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."
Waiting For A Miracle
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
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The pilloried saints and the fallen ones
Working and waiting for the night to come
And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle
Somewhere out there is a place that's cool
Where peace and balance are the rule
Working toward a future like some kind of mystic jewel
You rub your palm on the grimy pane
In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Trying to set the angel in us free
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle
Struggle for a dollar, scuffle for a dime
Step out from the past and try to hold the line
So how come history takes such a long, long time?
When you're waiting for a
When you're waiting for a
When you're waiting for a miracle
You rub your palm on the grimy pane
In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Trying to set the angel in us free
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a
While they're waiting for a miracle
In Bruce Cockburn's song, "Waiting For A Miracle," he describes the plight of the oppressed, the marginalized, the working class, and the struggling. Some of them have been "pilloried saints and the fallen ones," punished for what they believe in or for who they are. These people are working hard under the hot sun, waiting for the day to end, so they can go back to their humble homes, but they're also waiting for a miracle. A miracle that will help them to elevate their lives above their current status quo.
Cockburn notes that "Somewhere out there is a place that's cool" that should be balanced, peaceful and fair, he postulates that they're working towards a future that is some kind of mystical jewel, and waiting for a miracle. It is a future that they hope to create where their dreams and aspirations can become a reality. He encourages people to look beyond their current limitations or shortcomings and imagine a future that is without pain, heartache or suffering. This envisioned future is what inspires people to hold on to their dreams and to wait for a miracle that can help to make their dreams come true.
The song is rounded up with the message of hope that despite the challenges and obstacles a grand miracle is possible, where the angels in us are let free, where every oppressed and marginalized are granted peace, and the future dreamt of is made a reality. There is the sense that the miracle is both imminent yet shining like a distant star, and that people will continue to work and wait for their miracle to come. It is a song that speaks for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the marginalized, and their undying hope for a miracle.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at them working in the hot sun
Witness the people diligently working in unpleasant conditions
The pilloried saints and the fallen ones
The oppressed and beaten down people
Working and waiting for the night to come
Enduring the day and waiting for the respite of nightfall
And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle
Longing for a change to their circumstances
Somewhere out there is a place that's cool
Out there exists a better place
Where peace and balance are the rule
Where serenity and equilibrium reign
Working toward a future like some kind of mystic jewel
Striving for a future that seems almost mythical
And waiting for a, and waiting for a, and waiting for a miracle
Still hoping for a miraculous change
You rub your palm on the grimy pane
You try to clear a window to see through the dirt and grime
In the hope that you can see (when you're waiting)
Optimistically trying to glimpse some ray of hope
You stand up proud, you pretend you're strong
Putting on a brave face, despite inner turmoil
In the hope that you can be (when you're waiting)
Holding onto the hope of being better than the situation
Like the ones who've cried, like the ones who've died
Similar to those who've wept or lost their lives
Trying to set the angel in us free
Attempting to liberate the goodness within us
While they're waiting for a
Despite continuous anticipation
While they're waiting for a
Even though they're waiting endlessly
While they're waiting for a miracle
Waiting for the wonders to manifest
Struggle for a dollar, scuffle for a dime
Fighting tooth and nail for mere survival
Step out from the past and try to hold the line
Leave the past behind and try to maintain stability
So how come history takes such a long, long time?
Why does progress take so much time?
When you're waiting for a
Despite the unending wait
When you're waiting for a
In the midst of a long wait
When you're waiting for a miracle
Longing for divine intervention
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind