He continues to write and record new material and performs live frequently throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia.
Thompson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music. On 5 July 2011, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa was conferred on Thompson by the University of Aberdeen, in a ceremony at the University's Elphinstone Hall.
I ain't marching anymore
Richard Thompson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the end of the early British war
The young land started growing
The young blood started flowing
But I ain′t marchin' anymore
For I′ve killed my share of Indians
In a thousand different fights
I heard many men lying
I saw many more dying
But I ain't marchin' anymore
It′s always the old to lead us to the war
It′s always the young to fall
Now look at all we've won with the sabre and the gun
Tell me is it worth it all
For I stole California from the Mexican land
Fought in the bloody Civil War
Yes I even killed my brother
And so many others
And I ain′t marchin' anymore
For I marched to the battles of the German trench
In a war that was bound to end all wars
Oh I must have killed a million men
And now they want me back again
But I ain′t marchin' anymore
For I flew the final mission in the Japanese sky
Set off the mighty mushroom roar
When I saw the cities burning
I knew that I was learning
That I ain′t marchin' anymore
Now the labor leader's screamin′ when they close the missile plants
United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore
Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason,"
Call it "Love" or call it "Reason,"
But I ain′t marchin' any more
The song "I Ain't Marching Anymore" by Richard Thompson laments the long history of conflict and violence that humans have inflicted upon each other throughout history. The song describes the singer's personal experiences of participating in wars throughout history, beginning with the Battle of New Orleans at the end of the early British war. The young nation of America had begun to grow and the young men had stepped out to fight to defend their nation. However, the singer tells us that he is not marching anymore, despite having fought for the country in several battles. He has killed his share of Indians and seen many soldiers dying, but he is no longer willing to fight.
The singer expresses a sense of disillusionment and fatigue with the senseless violence and bloodshed that he has witnessed. He speaks of leading old to war and the young to die, asking if it is all worth it in the end. He recounts his involvement in battles such as the Civil War where he stole California from the Mexican land and even killed his own brother in the process. The chorus takes on a powerful tone as the singer repeats the refrain, "But I ain't marchin' anymore" throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I marched to the battle of New Orleans
At the end of the early British war
The young land started growing
The young blood started flowing
But I ain′t marchin' anymore
I participated in the Battle of New Orleans when America was young and growing, and people were passionate and eager to fight. But I've decided not to march anymore, to leave my fighting days behind me.
For I′ve killed my share of Indians
In a thousand different fights
I was there at the Little Big Horn
I heard many men lying
I saw many more dying
But I ain't marchin' anymore
I fought many battles against Native Americans, including the tragic loss at Little Big Horn. I've seen too much death and destruction and don't want to participate in any more.
It's always the old to lead us to the war
It's always the young to fall
Now look at all we've won with the sabre and the gun
Tell me is it worth it all
Older people often lead campaigns of war that result in younger generations suffering the most. Considering all the destruction and devastation wars cause, do the victories achieved through violence really justify the loss?
For I stole California from the Mexican land
Fought in the bloody Civil War
Yes I even killed my brother
And so many others
And I ain′t marchin' anymore
I fought to take California from Mexico, and even took part in the bloody Civil War. I've gone so far as to kill my own brother and many others in various battles. But now I refuse to participate in any future wars.
For I marched to the battles of the German trench
In a war that was bound to end all wars
Oh I must have killed a million men
And now they want me back again
But I ain′t marchin' anymore
I fought in the trenches of World War I, which was supposed to be the war that ended all wars. I must have killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers, but I don't want to fight anymore, even if I'm called back into service.
For I flew the final mission in the Japanese sky
Set off the mighty mushroom roar
When I saw the cities burning
I knew that I was learning
That I ain′t marchin' anymore
I was part of the mission that dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, causing immense destruction and loss of life. Witnessing the horror and devastation firsthand convinced me that I don't want to participate in any more military campaigns.
Now the labor leader's screamin′ when they close the missile plants
United Fruit screams at the Cuban shore
Call it "Peace" or call it "Treason,"
Call it "Love" or call it "Reason,"
But I ain′t marchin' any more
Even when people argue that military force is necessary for peace or stability and corporations lobby for war to protect their interests, I refuse to fight anymore. I choose peace and love over war.
Writer(s): Phil Ochs
Contributed by Lily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ken Soehn
on Love in a Faithless Country
At a show at the Culch (The Vancouver East Cultural Centre) decades ago, Thompson said the song was inspired by two British serial killers, who seemed to be inspiring each other through the newspapers. Now you know why it sounds so spooky.
Mark Apelman
on Devonside
Not sure what this song means, but I love the feeling of it.