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Bruce Cockburn — Child of the Wind
Album: Nothing But A Burning Light
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1807









Released: 1991
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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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
Comments (117)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.
Posted 1 week ago by 1795.km553    [ Reply ]
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.  
Posted 4 months ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
...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.
Posted 5 months ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
 renegade_X wrote:

THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!



Aren't we fortunate that we can agree to disagree!
Posted 5 months ago by lynnefredricksen    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 5 months ago by lynnefredricksen    [ Reply ]
His best song here.
Posted 10 months ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
 renegade_X wrote:

THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!



"it depends on the way that you see. obviously."
Posted 10 months ago by mac.knowles955    [ Reply ]
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.  
Posted 11 months ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
THANK GOD for the skip button! OMG!
Posted 11 months ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
Wow, Bach's Prelude #1 in C followed by Child of the Wind really works. Nice sequencing, RP!
Again.
Posted 1 year ago by mattenuttall    [ Reply ]
not his best by a long shot; but still good....
Posted 1 year ago by NelsonBlack    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 1 year ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
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.  
 
Posted 1 year ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Salve for the soul!
Posted 1 year ago by intheworks    [ Reply ]
Canada has a lock on great story tellers. 
Posted 2 years ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 2 years ago by morgan    [ Reply ]
Spectacular segue from Johann Sebastian to Bruce.
Posted 2 years ago by SteveInVa    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by smommits    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
ugh.
Posted 2 years ago by davidsackville    [ Reply ]
First time to hear this, already a timeless beauty for me.....
Posted 2 years ago by hakuindude    [ Reply ]
I was around 10 months old when this song was recorded
Posted 3 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
a man and his 12 string
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Would merge nicely with David Gilmour...
Posted 3 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
So glad I discovered Bruce Cockburn on RP. His talent and lyricism reminds me of Warren Zevon in some ways. Great stuff. 
Posted 4 years ago by jimlandwehr2582    [ Reply ]
 Pilsenaaa wrote:


We love him here in Canada
 

Those who know, love him wherever they are...
Posted 4 years ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
"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
Posted 4 years ago by BSartiste    [ Reply ]
 chris76mee wrote:
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
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
A true Canadian
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
 ChrisInSeattle wrote:
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'm not a musician but I find his guitar playing beautiful and complex. He's a much better guitarist than vocalist  ;-) 😎
Posted 4 years ago by rita_johnson    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by chris76mee    [ Reply ]
Not a big fan of his voice, but his music and lyrics are good. Especially like this song.
Posted 5 years ago by emcibulka    [ Reply ]
"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.
Posted 5 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 5 years ago by ChrisInSeattle    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 6 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
 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...) 
Posted 6 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
 Shimmer wrote:
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!
Posted 6 years ago by radioparadise9    [ Reply ]
just thanks. Love radiates from this song.
Posted 6 years ago by viraga    [ Reply ]
This summer he played at 72 years old and sounded terrific...What a beautiful song.{#Hug}
Posted 7 years ago by Bert7    [ Reply ]
Love this tune.  The older I get the more apropos it seems to get.  

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 7 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
o Bruce...ive loved ya since i was a teenager  {#Heartkiss}
Posted 7 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
Beautiful
Posted 7 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
This set was inspirational. Thanks!
Posted 9 years ago by onerb    [ Reply ]
 mccuff wrote:
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.
Posted 9 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 9 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Dang! Thanks for that, Bill and Rebecca. All that CanCon made me donate again!! You guys are the best.
 
Posted 9 years ago by mccuff    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
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
Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Neil / Kathleen / Bruce: Nice set eh Bill?, you hoser!  ; )

 
And 2 of those 3 from my home town (Ottawa).  Nice set indeed, Eh?


Posted 10 years ago by jeremyleo    [ Reply ]
Loving the Canadian set.... Wild music, indeed.
Posted 10 years ago by raenvald    [ Reply ]
Neil / Kathleen / Bruce: Nice set eh Bill?, you hoser!  ; )
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
One of his best.
Posted 10 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
LIke my favorite song ever.
Never get tired of it. 
Posted 10 years ago by pamorama    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
Whistler/Blackcomb!  Jeez, everybody knows that ...  ;-)
 
What, it's not Mooseville?!
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Is it me or are things in that last 2 hours getting whiny and repetitive. Where's the joy? happiness? Something uplifting.
Posted 11 years ago by Dearlizanyc    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
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?
 
Whistler/Blackcomb!  Jeez, everybody knows that ...  ;-)
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
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:
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
 



Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:

The comment is cringe-inducing.  Bruce is sublime.  

 
Indeed!  Even Dylanesque.
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 11 years ago by saph    [ Reply ]
 Shimmer wrote:
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.  
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
At >30USD for 250ml, I'd rather have Whisky.

 onelittlemoose wrote:
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
 


Posted 12 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]

I haven't changed my mind.  This is his best album to date.
 
Posted 12 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 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?)
Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 bronorb wrote:


Bad year for that. Global Warming.
 
Good thing we have the Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. (it really does exist, go figure)
Posted 12 years ago by onelittlemoose    [ Reply ]
 onelittlemoose wrote:
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
 

Bad year for that. Global Warming.
Posted 12 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
It's the Canadian hour, cool. Chug Maple Syrup!
Posted 12 years ago by onelittlemoose    [ Reply ]
Eventually, his body of work will be truly appreciated.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 SmileOnADog wrote:
"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"

 
I always loved those lines.

Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this song before, I like it quite a bit.

 
Posted 13 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]
Something cringe-inducing about this and most of Cockburn's other songs that I hear so often on RP.
Posted 14 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
"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.
Posted 14 years ago by SmileOnADog    [ Reply ]
 pyxxel wrote:
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.
Posted 15 years ago by bob_hund    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:

Attn Excelsior:

Please stay gone. No one misses you.

 
Except, inexplicably, crokydyle!

Posted 15 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
 rtrudeau wrote:

Attn Excelsior:

Please stay gone. No one misses you.

 
Amen, Amen, and Amen. {#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 walchenbach wrote:
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.


Posted 15 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Attn Bruce:

Please stop singing.  The world will thank you for it.
 
Attn Excelsior:

Please stay gone. No one misses you.

Posted 15 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
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.
{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by sfearll    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Attn Bruce:

Please stop singing.  The world will thank you for it.
 
Further proof that I am not of this world.

Posted 15 years ago by krich58    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 15 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 15 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:
Attn Bruce:

Please stop singing.  The world will thank you for it.
 
Attn Excelsior:
Please stop expounding shite. Nobody cares.

Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
Attn Bruce:

Please stop singing.  The world will thank you for it.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
BC - Yeah!
Posted 16 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
The whole album is a jewel! Thx, RP!
Posted 17 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Timboy49 wrote:
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
It's not nice to point out the shortcomings of others.
Posted 17 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
oh dear. this is terribly sappy - too sappy to be protected by \"classic\" status, if it even claims that...
Posted 17 years ago by Professor_C    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 17 years ago by nicolaluna    [ Reply ]
trempel wrote:
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.

Posted 17 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 17 years ago by curtsusu    [ Reply ]
he's too old for the term, but he'll use it nayway.... 6 or 7 times in a row. Very repetitive
Posted 18 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
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).
Posted 18 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by Ender43    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by Freebish    [ Reply ]
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).
Posted 19 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Cockburn is the poet laurete of Canada!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by Timboy49    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 19 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 19 years ago by chasethelight    [ Reply ]
Love the lyrics... and the arrangement
Posted 19 years ago by Drunkenlilacwine    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 19 years ago by trempel    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 19 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
I sure am glad my last name is NOT Cockburn!
Posted 19 years ago by JoJopugs    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
mute button
Posted 20 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 20 years ago by ksb    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by ladybinnath    [ Reply ]
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 ;)
Posted 20 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
This album doesn't get nearly enough recognition. Along with Breakfast In New Orleans..., this is my favourite Cockburn album.
Posted 20 years ago by MikeWC    [ Reply ]
All of Bruce\'s music is great. Excellent guitar work, outstanding words and always thoughtful. You can never play too much Bruce!
Posted 21 years ago by steveruns26    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 21 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
One of our most lyrical, evocative and thought-provoking northern poets
Posted 22 years ago by lyn    [ Reply ]
This is an incredible album. If you like this song, please check out the entire CD.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]