God Bless The Children
Cockburn Bruce Lyrics

In "God Bless the Children," Bruce Cockburn dives into a deep reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the contrasting forces that shape our existence. The song starts with the night, where the world's elusive nature and transient qualities are highlighted through the imagery of bits of silver on the table and the devouring of round fruits. This portrayal conveys the impermanence of things, as time moves forward with the moon climbing.

The next verse introduces the sea, symbolizing the vastness of experience and the illusionary nature of life. In the "shallow graves of experience," time reigns silently over the stars, emphasizing how our experiences are transient and eventually fade away. The graven image hanging in time represents the fixation on past events and the difficulty of moving forward.

The chorus brings a plea for guidance and understanding. The rain becomes a metaphor for the passage of time, which can make us feel older and disconnected. The songwriter implores that we should not lose ourselves in this process, urging a blessing upon the children, who are yet to experience the full weight and cost of life.

In the final verse, the day emerges with contrasting imagery of the hawk of gold and a highway paved with diamonds, representing material wealth and power. Despite this display, the ramparts, or fortifications, crack into the sky, suggestive of the fragility of these structures. Meanwhile, the Christ stands by, embodying a beacon of hope and salvation amidst the turmoil of the world.

Again, the chorus presents the pain inflicted on us as the world "paves us over," burying our emotions and desires. The plea is once more articulated, calling for the children to be bestowed with visions of a brighter future and a better understanding of what lies ahead.

Overall, "God Bless the Children" dives deep into the complex themes of transience, vulnerability, and the need for guidance in navigating the challenges of life.