Bruce Cockburn Live Pacing The Cage

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

I took my girlfriend, now my wife, to see him at Lakehead University in 1977. We reprised the concert by flying to Thunder Bay 40 years later, to see him again. Both concerts were magical. His music forms the soundtrack of our lives.

[@damics09]

his eyes were closed the entire time. a song very special to him yet resonates with many. wish i could have written it.

[@eastwestwells]

This has brought me out of some very dark places. Love him. No really. Love him.

[@lpi6608]

me too

[@PamelaClare]

Same here. I interviewed him about a dozen times, got to go back stage after all of his shows. He met my kids, signed my younger son's guitar. When I became a published novelist, he showed up for a concert with my first book on his tour bus and told me he was reading it. I told him that I felt like he had written about everything in my heart with this song. It was *my* song. He told me I was far too young to be so cynical. I told him it wasn't about the years, but the mileage.

[@deegir3354]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. One of my all time favorites.

[@jroberthadden]

Bruce's lyrics here couldn't be more relevant than now. He's a poet with a guitar. A wonderful bass line, too. Saw him around 1990 and again just last year. Hope he can keep this up for ever!

[@susanhumphreys5905]

My favorite song of all time...I've found myself "pacing the cage" so many times. Bruce Cockburn is the greatest!

[@moonlitme]

The older i get, the more relevant this song is....

[@MrAlvarda]

Breathtaking lyrics, great musician. When I heard this song for the first time I was driving and I had to stop the car at the side of the road and listen.

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 💓

[@willysunday]

After years of listening and mimicking ... ; ) I will see him in November. I am pacing the cage for that! A master songwriter, a great singer, a wonderful human...

[@turquoiseclovers]

this song reminds me of staring out the window on a sunny weekend day when I was younger and my dad sitting in the living room ( always got up so early ) playing this song, singing, and strumming along with all of his heart. What a beautiful song that brings tears to my eyes and chills all over no matter how hot it is outside! :) xoxo Bruce should know how many souls he's touched with his tallents. :)

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 💓

[@kiwi5162]

This was one Bruce song I would try singing when I was alone and wandering. LOVE. PEACE. God Bless

[@briteness]

Still probably the best, most evocative song about middle age that I have ever heard.

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 💓🌹

[@sawdustcaesar6853]

I was alarmed by BC back in the 80's and fell for his poetic sounds that sang to my concern for a world of wonder. I hark back to the days of bliss when I held his soulful sounds dear. Still wonderful to reminisce of times past, with hope for renewal. Good to go back.

[@coreycox2345]

To me, this is about inevitable the cage-like reality of everyday existence. I love it too.

[@peteworland226]

Best line ever!! " I've proved who I am so many times now, the magnetic strip has worn thin"

[@petermcclelland5710]

Great song-writer, great singer, great guitarist... Bruce Cockburn, just a great bunch of guys !!!

[@DungBeetleOO7]

A visionary, a poet, a musician. All contained in one magnificent spirit. Rarely do we witness the caliber of talent that this one man possesses. I've only just discovered him through Pandora. Wow. I have a lot of catching up to do.

[@maxkomine1934]

A song with lyrical integrity---a lost art these days.

[@dropover]

These days the term, "artist", is used to describe anybody who picks up a guitar and tries to sing. But in the case of Bruce Cockburn, the term absolutley fits. Bravo!

[@WeazelJaguar]

Bruce and Neil, the two best Canadian guitar pickers EVER!

[@TheCoulombes]

Not possible to express how much I adore this man and his music. If a period could be put at the sentence of his life, this song would be it.

[@Mark8395217]

These words, these wonderful words have been bouncing round in my head for years in a very indistinguishable manner. Thank you Bruce, for putting them together in such a way that I can hear them. I hear them clearly now...

[@airdriver]

This man's music is one of the best gifts Canada could ever give the world.

[@stellaercolani3810]

Love his songwriting...

[@cruxie1]

I've seen Bruce live 20 years ago... one of the BEST concerts I've ever been to... The guys a genius with heart.. the imagery in his lyrics is sublime... I jammed a couple of his songs with one of his best mates Tom Cuyler... if we had people like Bruce running the govts of the world we'd make it to the next millenium..

[@1610austin]

cockburn is a great artist

[@djbustarful]

This is the most beautiful song I think I've ever heard sums up life pretty much

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 🙏🙏

[@toolff83]

I probably listen to this song at least once a day....beautiful song.

[@PinHead9707]

Amazing song. Beautiful and simple, and the lyrics; what can I say. I've loved the work of this man for nearly 40 years!

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 🙏

[@PinHead9707]

@@jamesc4812 As you can see of my playbacks, I'm mostly a local artist. I have written and performed for about 50 years, but my first soloalbum came out in 2012/13. If you could give me the time, I'd appreciate a qualified respons to my album "About time".. music.kzbin.info/aero/OLAK5uy_lWlCCYHCumFAoDJQiqbu1zn67axFETRSg

[@jamesc4812]

@@PinHead9707 I don't come online often, but you can get in touch via WhatsApp messenger:[phone]

[@Deliquescentinsight]

One of my favourite songs from Mr Cockburn, although he has written many superb songs.

[@imafishgod]

Thanx for the share My Northern Star!Keep your eyes on that foggy road while I pace around this corner I've painted myself in.Peace♥ Love,your North Shore girl.Beautiful musician.

[@jroberthadden]

I agree. Bruce was born with (and has worked very hard to hone) an incredible talent. Not only is he one of the finest guitar players anywhere, He seems to be able to write and perform from his soul. A rare breed is he who can write poetry then put it to the finest music on earth...

[@jennifersavoy7427]

heard this on the radio yesterday-love the arrangement and the lyrics

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 🙏🤝

[@MrUrech]

This song is brutal, I cant make it through without crying. Nostalgic from when I was a kid hearing it, but the lyrics meant nothing to me. Now they mean everything to me at just 32. I'm amazed every line I read my eyes start watering and I gotta look away cuz I'm at work lol.

[@mhefler1498]

5-16-24. Just wait until you are in your 60s. The meaning of the song remains the same to me. I am sad I devoted 40+ years to putting work first. I have missed so much of life. Need to remedy that while I'm still living

[@lalunette]

This song always gives me goosebumps. I heard Bruce play it live in St. Paul a few years ago and I was in tears by the end of it. I had just started dating my now wife and she found my emotional reaction very charming and disarming. Ya, I'm a big tough looking guy... but I have a soft spot for Bruce's songs.

[@josephkeller4275]

Fantastic...I love his voice and his guitar playing.Nice bass player too!!

[@iceaxe56]

to be able to put those thoughts into words is truly a gift

[@FinManWindansea]

Staggering, brilliant!!!

[@charlespapagiorcopulo507]

brilliant !!!!! especially while riding the bike in the countryside . thanks bruce for pacing my tracks !!!!

[@AmyAlways]

This is really beautiful. Wistful. Love it.

[@curiousgeorge555]

One thing I love about Bruce Cockburn is his constant exerimentation. He's frequently arranging new instruments into his songs et al. Great great song!

[@hirundine44]

Sunset is an angel weeping...?

[@infocus]

"I never knew what you all wanted, so I gave you everything." "Sometimes the road leads thru dark places. Sometimes the darkness is your friend." Damn. Magic, Bruce.

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 🤝

[@curiousgeorge555]

One of my all time Bruce Cockburn songs. First time hearing it live. Love him for his music and what he stands for. 5*z ~cg5

[@Mikahaan]

VIVA Bruce Cockburn! ¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre!

[@braggville]

one of the best tunes he ever wrote....

[@nickanddeb]

i've proven who i am so many times the magnetic strip's worn thin... great lines from a great artist. rob wasseman on bass. i love his work, too.

[@enricomarisa]

Bruce....the music qf the heart....Great !!

[@aussiecancrew]

Love you Bruce!!!

[@karjamproductions]

Oh my.....staggeringly brilliant

[@wildrose58]

@cruxie1' if we had people like Bruce running the govts of the world we'd make it to the next millenium.'. Amen...

[@gillingham211]

A truly brilliant lyricist!

[@patchleeh5036]

Will always love this....

[@mdbert]

Brilliant and beautiful song.

[@Hodag71]

One of my all-time favorites. THANK YOU!

[@jonathanannis3066]

Wonderful Song!

[@mariacarmela68]

jroberthadden ...thank you for introducing me to the song. Beautiful!

[@peteworland226]

This song speaks to me

[@cocochanelleke]

Such a brilliant chap, his music gives me goose bumps each time. Thanks very much for posting! Best wishes from the NL 5*

[@vincentgallagher7562]

Sunset is an angel weeping Holding out a bloody sword No matter how I squint I cannot Make out what it's pointing toward Sometimes you feel like you[‘ve] live[d] too long Days drip slowly on the page You catch yourself Pacing the cage I've proven who I am so many times The magnetic strip's worn thin And each time I was someone else And every one was taken in Powers chatter in high places Stir up eddies in the dust of rage Set me to pacing the cage I never knew what you all wanted So I gave you everything All that I could pillage All the spells that I could sing It's as if the thing were written In the constitution of the age Sooner or later you'll wind up Pacing the cage Sometimes the best map will not guide you You can't see what's round the bend Sometimes the road leads through dark places Sometimes the darkness is your friend Today these eyes scan bleached-out land For the coming of the outbound stage Pacing the cage Pacing the cage

[@themonkeyboyz1950]

this guy has always been under appreciated because most people think little weasels like justin beaver have talent. slimjurado

[@davefrymusic]

speaks to me every time I hear it.

[@shinnpick]

A great, great song!

[@JonyWadd]

Staggering...Briliant...Poiniant....

[@tarkineWild]

@jackoxpass Yes,yes it is. Happy to see as many people discover & appreciate this wilderness erea in my remote corner of the world

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 💓

[@ronniebillhicks]

wow,...absolutely beautiful,....i do feel quite silly,....i thought this was a PAPER RIVAL song!,..........

[@Ratbas]

Thank-you.

[@joecoyote42]

this another great song with lots of meaning, I hope you are really listening to those words.

[@dangifford2710]

Not many people have truly paced the cage....but I have. I can relate..

[@mickblock]

+dan gifford Watcho0 talkin bout Willis!? My estimation is that this song is so well liked because many *can* relate to it.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Precisely-sometimes people respond with 'not many people' when they just don't know what to say!

[@Mfelgen]

What do we say... If only many others knew. This should be our mission.

[@hokulealinda]

Is that Wasserman on bass? So so beautiful ...

[@richardlevy8699]

Awesome

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

1 John 2:15-17 New Living Translation 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. James 4:4 New Living Translation 4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." Mark 8:36 New Living Translation 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

[@moonlitme]

What a bunch of crap.

[@sj-cf1dt]

I love the bass player in this version.

[@dryter]

What an amazing song? Sooner or later you wind up pacing the cage.

[@robertwhittaker6332]

Derek Ryter v

[@tneppard]

To good Bruce!

[@lizziestew]

This is for the people of the earth and to wake up to the lack of Ice that is melting and other natural resources.

[@nvkotex6972]

I've only ever heard Jimmy Buffet's version on his 'Beach House on the Moon' album. I had no idea.

[@paulvolkman477]

N V Kotex Buffet does it justice, but BC owns it.

[@jamesc4812]

Thanks for your honest and sincere love towards my work,we have you to be most thankful for . 🌹

[@jacobfinder7476]

My life 🙏

[@islandlightphotodotcom7162]

YES!!!!!

[@magotiraca]

Masterpiece

[@randylex9971]

i lost my dog recently his name was buster he was killed by a car a beautifull black lab i have never felt worse in my life i do not know how to overcome this loss even losing my dad was not as bad i listen to this song and it kinda helps but it kinda makes me depressed too lived in the north woods of Michigan when i was in college and i feel like going upl there to die

[@cmc36905]

'I never knew what you all wanted So I gave you everything' I imagine that is what is required to succeed on the scale that he has.

[@gsupham]

The bass solo is awesome (3:04).

[@MustangCoupe1951]

My favorite as hard as that is to choose.

[@Ottawarocket]

Sometimes the best map can not guide me : ) Love ya North shore Girl

[@moonlitme]

@lalunette perhaps the love-child of rick moranis and liza minnelli? but his guitar playing...the incredible pathos of his LYRICS...more like Orpheus incarnate i'd say

[@MTondeleo]

The comments here are truly educational for me, awakening me to a funniness in Bruce's name I've never thought of. Silly me, wondeing only whether this incredible guitarist/vocalist is related to equally gifted The Nation writer Alexander Cockburn, a progressive who skewers the right but also puts misguided lefties in their place. Yes, I'm honored to be in intimate comradery with wise YT users.

[@saggacc]

@nelliemuller ; having studied this song for performing, i get the sense that he's seeing the end times come (with all the negative effect the global consumerist culture has had on him) while pacing the cage. "today these eyes scan bleached out lands for the coming of the outbound stage..." chilly

[@adamhop]

If it helps, Lalunette, when you share a little story like that, it shows how important this song is to some of us - I don't know why someone wouldn't appreciate it, but hey.. Surely that's what the 'comment' feature on youtube is all about.

[@Ratbas]

I remember this song from Wrestling With Shadows. Who remember who covered it.

[@TheVludlow]

Lovely, lovely song. I love this guy. He's coming to my home town Sept 29- to the Jefferson Theatre- The acoustics suck at this place and the seating is far away from the stage- between the seating and the stage is a huge mosh pit/dance floor. The Paramount would be a much better venue-especially for Bruce's generation and fans.

[@lalunette]

Ik hed een jaar in NL gewoont... uitwisseling student .. 25 jaren geleden! I lived for a year in NL... exchange student.. 25 years ago. I'm going back in 2011 for my honeymoon as I'm officially getting remarried that year. LOL

[@mickblock]

The title of this song makes me think of Rilke's _The Panther._

[@k.dunagan2009]

a MASTER

[@gsupham]

Let's be fair, Beaver has talent. But this is another level, so far above. This is more than just talent...

[@Wolfwolveswolf]

BRUCE COCKBURN

[@moonlitme]

Pronounced Ko' burn- his through a Scottish ancestor...means 'rooster creek', or something like that.

[@DWSimmy]

@XanderMaas Yes

[@JoeGancher]

I note some fret lines on the bass but it has a distinctive fretless sound. Any insights ? Anybody ?

[@joelhardy4026]

It's a lined fretless. They make small incisions for maple inserts then sand it all down smooth as silk. Takes a lot of the guess work out of playing!

[@pogopedia8916]

@XanderMaas Do your parents know you're using the computer?