Rumours Of Glory
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics

Above the dark town
The sky above the town appears dark and empty.

After the sun's gone down
This scene takes place at night after the sun has set.

Two vapor trails cross the sky
Airplane trails appear in the sky as the planes fly overhead.

Catching the day's last slow goodbye
The trails are a reminder of the sun setting and the day coming to an end.

Black skyline looks rich as velvet
The black silhouette of the town against the sky has a luxurious appearance.

Something is shining
There is something bright and compelling in the distance.

Like gold but better
This shining object is like gold, but even more valuable.

Rumors of glory
There are rumors of something incredible happening.

Smiles mixed with curses
People's reactions to these rumors are mixed.

The crowd disperses
After hearing these rumors, people start to go their separate ways.

About whom no details are known
It's unclear who or what these rumors are about.

Each one alone yet not alone
Although everyone is leaving, they are still part of a larger community.

Behind the pain fear
These rumors are surrounded by emotions such as pain and fear.

Etched on the faces
The people's facial expressions show how these emotions are affecting them.

Something is shining
Despite the negative emotions, there is still something positive drawing people's attention.

Like gold but better
This positive thing is like gold, but even more valuable.

Rumors of glory
Once again, there are rumors of something incredible happening.

You see the extremes
When you observe people closely, you see the best and worst parts of humanity.

Of what humans can be?
This line is a question, prompting the listener to consider the breadth of human nature.

And in that distance some tension's born
This observation creates a sense of tension or unease.

Energy surging like a storm
This tension builds like a storm brewing.

You plunge your hand in
Despite this tension, you can't help but be drawn in closer.

And draw it back scorched
However, getting too close has consequences.

Beneath it's shining like
Despite the danger, there is still something alluring about this situation.

Gold but better
Once again, this thing in the distance is like gold, but more valuable.

Rumors of glory
The incredible thing people are talking about is still just a rumor.

Rumors of glory, alright
The singer acknowledges the power of these rumors and the way they captivate people.

Rumors of glory, glory, glory, glory
The repetition emphasizes the importance and excitement surrounding these rumors.

Rumors of glory, oh, huh, huh
This line serves to conclude and reinforce the overall message of the song.