Keep It Open
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics


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When thoughts rush by
And your signals seem to fly
Keep it open
Keep it open
And help me keep mine open too

Some will lie behind
But we needn't be unkind
Keep it open
Keep it open
And help me keep mine open too

Sun stoned in the east
In our eyes, let there be peace
Keep it open
Keep it open




And help me keep mine open too
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bruce Cockburn's song "Open" appear to be a call for openness and understanding in a world that often seems to be rushing by, with thoughts and signals flying past us so quickly that it is hard to know what to think or feel. The repeated refrain of "Keep it open / And help me keep mine open too" seems to be an appeal for mutual empathy and connection, even when there is disagreement or conflict.


The second verse suggests that there may be things that some people leave behind or hide, but that this needn't lead to unkindness or division. Instead, the song seems to be suggesting that if we can all just try to stay open to each other and to the world, we might find peace and understanding even in the midst of chaos.


The reference to the "sun stoned in the east" is a somewhat cryptic one, but seems to suggest that even when things seem impossibly bright or overwhelming, we can still find a way to connect with each other and to work towards a common goal of peace and understanding.


Overall, then, "Open" seems to be a song about the power of openness and empathy to transcend the noise and confusion of the world around us, and to help us find meaning and connection in even the most difficult and challenging circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

When thoughts rush by
When thoughts come flooding into our minds


And your signals seem to fly
And when the world around you moves quickly and it can be hard to keep up


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


And help me keep mine open too
Encourage me to stay open and receptive to the world around me


Some will lie behind
Some thoughts and memories may stay in the past


But we needn't be unkind
But we don't have to be harsh or unforgiving about the things we leave behind


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


And help me keep mine open too
Encourage me to stay open and receptive to the world around me


Sun stoned in the east
The sun rises in the east, sometimes looking like it's stoned (slow-moving)


In our eyes, let there be peace
May we find peace in everything we see and experience


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


Keep it open
Stay open to the world and all that it has to offer


And help me keep mine open too
Encourage me to stay open and receptive to the world around me


Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Instrumental




Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Bubbas Meisa

"...we needn't be unkind....help me keep mine open too...."

Thomas Walker

a simple song of possible thought realities in all difference's of peaceful solutions..

CaapriceTube

056 - 114 - epic whistle break

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