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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2326









Released: 2009
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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 ♥️
Simply lovely.
This is a "whistle along with" tune. Love it
joy
Timeless.
They have an R.E.M. kinda sound.
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.  
This is the sound of classic Radio Paradise from 2011-2012.  Glad the station hasn't lost its roots.
Anyone else ever had the chorus to this song stuck in their head while fishing?
This one grabbed me years ago when I first heard it here, and I still like it alot. Makes me hum along.
 Honeyko wrote:

Monotone delivery.



It drives the message home buddy
What an exquisite song, especially with headphones.  Smooth harmonies, very folky, and with those lovely mandolins (?) with the wave-like sound in the background. 
If you like this band, be sure to check out the official video for their song The Talking Winds.
for a brief second i thought this was going to be morrison's redwood tree
It drags on wet eyes
 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.
Great Lakes Brewing is a fine match for the Great Lake Swimmers
My oldest was born in summer of 2010 and this reminds of that time in my life. Great memories!
Kind song. Makes me wanna go for a swim
 BCarn wrote:

Check out their album "Ongiara".  You'll like it.
 
I shall bcarn thanks
 jp33442 wrote:
Great music going to look for more if this band
 
Check out their album "Ongiara".  You'll like it.
Great music going to look for more if this band
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!
 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.
 daaave wrote:
So samey.  But this one is a gem.

 
don't ya love it when that happens
So samey.  But this one is a gem.
And pssssssst! Hippostar, seems we the people don't seem to share your condescending opinion. So guess what? Shhhhhh.
 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?
Great Lake Swimmers! Saw them at Zekes in Ames, Iowa, after hearing them on RP. Great show!
another one i'm glad has made it back 'round again

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.
 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?
I agree on the segue...I would love to see these guys at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 
I agree—great transition. A fine song—like the jangle rock thing, subdued sound, emotion shining through, not trying too hard. Or too little
perfect segue from "What's Good".  Nice work, Bill.
 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'.


 Grammarcop wrote:

You forgot blue lines!

 
Nice one...how about checking lines? Is it almost hockey season?
 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!
Monotone delivery.
 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!
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.  
 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.
 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.   
Anyway...these guys (and girl) are a great band. Saw them recently.
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!
 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? 
Good stuff... Lots a good songs in a row!!!  Nice work Bill!  ...and happy belated b-day!
 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.
 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."  
 Thank u Bill for turning me onto this wonderful group !! How beautiful is their music  ?
LOVE this / them !! 
 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.
Bought this CD after hearing it here. Another great band I would never have heard of if it wasn't for RP!

{#Bounce}
Bill, when are you going to play "Still" - from the same album. It belongs on RP. Thanks.
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.
 
 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.
I dig this song
like it {#Good-vibes}

These guys are awesome.
I saw them at The Haunt in Ithaca, NY this past Saturday. Great show! 
{#Daisy}
My mood was on a sinking trajectory this morning, but this is helping to bouy it up a bit. :)
Meh. A bit wandering and the rifts sound cliche to me - if that makes any sense.
 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.
Curse you, Bill! I just know this will be my earworm for the rest of the day.
I like the rambling bass on this one—a lot like McCartney's on "Nowhere Man."
this one is really good
a typical "thats-why-i-listen-to-radio-paradise" song 
Refreshing like an icy (Labatt) Blue Light...
8 → 9
Growing on me
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.

 sirdroseph wrote:
Ok, time to shuffle this one on the back burner!{#Naughty}
 

{#No} never get tired of this one.
Very cool lyrics.
That's not to often stubbled upon imo.
the song caught my attention.  but then the bridge was too something...

stanza = 8
chorus = 6

I'll give it a 7... 
What an easy, singable, flowing song.  Very nice.
Ok, time to shuffle this one on the back burner!{#Naughty}
Me likey, mate.
Yes!!!
Love it!  Haven't heard for a while
Thanks!!!
 
Seahunt wrote:
Intro:
D

Verse:
A - Em - D - A

Chorus:
D - Bm -G - D

Enjoy{#Bananajam}
 


Intro:
D

Verse:
A - Em - D - A

Chorus:
D - Bm -G - D

Enjoy{#Bananajam}
 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.


 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".

Really grows on me
The more I hear this...the more I enjoy it. 
 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.
Really cool folkish song! Puts together lines that appear as taken from folk fairytailes and mixes them really professionally.
A 9!
 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.

They are fantastic to see live, great sounding and genuine. 
I'm still liking this!
 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.
 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}


 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"


 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

Is it big and cold?

 

Uh, when the water's cold, IT usually gets smaller, not bigger... {#Tongue-out}
 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.

This is growing on me.
and now...presenting the heights of mediocrity....{#Rolleyes}
Wow, can these guys do anything more that just strum chords?  About as complex as a campfire sing-a-long....
Sounds a little like Pete Yorn to me. Nice.
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?

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...

 
Ha! A mandolin set today! Very Cool! :D
 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.

 elliotgoettelman wrote:
i myself am a great lake swimmer ..................
 
Is it big and cold?

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

Nicely said.  I agree.
These guys are great.  I really like their kid's song, See You On The Moon.

Kylie
 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!

I've come to realize this is a favorites of Bill's.
And I'm glad.
7>8

I really like this. It's got a nice, easy mellowness.
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.
This song sounds it comes straight from the seventies! Very nice!
Wonderful! A song I am totally indifferent to, this gives me a way to exercise those fives.
Yeah, please stop playing this song.
this song annoys me a little more evey time i hear it, which is way too often
Yea, this is definitely one of their more catchy lil ditties, they can be a bit maudlin at times!
THIS is an RP song!!!

{#Heartkiss} 
 pinklife wrote:
I am intrigued by the cover art. 
 
It looks like an inked hand or foot print.  Good song.

 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}