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Great Lake Swimmers — Pulling on a Line
Album: Lost Channels
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2386









Released: 2009
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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The line runs through like a train in a book,
Or metres underwater, ending with a hook
It sways in the air when there's wind enough to lift,
The fine ones are boundaries when there is a rift

I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, I'm just pulling on a line
I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, & sometimes it pulls on me

The line, it inks across the freshly fallen snow,
Where only those embracing coldness would go
It whistles & it whispers, and sometimes it howls,
It sings to me sweetly from the trees & in vowels

I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, I'm just pulling on a line
I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, & sometimes it pulls on me

The line, it writes itself across the dark sky,
In the electric flushes ending with a sigh
It weaves itself into a fabric so true,
and flows just like the river, graceful and blue

I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, I'm just pulling on a line
I'm just pulling on a line, on a line, & sometimes it pulls on me
Comments (174)add comment
sometimes, just sometimes folks: you tune in to RP for the millionth time and every song you hear you’ve rated 7 or higher- such a good feeling ♥️
Posted 9 months ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
Simply lovely.
Posted 11 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
This is a "whistle along with" tune. Love it
Posted 1 year ago by WilliDoc    [ Reply ]
joy
Posted 1 year ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
Timeless.
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
They have an R.E.M. kinda sound.
Posted 2 years ago by bobbyaponte    [ Reply ]
Thanks for saying these guys are from Toronto and not Toronto, Canada. That's akin to saying someone's from Rochester, USA. Correct yes but vague.  
Posted 2 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
This is the sound of classic Radio Paradise from 2011-2012.  Glad the station hasn't lost its roots.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Anyone else ever had the chorus to this song stuck in their head while fishing?
Posted 3 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
This one grabbed me years ago when I first heard it here, and I still like it alot. Makes me hum along.
Posted 3 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
 Honeyko wrote:

Monotone delivery.



It drives the message home buddy
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
What an exquisite song, especially with headphones.  Smooth harmonies, very folky, and with those lovely mandolins (?) with the wave-like sound in the background. 
Posted 4 years ago by KitKatKeno    [ Reply ]
If you like this band, be sure to check out the official video for their song The Talking Winds.
Posted 4 years ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
for a brief second i thought this was going to be morrison's redwood tree
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
It drags on wet eyes
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

I guess that means all 12-bar blues is just another formula, right?
 
Well, yeah, actually. But it's a really good formula.
Posted 4 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
Great Lakes Brewing is a fine match for the Great Lake Swimmers
Posted 5 years ago by obankenobi    [ Reply ]
My oldest was born in summer of 2010 and this reminds of that time in my life. Great memories!
Posted 5 years ago by Asmith    [ Reply ]
Kind song. Makes me wanna go for a swim
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:

Check out their album "Ongiara".  You'll like it.
 
I shall bcarn thanks
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 jp33442 wrote:
Great music going to look for more if this band
 
Check out their album "Ongiara".  You'll like it.
Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Great music going to look for more if this band
Posted 5 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
so LOVE this band. they are on bucket list to see in a small venue. everytime I try to get tickets they are sold out!
Posted 5 years ago by pontfarrer    [ Reply ]
 teleskialaska wrote:


Well said.  I seached for Hippostar's musice on RP, but I guess he/she is far too talented to lower to RP standards.
I too really like Great Lake Swimmers. Even if it is simple music, or maybe because it is.  It matters not.   

 
Thanks. Just saw them again recently. Still a good show. Small show, but good.
Posted 6 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 daaave wrote:
So samey.  But this one is a gem.

 
don't ya love it when that happens
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
So samey.  But this one is a gem.
Posted 7 years ago by daaave    [ Reply ]
And pssssssst! Hippostar, seems we the people don't seem to share your condescending opinion. So guess what? Shhhhhh.
Posted 7 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

Any music majors here will remember composing this exact song using only a formula on paper for a written test in their first semester.

Just sayin'.



 
So what? Any music minor will know most Blues/R&R songs are encompassed within 4 major chords period. (And a couple minors too) What's YOUR point?
Posted 7 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Great Lake Swimmers! Saw them at Zekes in Ames, Iowa, after hearing them on RP. Great show!
Posted 8 years ago by beescout    [ Reply ]
another one i'm glad has made it back 'round again
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]

Not a folk song you can sing around the campfire but I could picture these guys doing a hell of a show down by the water  ... Somewhere.
Posted 9 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

Any music majors here will remember composing this exact song using only a formula on paper for a written test in their first semester.

Just sayin'.



 
I guess that means all 12-bar blues is just another formula, right?
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
I agree on the segue...I would love to see these guys at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 
Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
I agree—great transition. A fine song—like the jangle rock thing, subdued sound, emotion shining through, not trying too hard. Or too little
Posted 10 years ago by Maps_and_Legends    [ Reply ]
perfect segue from "What's Good".  Nice work, Bill.
Posted 10 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:
Maybe Hippostar can show us how it's done. What's your Youtube channel hippo? Let's critique your awesomeness! What? No CD or tunes to share. Then.....shhhhhh!

 
Any music majors here will remember composing this exact song using only a formula on paper for a written test in their first semester.

Just sayin'.


Posted 10 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
 Grammarcop wrote:

You forgot blue lines!

 
Nice one...how about checking lines? Is it almost hockey season?
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

Lines are a big part of Canada. Trap lines, cod lines, salmon lines, rail lines...maybe it's a cultural thing but I get this song.

 
Nice one!
Posted 10 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Monotone delivery.
Posted 10 years ago by Honeyko    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

Lines are a big part of Canada. Trap lines, cod lines, salmon lines, rail lines...maybe it's a cultural thing but I get this song.

 
You forgot blue lines!
Posted 10 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
You do a line and i'll do a line, honey 
You do a line and i'll do a line, babe
You do a line and i'll do a line, we'll fight an' screw 'til mornin' time,
Honey, baby, mine.

You snort 'cain and i'll snort 'cain, honey
You snort 'cain and i'll snort 'cain, babe
You snort 'cain and i'll snort 'cain we'll fight an' screw all day and night, 
Honey, baby, mine.  
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:

Perhaps the above is a bit sarcastic, but the fact is that it expresses my feelings well. This song leaves me cold - and very bored.

 
Lines are a big part of Canada. Trap lines, cod lines, salmon lines, rail lines...maybe it's a cultural thing but I get this song.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:
Maybe Hippostar can show us how it's done. What's your Youtube channel hippo? Let's critique your awesomeness! What? No CD or tunes to share. Then.....shhhhhh!

 

Well said.  I seached for Hippostar's musice on RP, but I guess he/she is far too talented to lower to RP standards.


I too really like Great Lake Swimmers. Even if it is simple music, or maybe because it is.  It matters not.   
Posted 11 years ago by teleskialaska    [ Reply ]
Anyway...these guys (and girl) are a great band. Saw them recently.
Posted 11 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Maybe Hippostar can show us how it's done. What's your Youtube channel hippo? Let's critique your awesomeness! What? No CD or tunes to share. Then.....shhhhhh!
Posted 11 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

It sounds like one member of the band took Music Theory 101 (at least long enough) to learn about simple tonal harmony and basic cadences.

 
The record company likes to assign homework after class. Your grade, Herr Doktor Professor? 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Good stuff... Lots a good songs in a row!!!  Nice work Bill!  ...and happy belated b-day!
Posted 11 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

It sounds like one member of the band took Music Theory 101 (at least long enough) to learn about simple tonal harmony and basic cadences.

 
Perhaps the above is a bit sarcastic, but the fact is that it expresses my feelings well. This song leaves me cold - and very bored.
Posted 11 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....

 
I am an extremely amateur photographer and member of my local camera club. I'm always showing my work to other photographers in an attempt to learn and improve. Recently, an award-winning newspaper photographer told me that one of my least complex images was one of my best. He said it was "simple and strong."  
Posted 11 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 Thank u Bill for turning me onto this wonderful group !! How beautiful is their music  ?
LOVE this / them !! 
Posted 11 years ago by planet3one9    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

It sounds like one member of the band took Music Theory 101 (at least long enough) to learn about simple tonal harmony and basic cadences.

 
And made a great tune.
Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
Bought this CD after hearing it here. Another great band I would never have heard of if it wasn't for RP!

{#Bounce}
Posted 11 years ago by stephw    [ Reply ]
Bill, when are you going to play "Still" - from the same album. It belongs on RP. Thanks.
Posted 11 years ago by neutronstar    [ Reply ]
It's about time I flagged this tune.   So, imho, a 7.
 

Bill, We need more granularity on the scale.   I need to be able to rate a tune a 7.60.
 
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 justlistening wrote:
Meh. A bit wandering and the rifts sound cliche to me - if that makes any sense.
 
It sounds like one member of the band took Music Theory 101 (at least long enough) to learn about simple tonal harmony and basic cadences.
Posted 11 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
I dig this song
Posted 11 years ago by teleskialaska    [ Reply ]
like it {#Good-vibes}
Posted 11 years ago by mamyam    [ Reply ]

These guys are awesome.
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
I saw them at The Haunt in Ithaca, NY this past Saturday. Great show! 
Posted 12 years ago by dstehle    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
My mood was on a sinking trajectory this morning, but this is helping to bouy it up a bit. :)
Posted 12 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
Meh. A bit wandering and the rifts sound cliche to me - if that makes any sense.
Posted 12 years ago by justlistening    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
I like the rambling bass on this one—a lot like McCartney's on "Nowhere Man."
 
I've always liked Paul's bass playing. He never gets credit for the musicianship just the song writing, but he is a great bass player. This is very him, I agree.
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Curse you, Bill! I just know this will be my earworm for the rest of the day.
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I like the rambling bass on this one—a lot like McCartney's on "Nowhere Man."
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
this one is really good
a typical "thats-why-i-listen-to-radio-paradise" song 
Posted 12 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]
Refreshing like an icy (Labatt) Blue Light...
Posted 12 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
8 → 9
Posted 12 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Growing on me
Posted 12 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
If there is a rock 'n' roll band left up there in the frozen wasteland please send up a flare. I'll come get you out of there myself.

Posted 12 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Ok, time to shuffle this one on the back burner!{#Naughty}
 

{#No} never get tired of this one.
Posted 12 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
Very cool lyrics.
That's not to often stubbled upon imo.
Posted 12 years ago by slippery    [ Reply ]
the song caught my attention.  but then the bridge was too something...

stanza = 8
chorus = 6

I'll give it a 7... 
Posted 13 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
What an easy, singable, flowing song.  Very nice.
Posted 13 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Ok, time to shuffle this one on the back burner!{#Naughty}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Me likey, mate.
Posted 13 years ago by amoreena    [ Reply ]
Yes!!!
Posted 13 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
Love it!  Haven't heard for a while
Posted 13 years ago by fast_eddie    [ Reply ]
Thanks!!!
 Seahunt wrote:
Intro:
D

Verse:
A - Em - D - A

Chorus:
D - Bm -G - D

Enjoy{#Bananajam}
 


Posted 13 years ago by HonduranRed    [ Reply ]
Intro:
D

Verse:
A - Em - D - A

Chorus:
D - Bm -G - D

Enjoy{#Bananajam}
Posted 13 years ago by Seahunt    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

Listen carefully, if that's possible, to the bass and tell me if you can still honestly say that.

 
Alright, I'll bite. I'll listen more carefully next time. I may have missed the baseline...will have to turn up my EQ.


Posted 13 years ago by stickers11    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
 
Campfire sing-a-long with a wicked bassline, subtle organ and perfectly nice jangly guitar, that is. Good luck trying to create that instrumental interplay at a campfire! Btw, ever listened to Your Rocky Spine? So much for "strumming only".

Posted 13 years ago by jpdribbler    [ Reply ]
Really grows on me
Posted 13 years ago by houston    [ Reply ]
The more I hear this...the more I enjoy it. 
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 idylwild wrote:

Train lines, life lines, lines imagined across the night sky, or lines in a love poem: maybe Bill is suggesting there is a connection.

The song is sweet, and suggests grace to me.  And yes, musically and lyrically, it is a simple song.  I enjoy hearing it.
 {#Dance}

"The line, it writes itself across the dark sky,
In the electric flushes ending with a sigh
It weaves itself into a fabric so true
and flows just like the river, graceful and blue

I'm just pulling on a line, on a line,
I'm just pulling on a line
I'm just pulling on a line, on a line
And sometimes it pulls on me"


 


Methinks they are referring to the aurara borielis in these lines.
First listen, I like it.
Posted 13 years ago by pggriff    [ Reply ]
Really cool folkish song! Puts together lines that appear as taken from folk fairytailes and mixes them really professionally.
A 9!
Posted 13 years ago by andigenu    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
 
Listen carefully, if that's possible, to the bass and tell me if you can still honestly say that.

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
They are fantastic to see live, great sounding and genuine. 
Posted 13 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
I'm still liking this!
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
 
Talk about a public display of ignorance.  Try again.
Posted 13 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
 
News Flash!: not every piece of music was intended to be like King Crimson or Chopin. {#Beat}


Posted 13 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:
I thought maybe this song was about trains? because Bill played it after "City of New Orleans."
But after reading the lyrics I think it is about...lines?

 
Train lines, life lines, lines imagined across the night sky, or lines in a love poem: maybe Bill is suggesting there is a connection.

The song is sweet, and suggests grace to me.  And yes, musically and lyrically, it is a simple song.  I enjoy hearing it.
 {#Dance}

"The line, it writes itself across the dark sky,
In the electric flushes ending with a sigh
It weaves itself into a fabric so true
and flows just like the river, graceful and blue

I'm just pulling on a line, on a line,
I'm just pulling on a line
I'm just pulling on a line, on a line
And sometimes it pulls on me"


Posted 14 years ago by haretic    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

Is it big and cold?

 

Uh, when the water's cold, IT usually gets smaller, not bigger... {#Tongue-out}
Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
 stickers11 wrote:
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
 
Some of us enjoy campfire sing-a-longs.

Posted 14 years ago by GirlFriday    [ Reply ]
This is growing on me.
Posted 14 years ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
and now...presenting the heights of mediocrity....{#Rolleyes}
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
Posted 14 years ago by stickers11    [ Reply ]
Sounds a little like Pete Yorn to me. Nice.
Posted 14 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
I thought maybe this song was about trains? because Bill played it after "City of New Orleans."
But after reading the lyrics I think it is about...lines?

Posted 14 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
I didn't even have to check the playlist to know this was Great Lake Swimmers. Man, I love this group. In fact, I love pretty much everything played here, no matter how many times it gets played. I'm learning about so much new music, and I have a list of things I want to invest in, when money finally starts coming in - whenever that will be...

 
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Ha! A mandolin set today! Very Cool! :D
Posted 14 years ago by audiophelia    [ Reply ]
 lysisphere wrote:
Due to the frequency at which this song gets played in between my ears during off hours, 7 ==>> 9

  See, that's what the people who complain about a song getting played 2 or 3 times in a week don't get: there's a space in your head for a song to get stuck in. If you're lucky, it's this song. :-P If you're silly enough to listen to the usual FM dreck, you have only yourself to blame.

Posted 14 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]
 elliotgoettelman wrote:
i myself am a great lake swimmer ..................
 
Is it big and cold?

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
i myself am a great lake swimmer ..................
Posted 14 years ago by elliotgoettelman    [ Reply ]
Due to the frequency at which this song gets played in between my ears during off hours, 7 ==>> 9
Posted 14 years ago by lysisphere    [ Reply ]
Influenced by Lou Barlow and Folk Implosion. Really like it.
Posted 14 years ago by DaWiz    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:
Wonderful! A song I am totally indifferent to, this gives me a way to exercise those fives.
 

Nicely said.  I agree.
Posted 14 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
These guys are great.  I really like their kid's song, See You On The Moon.

Kylie
Posted 14 years ago by newbolddrive    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:


Internet radio generates income for artists and record producers. The 'industry' should be loudly lauding and supporting it, not giving it a hard time.

Oh, and thanks, B&B, for putting album covers on track pages, as that sticks in my mind better than CD titles and makes it easier for me to pick CDs out when I'm in the shops (yeah, old school I know, but I still go into record shops rather than buy online - it's the serendipity factor I like).

 
Right said Fred!

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
I've come to realize this is a favorites of Bill's.
And I'm glad.
Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
7>8

I really like this. It's got a nice, easy mellowness.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
I used to be a Great Lake swimmer. I spent a lot of time in Lake Erie as a kid. That may explain why I glow in the dark today.
Posted 14 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
This song sounds it comes straight from the seventies! Very nice!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Wonderful! A song I am totally indifferent to, this gives me a way to exercise those fives.
Posted 14 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
Yeah, please stop playing this song.
Posted 14 years ago by splooge    [ Reply ]
this song annoys me a little more evey time i hear it, which is way too often
Posted 14 years ago by rp1125    [ Reply ]
Yea, this is definitely one of their more catchy lil ditties, they can be a bit maudlin at times!
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
THIS is an RP song!!!

{#Heartkiss} 
Posted 14 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
 pinklife wrote:
I am intrigued by the cover art. 
 
It looks like an inked hand or foot print.  Good song.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:

You are so right, Fred!  I too, stopped listening to FM radio years ago because I got so enraged listening to bellowing DJ's with IQ's less than that of a mosquito.  I'd turn the radio off after 5 minutes, even if the music was ok.  And I too have spent more money since I've caught on to RP about 18 months ago than I did in the 12 years previous, when the FM stations went downhill in Toronto.
 
Frankly, I don't know how any person can actually listen to any FM radio station.  Not only are the DJs retarded, corporate owned doofs, but all the blaring, repetitive commercials are enough to drive a sane, awake being to off himself/herself.  {#Wall}
Posted 14 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]