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."
Making Contact
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Catch a glimpse of the way things are
Making contact, making contact
Making contact, making contact
Smell of sweet fresh oil on skin
When you move on me like the tide coming in
Making contact, making contact
So many ways to understand
One for every woman and man
Been that way since the world began
I hear the drumming of the surf and I have to dance
Stepping to the rhythm of circumstance
Making contact, making contact
Making contact, making contact
I feel so huge, I feel so small
I feel so good I want to swallow it all
Making contact, making contact
Making contact, making contact
So many ways to understand
One for every woman and man
Been that way since the world began
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
We move together like the waves (swimming in an ocean of love)
Every night and every day (swimming in an ocean of love)
One world, one human race (swimming in an ocean of love)
One kiss from a smiling face (swimming in an ocean of love)
See that sign coming into view? (swimming in an ocean of love)
Mother sea welcomes you (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
The lyrics of Bruce Cockburn's "Making Contact" invites listeners to step outside and gaze up at the stars, recognising the transcendental nature of existence. The song emphasises how contact with the natural world can provide us with the much-needed perspective required to fully inhabit our lives. The lyrics speak of unity, of the vast array of humans that have existed on this planet, and the innumerable ways one can understand and experience existence, as well as the ocean of love that unifies us all, inviting the listener to participate in this cosmic dance.
Cockburn's words are rich in their metaphorical language, with each verse exploring different aspects of the human experience - from the scent of sweet oil on skin to the drumming of the surf as it creates ripples in the sand. Making contact is a recurring refrain throughout the song, emphasising the importance of connecting with the world around us to fully comprehend the complexity of our existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Step outside, take a look at the stars
Observe the stars by stepping outside and taking a look
Catch a glimpse of the way things are
Get a quick understanding of reality
Making contact, making contact
Connecting with something or someone
Smell of sweet fresh oil on skin
Savor the pleasant odor of oil on skin
When you move on me like the tide coming in
Your actions and movements are as natural and irresistible as tides
So many ways to understand
There are numerous perspectives to comprehend
One for every woman and man
Unique to each person's identity
Been that way since the world began
It has always been like this
I hear the drumming of the surf and I have to dance
The sound of the waves inspires me to move rhythmically
Stepping to the rhythm of circumstance
Reacting to the situation's flow
I feel so huge, I feel so small
Sometimes I feel grand, sometimes I feel insignificant
I feel so good I want to swallow it all
Feeling pleasant to the point of wanting to consume it completely
Making contact, making contact
Connecting with something or someone
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Connecting with someone or something exuding love
We move together like the waves (swimming in an ocean of love)
Together we move in a rhythmic pattern like the sea waves
Every night and every day (swimming in an ocean of love)
Constantly, every day and every night
One world, one human race (swimming in an ocean of love)
We all share one world and one race
One kiss from a smiling face (swimming in an ocean of love)
One kiss from a cheerful person
See that sign coming into view? (swimming in an ocean of love)
Notice the visible clue or symbol ahead
Mother sea welcomes you (swimming in an ocean of love)
The sea as a nurturing force welcomes you
Making contact (swimming in an ocean of love)
Connecting with love
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUCE COCKBURN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zach Ramsey
Unbeknowst to most of the world, long gone from popular and even classic rock and alternative radio, this 37 year old hidden gem is one of the most uplifting, heart warming, lyrical yet get up and dance on "Your beach" tunes ever recorded. I still own my original copy of this great album.
Geoff Alexander
Me too, love this guy!
Rebekah Wester
This album will always be a cherished childhood memory. Timeless.
Curt Wakeman
Excellent music, a song we need in this fearmongering age
Tejas Jefe
"So many ways to understand. One for every woman and man." Amen
run Caz
My 3 and 1/2 yr old daughter can't get enough of this song.
Veronica Funky
love love 😍 love
Nora Josie
YES!!!
Brent Baur
crisp n clear recording must be digital
Extreme Analog Music
never underestimate tape recording