I will always be a man who’s open to…..
Persuasion.

In “Persuasion”—by Richard Thompson—the narrator is recalling a past romance that ended rather unfortunately. They separated because they believed their futures were headed in different directions. Years later now, the narrator wonders whatever happened to that great love. He could probably be “persuaded” to give it another go.

The lyrics and concept for “Persuasion” is great. He is reaching out—in way—by mentioning he is open to the idea of reconciliation…but not completely. He is older now and his heart has already been broken by her once already before. There is hope in his voice, but he is realistic: He says, the featured lyric above. Probably, just a little interest on her side and he’d be persuaded.

(He never did say it would take a lot of persuasion!)

The acoustic guitar sound on the song gives the song a vibe of a song that is much older-sounding than it is. This song was written in the 1990s, but if you guessed the 1960s no one would fault you. It is a timeless folk sound.

Richard (Fairport Convention) Thompson’s vocal is very tender. It sounds great when mixed with his son Teddy’s complimentary vocals. There are several versions of the song, but this is the definitive one. For another song with a similar theme, checkout The One that Got Away.

Persuasion Lyrics

You and I,
Tempted by the promise of a different life.
Time has fled,
There’s a constant battle running through my head.

I don’t know what to do,
‘Cause I still believe.
After all the foolish things that we’ve been through
I will always be a man who’s open to…..
Persuasion.

Blind romance,
There’ll be no half measures given half the chance.
But we never learn.

Trusting in the fire while the cruel flame burns.
And we need to rebuild
What was never there
What got left behind.

After all the foolish things that we’ve been through
I can always make a start on something new
And I’ll always be a man who’s open to…..
Persuasion

And it’s written in my heart,
So that everybody could see it.
And it’s written in my soul.
After all I still believe it.

I still believe it,
I still believe it, yeah.
I still believe.

I don’t know what to do, ’cause I still believe.
After all the foolish things you put me through,
I can always make a start on something new,
And I’ll always be a man who’s open to…..
Persuasion, persuasion.