Bruce Cockburn — The Coming Rains
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Length: 4:39
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All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now, just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava
And a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and
I said, "Who, me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be no waiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now, just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now, just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava
And a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and
I said, "Who, me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be no waiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now, just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of the coming rains
Comments (127)add comment
WonderLizard wrote:
Does he still live here?
It is some form of unfortunate irony that if he were from the US—or even moved here like Joni or Neil, he'd have been a massive star. Then he ups and moves to the Bay Area this year. He's as good as they come.
Does he still live here?
stegokitty wrote:
You should have seen him live in his prime, when he played with his band. You would have become an instant, devoted fan. I saw him twice in the 80's at the much-missed Ontario Place Forum, and both times were astonishingly good shows that inspired the crowds with an overwhelming feeling of solidarity, and left everyone's heart & soul filled with breathless admiration and a heartwarming glow, that for me, is still with me every time I hear those old songs. A few years later in the 90's I saw him play solo at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton and he friggin' blew me away. I've seen a hell of a lot of solo singer-guitar players live, and he was definitely the most amazing one ever–a truly unforgetable performance. His finess on guitar and yes....even his voice, had grit and power, as he deftly picked and slashed at his strings with amazing perfection while moving around the stage in unison to the words of all of his great songs of love and strife and justice. Many of his bolder pieces unfolded flawlessly into a fevered crescendo, that ended with the large audience leaping to their feet in a standing ovation, multiple times. I had no idea a solo performer could fill a hall with such powerful energy. Sorry you missed that, and it might be hard to come by unless you catch him in a very small venue somewhere, which will be unlikely. When I saw him last year, he had aged more than I thought, so you had to be a long time fan to really enjoy him, but he's a brilliant shining star, and a very unique gift to music, and the catalogue of politically aware musical poetry.
Bruce Cockburn is a favorite of a friend ... and I've tried to get into him for the sake of our friendship, seeing as he wants to play BC music anytime we're together ... but I find Bruce to be ... not very good, and in fact, downright unenjoyable. It's his voice primarily. Just lackluster. Dull as arithmetic, as the saying goes.
You should have seen him live in his prime, when he played with his band. You would have become an instant, devoted fan. I saw him twice in the 80's at the much-missed Ontario Place Forum, and both times were astonishingly good shows that inspired the crowds with an overwhelming feeling of solidarity, and left everyone's heart & soul filled with breathless admiration and a heartwarming glow, that for me, is still with me every time I hear those old songs. A few years later in the 90's I saw him play solo at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton and he friggin' blew me away. I've seen a hell of a lot of solo singer-guitar players live, and he was definitely the most amazing one ever–a truly unforgetable performance. His finess on guitar and yes....even his voice, had grit and power, as he deftly picked and slashed at his strings with amazing perfection while moving around the stage in unison to the words of all of his great songs of love and strife and justice. Many of his bolder pieces unfolded flawlessly into a fevered crescendo, that ended with the large audience leaping to their feet in a standing ovation, multiple times. I had no idea a solo performer could fill a hall with such powerful energy. Sorry you missed that, and it might be hard to come by unless you catch him in a very small venue somewhere, which will be unlikely. When I saw him last year, he had aged more than I thought, so you had to be a long time fan to really enjoy him, but he's a brilliant shining star, and a very unique gift to music, and the catalogue of politically aware musical poetry.
The world would be a better place if more bands played the vibes.
But good vibes.
But good vibes.
westslope wrote:
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Good - but its not prose, its poetry! ;)
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Good - but its not prose, its poetry! ;)
I'm eternally grateful for RP for introducing me to Bruce - such an amazing body of work
Garsh wrote:
Very well paradoxically put Garsh!
Bruce is just a caring articulate individual something eternal yet passing about him
Very well paradoxically put Garsh!
RP has been playing a lot of Bruce Cockburn lately. And that’s fine with me.
For all you fifth-graders snickering over Bruce's surname, it is an ancient Scottish name derived from a geographic feature. In English it would be 'Rooster Creek': 'Cock' is rooster (duh), and a 'Burn' is creek.
The name dates to the 1200's or so, with myriad spellings. 'Cockburn' is the modern British spelling, while 'mericans use 'Coburn'.
The character made famous by John Wayne, 'Rooster Cogburn' is an amalgam of people Charles Portis encountered in Arkansas and Oklahoma, where I have distant relatives.
c.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(surname)
The name dates to the 1200's or so, with myriad spellings. 'Cockburn' is the modern British spelling, while 'mericans use 'Coburn'.
The character made famous by John Wayne, 'Rooster Cogburn' is an amalgam of people Charles Portis encountered in Arkansas and Oklahoma, where I have distant relatives.
c.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(surname)
stegokitty wrote:
I can feel with you. I also tend to find his music not very interesting.
Bruce Cockburn is a favorite of a friend ... and I've tried to get into him for the sake of our friendship, seeing as he wants to play BC music anytime we're together ... but I find Bruce to be ... not very good, and in fact, downright unenjoyable. It's his voice primarily. Just lackluster. Dull as arithmetic, as the saying goes.
I can feel with you. I also tend to find his music not very interesting.
xray38 wrote:
Agreed. Thank you.
Re: "Bruce Cockburn is not very good." You really should consider rephrasing that to read "I really don't care for his music", which is at least a valid statement.
The man is a brilliant guitarist & songwriter, and bears no resemblance to "not very good".
The man is a brilliant guitarist & songwriter, and bears no resemblance to "not very good".
Agreed. Thank you.
stegokitty wrote:
Re: "Bruce Cockburn is not very good." You really should consider rephrasing that to read "I really don't care for his music", which is at least a valid statement.
The man is a brilliant guitarist & songwriter, and bears no resemblance to "not very good".
Bruce Cockburn is a favorite of a friend ... and I've tried to get into him for the sake of our friendship, seeing as he wants to play BC music anytime we're together ... but I find Bruce to be ... not very good, and in fact, downright unenjoyable. It's his voice primarily. Just lackluster. Dull as arithmetic, as the saying goes.
Re: "Bruce Cockburn is not very good." You really should consider rephrasing that to read "I really don't care for his music", which is at least a valid statement.
The man is a brilliant guitarist & songwriter, and bears no resemblance to "not very good".
Ah. Living vicariously via Bruce Cockburn yet again. The only way to travel.
"Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district."
He was from Ottawa. So was Paul Anka. All OTTAWA artists are booed in their hometown
Bruce Cockburn is a favorite of a friend ... and I've tried to get into him for the sake of our friendship, seeing as he wants to play BC music anytime we're together ... but I find Bruce to be ... not very good, and in fact, downright unenjoyable. It's his voice primarily. Just lackluster. Dull as arithmetic, as the saying goes.
+1 to 7, cuz the wife literally a moment before this came on said "rain's coming soon"
LLRP!!
LLRP!!
audioears wrote:
Mmm not sure that's true!
All things Canadian = 10
Mmm not sure that's true!
If someone like Jerry Garcia covers one of your songs - that's good isn't it?
erry wrote:
Did nobody mention albino , born-again christian , radical socialist kick-ass guitarist ...and is he of first-nation extraction?
Um... c'est what? Albino? First Nation extraction? Not according to his autobiography.
Did nobody mention albino , born-again christian , radical socialist kick-ass guitarist ...and is he of first-nation extraction?
Um... c'est what? Albino? First Nation extraction? Not according to his autobiography.
audioears wrote:
Eh?
All things Canadian = 10
All things Cockburn = 10
Eh?
westslope wrote:
You forgot to mention he is a wicked guitarist. His concerts range from instrumental, to acoustic, to rockin' electric all in the same evening. If you get a chance, check out a show. You will not be disappointed.
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
You forgot to mention he is a wicked guitarist. His concerts range from instrumental, to acoustic, to rockin' electric all in the same evening. If you get a chance, check out a show. You will not be disappointed.
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
the name Cockburn tilts me slightly
westslope wrote: Did nobody mention albino , born-again christian , radical socialist kick-ass guitarist ...and is he of first-nation extraction?
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
BRIlLIANT ~ simply 1st Class.
Brilliant Gorgeous Vocal Tone - Gord’s Gold-esque
Brilliant Humour - the streak ?
Canada Here I Come - by Matt Maurer
Bruce's time in Nicaragua was very influential on him and his music.
Also wanted to add that my mom knew him when he was the "problem teenager down the street." Parents of teenagers everywhere take heart.
Also wanted to add that my mom knew him when he was the "problem teenager down the street." Parents of teenagers everywhere take heart.
All things Canadian = 10
All things Cockburn = 10
This song reminds me of when Dewey Cox sings Bob Dylan......
FORA BOLSONARO!!!
(#stayhome)
(#stayhome)
westslope wrote:
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
It's only pronounced Coburn because, well, Cock Burn.
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
It's only pronounced Coburn because, well, Cock Burn.
Love when I hear singers from other countries
This song stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. Went and downloaded it, listen to it when I'm in a contemplative mood.
The vibraphone is what makes it.
The vibraphone is what makes it.
ImaOldman wrote:
Doing good but he's also a monster guitar picker live!
Absolutely. Excellent guitar playing skills.
Doing good but he's also a monster guitar picker live!
Absolutely. Excellent guitar playing skills.
It's worth listening to his album"Speechless", which is just his very impressive guitar playing.
Liked Bruce when he first showed up strong and still like him now.
westslope wrote:
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Doing good but he's also a monster guitar picker live!
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Doing good but he's also a monster guitar picker live!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Ditto
Canadians also have a certain pride in our artists, like BC that stay home to hone their craft and achieve some success doing it, rather than just head to the USA to'make it big!'
Nice post, westslope!
Bruce is awesome.
Bruce is awesome.
Ditto
Canadians also have a certain pride in our artists, like BC that stay home to hone their craft and achieve some success doing it, rather than just head to the USA to'make it big!'
jambo wrote:
see, this is where i get a little annoyed. as misguided as he may be, this chap shares this platform with y'all. seems to me that the RP culture arbitrates who can really be a member by labelling them as a troll. the result is social ostracism by the culture. interesting sociological phenomenon.
back to the thread. i think cockburn is a legitimate intellectual singer songwriter who deserves respect. his live shows are a bit lacking though.
I agree. Love his music but fell asleep at his show.
see, this is where i get a little annoyed. as misguided as he may be, this chap shares this platform with y'all. seems to me that the RP culture arbitrates who can really be a member by labelling them as a troll. the result is social ostracism by the culture. interesting sociological phenomenon.
back to the thread. i think cockburn is a legitimate intellectual singer songwriter who deserves respect. his live shows are a bit lacking though.
I agree. Love his music but fell asleep at his show.
6.9????? 8 = correct
Proclivities wrote:
He's not "giant" either.
see, this is where i get a little annoyed. as misguided as he may be, this chap shares this platform with y'all. seems to me that the RP culture arbitrates who can really be a member by labelling them as a troll. the result is social ostracism by the culture. interesting sociological phenomenon.
back to the thread. i think cockburn is a legitimate intellectual singer songwriter who deserves respect. his live shows are a bit lacking though.
He's not "giant" either.
see, this is where i get a little annoyed. as misguided as he may be, this chap shares this platform with y'all. seems to me that the RP culture arbitrates who can really be a member by labelling them as a troll. the result is social ostracism by the culture. interesting sociological phenomenon.
back to the thread. i think cockburn is a legitimate intellectual singer songwriter who deserves respect. his live shows are a bit lacking though.
All things Cockburn = 10
TerryS wrote:
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
Yeah, he lives down the street from Hugh G. Rekshin.
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
Yeah, he lives down the street from Hugh G. Rekshin.
Nice post, westslope!
Bruce is awesome.
Bruce is awesome.
Stingray wrote:
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Lovely song. Lovely songsmith.
TerryS wrote:
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
And likewise, a Mike Hunt-Hertz, always the complainer! ;o
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
And likewise, a Mike Hunt-Hertz, always the complainer! ;o
Garsh wrote:
Bruce is just a caring articulate individual something eternal yet passing about him
Bruce is just a caring articulate individual something eternal yet passing about him
I hear some Richard Thompson here.
But then, one can hear everything in anything.
But then, one can hear everything in anything.
Stingray wrote:
An honest songsmith.
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
An honest songsmith.
I agree. exqisite.
Antigone wrote:
Love this song so much, and this phrase is exquisite, and so evocative.
Antigone wrote:
Love this song so much, and this phrase is exquisite, and so evocative.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
There's a family of Cockburns in my town and they're all COCKburn.
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
There's a family of Cockburns in my town and they're all COCKburn.
There's probably a guy somewhere called Isaac Hunt, too.
Proclivities wrote:
How do you know? ; )
He's not "giant" either.
How do you know? ; )
On_The_Beach wrote:
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy. And you know Stingray is just a giant troll, so you gave him just what he wanted.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Also: he's not American.
He's not "giant" either.
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy. And you know Stingray is just a giant troll, so you gave him just what he wanted.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Also: he's not American.
He's not "giant" either.
It is some form of unfortunate irony that if he were from the US—or even moved here like Joni or Neil, he'd have been a massive star. Then he ups and moves to the Bay Area this year. He's as good as they come.
Hard to believe I've been listening to and enjoying Brice Cockburn since In the Falling Dark, released in 1976. Good stuff all along.
donpdonp wrote:
I doubt the silent ck is some form of happy linguistic coincidence.
There's a family of Cockburns in my town and they're all COCKburn.
I doubt the silent ck is some form of happy linguistic coincidence.
There's a family of Cockburns in my town and they're all COCKburn.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy. And you know Stingray is just a giant troll, so you gave him just what he wanted.
Also: he's not American.
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy. And you know Stingray is just a giant troll, so you gave him just what he wanted.
Also: he's not American.
ThePoose wrote:
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy.
Yeah, this kind of remark happens becuase Americans regularly do not give attention and credence to Canadians. If Bruce had grown up in LA, all America would be singing his praises and the music machine would be in full swing.
Stingray wrote:
Stingray wrote:
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
Whoah, dial it down a notch there, Poose-man. There's lots of artists in all countries who don't get international fame. I'm sure there are lots of great American artists we Canucks are not familiar with. Pretty sure there's no Bruce conspiracy.
Yeah, this kind of remark happens becuase Americans regularly do not give attention and credence to Canadians. If Bruce had grown up in LA, all America would be singing his praises and the music machine would be in full swing.
Stingray wrote:
Stingray wrote:
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
Stingray wrote:
Canada's best kept secret
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
Canada's best kept secret
lmic wrote:
Love this song so much, and this phrase is exquisite, and so evocative.
Leave it to Bruce to seamlessly blend social commentary with an erotic charge. I love him. p.s. I believe his name is pronounced like Coburn, as in James.
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava and a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and I said "Who me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be no waiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava and a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and I said "Who me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be no waiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Love this song so much, and this phrase is exquisite, and so evocative.
Sometimes you can say: 'ignorance is a bless'. Certainly, yours is not the case...
Stingray wrote:
Stingray wrote:
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
Who is Bruce Cockburn?
DanO-1 wrote:
Info from the internet:
Rob Wasserman plays an N.S. Double Bass, Rob Wasserman Signature Six-String Model, designed by Ned Steinberger
Who is the bass player?
Info from the internet:
Rob Wasserman plays an N.S. Double Bass, Rob Wasserman Signature Six-String Model, designed by Ned Steinberger
Who is the bass player?
Bruce singin pure heaven at this moment....
ThePoose wrote:
Sorry to stymie your sniggering, but neither he, nor anyone else, pronounces the ''ck'' in his surname.
How conveeeeeenient.
Sorry to stymie your sniggering, but neither he, nor anyone else, pronounces the ''ck'' in his surname.
How conveeeeeenient.
Cheers from from Vancouver, BC, where the rain... it is coming.
Such a nice groove.
indeed
vhope1 wrote:
vhope1 wrote:
Very nice
Very nice
I am a sucker for xylophones and bells of any types!
kudos to RP - love anyone who gets Bruce and will play his music. Makes you stand out. Merci
Reminds me of Mike Nesmith, From a Radio Engine to a Photon Wing.
westslope wrote:
You mean Happy Canada Day, eh?
Now go have some beers and smokes, you hosers!!
Happy Canada Day!
You mean Happy Canada Day, eh?
Now go have some beers and smokes, you hosers!!
westslope wrote:
Yaahoo!!
Happy Canada Day!
Yaahoo!!
Happy Canada Day!
perfect for waiting on a tropical storm, as i am right now 
jbtidwell wrote:
Same here. Perfect, considering it's about to rain here.
Probably vibraphone, not xylophone....
Sweet! This man makes me see the whole story in my mind. Is that a xylophone?
Same here. Perfect, considering it's about to rain here.
Probably vibraphone, not xylophone....
Sweet!
This man makes me see the whole story in my mind.
Is that a xylophone?
donpdonp wrote:
I doubt the silent ck is some form of happy linguistic coincidence.
This debate always reminds me of chasethelight's funny remark on the page of a different Cockburn song:
Um yeeeah... I'd probably make the "ck" silent too! How convenient!
Hi my name is Josh Asshole. Oh, btw the "Ass" part is silent.
Ah ha ha.
vaiodon wrote:
Got tickets to see Bruce Co'burn on Sunday evening (after Ray Lamontagne on Saturday). Am I gonna be chilled or what?
I do hope he plays this one.
..and do you know he did, I was accompanied by the most wonderful woman and that line "In my heart I hold your photograph" is so apt.
physicsgenius wrote:
Heheheh "cockburn"
Heheheh ''physicsgenius''
...interesting artwork .....
piece of cake.
fantastic song, at the present time it's my favourite
Hhhmmm, I'm not sure yet what is so special about this song, I guess it needs to grow on me some more.
Hometown boy makes good!
Sunman wrote:
Since hearing this on RP this song has become one of my all time favorite songs...absolutely beautiful.
The whole album is excellent.
Since hearing this on RP this song has become one of my all time favorite songs...absolutely beautiful.
I guess if I had a last name spelled "Cockburn" I'd insist it was pronounced as "Coeburn" too.
love a lot of cockburn's music - never heard this tune
vibraphone, bruce? for real
You know, Bruce has aged pretty gracefully (musically speaking). I first stumbled on "In the Falling Dark" (76?) and was amazed by his guitar work and his interesting take on Xtianity. When you consider his output from there on out to maybe "Big Circumstance" in what, '89, the guy was just a force of nature as far as poetry and music go--not to mention that he fused it with a kind of smoldering political rage that really put the "Powers That Be" into stark perspective. I like some of the recent stuff too but frankly, you have to go back to that other era to really appreciate his genius.
What an amazing song. I have heard it before on RP but really listened to it today. . . stellar.
If I had a rocket launcher, I wouldn't listen to this tune...
He's done much better. Why pick this one to play, Bill?
vaiodon wrote:
Got tickets to see Bruce Co'burn on Sunday evening (after Ray Lamontagne on Saturday). Am I gonna be chilled or what?
I do hope he plays this one.
Two all time favorites, am I jealous! Enjoy.
Got tickets to see Bruce Co'burn on Sunday evening (after Ray Lamontagne on Saturday). Am I gonna be chilled or what?
I do hope he plays this one.
ThePoose wrote:
Sorry to stymie your sniggering, but neither he, nor anyone else, pronounces the ''ck'' in his surname.
I doubt the silent ck is some form of happy linguistic coincidence.
pyxxel wrote:
OK, lyrics aside.... isn't this music just pathetic? Does NOTHING for me, and quite frankly, I have no desire to listen to his boring voice, whatever elusive words he sings.
Ah, poor baby!
I think someone needs a little music appreciation course. Reffereing to BC as pathetic indicates a pathetic knowledge of music.
StevieB wrote:
Honestly, if your last name was Cockburn, wouldn't you change it? It's like Lipschitz. I know a guy whose last name is Woodcock. I would have no problem changing my name. Junior high must have been brutal, no? At least Bruce's first name wasn't Harry or Red.
Sorry to stymie your sniggering, but neither he, nor anyone else, pronounces the ''ck'' in his surname.
well, this is the first cockburn song that hasn't annoyed the crap right out of me. still don't like it, but at least my chair is clean.
pyxxel wrote:
OK, lyrics aside.... isn't this music just pathetic? Does NOTHING for me, and quite frankly, I have no desire to listen to his boring voice, whatever elusive words he sings.
No. And do you mean "allusive"?
No, sorry, not pathetic in the least. Complex arrangement (how many other rockers do you know working a friggin' xylophone into the mix?), nice swinging rhythm, and BC's voice is no more "boring" than Dylan, Springsteen, or many other off-key masters.
pyxxel wrote:
OK, lyrics aside.... isn't this music just pathetic? Does NOTHING for me, and quite frankly, I have no desire to listen to his boring voice, whatever elusive words he sings.
OK, lyrics aside.... isn't this music just pathetic? Does NOTHING for me, and quite frankly, I have no desire to listen to his boring voice, whatever elusive words he sings.
lmic wrote:
Leave it to Bruce to seamlessly blend social commentary with an erotic charge. I love him.
p.s. I believe his name is pronounced like Coburn, as in James.
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava and a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and I said "Who me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be nowaiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Thanks for the lyrics. I've gained a new level of respect for Bruce.
One of the sweetest little surprises I've been turned onto here at RP....just love that song...it takes me far away everytime I hear it.
Leave it to Bruce to seamlessly blend social commentary with an erotic charge. I love him.
p.s. I believe his name is pronounced like Coburn, as in James.
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
Hot breeze ran its fingers through the long grass of a thatched roof eave
They stuck me in the only chair they had while they cooked cassava and a luckless hen
They asked for one well three lanterns and 200 litres of fuel and I said "Who me?"
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
In the town neon flickers in the ruins
Seven crows swoop past the luscious moon
If I had wings like those there'd be nowaiting
I'd come panting to your door and slide like smoke into your room
All day the mountains rose behind a veil of smoke from burning fields
And road dust dyeing black skin bronze and the road rolling like a rough sea
It's quiet now just crickets and a dog fight somewhere in the far away
In my heart I hold your photograph
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
And the time for planting's coming soon
And the thought of you comes on like the feel of
The coming rains
catmaven wrote:
Hey, you got your little green creature to seemingly dance in time to the music and even turn around and around . . . That is really cute.
That's "Gir". He's a product of Jhonen Vasquez's bizarre mind.
I like the arrangements on this album. That, and the nice, easy drumming.
nice. vibes; cool.
Cockburn is so able to evoke all the senses when he describes things. I just love his music.
Darrooon wrote:
Yeah! 
Hey, you got your little green creature to seemingly dance in time to the music and even turn around and around . . . That is really cute.
for a few seconds here listening... I was taken away to a far off place
Isnt that interesting how lyrics done right can do that
Then I blinked and I was back infront of my computer working
Oh well at least its Friday
Pyro wrote:
Nice lyrics, smooth landscape feel...kind of a lazy summer evening sort of song. Of course, I do love Bruce.
Yeah!
Nice lyrics, smooth landscape feel...kind of a lazy summer evening sort of song. Of course, I do love Bruce.
phillips wrote:
i've never heard of b.cockburn and i am not really that impressed. is this one of his better songs? if so, i must say NO THANKS.
Did it ever occur to you to maybe listen to more than one of his songs before dismissing him? I think it would be well worth your time. Bruce is fantastic, especially live. Just my 2 cents.
All hail Bruce, now and forever. This song is gorgeous.
i've never heard of b.cockburn and i am not really that impressed. is this one of his better songs? if so, i must say NO THANKS.
StevieB wrote:
Honestly, if your last name was Cockburn, wouldn't you change it? It's like Lipschitz. I know a guy whose last name is Woodcock. I would have no problem changing my name. Junior high must have been brutal, no? At least Bruce's first name wasn't Harry or Red.
You two are hilarious. Why don't we get back to comments about the song
physicsgenius wrote:
Heheheh "cockburn"
Honestly, if your last name was Cockburn, wouldn't you change it? It's like Lipschitz. I know a guy whose last name is Woodcock. I would have no problem changing my name. Junior high must have been brutal, no? At least Bruce's first name wasn't Harry or Red.
A reasonable question.
Bruce Cockburn (pronounced Coburn) hails from English Canada. He has played a range of acoustic folk to electric rock over the years.
He is popular in Canada and enjoys a strong almost cult-like following outside in the USA and to a lesser extent in Europe.
His concerts are or certainly can be top notch. He started off as a bit of a Jesus freak and then relaxed over the years. I never saw it but apparently Bruce Cockburn was booed off the stage of Le Hibou during his first concert at the famous and now former coffee house in Ottawa's historic Byward Market district.
Bruce's prose can range all over the place but he might be best known for strong emotions with regards to human rights and geopolitical issues like the US-financed contras in Nicaragua.
He was once a favourite interview on CBC radio (the state-owned broadcaster). He can be very earnest and appear to lack a sense of humour.
Bruce speaks to a large number of Canadians and likely Americans too who don't care too much about who is running the economy but do care about powerful entities pushing around the poor and the weak. There can be a strong social justice undercurrent to his prose.
How am I doing?
Back in the early days of music videos on TV, Bruce Cockburn was interviewed on The NewMusic by “JD” Roberts. His song, Tokyo, had just come out and he’d been touring worldwide. He was kind of a fiesty interview at the best of times and clearly didn’t suffer fools gladly. JD enthusiastically stated “You must have really liked Tokyo to have written a song about it”. Cockburn was incensed and yelled ”Did you even listen to the song?” The song is pretty much a condemnation of the city. JD looked like he had no idea what Cockburn was talking about. The rest of the interview was awkward, with JD continuing to seem pretty dim.
Of course, “JD” is now “John Roberts”, of Fox News.