LORD OF THE STARFIELDS -BRUCE COCKBURN

[MrWolfwind]

Y'all could fuck-up an anvil with a foam rubber mallet.

[c33r0k33]

Pam Mark Hall did a version of this tune..absolutely ethereal, otherworldly... I wonder if its still available.

[mgreen5md]

@rhynoyn i QUOTE: "I was brought up as an agnostic... and when I first became a Christian in the Seventies I didn't really know what it was I'd adopted." Faith in Practice: Holding on to the Mystery of Love, by Bruce Cockburn as told to Cole Morton, Third Way, September 1994, page 15.

[sumeragisubaruh]

@rhynohyni

"Raised as an agnostic, early in his career he became a devout Christian."

-biographycheck

[spanky5656]

My all around favorite Bruce song.

[ThePardelote]

Does anybody know how I can get a message to Bruce about the livestock exports Australia to Indonesia?? Many thanks

[meno273]

Tatina, questo pezzo e' per te!

[Billbobaker]

He reads his bible daily...

Have you never read up about his beliefs?



[robtuohy1]

My FAVORITE Bruce Cockburn song, by far. Man, Canadian artists are so good.

[flickedoff]

Bruce has become more and more liberal over the years, but i'd be shocked if he didn't still consider himself a follower of jesus. it really sad that so many here who are drawn to Bruce for his openness and compassion, can themselves be so closed and vicious.

[flickedoff]

Bruce was an avowed born again christian in the early years. early albums are filled with images and literary references that are immediately recognizable as overtly christian, but could also be missed by those not familiar with the lingo or literature. "can i go with you" is about as clear as you can get, though.

[SupernalOne]

Hmm, sticky lyric - God doesn't have a brain, He's not corporeal, He is Mind - or so it is said

[88snowleopard]

@rhynohyni In "Red Brother, Red Sister": "It left me crying just thinking about it, how they used my saviour's name to keep you down." I'd say that's a pretty clear reference to Christianity and its history with Aboriginals and residential schools, etc. Obviously this is a reference to an unfortunate, regrettable part of Christian tradition, but a reference nonetheless. I'd be interested to see how this is NOT referring to Jesus...

[rhynohyni]

AND, someone said that "all of his lyrics have Christain them." Excuse me?

"Bagdad", "Pacing The Cage", "Tibetan Side of Town", "Night Train" . . just pick any song at random in the last THIRTY YEARS and show me da' Jesus. "Isn't That What Friends Are For", "Tie Me At The Crossroads"("hang me in the wind till I get good and dry/So the kids can pass and scratch their head and say 'Who was that guy?') Hilarious, that last line sounds like he's not sure what happens when you die. Are you?

[rhynohyni]

ok, everybody. Show me a lyric from ANY album talking about The Jesus INSTEAD of metaphysichal sprituality. Where?

The closest thing I have is "2,000 years and half a world away/dying trees still grow greener when you pray."

That's quite far removed from "Jesus saves". A salute to a unfortunate and highly misunderstood miracle worker is different than orthodox adherance to some idiot church. THAT does not make you "Christain." Show me the "I am a church going Christain," and you win.

[salm37]

best song he ever did

[rhynohyni]

Ok, it strikes me that Bruce would never believe in an orthodox ANYTHING, much less Christianity. But people here keep saying "in an interview, he said he was."

I DUNNO!! Christianity is such a wierd cult. Ok, this savior is gonna come down from the clouds and bring us to paradise. Idiocy. Thoug I like a lot of Christians (MLK being one).

[salm37]

@rhynohyni He was and is christian deal with it

[flickedoff]

@rhynohyni CAN I GO WITH YOU: When you ride out of the shining sky To claim the ones who love you Can I go with you? When the angel shouts from the heart of the sun And the living water flows down Can I go with you? When the earth and stars melt like ice in the spring And a million voices sing praise Can I go with you? i guess you're calling bruce cockburn a weird cult idiot, then?

[armstrongamps]

Major issues...

[hartleycwhite]

One of my favourite songs by Bruce Cockburn, a great influence on my  musical developement, a great musician(writer, singer, guitarist) and a real human being, genuine and true. May his music continue. Hartley C.

[slingshot657]

I talked with him & the band afterward. He told me who he is, & reminded me of his US hit "If I had a Rocket Launcher". *lightbulb in my head* We had a pretty deep conversation. I must say, he left an indelible & positive impression. He is a truly down to earth & real guy, not to mention an incredible artist & musician. I feel honored & humbled to have had that experience. God Bless Bruce Cockburn!

[skypilgrim1991]

I met bruce personally and I know hes a christian..those who dont think so most likely don't think artists like daniel amos,sam philipps,t bone burnett are not either because they r not main stream ccm music...bruce is who he is and I thank God he followed his own path!

[slingshot657]

@skypilgrim1991 Following their own path is among the things that separate true artists from 'stars'.

I had the chance to have played with Bruce Cockburn & some other great musicians once upon a time ~1998. They were hosting an open mic at a club in Boulder CO. A friend of mine (also a guitarist) & I happened in, & I decided to sit in. I didn't realize at the time who I was standing on stage with. If I had I may have been too intimidated. ;) (continued in next comment...)

[hazelmay64]

@rhynohyni Sorry, Mate. I've been listening to Bruce for more than 30 years and Christian Mysticism is what his music is steeped in, like it or not. He's not a fundamentalist, but He knows who God is. You can be as mad as you want about it, but it's no secret to those of us who've been following his music since the beginning.

[terrybeaton]

He is a Christian. Steeped in Christian Mysticism. Definately not a fundamentalist. There still are some Christians with humble and loving hearts. Don't think you'll see him burning Korans.

[oracleofottawa]

I never understood why he never reached "super star " status. But it then it dawned on me that it will take a hundred years for the masses to "get it"......

[teeega1]

this is my ultimate favourite tune of 2010! keep us burning Lord!

[MsUkdance]

Bruce has contributed so much inspired music to this world.

He has such a way with play on words & is a gifted musician.

The images limit teh journey.

[MsUkdance]

Bruce has contributed so much inspired music to this world.

He has such a way with play on words & is a gifted musician.

[Ishmael932]

Cockburn IS a Christian. He's just a Christian in the BEST sense of the word. He witnesses and advocates for the poor and downtrodden, just as Jesus did. His objection to mainstream fundamentalist Christianity is that THEY do NOT actually FOLLOW the teachings of Christ. Go to The Cockburn Project and see the lyrics for his song, "Gospel of Bondage" plus his comments on that song for a clearer picture of his faith.

[FolkFan15]

Thank you for not putting down other religions but the song never mentions Jesus. It's one listener's visual interpretation of the song. Bruce Cockburn is an open minded Christian who travels the world, writing about suffering on many levels, and has always been tolerant of other cultures and religions. Do you know for sure of his intentions when penning these lyrics? And does it matter? It's a beautiful song. His songs appeal to many - he does not just sing praise songs about Jesus.

[harmony01ful]

i just like the song who needs analysis

[rhynohyni]

icradiorod: you are an idiot. Bruce is no "Christain", in your terms anyway. Bruce is not an orthodox adherent to anything. "Lord of the Starfields" is about the power of the universe. He's a mystic. I don't think he would be down with the funementalists, if he is a Christain, he is more like a Unitarian Universalists - - very libersl, pro-choice, a man concerned with social justice and not other peoples' morality. He would be FINE with this inclusive imagry.

[lankytunes]

@rhynohyni What kind of beliefs Bruce has now are irrelevent. He was directing this to the God of the Scriptures he was reading at the time. The Bible.

Being a mystic does not mean that you are praying to everything that could be out there.

[nUboon2Age]

@rhynohyn i can strongly attest that Bruce is indeed a Christian, though in the most progressive, liberal tradition. Sure he's a mystic, but he's definitely a Jesus-follower (hence a a real Christian). Fundamentalists, and Literalists tread very close to being antiJesus along with the outright power-worshippers called Dominionists and represent neoPharisees more than real Christians anyway. This song is is about God the Father. Bruce is unorthodox, but not really that far out.

[nUboon2Age]

@rhynohyn i can strongly attest that Bruce is indeed a Christian, though in the most progressive, liberal tradition. Sure he's a mystic, but he's definitely a Jesus-follower (hence a a real Christian). Fundamentalists, and Literalists tread very close to being antiJesus along with the outright power-worshippers called Dominionists and represent neoPharisees more than real Christians anyway. This song is is about God the Father. Bruce is unorthodox, but not really all that far out.

[Wedsept29]

@rhynohyni He is an Episcopalian. He said so in an inverview.

[giovannastudios]

@rhynohyni  I think Bruce can speak for himself..

[sixdaysfool]

@rhynohyni Yeah he is a Christian.

[2Swansway]

Thanks gothgod lovely just lovely

[234helenrose]

I agree about the images in the video. They are not faithful to the lyrics.

I knew I loved Cockburn from "If I had a Rocket Launcher"...I love him even more now.

[luminanima]

I think it's pretty amusing that people are claiming to know what Bruce perceives G-d as being. I think it's funny that people are claiming to know what Jesus meant exactly.

Ask Bruce what he means. Ask Jesus what he thinks of the Buddha. I'm pretty sure they'd all hang out & wash each other's feet.

This is a gorgeous song, & the Universe & its Creator are magnificent. I really appreciate the wide range of images in the video. Thanks for posting this.

[luminanima]

But what do I know ?! Not much !!!

[Burt472]

Just beautiful. Thank you Bruce..........

[toddbria]

Kudos for placing such beautiful images with such a beautiful song! Bruce Cockburn is one of my favourite artists and this song in particular

[streamskat]

This is a great song - too bad about the video!!!

[StargazerCaroline]

Incredibly good. True philosophy at the heart of all true religions and cultures of the Earth. Sufism.

[salm37]

I hope he is still a christian love this song

[Beadbud5000]

Nice job and great tune@!

[BuckyBertheliusKatt]

voice of the Nova, beginning and end...

[mfreeman43]

As the last comment, maybe not living FOR the now, but living IN the now makes sense. Beauty makes sense, and is to be followed. Bruce Cockburn makes beautiful songs!

[pigletized]

I never knew this guy was so awsome!

[NATIVEGIRL0328]

@pigletized Thats what I said,..... in 1973!! enjoy!...Linda

[axismaximusgroup]

This is one of my Life's most poignant memory and your images really fulfill the heart & vision of the song. Thank you!!

[frosty9139]

i never heard of this guy, but he was referenced in this book i was reading called 'The Shack' (fantastic book btw), so i had to look it up. i am becoming a fan now that i've seen a couple of videos

[Bruiser48]

Pam Mark Hall did a great version of this song around 1980

[eyescandeceive]

thank you for posting this song--one of my very favorites by Cockburn!!!

[gordlightfootfan]

Don't think it sounds like Gordon Lightfoot. Two very different voices. Although I do love them both and they are two of my favorite Canadian singer/songwriter's! Just my opinion.

[sandrascarpini]

meu nome é Sandra,do Brasil,ouvi falar deste cantor no livro A Cabana,maravilhoso!!!abraços

[PhawkxS]

Beautiful!! Sounds like Gordon Lightfoot..would love to have heard them together!)

[shvadas2012]

Beautiful

Greetings from Germany

[FaraguadaMatt]

I am listening Bruce in cloudy morning and..

No matter about religion and bla bla. I think is one of the best song of ever!!

[tsungvarsky]

beauty as is

[lcradioprod]

Love the song - always have - but don't like the images posted. Bruce is singing about Jesus Christ and his Father, not Buddha, Allah, Islam or Eastern religions.

This comments is not meant to put them down other beliefs, it's just that the song does not represent the intention of Bruce Cockburn who is a following of Christ.

[schwarav]

cockburn is a following christ, who was christ a following of?....buddha.

[jdm101088]

Christ does not follow anybody because he is Lord and maker of the starfields.

[schwarav]

Nah...he really isnt. he copied everything the buddha and eastern religion said.

[DavidChipman]

Correction, Christ is the Son of God, and God is the creator of the starfields. I also think we're all worshiping the same god. All this "exclusivity" nonsense is the cause of more strife then it's worth, frankly. I'm living for the now, not the afterlife (assuming it exists). Peace Be With You.

[mottledbrain]

That's scary. Living for the now doesnt' last long. If you think that there's the remotest chance of an afterlife then you'd better start living for eternity since that's what we'll all have to deal with.

[pnutbutrncrackers]

Same reaction, Icradioprod. Even though Cockburn's subsequent 'journey' has been regrettably ambiguous, at the time he wrote this song, he was directing it toward the God of the Bible.

To Schwarav: You could not be more wrong, friend. Jesus' gospel and teaching are not at all compatible with Buddhism, or any other eastern mysticism/religion. I mean look, for example, at the exclusivity of passages like John 14:6. His message is clear: I am it. No one else. John 3:16 - gospel in a nutshell.

[DavidChipman]

I'm really sorry. What aspects of other religions are not included in Christianity? (or vice-versa). They Bible is, regrettably, full of circular arguments, so it's a poor source when it comes to other religions.

[pnutbutrncrackers]

Couldn't disagree more.

As far as your first question, the answer would of course depend on which particular religion you are comparing to Christianity (e.g. pantheistic, polytheistic, animistic,etc.).

[DavidChipman]

Sorry for taking so long to reply. I just saw that you had replied to my reply. I notice you don't ask me to explain about various religions, but types of religions. According to Muslims we (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) are People of the Book. That book would be the Bible. If you're not aware of this, I understand your position, but that doesn't change anything, really. Have a giid day! Peace,

[velocity500]

@lcradioprod

"I was brought up as an agnostic... and when I first became a Christian in the Seventies I didn't really know what it was I'd adopted." Faith in Practice: Holding on to the Mystery of Love, by Bruce Cockburn as told to Cole Morton, Third Way, September 1994, page 15.

Its safe to assume he adopts an "inclusive" view of Christianity...

[Patriciahf]

Beautiful! I love Bruce and I love this song. My husband and I played it at our wedding ceremony at Cannon Beach on 10/12/01~ Thank-You for posting this

gorgeous pictures too~

Patricia Ferreira

[bluesteelzephyr]

Canon for the new/last millennium. It took all this time for the song to be written. Glad I was here to hear it.

[ScooterNerd]

Brilliant singer-songwriter..thank you, Canada.

[joecoolmccall]

hmmmmm- I think Rich Mullins listened to Bruce Cockburn now that I've heard some of his material..

[geodave227]

Back then Rich was writing for people like Sandi Patti. Bruce and Phil Keaggy were lights in a dark place back then.

[joecoolmccall]

Well I guess I wasn't looking at the date- I purchased Rich's a raggamuffin and litergy and, and also some of Rich's other lyrics seem to really draw from cockburns descriptives name for the Divine...

so tell me, can you direct me to any other singers/song writers who are of quality who are distinctively Christian? Alot of the Christian music today seems weak in my opinion- particuarly lyrically

[geodave227]

Well yeah, a lot of it is pretty "light". You might try Newsboys (especially older stuff written by Steve Taylor - a great lyricist who used to tour himself) or Switchfoot. I know there's probably better stuff out there, I just haven't found it.

Back in the day there was stuff like DeGarmo & Key and AD, but lately it seems like it's all fluff.

I also like the song "Breathe Into Me" by RED, but not because of the lyrics. And give Jeff Deyo a try if you haven't.

[spiralhawk2]

Try Mark Heard-he was a brilliant singer song writer-He was a friend of Bruce Cockburn. After Mark died Bruce wrote a song, in Mark's memory-called "Closer To The Light"

Mark's last three albums, Dry Bones Dance, Second Hand and Satellite Sky were amongst his best ever.

[joecoolmccall]

Mark Heard- thanks, I'll check it out..:)

[TuesdayChan]

Derek Webb. And Sufjan Stevens' "Seven Swans" album. And Nickel Creek. While Sufjan and Nickel Creek aren't necessarily Christian artists, more artists that happen to be christian, but it shows in their songs

[geraintplasmawr]

joecoolmccall- try listening to one of the best exports from Wales at the moment - Martyn Joseph - he'll give your brain something to think to and your soul an occasional cleansing. If you like Cockburn, Martyn will be a hit

[MauryB88]

someone could tell me what painting is the one on 3:25? that's the one with life and death. I think it's impressive so i really want to know the name.

[commonthread2]

oh my God I love tis song it reminds me of college and traveling and being on the road and record stores and the cold winters back east.

[pdautg]

this is a beautiful tune, and all of these

old cockburn tunes from the 70's and

early 80's got me through many dark nights.

but i like this even more that it was

posted by someone with the name gothgod.

[denislepe]

BRAVO! Thanks for the show. Lord of the Starfields is one if not my favorite BC song.

The diapo meshes well with the song.

[ozrod2]

Mystical christian, but with integrity ... and musical genius as well

[studio551]

nice work!

[sardodoc]

Con "lord of the starfield" ho conosciuto..

Bruce, tanto tempo fa, e ancora oggi accompagna i miei giorni.

[REALTIME123123123]

He is amazing.

[ScooterNerd]

Undervalued multiple Juno award winning singer songwriter genius. Learn his music...it's a lifelong gift.

[RockDoc50]

Very nice, but frankly the song paints a visual picture on its own--one of Cockburn's best of all time!

RockDoc

[gothicseed]

Way to go.. I've always wanted to do a video to this tune and you beat me to it..(excellent visuals)! gothicseeddotcom