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."
Wanna Go Walking
Bruce Cockburn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Helicopter beats across the face of the moon
I got a hunger that sprawls like this galaxy
Want to wrap my arms around you draw you right inside me
I want to go walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
No matter what I do I feel your presence everywhere
I'll be just standing around and your scent comes at me
Out of nowhere
I see your face on the wall in the magazine too
Next thing you know the billboard out my window will be you
I want to go walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
Of the world
Today was a dog licking crap in the gutter of the street
Tonight is a dancer oscillating on weightless feet
So the fortune teller said you wouldn't end up with me
Last I heard only God gets to say what has to be
I want to go walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
Of the world
Walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
Of the world
Walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
Of the world
The lyrics of “Wanna Go Walking” by Bruce Cockburn suggest a longing for a particular person named Judy. The first verse describes an image of a neon flame in an upstairs window and a helicopter beating across the face of the moon. The second verse begins with the lyrics “No matter what I do I feel your presence everywhere,” indicating that the person Judy is always on the singer's mind. The last verse mentions a fortune teller predicting that the two will not end up together, but the singer remains optimistic and trusts that only God can dictate their fate. Overall, the song suggests a desire to have a relationship with Judy and to experience the world with her.
The lyrics of this song are open to interpretation and can be seen as a love song, a philosophical reflection on the universe, or a combination of the two. In an interview, Cockburn stated that the inspiration for the song came from the idea of "wanting to be present in the world" and that "the movie of the world" referred to life itself. The song’s lyrics, combined with Cockburn's evocative guitar playing, create an intimate and introspective atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
Neon flame on the window of an upstairs room
There is a bright light shining from a window above, visible from outside.
Helicopter beats across the face of the moon
A helicopter is flying across the moon, visible in the night sky.
I got a hunger that sprawls like this galaxy
The desire I feel extends as far and wide as the Milky Way.
Want to wrap my arms around you draw you right inside me
I long to hold you close and bring you into my innermost being.
No matter what I do I feel your presence everywhere
Your essence is pervasive, and I sense it constantly regardless of my actions.
I'll be just standing around and your scent comes at me
Even when I am idle, the aroma of you finds me.
Out of nowhere
Without warning or explanation.
I see your face on the wall in the magazine too
I catch a glimpse of your countenance in media images, as well.
Next thing you know the billboard out my window will be you
Soon I might espy a likeness to you on an advertising sign visible from my abode.
Today was a dog licking crap in the gutter of the street
There was a dog licking filth in the street today.
Tonight is a dancer oscillating on weightless feet
Currently, a performer is moving gracefully with a sense of lightness.
So the fortune teller said you wouldn't end up with me
A fortune teller prophesied that you and I would not be together in the future.
Last I heard only God gets to say what has to be
The ultimate decision-maker of fate is divine intervention.
Walking
With you Judy
Through the movie
Of the world
I long to accompany you on this journey through life, facing all of its challenges and pleasures together.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRUCE COCKBURN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
CoastToKootenay
Still so much great Bruce Cockburn to discover - like this song!
K Jones
And people say you can't dance to Bruce Cockburn's songs.
mahatmacote
A tribute to Judy Garland
moonlitme
Today was a dog licking crap in the gutters of the street
Tonight is a dancer oscillating on weightless feet...