Bruce Cockburn — Child of the Wind
Album: Nothing But A Burning LightAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1812
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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I love the pounding of hooves
I love engines that roar
I love the wild music of waves on the shore
And the spiral perfection of a hawk when it soars
Love my sweet woman down to the core
There's roads and there's roads
And they call, can't you hear it?
Roads of the earth
And roads of the spirit
The best roads of all
Are the ones that aren't certain
One of those is where you'll find me
Till they drop the big curtain
Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days
Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see
Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days
I love engines that roar
I love the wild music of waves on the shore
And the spiral perfection of a hawk when it soars
Love my sweet woman down to the core
There's roads and there's roads
And they call, can't you hear it?
Roads of the earth
And roads of the spirit
The best roads of all
Are the ones that aren't certain
One of those is where you'll find me
Till they drop the big curtain
Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days
Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see
Hear the wind moan
In the bright diamond sky
These mountains are waiting
Brown-green and dry
I'm too old for the term
But I'll use it anyway
I'll be a child of the wind
Till the end of my days
Comments (118)add comment
Oh my. Such a beautiful song, but at the 57th second or so, it seems like an air raid siren starts to sound.
Geeez...
This makes me want to get in car and take road trip to somewhere. Only taking county roads.
An in some of the farming states, the county roads are paved with concrete, smooth and flat. And no traffic.
Set your cruise control and the car practically drives itself. It's easy to write notes on a legal pad, and cruise at 60 mph.
This makes me want to get in car and take road trip to somewhere. Only taking county roads.
An in some of the farming states, the county roads are paved with concrete, smooth and flat. And no traffic.
Set your cruise control and the car practically drives itself. It's easy to write notes on a legal pad, and cruise at 60 mph.
...and then this song comes on. Stops me in my tracks because it's just such a masterful molding of lyrical imagery combined with the beautiful droning violins and organ... oh and that dobro sort of lumbering along. My god man.
This era of BC is when I think he found a new inner layer and uncovered a deeper beauty within. Love Bruce. Love RP.
This era of BC is when I think he found a new inner layer and uncovered a deeper beauty within. Love Bruce. Love RP.
renegade_X wrote:
Aren't we fortunate that we can agree to disagree!
THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!
Aren't we fortunate that we can agree to disagree!
Cockburn is one of the best lyricists out there accompanied by great guitar playing. Such a master of the craft. He is to be treasured!
His best song here.
renegade_X wrote:
"it depends on the way that you see. obviously."
THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!
"it depends on the way that you see. obviously."
It's said that the one who knows seldom has the words to say, while those who don't know can spin words out of air. This, I'm glad to say, isn't the case with this song.
THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!
Wow, Bach's Prelude #1 in C followed by Child of the Wind really works. Nice sequencing, RP!
Again.
Again.
not his best by a long shot; but still good....
Dang it, RP - you remind me how much I love Bruce Cockburn, and how difficult it is to ingest many of his lyrics and poetry. Hits home, deeply.
Today is almost the end of 2022.
It's a good day to be goofy, giggly as I come in contact with others.
Not child-like. Adult-like.
It's a good day to be goofy, giggly as I come in contact with others.
Not child-like. Adult-like.
Salve for the soul!
Canada has a lock on great story tellers.
I LOVE that RP plays so much Bruce Cockburn. This is the only place I hear him and his message always resonates! Thank you over and over!
Spectacular segue from Johann Sebastian to Bruce.
I am preparing a memorial memory book for a college student of mine who just passed--giving it to her family... She was a bright young 25yo who loved the mountains and nature. And this song just came on. Amazing.
This particular song continues to grow on me...works its way into my subconscious...tickles my maple syrup synapses...strums on my maple leaf heart...
Well done, Brucey, you clever bastard...
Well done, Brucey, you clever bastard...
ugh.
First time to hear this, already a timeless beauty for me.....
I was around 10 months old when this song was recorded 
a man and his 12 string
Would merge nicely with David Gilmour...
So glad I discovered Bruce Cockburn on RP. His talent and lyricism reminds me of Warren Zevon in some ways. Great stuff.
Pilsenaaa wrote:
We love him here in Canada
Those who know, love him wherever they are...
We love him here in Canada
Those who know, love him wherever they are...
"too old for the term, but I'll use it anyway.... " not many write like him and his masterful guitar playing is well known... love it
chris76mee wrote:
We love him here in Canada
Never heard of this guy before, but nice song to wake up to on the road. Travelling in my van for 4 months now around Europe. Part of my morning routine has been listening to Radio Paradise and discovering new songs. Thank you R.P for introducing me to many new artists and for reminding me of many that I had forgotten about.
We love him here in Canada
rita_johnson wrote:
I'm not a musician but I find his guitar playing beautiful and complex. He's a much better guitarist than vocalist ;-) 😎
Yes he is just as good as James Taylor
I'm not a musician but I find his guitar playing beautiful and complex. He's a much better guitarist than vocalist ;-) 😎
Yes he is just as good as James Taylor
A true Canadian
ChrisInSeattle wrote:
I'm not a musician but I find his guitar playing beautiful and complex. He's a much better guitarist than vocalist ;-) 😎
My guitar teacher used to shake her head in disgust every time I wanted to work on a Bruce Cockburn.
I never did find out what her affliction was.
I never did find out what her affliction was.
I'm not a musician but I find his guitar playing beautiful and complex. He's a much better guitarist than vocalist ;-) 😎
Never heard of this guy before, but nice song to wake up to on the road. Travelling in my van for 4 months now around Europe. Part of my morning routine has been listening to Radio Paradise and discovering new songs. Thank you R.P for introducing me to many new artists and for reminding me of many that I had forgotten about.
Not a big fan of his voice, but his music and lyrics are good. Especially like this song.
"I'm too old for the term, but I'll use it anyway..."
Yes, indeed. A point we all reach should we suffer the fortune of being blessed with a long life. As to date has been my....affliction.
But the saving grace, for me, is that it has allowed a realization to seep in. We are all just aging children, rambling and gamboling along our way.
So enjoy yourself as best you can, go on and follow your curiosity wherever it might lead. And until you're called home try not to grouse and complain, just be sure to play..
Highlow
American Net'Zen.
Yes, indeed. A point we all reach should we suffer the fortune of being blessed with a long life. As to date has been my....affliction.
But the saving grace, for me, is that it has allowed a realization to seep in. We are all just aging children, rambling and gamboling along our way.
So enjoy yourself as best you can, go on and follow your curiosity wherever it might lead. And until you're called home try not to grouse and complain, just be sure to play..
Highlow
American Net'Zen.
My guitar teacher used to shake her head in disgust every time I wanted to work on a Bruce Cockburn.
I never did find out what her affliction was.
I never did find out what her affliction was.
These lyrics are like Bruce was reading my mind; like it's something I'd write.
...except he's executed it so, so much better than I could ever hope for
TJOpootertoot wrote:
Neil Young to Kathleen Edwards to Bruce Cockburn in this last set; that's a nice CanCon triple-shot.
My daughter played the songwriters Hall of Fame event for Neil and Bruce last winter, and she's besties with Kathleen. Small world. New record released in May (https://www.jessicamitchellmusi...)
Neil Young to Kathleen Edwards to Bruce Cockburn in this last set; that's a nice CanCon triple-shot.
My daughter played the songwriters Hall of Fame event for Neil and Bruce last winter, and she's besties with Kathleen. Small world. New record released in May (https://www.jessicamitchellmusi...)
Shimmer wrote:
"Something cringe-inducing about this ..... that I hear so often on RP."
Plays (last 30 days): 1
The voices are in your head - no wonder you cringe - a mirror would be a traumatic experience for you.
We are not laughing with you - we're laughing at you!
Something cringe-inducing about this and most of Cockburn's other songs that I hear so often on RP.
"Something cringe-inducing about this ..... that I hear so often on RP."
Plays (last 30 days): 1
The voices are in your head - no wonder you cringe - a mirror would be a traumatic experience for you.
We are not laughing with you - we're laughing at you!
just thanks. Love radiates from this song.
This summer he played at 72 years old and sounded terrific...What a beautiful song.
Love this tune. The older I get the more apropos it seems to get.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
o Bruce...ive loved ya since i was a teenager 
Beautiful
This set was inspirational. Thanks!
mccuff wrote:
Neil Young to Kathleen Edwards to Bruce Cockburn in this last set; that's a nice CanCon triple-shot.
Dang! Thanks for that, Bill and Rebecca. All that CanCon made me donate again!! You guys are the best.
Neil Young to Kathleen Edwards to Bruce Cockburn in this last set; that's a nice CanCon triple-shot.
Mes meilleurs souvenirs à mon oncle Jean-Michel Payen qui m'avait fait découvrir cet artiste via cet album il y a de ça 22 ans.
Dang! Thanks for that, Bill and Rebecca. All that CanCon made me donate again!! You guys are the best.
On_The_Beach wrote:
i agree. my first thought was this was james mcmurtry which would have worked too. always forget how nice bruce's singing voice was since he leaned toward spoken word. what a nice waltzing or slow dancing set though
Neil / Kathleen / Bruce: Nice set eh Bill?, you hoser! ; )
i agree. my first thought was this was james mcmurtry which would have worked too. always forget how nice bruce's singing voice was since he leaned toward spoken word. what a nice waltzing or slow dancing set though
On_The_Beach wrote:
And 2 of those 3 from my home town (Ottawa). Nice set indeed, Eh?
Neil / Kathleen / Bruce: Nice set eh Bill?, you hoser! ; )
And 2 of those 3 from my home town (Ottawa). Nice set indeed, Eh?
Loving the Canadian set.... Wild music, indeed.
Neil / Kathleen / Bruce: Nice set eh Bill?, you hoser! ; )
One of his best.
LIke my favorite song ever.
Never get tired of it.
Never get tired of it.
unclehud wrote:
What, it's not Mooseville?!
Whistler/Blackcomb! Jeez, everybody knows that ... ;-)
What, it's not Mooseville?!
Is it me or are things in that last 2 hours getting whiny and repetitive. Where's the joy? happiness? Something uplifting.
ThePoose wrote:
Whistler/Blackcomb! Jeez, everybody knows that ... ;-)
clipped ...
I am now standing where Bruce grew to a man and a musician: Canada's national capital region.
So, you Americans, how many of you know where that is?
I am now standing where Bruce grew to a man and a musician: Canada's national capital region.
So, you Americans, how many of you know where that is?
Whistler/Blackcomb! Jeez, everybody knows that ... ;-)
He has taken up where Gordon Lightfoot left off.
I am now standing where Bruce grew to a man and a musician: Canada's national capital region.
So, you Americans, how many of you know where that is?
Timboy49 wrote:
I am now standing where Bruce grew to a man and a musician: Canada's national capital region.
So, you Americans, how many of you know where that is?
Timboy49 wrote:
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
xkolibuul wrote:
The comment is cringe-inducing. Bruce is sublime.
Indeed! Even Dylanesque.
The comment is cringe-inducing. Bruce is sublime.
Indeed! Even Dylanesque.
I first heard this song when I watched a documentary about the Canadian mountaineer John Clarke. Meant a lot to me then and means a lot to me still...
https://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/expositions-exhibitions/nuages-clouds/en/p/p-m-clark.html
https://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/expositions-exhibitions/nuages-clouds/en/p/p-m-clark.html
Shimmer wrote:
The comment is cringe-inducing. Bruce is sublime.
Something cringe-inducing about this and most of Cockburn's other songs that I hear so often on RP.
The comment is cringe-inducing. Bruce is sublime.
At >30USD for 250ml, I'd rather have Whisky.
onelittlemoose wrote:
onelittlemoose wrote:
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
I haven't changed my mind. This is his best album to date.
onelittlemoose wrote:
Good thing we have the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. (it really does exist, go figure)
Ah c'mon, you're making that up!
(And "Mooseville"?! You're making that up too, right?)
Good thing we have the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. (it really does exist, go figure)
Ah c'mon, you're making that up!
(And "Mooseville"?! You're making that up too, right?)
bronorb wrote:
Bad year for that. Global Warming.
Good thing we have the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. (it really does exist, go figure)
Bad year for that. Global Warming.
Good thing we have the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. (it really does exist, go figure)
onelittlemoose wrote:
Bad year for that. Global Warming.
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
Bad year for that. Global Warming.
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
Eventually, his body of work will be truly appreciated.
SmileOnADog wrote:
I always loved those lines.
"Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see"
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see"
I always loved those lines.
Haven't heard this song before, I like it quite a bit.
Something cringe-inducing about this and most of Cockburn's other songs that I hear so often on RP.
"Little round planet
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see"
Damn straight.
In a big universe
Sometimes it looks blessed
Sometimes it looks cursed
Depends on what you look at obviously
But even more it depends on the way that you see"
Damn straight.
pyxxel wrote:
I would say 'Poor man's Springsteen'. Their voices are earily similar.
Oh sooo true! This guy is just not happening. I'd call him "Poor man's Dylan" but I hate Dylan too...
I would say 'Poor man's Springsteen'. Their voices are earily similar.
rtrudeau wrote:
Attn Excelsior:
Please stay gone. No one misses you.
Amen, Amen, and Amen.
Attn Excelsior:
Please stay gone. No one misses you.
Amen, Amen, and Amen.
walchenbach wrote:
I can't agree with either of these. To me this is a simple, beautiful song. It's only guitar, violin and voice after all ... that to me doesn't seem overproduced in the least.
Sappy and over produced, yes. But I am a sailor, a pirate, and wanderer of paths rarely traveled, and this song speaks to me. I'll bet it is better live without all the fluff.
I can't agree with either of these. To me this is a simple, beautiful song. It's only guitar, violin and voice after all ... that to me doesn't seem overproduced in the least.
Excelsior wrote:
Attn Excelsior:
Please stay gone. No one misses you.
Attn Bruce:
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Attn Excelsior:
Please stay gone. No one misses you.
saw Bruce live at the LA Acoustic Music Festival on Santa Monica Pier on Saturday night. Even though there was a cold wind blowing, he sang solo for over an hour, lots of great songs, including this one.
Excelsior wrote:
Further proof that I am not of this world.
Attn Bruce:
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Further proof that I am not of this world.
I am a big, old time BC fan but even I have to admit this is not his best vocal work...still love it however! His voice is wonderful in some songs....how 'bout "pacing the cage" one of these days!
Sappy and over produced, yes. But I am a sailor, a pirate, and wanderer of paths rarely traveled, and this song speaks to me. I'll bet it is better live without all the fluff.
Excelsior wrote:
Attn Excelsior:
Please stop expounding shite. Nobody cares.
Attn Bruce:
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Attn Excelsior:
Please stop expounding shite. Nobody cares.
Attn Bruce:
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
Please stop singing. The world will thank you for it.
BC - Yeah!
The whole album is a jewel!
Thx, RP!
Timboy49 wrote:
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
It's not nice to point out the shortcomings of others.
beelzebubba wrote:
This guy has never done anything except bore me to death.
Actually, he's done a great deal more than that. As has everyone on the planet. It's just your ego that sees it your way.
oh dear. this is terribly sappy - too sappy to be protected by \"classic\" status, if it even claims that...
love these lyrics. 10.
btw....
can somebody tell me where people chat on rp? it doesn?t seem like after the songs is the place....
thanks!
trempel wrote:
3 times actually: I hope you get over it.
he's too old for the term, but he'll use it nayway.... 6 or 7 times in a row. Very repetitive
3 times actually: I hope you get over it.
great tune by a great artist... his early stuff is what got me hooked... his newest offering, Life Short Call Now, in my opinion is a stinker...
plain and simple, he's lost his first love...
he's too old for the term, but he'll use it nayway.... 6 or 7 times in a row. Very repetitive
RabbitEars wrote:
If you ever saw him live you might feel differently. He is really an extraordinary guitar player, but it doesn't come across on recordings.
So true! I've seen him live twice and both he and his band were fantastic musicians. I'd also never seen so many Deadheads at a non-Dead show (while Jerry was alive anyway).
I like some of his work, but some of it not so much. My point is, I always grin when I hear hooves pronounced hooves "who-ves" rather than "huv-ves." Must be 'cause I grew up in TX.
/profound statement, I know.
chasethelight wrote:
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.
pyxxel wrote:
Oh sooo true! This guy is just not happening.
I often feel that way about some of Cockburn's work, but some of it is stunning. If you ever saw him live you might feel differently. He is really an extraordinary guitar player, but it doesn't come across on recordings. His work is also much more varied than any radio play he's ever gotten would indicate (even including here on RP).
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
beelzebubba wrote:
This guy has never done anything except bore me to death.
Oh sooo true! This guy is just not happening. I'd call him "Poor man's Dylan" but I hate Dylan too...
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.
trempel wrote:
I'm not sure if I'm taking that the wrong way, but..
I think his last name is pronounced "co-burn", with a silent "ck" in the middle
Love the lyrics... and the arrangement
JoJopugs wrote:
I sure am glad my last name is NOT Cockburn! 
I'm not sure if I'm taking that the wrong way, but..
I think his last name is pronounced "co-burn", with a silent "ck" in the middle
beelzebubba wrote:
This guy has never done anything except bore me to death.
Actually I heard there was going to be music fest somewhere called Bore-a-palooza.
Bruce Cockburn and Richard Thompson are the headliners.
Will you be doing more lame comedy at that fest? :P
I sure am glad my last name is NOT Cockburn!
This guy has never done anything except bore me to death.
Actually I heard there was going to be music fest somewhere called Bore-a-palooza.
Bruce Cockburn and Richard Thompson are the headliners.
mute button
Sounds like Bruce is pushing is voice beyond his range here. Am I an exception in that I like some, but by no means all, Cockburn? Luke warm on this one...
Leslie wrote:
This is an incredible album. If you like this song, please check out the entire CD.
Agreed, with the single, admittedly minor qualification that "Cry of a Tiny Babe" grates on these non-Christian ears. The rest is genius, perhaps the last truly great BC album.
This drags on a little much for my taste. Found it quaint and enjoyable at first and then found myself finding it a little tiresome. And yes, the lyrics are good.
I'm a Cockburn fan though so I won't complain much more ;)
This album doesn't get nearly enough recognition. Along with Breakfast In New Orleans..., this is my favourite Cockburn album.
All of Bruce\'s music is great. Excellent guitar work, outstanding words and always thoughtful. You can never play too much Bruce! 
These lyrics are truly great 
Bruce\'s music had unfortunately faded a bit in my affection, a soundtrack for a nostalgia for the Vancouver
New Age scene in the seventies and early eighties.
But these lyrics caught my attention immediately, the essence of an enlightened artist\'s eternal song.
Bruce\'s music had unfortunately faded a bit in my affection, a soundtrack for a nostalgia for the Vancouver
New Age scene in the seventies and early eighties.
But these lyrics caught my attention immediately, the essence of an enlightened artist\'s eternal song.
One of our most lyrical, evocative and thought-provoking northern poets
This is an incredible album. If you like this song, please check out the entire CD.
THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!
Yas lord!!
Push that button