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."
My Lady And My Lord
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Casting shadows over streets they seem to despise
Come on, come on, wind and rain
I know the sun will shine again
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me sane
I went down to the dead lake shore to see what I could see
Come on, come on, wind and rain
I know the sun will shine again
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me sane
And I hear a far away tune come drifting through the gray
It clears a path before my feet, it makes my fingers play
Come on, come on, wind and rain
I know the sun will shine again
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me sane
Come on, come on, soot and storm
I know the sun will break your arm
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me warm
In “My Lady and My Lord,” Bruce Cockburn sings about finding comfort and solace in his faith and the love of his lady and Lord in the midst of a bleak and stormy world. The opening lines describe the dreary surroundings he finds himself in, with the rooftops casting shadows over the streets, and a sense of disdain in the air. However, he finds hope and optimism that the sun will shine again, sustained by the love of his lady and Lord.
As he wanders to the “dead lake shore” seeking something to ease his troubled mind, he is suddenly liberated when the wind blows his cap away, feeling his head set free. His troubles and worries seem insignificant when compared to the grandeur and mystery of the world around him.
He hears a far-off tune drifting through the gray and is moved to make music of his own, a clear path before him. He knows that the storms of life will come, the soot and storm that threaten to engulf and overwhelm him. Nevertheless, he takes comfort and strength in the love of his lady and Lord, who will keep him warm until the sun shines again.
Overall, “My Lady and My Lord” is a song about faith, love, and hope in the midst of a difficult world. It’s a reminder that while life can be challenging and stormy, there is always light and love to be found if we remain open and receptive to it.
Line by Line Meaning
Up above my shoulder the ragged rooftops rise
I see the dilapidated roofs of the buildings surrounding me from my vantage point.
Casting shadows over streets they seem to despise
The buildings' shadows loom over the streets, as if they have a disdain for them.
Come on, come on, wind and rain
Encouraging the elements to bring it on, as they will not deter my spirit.
I know the sun will shine again
I am confident that better days will come, and the clouds will eventually clear.
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me sane
Until the sun does shine again, I will rely on my faith and spirituality to keep me grounded and sane.
I went down to the dead lake shore to see what I could see
I went to a still and lifeless body of water to find answers or meaning in my life.
Along the breeze came, away my cap went, my head it was set free
The wind took my hat away and with it, my worries and obstacles were lifted away, leaving me feeling liberated.
And I hear a far away tune come drifting through the gray
I hear a song that seems to come from far away and it gives me hope and inspiration.
It clears a path before my feet, it makes my fingers play
The song helps guide me towards my path in life and inspires my creative pursuits.
Come on, come on, soot and storm
Similar to the first refrain, encouraging any obstacles to come forth as they will not hinder me.
I know the sun will break your arm
I am certain that even the toughest of obstacles cannot block the eventual arrival of better days.
'Til then my lady and my Lord will keep me warm
Until those better days come, I will rely on my spirituality and faith to provide me with warmth and comfort.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jess MacKendrick
Nice Traditional sounding tune and arrangement, and love Bruce's 'Light Imagery" from this period. thanks for posting.
Mark Huska
Thanks to my sister for having this in her collection, wayyyyyyyyyy back. oh, I started listening to erly 80's. Love this Album
Karen Frances Andrews
Found this while reading ‘The Shack’ and loved the quote though chains be of gold they are chains all the same’. What a gentle voice
Brian McDowell
So many classic Cockburn lines.....As we grow out of stones, on and on and on, so we'll all go to bones, on and on for many a year.
dmlevitt
I love bruce Cockburn.
andy legros
Fucking LOVE this song!!! Thanks for posting, Mr. Zappa! :D
Teresa Whitaker
Indeed!
R. W. Smith
Singing about "My Lady and My Lord". Seems a little odd coming from an Anglican. I know in the late '70s at least Bruce was an Anglican.
The idea of "My Lady and My Lord" sounds very Catholic.
ComboverSoul tig
Sa-weet.