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."
God
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
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Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Jewry
This blessed babe was born
And layed within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
For which his mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!
The lyrics to Bruce Cockburn's song "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" are a rearrangement of a traditional Christmas carol that originated in England during the 18th century. It is a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the lyrics recount the biblical story of his birth in Bethlehem. The song emphasizes the message of comfort and joy that Jesus brings to the world, and encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of brotherhood and love that is associated with the Christmas season.
The first stanza of the song reminds the listener of the true meaning of the season and to not be discouraged, despite the challenges that may come their way. The second stanza discusses the birth of Jesus, and mentions how he was born in a humble manger, a sign of his humility and love for mankind. The third stanza describes how angels brought the good news of Jesus' birth to shepherds in Bethlehem, who in turn spread the word to all who would listen. The final stanza encourages listeners to come together in love and brotherhood during the Christmas season, and to celebrate the true message of Christmas.
Overall, Bruce Cockburn's interpretation of the traditional carol "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" emphasizes the themes of comfort, joy, and brotherhood that are associated with the holiday season. The song reminds people to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and to forget about the commercialization and consumerism that often overshadow its true spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay
May God give you peace, gentlemen. Don't be discouraged by anything.
Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day
Let us not forget that Jesus, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray.
He came to save us all from the power of Satan when we were lost.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy!
What great news of comfort and joy!
In Bethlehem, in Jewry This blessed babe was born And layed within a manger Upon this blessed morn
This blessed baby was born in Bethlehem, in Judea, and lay in a manger on this blessed morning.
For which his mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.
His mother, Mary, didn't think any less of him being born in a manger.
From God our Heavenly Father A blessed angel came And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same
Our Heavenly Father sent a blessed angel to certain shepherds, who brought them the same good news.
How that in Bethlehem was born The son of God by name.
The good news was that the Son of God was born in Bethlehem.
Now to the Lord sing praises All you within this place And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace
Now, let's all sing praises to the Lord and embrace each other with true love and brotherhood.
This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface.
Christmas is a holy time that surpasses all others.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN SCOTT BENNETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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