Song of the Day, August 5: We Sing Hallelujah by Richard and Linda Thompson

Today’s song is a modern working class anthem. When Richard Thompson left Fairport Convention, he wanted to build on the traditional music the band was exploring while pursuing his own distinctive vision. The result was a charming blend of English sensibility, wry humor, and timeless themes. After one solo disc, he and wife Linda began a decade-long musical collaboration, starting with the amazing I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight.

The disc is a lively mix of songs that look at the concerns of the everyday person. Themes of work and toil run through much of the music. We Sing Hallelujah is a smart update of the worksong. Calling on the season cycle, the Thompsons channel the endless nature of daily work. They infuse it with joy, however, celebrating a job well done and the pauses in the cycle that signify accomplishment. It’s a fun song, uplifting but tied to the mundane, a tricky balance that the singers and band carry off with aplomb.

Enjoy this delightful song today.

PS – With this entry I’m wrapping up regular posts on Music and Meaning. It’s been a lot of fun sharing my favorite music, but finding the time to write good posts regularly is increasingly challenging. I hope to pop new things into the virtual jukebox from time to time, but daily posts are done. It seemed fitting to end with a track from a favorite album (also my last regular Album of the Week post) by two of my favorite artists. Thanks for listening!