Thompson who has been around a loooong time, his countelss original songs and albums are testament that he is a groundbreaker of his own and needs no comparasin to others. This song rocks.
Has he been around longer than Adam? As long as people have been people, one is being compared to another. And it's not just people. Its EVERYTHING. That house is architectural rich. It reminds me of that house. Or that one. This food is good. It tastes like . . . And on, and on, and on. If comparing Richard T to others bugs you, that's fine. Get over it. Its part of human nature. Hey, did you notice how this internet post reminds you of another. Ha, Ha, Ha. Oh, and I agree with you. This song rocks. Go Richard!
Genius! Bill, play Vincent Black Lightning!
Outstanding! Get up and boogie rock n' roll!
no mas
I love "Mock Tudor"...totally amazing record. This song is awesome but "hard on me" is sooo good that it's scary...amazing guitar...great lyrics...the total package...I hate that phrase but it seems to fit well here. maryte wrote:
For those of you who appreciate RT's guitar work, but don't care for his vocals, try "Strict Tempo!" - it's bloody brilliant (and I love his work, whether singing or instrumental)!
KitKat wrote:
His solo career has just gotten better and better. Listen to "Hard on Me" on Mock Tudor for incredible driving guitar work. His lyrics are multi-layered. For great story-telling, try "1952 Vincent Black Lightening" on Rumor and Sigh.
For those of you who appreciate RT's guitar work, but don't care for his vocals, try "Strict Tempo!" - it's bloody brilliant (and I love his work, whether singing or instrumental)!
Why does an artist have to have 'tones of...' some other artist or 'sound like...' someone, or worse, a cross between two people? Especially in the case of Richard Thompson who has been around a loooong time, his countelss original songs and albums are testament that he is a groundbreaker of his own and needs no comparasin to others. This song rocks.
My favorite Richard Thompson tune. Thanks RP
Dude, is it too much to ask for you to notice that your snarky little conceit has already been used a bazillion times in this string? I mean, c'mon, criticism is fair game on this flawed RT piece, but a little originality please! Odyzzeuz wrote:
He keeps saying he's going to crawl back under his stone, but every time I turn around RP is playing him again. Really, Richard, go ahead. Crawl away. Please.
shadowflag wrote:
Neat song..I sense a slight inspiration of Costello.
I heard Talking Heads (Byrne) more
He keeps saying he's going to crawl back under his stone, but every time I turn around RP is playing him again. Really, Richard, go ahead. Crawl away. Please.
Hmmm...all the hardcore tune junkies just love richard. don't know why i never got into it. i always feel like i like similar stuff, and i oughta like dude, but hmmm. this one's ok. 6.
Love his voice. I'll crawl back to my cube now...
This works for me at a basic level, although 8 is enough, as they say...
shadowflag wrote:
Neat song..I sense a slight inspiration of Costello.
Likely to have been the other way around. Richard Thompson has been around a long time -- first solo album I've heard of was in 1972 but before that he was with Sandy Denny in Fairport Convention (1968) for several years Best of that, I think, is Liege and Lief. By 1974, the classic "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight," with Linda Thompson. (Interesting that their last album together is "Shoot Out the Lights.") His solo career has just gotten better and better. Listen to "Hard on Me" on Mock Tudor for incredible driving guitar work. His lyrics are multi-layered. For great story-telling, try "1952 Vincent Black Lightening" on Rumor and Sigh.
rainfairy wrote:
I also thought of Costello. "(I don't want to go to) Chelsea"-esque... eh...i don't know... :?
Bill must agree :D - 1:12 pm - Richard Thompson - Crawl Back (Under My Stone) 1:09 pm - Carbon Leaf - American Tale 1:04 pm - The Wailin' Jennys - Arlington 1:00 pm - Elvis Costello - (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea
shadowflag wrote:
Neat song..I sense a slight inspiration of Costello.
I also thought of Costello. "(I don't want to go to) Chelsea"-esque... eh...i don't know... :?
BACK YOU GO!
It's not bad, but I would not object if he'd crawled back under his stone. A feeble 4
gastropod wrote:
I like it! The voice sounds a little a cross between Joe Jackson and Alan Rickman.
Good ear! Now that you mention it, I definitely hear tones of Mr Rickman...very nice. The song is witty, well-excecuted, and boy, does it capture that feeling of shame and wanting to disappear! Most excellent.
One of my All-Time Favorites... We all have our "stones" or events that make us wish we had one...
More RT on RP!
Moves me, impelling and commanding. I stand up and shout "Crawl Back!". Yeah.
Neat song..I sense a slight inspiration of Costello.
amr255 wrote:
Love this song in the car.
Love this song Live!!! Love any RT song live :-). Catch him on tour...you can thank me later :-). Laurie a new fan wondering how in the world I had never heard of him until this year. Once you "discover" Richard Thompson, though, you'll understand.
Sometimes I think he is flat out amazing....other times a bit irritating. However, he is a very subtle and remarkable guitarist. If you'd like to check out a variety of RT, try Action Packed Years, which is a compiliation of tunes. All very good. odd note: for something different, find a listen of Del McCoury's cover of 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.
Amazingly talented guy.
I like it! The voice sounds a little a cross between Joe Jackson and Alan Rickman.
Hmmm. Richard Thompson meets Talking Heads. Interesting, although the Heads do this genre better.
Originally Posted by Bill_Rockoff: Richard Thompson - consummate guitarist & songwriter, former member of Fairport Convention (folksy Celtic rockers from 30 years ago or so.) Possibly too obscure to be your favorite guitarist, but he's probably your favorite guitarist's favorite guitarist. (If not, he's probably your favorite guitarits's *guitar teacher's* favorite guitarist.)
Thanks :D
Richard Thompson - consummate guitarist & songwriter, former member of Fairport Convention (folksy Celtic rockers from 30 years ago or so.) Possibly too obscure to be your favorite guitarist, but he\'s probably your favorite guitarist\'s favorite guitarist. (If not, he\'s probably your favorite guitarits\'s *guitar teacher\'s* favorite guitarist.)
Could someone give me a brief bio on Richard Thompson - I\'ve heard of him but know nothing about him or his music...
Excellent! More!