Cockburn's early albums were fairly straight ahead folk music spotlighting his brilliant guitar playing. In fact, there were a good number of instrumental guitar numbers on those early recordings. A Christian element came into his music around the time of the album Salt, Sun and Time, and over time his writing has taken on a stronger and stronger political orientation.
Perhaps the most consistent element of Cockburn's music has been his willingness to change and evolve over time. In this way, he is similar to fellow Canadians Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.
He has had a couple of radio hits in the United States, including (Wondering Where the Lions Are and If I Had a Rocket Launcher).
His albums in the 80s are considered some of his strongest, including Humans, Inner City Front, Stealing Fire, and Big Circumstance. After Big Circumstance he struggled with writer's block, and his output began to slow down; but he recovered with the formidable Nothing But a Burning Light, which led the way back to a sparer, more folk-oriented form of music. His later album The Charity of Night contains one of his most thoughtful songs, Pacing the Cage.
His 2006 album Life Short Call Now was preceded by Speechless, a collection of instrumentals, many of them from earlier albums. The album highlights Cockburn's prodigious abilities as a guitarist.
Cockburn's 31st studio album,Small Source of Comfort was released in March, 2011. BruceCockburn.com called the album "an adventurous collection of songs of romance, protest and spiritual discovery. The album, primarily acoustic yet rhythmically savvy, is rich in Cockburn’s characteristic blend of folk, blues, jazz and rock."
Anything Anytime Anywhere
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know what it will bring to the two of us
I just want you to know
What I'm ready to do
Anything, anytime, anywhere
For you
To burn like a torch in the darkest hour
Tell me what you need
I will surely come through
Anything, anytime, anywhere
For you
Passion runs deep, it's scary sometimes
When it's larger than life or your peace of mind
It's got me all the same
And I'm not sorry that's true
Anything, anytime, anywhere
For you
Anything, anytime, anywhere
For you
Anything, anytime, anywhere
For you
The song "Anything Anytime Anywhere" by Bruce Cockburn speaks of a boundless and unconditional love for someone. It conveys a sense of dedication and commitment to the person he loves. The lyrics express the sentiment that no matter what the future holds, the singer is willing to do anything for their loved one, and will be there for them at any time or place. The song speaks of the power of love, and how it motivates the singer to brave anything that may come their way.
In the first stanza, the singer acknowledges that the future is uncertain, but regardless of what happens, he wants the recipient of his affection to know that he will always be there for them. He sings, "Tomorrow may come, it usually does. Don't know what it will bring to the two of us. I just want you to know what I'm ready to do - Anything, anytime, anywhere for you." In the second stanza, the singer expresses how being with their loved one gives them power. They are willing to provide anything and everything to be there for their loved one, no matter the cost: "When I'm holding you tight, you give me the power, to burn like a torch in the darkest hour. Tell me what you need, I will surely come through - Anything, anytime, anywhere for you."
The song is a powerful ballad that showcases the depth of selflessness one can feel for another person. It celebrates the idea of loving someone unconditionally, putting their happiness before your own, and being willing to do anything to make sure they are well taken care of. The lyrics are simple, but they capture the intensity of the emotions expressed in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Tomorrow may come, it usually does
The future is uncertain, but it is always expected and can hold different outcomes.
Don't know what it will bring to the two of us
We are uncertain of what the future holds for us as individuals and as a couple.
I just want you to know
The singer wants their partner to understand their feelings and intentions.
What I'm ready to do
The artist is prepared to show their love and affection in whatever way necessary.
Anything, anytime, anywhere
The artist is willing to go to great lengths for their partner, at any time and in any place.
For you
The actions and words of the singer are solely for the benefit of their partner.
When I'm holding you tight, you give me the power
Being close to their partner gives the singer a sense of strength and confidence.
To burn like a torch in the darkest hour
The artist feels they can overcome any obstacle with their partner's presence, even in the darkest of times.
Tell me what you need
The artist wants their partner to communicate their desires and wants in the relationship.
I will surely come through
The artist promises to fulfill their partner's needs and wishes.
Passion runs deep, it's scary sometimes
The intensity of the singer's feelings can be overwhelming and even frightening at times.
When it's larger than life or your peace of mind
The strength of the artist's passion can go beyond their own understanding and even interfere with their partner's emotional stability.
It's got me all the same
The depth of the singer's passion has a hold on them and they cannot help how they feel.
And I'm not sorry that's true
The singer is unapologetic about the extent of their feelings, despite any negative consequences that may arise.
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.