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Bruce Cockburn — Open
Album: You've Never Seen Everything
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1204









Released: 2003
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 4
I never live with balance
I always wake up nervous
Light comes at me sideways
I hold my breath forever

I never live with balance
Though I've always liked the notion
I feel that endless hunger
For energy and motion
Open
Open
Open
I never live with balance
I wanna feel you near me
There's an aching in my hipbone
Wanna let my heart drop open
It's daylight in the city
There's thumping in the stairwell
Kundalini sunrise
A clamoring of church bells

Open
Open
Open
You like to let me worry
But I don't take you for granted
Come over here and kiss me
I'm savoring your picture
The street is filled with noises
Life going up and down
Light comes at you sideways
Enfolds you like a gown
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Comments (135)add comment
Love Bruce but this song isn’t one of my favorites 
Good track. Recognised as Bruce Cockburn by that lovely bass underneath. Distinctive. 
"I've never lived with balance, but I've always liked the notion"?
C'mon, that's a great lyric.
Such a beautiful snare sound
 rocklandlove wrote:

Two more to add to this strange and hilarious list...

Longtime Chief of Police for Montgomery County (MD), who sadly passed away this year: Chief Bernard Crooke
Former Archbishop of the Philippines: Cardinal Sin 



The Chairman of the Dutch Union of Commercial Pilots  : Benno Baksteen   (translates as Brick).
Fabulous song; I love how he describes the way Life so often feels for me and other Fire element folks with all senses open: INTENSE!
 meydele wrote:
pannaramma wrote: My GP's name is Butcher. And there's a vet in town named Dr. Bones.



My dentist when I was a kid..  Dr. Aiken
Not sure why this song brought on all the doctor names, but it got me to play.
There's a dentist out near us in Palmdale, CA named:  Dr. Fang.
 MojoJojo wrote:


My dentist was Dr. Fillmore. 



My dentist in Palmer, Alaska, was Dr. McCavit.  The dentist in Wasilla, the next town over, was Dr. McClean.
 xkolibuul wrote:
Masterful segue, BillG, from Chrissie Hynde to Bruce Cockburn.  


Wait ... they just did it again ... The Pretenders to Bruce Cockburn ... 8 months later. 
 DaveDalzell wrote:
His purcussionist makes the song interesting.  really interesting.
 

Agreed. The backing vocal does it too. Awesome.
 kbs wrote:

Alas, poor Yorick! His surname was Hunt...

 I C what you did there.

His purcussionist makes the song interesting.  really interesting.
Great lyrics. Good song. Written from the inner
 pannaramma wrote:
LizDeines wrote:
I went to school with a guy named Dicky Burns. :)
There was a doctor in my gyn office named Dr. Richard Beaver. Honest to god. Wouldn't you have chosen another specialty?
 

There's a local urologist in my town named Doctor Tingle. 
I love this...
Masterful segue, BillG, from Chrissie Hynde to Bruce Cockburn.  
"Never lived with balance , but I always liked the notion"
sad but true lyrics
 kimschoice wrote:
Not sure what this thread has to do with the song, but here goes...My husbands vasectomy doctor...Dr. Sacknoff
 
Mine was Dr. Little
 meydele wrote:
pannaramma wrote:
There was a doctor in my gyn office named Dr. Richard Beaver. Honest to god. Wouldn't you have chosen another specialty?
My GP's name is Butcher. And there's a vet in town named Dr. Bones.
 
My GP's name is Akey.
 RazzCat wrote:

Okay, this has got to go to the top of the list.... :)
 
Alas, poor Yorick! His surname was Hunt...
Not sure what this thread has to do with the song, but here goes...My husbands vasectomy doctor...Dr. Sacknoff
 Businessgypsy wrote:
.... We're all setting down to hash out the final and most crucial details when the introductions begin and he hands me his card. I looked at it, at him, at the card again. I kept waiting for everybody to crack up at the joke on me, but we go into a serious three hour session.

Somehow I kept it together and managed to come out pretty good, but negotiating against Dick Porn is not as easy as you might think...
 
Okay, this has got to go to the top of the list.... :)
My most recent earworm. 
Another fine Canadian musician.
Perfect song for me today!
bumping up to 10, don't know why i had it lower in the first place. This song just gets me everytime.
 meinthecorner wrote:

I think you mean Sara 'Harmer'. 'Hammer' might be a name she'd only reserve for close friends and enemies. :o)
 
Thanks. Yeah that's the one.
you're killing me bill
so open cowboy junkies
open bruce cockburn
i feel in the thunder
for energy and motion 
 martinc wrote:
If my memory serves me that is Sara Hammer singing harmony.
 
I think you mean Sara 'Harmer'. 'Hammer' might be a name she'd only reserve for close friends and enemies. :o)
I love the nuance of the violin weaving all through this song..... {#Boohoo}
 That_SOB wrote:
Hi Mr & Mrs Neighbor  wanna hear a cool song ?  No ? Well just listen for
a few.... cranking up the sound up, up, up,UP !   hey how's that ? Ah, were'd they
 go ?    I hate it when the neighbors are unfriendly.......
 
.....lmao........
If my memory serves me that is Sara Hammer singing harmony.
Hi Mr & Mrs Neighbor  wanna hear a cool song ?  No ? Well just listen for
a few.... cranking up the sound up, up, up,UP !   hey how's that ? Ah, were'd they
 go ?    I hate it when the neighbors are unfriendly.......

Bill should play the song off this album about the guy driving down the highway with a pitch fork tied to his steering wheel. Bruce is fantastic and about as eclectic as you can get. It is the title song
 tdturner wrote:
There was a PhysEd teacher at my high school named Mr. Payne.  

 


I had an uncle called Ivor Payne! Honest.
My pharmacist's last name is Kevorkian...
I had an English teacher named Mr. Fales.

 
tdturner wrote:
There was a PhysEd teacher at my high school named Mr. Payne.  

 


There was a PhysEd teacher at my high school named Mr. Payne.  

 lily34 wrote:
i can't believe i'm going to say this.
a real first.
i like this song. 
 
loosin' up already.....these people know what they're doing !{#Yes}
we had a client, Richard Holder....no one could say his name at the office without giggling or blushing! ha
 rabbi_phil wrote:
"I've never lived with balance although i've always liked the notion"   How is it these guys can look straight into your head?
 

One of my top 10 favorite lines....I've never lived with balance indeed, but i strive for that life cuz i truly do like the notion!  lol
i can't believe i'm going to say this.
a real first.
i like this song. 
"I've never lived with balance although i've always liked the notion"   How is it these guys can look straight into your head?
 linden wrote:
My dentist was Dr. Toothman, when I still lived in Columbus, OH.
 Hoping I'm not repeating myself: I fly into Portland from Louisiana to negotiate a large block in a very nice campus style office park for a subsidiary of the holding company I'm working for during the tech rage of the 80's. I had been dealing with leasing officers, but this time we're going to ink a deal with the CFO of the park parent or scrub the project. Large, distinguished man with grey hair and silver glasses. Impeccably tailored suit. I'm a mid twenties (thinks he's a) hot shot ready to do battle.

We're all setting down to hash out the final and most crucial details when the introductions begin and he hands me his card. I looked at it, at him, at the card again. I kept waiting for everybody to crack up at the joke on me, but we go into a serious three hour session.

Somehow I kept it together and managed to come out pretty good, but negotiating against Dick Porn is not as easy as you might think.


My dentist was Dr. Toothman, when I still lived in Columbus, OH.
Two more to add to this strange and hilarious list...

Longtime Chief of Police for Montgomery County (MD), who sadly passed away this year: Chief Bernard Crooke
Former Archbishop of the Philippines: Cardinal Sin 
 Proclivities wrote:

He had no choice.
 
My pharmacist's name is Dr. Kevorkian. True story. Immensely enjoying this tune...
 pannaramma wrote:


There was a doctor in my gyn office named Dr. Richard Beaver. Honest to god. Wouldn't you have chosen another specialty?
 
He had no choice.

 MojoJojo wrote:


My dentist was Dr. Fillmore. 
 
Head of psychiatric medicine at Duke University in the 80s was Dr Looney.

And, man, was he humorless about it. 
I would have never believed that the Cocteau Twins' Iceblink Luck would segue so perfectly into this, but the time and key change was flawless.

Salutations to the cook! 
There is a great acoustic version of this on Live from Studio M Vol 3.  Check it out if like BC

 meloman wrote:

Okay, I've got my weird name reference, too. Once worked in Charlotte NC with a guy named Dick Payne.

  nate917 wrote:

My podiatrist was Dr. Treadwell.

 

My dentist was Dr. Fillmore. 

 juliecb wrote:
From the intro I thought this was going to be an unplugged version of Filter's song 'Take a Picture'
 

Me too!

Agreed.  I logged on just to make this same comment ...

 
michaelgmitchell wrote:
Brilliant ... slid right into this from the Cocteau Twins' tune. Couldn't even hear the transition. Bill's a genius.
 


Brilliant ... slid right into this from the Cocteau Twins' tune. Couldn't even hear the transition. Bill's a genius.
 posworld wrote:
Every time I hear this guy I'm impressed. I think I should get some of his stuff. Any recommendations?
 
I'd recommend "The Charity of Night", "Humans", "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws", "Stealing Fire" and maybe "Night Vision" as an oldie. Here's a link to his discography, with album covers:
https://www.cockburnproject.net/albums/chronology.html

 posworld wrote:
Every time I hear this guy I'm impressed. I think I should get some of his stuff. Any recommendations?
 
He's awesome. Why not start with a "Best of", like "Anything Anytime Anywhere: Singles 1979-2002".
 

Every time I hear this guy I'm impressed. I think I should get some of his stuff. Any recommendations?
From the intro I thought this was going to be an unplugged version of Filter's song 'Take a Picture'


Hee...{#Ask} Cockburn...{#Bounce}
(it's Friday, my brain is mush - great song btw)
 meloman wrote:

Okay, I've got my weird name reference, too. Once worked in Charlotte NC with a guy named Dick Payne.

 
My podiatrist was Dr. Treadwell.

 meloman wrote:

Okay, I've got my weird name reference, too. Once worked in Charlotte NC with a guy named Dick Payne.

 

Okay, me too.  Calgary Alberta, a doctor called Dr. Phillipa Brain.  No kidding.  God help us if she is a neurosurgeon.
El_Penguino wrote:
Worked with a guy in the Yukon named Dick Seamen (Richard actually, but he preferred to be called Dick).
Okay, I've got my weird name reference, too. Once worked in Charlotte NC with a guy named Dick Payne.
snesbitt wrote:
julie wolf's backing vocals and keyboards are the added bonus.
Indeed, and make this one a 9 for me.
ThePoose wrote:
I knew a guy named Hyman Pecker, and that was his exact listing in the Montréal phone book. And still in my hometown, there is a university prof whose specialty is raptors. His name? Dr. David Bird, of course.
Worked with a guy in the Yukon named Dick Seamen (Richard actually, but he preferred to be called Dick).
meydele wrote:
My GP's name is Butcher. And there's a vet in town named Dr. Bones.
I knew a guy named Hyman Pecker, and that was his exact listing in the Montréal phone book. And still in my hometown, there is a university prof whose specialty is raptors. His name? Dr. David Bird, of course.
pannaramma wrote:
There was a doctor in my gyn office named Dr. Richard Beaver. Honest to god. Wouldn't you have chosen another specialty?
My GP's name is Butcher. And there's a vet in town named Dr. Bones.
ahoylola wrote:
If you're looking for a solid introduction to the guitar prowess of this amazing musician, the collection on SPEECHLESS does a thorough job of sampling Cockburn's entire career. SPEECHLESS may not have lyrics, but it speaks volumes. I believe Bill has played one or two on RP.
THAT album and the introduction of it here made me love him. I have an ex that fancies himself a guitarist, and once put together a compilation of his fluttery pickings. Since he didnt have the ballz to sing, I called the cd 'speechless' not knowing of the real one. if it was a fraction as good as this guys' stuff, I'd have put up with the rest of his crap oh well love and learn eh?
LizDeines wrote:
I went to school with a guy named Dicky Burns. :)
There was a doctor in my gyn office named Dr. Richard Beaver. Honest to god. Wouldn't you have chosen another specialty?
ThePoose wrote:
No, it's not the CBC, which is Canada's public broadcaster, it's a rule that's enforced by the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommuinications Commission). And the rule is this: The MAPL logo Every radio station in Canada must meet Canadian content quotas, therefore, the MAPL logo, created by Stan Klees, on album packaging and on the compact disc itself increases the chance that the music will receive airplay in Canada. The MAPL logo is a circle divided into four parts, one part for each of the four "MAPL" categories. The categories in which the music qualifies are black with a white initial M, A, P or L. The categories for which the music does not qualify are in white, with a black letter. The meaning of the letters is as follows: Music composed entirely by a Canadian. Artist - the music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian. Production - the musical selection consists of a live performance that is recorded wholly in Canada, or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada. Lyrics) - the lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian. <1>
Thanks for the info Poose! Cheers, Mike
Ok, Bill, who's next? Joe Cocker?
MiketheKnife wrote:
Doesn't the CBC mandate a certain percentage of airplay to Canadian artists?
No, it's not the CBC (where I used to work), which is Canada's public broadcaster, it's a rule that's enforced by the CRTC (Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommuinications Commission). And the rule is this: The MAPL logo Every radio station in Canada must meet Canadian content quotas, therefore, the MAPL logo, created by Stan Klees, on album packaging and on the compact disc itself increases the chance that the music will receive airplay in Canada. The MAPL logo is a circle divided into four parts, one part for each of the four "MAPL" categories. The categories in which the music qualifies are black with a white initial M, A, P or L. The categories for which the music does not qualify are in white, with a black letter. The meaning of the letters is as follows: M = Music - The music composed entirely by a Canadian. A = Artist - The music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian. P = Production - The musical selection consists of a live performance that is recorded wholly in Canada, or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada. L = Lyrics - The lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian.
messydiner wrote:
As a Canuck I tried, I really tried to like Bruce, but for some reason his songwriting just grates on my nerves. The only exception to that nails-on-the-chalkboard feel is "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" and I liked the Barenaked Ladies cover better. :( Maybe it was that "Rocket Launcher" song. I dunno.
If you're looking for a solid introduction to the guitar prowess of this amazing musician, the collection on SPEECHLESS does a thorough job of sampling Cockburn's entire career. SPEECHLESS may not have lyrics, but it speaks volumes. I believe Bill has played one or two on RP.
MiketheKnife wrote:
Doesn't the CBC mandate a certain percentage of airplay to Canadian artists?
The CBC doesn't mandate this, but the Canadian government (CRTC) does. Last I heard, it's 30%. There is debate over this and if it has really helped Canadian artists. I believe it has given many great Canadian artists exposure that they otherwise would not have had. It has also given exposure to musicians that we didn't need to hear - I could list many - but.... take the good with the bad, I guess.
The_Enemy wrote:
Could be worse. I went to school with a guy whose last name was "Seman". And yes, we were cruel :) And my Dad used to work with a guy whose last name was originally "Hoare". He changed it to "Thompson".
I went to school with a guy named Dicky Burns. :)
This song sound very like a Feeder song - Take a Picture, I think it's called. Don't know which came along first, but someone's ripping off someone else. E
MiketheKnife wrote:
Doesn't the CBC mandate a certain percentage of airplay to Canadian artists?
No, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandates that ALL Canadian broadcasters, be it radio or TV, include at least 60% (I believe it is) Canadian content. This goes for the CBC and affiliates, CTV and affiliates, Global and affiliates, etc etc across the board.
Doesn't the CBC mandate a certain percentage of airplay to Canadian artists?
messydiner wrote:
As a Canuck I tried, I really tried to like Bruce, but for some reason his songwriting just grates on my nerves. The only exception to that nails-on-the-chalkboard feel is "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" and I liked the Barenaked Ladies cover better. :( Maybe it was that "Rocket Launcher" song. I dunno.
Fair enough; you don't like what you don't like, right? (at least you tried) Kinda like me trying to understand what some people see in Rush. I agree that that the BL's did a great cover of "Lovers". I also agree that "Rocket Launcher" and "If a Tree Falls", two of his most famous songs, are two of his most cringe-worthy.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Just OK, by Bruce standards, but it's still nice to see one of our favourite Canucks getting some airplay. : )
As a Canuck I tried, I really tried to like Bruce, but for some reason his songwriting just grates on my nerves. The only exception to that nails-on-the-chalkboard feel is "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" and I liked the Barenaked Ladies cover better. :( Maybe it was that "Rocket Launcher" song. I dunno.
RedGuitar wrote:
I believe his name is pronounced "Ko-burn". Still probably took a lot of grief in school. Kids can be so cruel!
Could be worse. I went to school with a guy whose last name was "Seman". And yes, we were cruel :) And my Dad used to work with a guy whose last name was originally "Hoare". He changed it to "Thompson".
I believe his name is pronounced "Ko-burn". Still probably took a lot of grief in school. Kids can be so cruel!
On the title track of this album, in which we find Bruce doing another narrative (not a complaint) there are only two places where the chorus is sung...anybody know who is accompanying him? Those two choruses are absolutely beautiful...simple and beautiful.
Poor guy must have endured endless ribbing in junior high with that last name. Got back at 'em with his successful career though.
dewinter wrote:
Yes!
definately
Just OK, by Bruce standards, but it's still nice to see one of our favourite Canucks getting some airplay. : )
Krispian wrote:
Nice transition from Cocteau Twins!
hmm...several months later and again, it's a transition from cocteau twins...hmm...deja vu? perhaps...
saw him at House of Blues LA just a few weeks back. AMAZING.
Nice transition from Cocteau Twins!
oh canada
octopoxho wrote:
When I heard the opening intro to this I thought it was a cover of that Filter song with the line "Awake from my (somthing)"...well the music sounds similar...
Yep. Haven't heard this in a while, and it just did it to me again. This song's better =).
Now that's what I call a segue.
A brilliantly complex and underrated album, showing many sides of the guy: Political Bruce, Reflective Bruce, Jazzy Bruce, Spoken Poetry Bruce, and as always Kick Ass Guitarist Bruce.
julie wolf's backing vocals and keyboards are the added bonus.
zaknafein wrote:
Does the main guitar riff remind anyone else of "Take a Picture" by Filter?
Yes!
This album is one of his best in my opinion. His voice is a bit stretched here. That's what B.C. is all about anyhow, strecting the limits and always changing... evolving. P.S. The title track is haunting. Very wild stuff...
blah.
When I heard the opening intro to this I thought it was a cover of that Filter song with the line "Awake from my (somthing)"...well the music sounds similar...
Nice transition from Iceblink Luck!
Song is indeed a 9. The CD is a 10. I can't wait to see BC's next work, cause he's been on a roll since his Christmas collection.
beelzebubba wrote:
Awwww...the poor thing! Used too much curry.... Song's still a 9!
llazare wrote:
how could anyone give this a 1?
It's easy--here, try it--you click on the arrow where it says "Rate it"--scroll down until you see 1: Sucko-Barfo, then click! See--it's that easy.
how could anyone give this a 1?
beelzebubba wrote:
I just don't see why some guys think Ann Coulter is hot.
beelzebubba wrote:
inarticulate, irrelevant and unattractive, and as welcome as a swarm of flies at the dinner table all the usual hallmarks of your comments
bruce rules... ya just gotta know it. PLAY MORE BRUCE! PLAY OLD BRUCE! dialogue with the devil all the diamonds
Sure am having to hit the mute button a lot this morning.
i\'m a fan but this one\'s a bit MOR :oops:
Originally Posted by aharamanx: Most of his stuff I really can't stomach - but have to admit that I hum along to this one. Go figure.
you said it man!
Pretty good song from BC although I have to agree with previous messages that he is wearing thin. I would much rather hear this song than the one about Cambodia which wore really thin on the first play and was just painful on subsequent outings.
Yeah. Too much of the same artist. Better song than that horrible "..Two Hands.." thing... and not as good as the one where he talks, I like that one a lot.
Originally Posted by JSG: Yah, who ripped off who?
Well, this album was just released last month. I wouldn't go as far as saying anyone was "ripped off". Probably just a coincidence.
Originally Posted by roseandcross: You can't overplay Bruce...
Oh, yes you can! RP certainly does! I'd probably enjoy him on RP if only it wasn't for the well, OVERPLAYEDNESS. I actually own a couple of albums by Bruce Cockburn, the mysteriously secular Christian. Why can't he just get played once or twice a day? He's wearing thin.
I\'ll second that, Roverfish.
Originally Posted by roseandcross: You can't overplay Bruce...
Frightening...those are the exact same words I was about to write as I clicked the link. Think RP can have a spinoff BC channel? 27 albums ought to be enough music, no?
Originally Posted by roseandcross: You can't overplay Bruce...
Beg to differ.
This is getting overplayed here...