I came across this song just before having a brain tumour removed. Such a life event hits you like no one's business. Everything about the song helped me find a sense of peace and calm where a life turned upside down has more questions than answers. Needless to say, I've made it back to a great place. Thanks Bruce for this gift and a lifetime of poignant music.
I just sent this song to a friend who is dealing with a brain tumor. I noticed your comment @elements442 right after I sent it to him, took a deep breath and don't feel so alone now. Thanks.
I’ve heard this so many times but just this week did the words I’ve proven who I am so many times the magnetic strip’s worn thin. Each time I was someone else. Never before hit me that I changed so many times in 66 years. Just pacing the cage.
I have just found my way to Bruce Cockburn as I mourn the loss of Jimmy Buffett. While I knew it was a cover because Buffett was quick to acknowledge the source of these amazing lyrics, I never thought to look deeper. Having been captivated by Buffett for over four decades I know that he recorded Pacing The Cage on an album because its a song he wished he had written himself. Considering the catalog of genius JB leaves behind, I have an immediate appreciation of this fine singer songwriter Bruce Cockburn.
Huge Jimmy fan and always loved this song only to find it was a cover. When the bigs do a cover it’s not just a cover it’s respect for the original and coming across Bruce’s original has now sent me on a new path of awesome music
I turn 68 in days and I am still "Pacing The Cage". What a song for forever about life and things out of our control that sets us to do that. Thinking about all the times I have had to prove myself in moments and situations-Wow. Reminds me of my Corporate career where I paced endlessly and then that road where I vere saw it coming round the bend where my wife of 38 years was taken from me 4 years ago August by cancer #62,
So sorry to hear about your wife … my sincere condolences. Bruce speaks to the quiet part of us, the part that shies away from “pleasant conversation”…
I listened to this and the rest of this disc when in hospital detoxing from OxyContin. I wasn’t a street druggy. Had been taking it for increasing back pain. It wasn’t working. My dr. put me in on a psych floor. I was ignored and treated like a non person. It was hell but I go through. I couldn’t listen to Bruce for long time. I’m back to loving him.
I thought of and searched out this song when my brother-in-law was killed as it very aptly describes his life. That was 9 years ago. It's the anniversary of his passing today and the song popped up in my CZcams feed. Sometimes the stars align.
Briliant!!!!! I have been a fan since 1978. Yes that old. I have seen him in concert once with my late husband who died in 2012. Now, my 27 year old son is going with me to see him in Tucson, AZ in 2018. Ian, my son, will be amazed.
I’ve always felt that this one of the most beautifully sad song, but today my beautiful Mother passed away and I’m going to miss her so much…… Pacing the cage….
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
This year I drove four hours to hear this man perform... he was absolutely amazing! The four hour drive home that night felt like sailing on a peaceful moonlit sea. Don't miss an opportunity to experience this man perform... you will never forget it.
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 With love, Namaste, Pam
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. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Personally going through a tough time in my life - perhaps the worst time since my father died when I was 12. By most measures, I should be joyous (great family, great home, great health) but I am feeling really bad. At 57 years old, I am worried and feeling stuck … “pacing the cage”. This song hits me SO HARD because it exactly describes my feeling and not sure anybody in my circle would understand it (or my feelings). It’s pretty lonely to be so introspective and alone in your feelings where you can’t see the joy as much as you see the boredom and futility of things (not always but more often than not). It feels like a curse that you notice this and it hits you … others don’t seem to notice or have this feeling of malaise and hopelessness. Exacerbated by a very stressful work position making good money but hating it and at the same time fearing the future of retirement income/lifestyle, mortality and realizing you may never be what you had envisioned when you were young and hopeful. Perhaps this is depression, perhaps this is mid-life crisis, perhaps this is normal, perhaps I can change this and take control… but this song captures so perfectly that feeling of being “STUCK” and not knowing which way to turn. To others, the solution may seem so simple… to you, you can’t figure out why you feel this way or the next step to take. I am admitting that I am frozen, stuck, a bit hopeless. I know things can and will change but at the moment it feels lonely and scary. I know only I can take charge and get past this, I know I will, I know I need to take control and make changes but knowing often doesn’t help while you are feeling stuck and in despair about the future. Amazing song I love because it makes me think this feeling is normal but wish I never heard because it is so raw and true - that life is not always feeling great and is truly lonely at times. It’s time for me to stop running to the next distraction to avoid my pain. It’s time to look in the mirror and face the hard truth that I am not the illusion I built of myself…I am ok, I can love myself eventhough I did not get the material things I thought I wanted… I will get through this time and come out on the other side feeling grateful and hopeful and content. As mother (God rest her beautiful soul) often said: “Today is the tomorrow that worried you yesterday and ALL IS WELL”. ❤
I believe you are exactly where you are supposed to be, regarding your introspection. Because I believe you are growing. It's a personal belief of mine, that our "being"...our soul...is on a journey to grow and develop. I feel like you are doing just that. While I understand the confusion and the melancholy you're feeling...accept a little pride in it...with a healthy dose of humility as well. Be at peace. You are exactly where you are meant to be. Best of luck to you.
I spent the vast majority of my life doing driving jobs. Long hours and lots of bumpy roads. Empty clacking trailers, dragging overloads. Lonely hours with nothing but the Lord and good music as my companions. Chatter of the CB sharing strangers opinions. Rolled west bound thru Flagstaff at dawn with the sunrise lighting the golden high desert wind scarred Rocky Mountains singing along "To Raise the Morning Star". He's right about maps, some places you go aren't on the best map. God Bless.
I started listening to Cockburn in the 70's when living on the Canadian border. The last 10 years have been hard as my parents passed away as well as many of my friends. My ex-wife didn't survive the pandemic. It's just me and my daughter left. I get this song more now than ever.
During this time of COVID-19 and world-wide lock-ins, this song speaks to me on both a personal and global level. Especially the final verse: Sometimes the best map will not guide you; you can't see round the bend...." It's exactly how so many of us feel these days. I do.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
@@brucecockburn5025 you are such a beautiful soul! Your words go past time and space and reach the human heart and condition on such a profound level it brings me to tears of gratitude! Bless you to write on themes that can be understood by multiple generations! I use your songs in my English classes to help teens truly understand life and poetry! Thanks for your lifetime of beautiful words! Sabrina
I've proven who I am so many times The magnetic strip's worn thin And each time I was someone else And everyone was taken in Ok... This is late 20th Century Cole Porter. Brilliant.
Losing a loved one... when life is upside down it takes more than strength to turn it right side up... it takes heart... where there is no sense to be made... understanding... we awake to another day with one more cup of espresso... the sun rises as it always will... and we begin again another morning... listening closely... peacefully... Bruce Cockburn... a talented and gifted voice of gentle persuasion in a world of mediocrity... sharing astute observations... eloquent explanations... and simple yet solemn advice... whether we listen... and do not hear... or politely smile... feel it deeply and agree... pacing the cage...
I had forgotten about this incredible poem set to music until listening to SXM 24s tribute to Jimmy Buffet and hearing his excellent live cover performed as a second encore in Burgedette PA on 6-19-99. JB also covered Life Short Call Now. At 62, I’m closer to the tolling of the bell than to the opening bell and so appreciate the proud impact that both of these artists have had on my life. RIP JB and keep rocking BC.
A very special love of mine sent this song to me from Canada. I'm in Florida, ... But I listen to this masterpiece and I can feel his breath on my neck. This is magnetic, beautiful and brings him close to my heart Everytime I play it. Thank you Bruce for making the miles feel closer until we meet again.
I keep coming back to this song. It brings me something new each time I hear it. It is so contemporary and classic at the same time. Such a beautiful and heartbreaking song.
Id like to gather all the young up and coming songwriters together and just learn this song and really just take it in ... i teach guitar/vocal performance myself and i played this to a 16 yo student and hes now 23 and a good songwriter in his own right ... he always mentions the day he listened to this song as a moment of change in his writing.....thanks bruce ☆
Four years later I post here. This song is timeless. It touches me so deeply every time I listen to it. I learned about him in mid-seventies when I visited friends in Montreal. Have been a fan every since. One of Canada's best singer/songwriters.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
'"....My first vision of earth was water vieled. I come from a race of men and women who see all things through this curtain of sea, and my eyes are the color of water'" Anais Nin
This song like no other brings tears to my eyes everytime. "I've proved who I am so many times, the magnetic strips worn thin" a serious punch in the gut or slap in the face depending on my mood.
J'ai vu Bruce Cockburn dernièrement à l'Impérial, à Québec pour son spectacle O Moon O Sun! Ça m'a fait pleurer mon coeur de le voir si diminué physiquement, mais je sais que ce n'est pas l'image de lui qu'il faut garder. Il a sa voix, son charisme, sa poésie, sa force avec lui depuis toutes ces années...et ça remonte à la fin des années 1970 pour moi....a long time, hey?...Yes...still a groopy till the end of us! Je suis francophone, mais il m'a enseigné l'anglais, la guitare, l'humanisme, la poésie, l'amour sans commune mesure (l'amour de l'être Humain, de la Terre, parfois la rage aussi, pour les injustices). C'est un Grrrrand Homme au Grrrand Coeur, avec un Grrrand talent.. Sa voix, son humilité, sa générosité touche beaucoup de gens, dont je fais parti! MERCI infiniment Bruce :)
That lyric "Sometimes the best map will not guide you, you can't see what's round the bend!" Is a real Cockburn lyric, such depth. I really love this song!
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
Been a fan since I first heard him at my Montreal girl friends home. Her brother, a Canadian poet and professor today, introduced me to him. He was an incredible find that has been with me ever since.
I like the bass part on the original recording of this. I believe it is played by Rob Wasserman. It is as outstanding as the song, if that makes any sense.
This wonderful song has managed to reach my inner most part of my heart. Thank you so much for sharing this performance. Thank you Bruce♥️ It is so beautiful.
I heard “pacing the cage” years ago. To me … it brought me to dealing with alcoholism. Pacing the cage….. Addiction The key to that cage was being held by God himself. Only he can unlock the cage.
met Bruce after show at Baton Rouge’s-Red Dragon Music Review. 62 year old fan boy! mentioned this song and the visuals it painted, he said that the “today these eyes scan for the outbound stage” line evoked a western movie collage. i just sat there, mouth agape and saying “yes”!! also, “pacing the cage” ties into our Louisiana Tigers.
I noticed that the video is from at least 2 concerts. It's the long earings that gave it away...but seeing your last concert it has already been said and done. One of his best songs (I do have all 30+ cd's). The imagery of the opening lines are captivating. I met him a few years ago after a concert..just as humble as you suppose. He truly is a Child of the Wind.
This is a song that is great so many ways. Lyrics most of all but the subtlety oh biscuit our work is just incredible. I love songs that paint the imagery of sunrises or sunsets. This is absolutely the best one I heard.
Cockburn is a great among the greats. Certainly among the Canadians who have enriched American culture and at times have given to the unappreciated such.
We have broad and eclectic tastes! Thanks for paying such close attention to the earring. All filmmakers should be so lucky to have such observant audiences!
Beautiful work! From this socially conscientious artist (rocket launcher). When the world gets tough Bruce seems to give me the strength to cary on or fight.
I've had a very strange life much longer than I ever thought it would be, how the hell am I 51, I never saw that coming, after all I've been through how did I get this far and live to tell, sometimes it feels like I've lived too long I've been many things to many people, this life is strange, the line about "I've proven who I am so many times the magnetic strips worn thin and each time I was someone else and everyone was taken in" truly hits home for me I do find myself routinely pacing the cage, outside looking in on this world that I do not feel like I am really a part of anymore... I never knew what you all wanted so I gave you everything
Thank you so very much for sharing your divine music & lyrics with us... this landscape we call our planet would be such a shallow surface without artists such as yourself to enlighten and intrigue us year after year,,,,, your are truly a gem!
Hi thanks for watching and commenting on my CZcams channel God bless you🤗🌞 hope you don’t stop with your love and support❤️👑✏✒✏kindly drop your email address or WhatsApp contact below for more details about my upcoming album🎊 , 💫Tour or Concert🎄 🎹🎙🎷🎷🎷🎤🎻🥁🎚💛...🎷🎷🎷✨.... 💯💯💯
@@yourmother3207 I will try, but I am just giving my read on his lyrics. It is a 'world-weary' song. The first verse includes the line ' sometimes you feel like you've lived too long'. Bruce is what I call an 'enlightened Christian'...and there are metaphors in this song that refer to reincarnation(having lived multiple lives): i've proven who I am so many times, the magnetic strip's worn thin, and each time I was someone else, and everyone was taken in'...to me this signifies the long journey of the soul towards Christhood(as Ram Das said 'we're all just walking each other home...') towards being able to stay a loving being, even in the face of atrocity. Bleached out lands refers to the strange and horrific times we're in, and the 'outbound stage' is his eventual death, his merging with the One, through Christ. This song is him experiencing, assessing and expressing a soul tiredness, with unflinching honesty. In my opinion.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕
This is my desert island song. Jimmy Buffett does a beautiful rendition of this, and until today I always thought he had written it. Very few songs have ever spoken to me and the way I feel about my life than this one.
Tommy, last thing I asked for was a debate. I love this song, and that is all I posted about, but I have to take your bait, not that I desire to. Buffet is way beyond a "decent" songwriter. He is the most under-rated songwriter on the planet, and there are few who can write a story song like him. A plethora of his great songs should have been hits, but radio, with its head forever up its bean-counting ass, forever awaited the next COME MONDAY as he was cranking out insightful and reflective songs such as NOBODY SPEAKS TO THE CAPTAIN NO MORE and IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING IT'S ME, to name only a few. PACING THE CAGE is "Too Deep" for Buffett? You couldn't be more wrong. It is a tremendous song, but have you bothered to explore his body of work beyond the obvious two hits he had? He is a songwriter's songwriter, and the stereotype that all he writes about is cheeseburgers and margaritas is lost on so many, and most likely you. If this is what Cockburn said, what you said he did, that "Buffett didn't really do anything with it," then all I can say is that Cockburn is an ingrate. He should be grateful that perhaps Buffett respected the song so much that he did his best NOT to make it his own, to not change a thing about it, but to deliver it in its plaintive and unadulterated form. There are a multitude of artists who would be more than honored to have the great Jimmy Buffett record one of their songs. It's not as if he has to, considering his own wealth of talent. I will always be a fan of this song, but thanks to what you just told me about Cockburn's unappreciative comment, I have lost interest in exploring much more of his work. Very arrogant comment on his behalf. Almost wish you hadn't told me that, because he almost had me as a fan.
Tommy Bain No sweat, Tommy, I hear you. I'm just real protective of Jimmy. His music has done much to heal my soul and spirit through the years, and as a songwriter and entertainer myself, as well as novelist, I have learned a lot through him.
Love Bruce's music his new album Crowing Ignites based on Scottish roots!Had the opportunity to meet with him face to face 2019 October! Got pics together at 74 years of age still touring!And still plays great ..he has some health conditions seems he had a cane to help balance him was sad to see that!I mentioned one of his songs was beautiful Rose above the sky..he said thank you for saying that!But there are so many other beautiful songs I could have mentioned! For me meeting Bruce after a lifetime of listening and loving his music a rare privilege!We had a short talk but a memorable one!And film!
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years. It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕
Jordan Kessler Once i figured out Paper Rival wasn't a song ( i was sure i had heard everything Bruce recorded) i was pleasantly surprised, nice cover.
+Jordan Kessler I'm listening to Charity of Night as we speak. Urban legend: Eddie Van Halen was once asked what it felt like to be the greatest guitar player in the world, Eddie replied, "I don't know, you'd have to ask Bruce Cockburn."
Sunset is an angel weeping. Holding out a bloody sword. Some songs are excellent and this is perfect. Makes me emotional but thats a great thing; Bruce's ability to move people!
I came across this song just before having a brain tumour removed. Such a life event hits you like no one's business. Everything about the song helped me find a sense of peace and calm where a life turned upside down has more questions than answers. Needless to say, I've made it back to a great place. Thanks Bruce for this gift and a lifetime of poignant music.
God bless you
Glad you made your way through.
elements422 - Amen Brother 🙏
Glad it all worked out!
I just sent this song to a friend who is dealing with a brain tumor. I noticed your comment @elements442 right after I sent it to him, took a deep breath and don't feel so alone now. Thanks.
Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, K.D Lang, Neil Young.......and many....Canada's gift to this world.
I’ve heard this so many times but just this week did the words I’ve proven who I am so many times the magnetic strip’s worn thin. Each time I was someone else.
Never before hit me that I changed so many times in 66 years. Just pacing the cage.
This song epitomizes how I have felt about so many of my 74 years and, yet, it feels as real as now as when I was 20 years old. 2:20
The older I get, the lyrics to this song seem to take on a new meaning. What an incredible songwriter and storyteller.
I appreciate this man's songs. Very deep meaning
very true
Sooner or later
I have just found my way to Bruce Cockburn as I mourn the loss of Jimmy Buffett. While I knew it was a cover because Buffett was quick to acknowledge the source of these amazing lyrics, I never thought to look deeper. Having been captivated by Buffett for over four decades I know that he recorded Pacing The Cage on an album because its a song he wished he had written himself. Considering the catalog of genius JB leaves behind, I have an immediate appreciation of this fine singer songwriter Bruce Cockburn.
Same reason I came to this video. Fins up :)
Huge Jimmy fan and always loved this song only to find it was a cover. When the bigs do a cover it’s not just a cover it’s respect for the original and coming across Bruce’s original has now sent me on a new path of awesome music
To say that was one of the best songs i've ever heard , the guitar , the melody, Bruce's singing so good . His talent runs deep indeed.
Bruce Cockburn is one of the truest voices of our age, Canada's national treasure, whose work is truly timeless
I agree but with one small change - I think he's humanity's treasure - courageous, clearsighted, just incredible - a musical genius warrior
Nicely put Rob
This song is like fine aged wine, not sweet, but rich and complex, and completely true.
Amen. The best bands are all Canadian..Bruce Cockburn, The Cowboy JUnkies, Rush, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot...
a world treasure.
His ability to paint mental pictures with his lyrics is off the chart.😎
I turn 68 in days and I am still "Pacing The Cage". What a song for forever about life and things out of our control that sets us to do that. Thinking about all the times I have had to prove myself in moments and situations-Wow. Reminds me of my Corporate career where I paced endlessly and then that road where I vere saw it coming round the bend where my wife of 38 years was taken from me 4 years ago August by cancer #62,
So sorry to hear about your wife … my sincere condolences. Bruce speaks to the quiet part of us, the part that shies away from “pleasant conversation”…
I listened to this and the rest of this disc when in hospital detoxing from OxyContin.
I wasn’t a street druggy. Had been taking it for increasing back pain. It wasn’t working. My dr.
put me in on a psych floor. I was ignored and treated like a non person. It was hell but I go through. I couldn’t listen to Bruce for long time. I’m back to loving him.
I thought of and searched out this song when my brother-in-law was killed as it very aptly describes his life. That was 9 years ago. It's the anniversary of his passing today and the song popped up in my CZcams feed. Sometimes the stars align.
Briliant!!!!! I have been a fan since 1978. Yes that old. I have seen him in concert once with my late husband who died in 2012. Now, my 27 year old son is going with me to see him in Tucson, AZ in 2018. Ian, my son, will be amazed.
Kathie Myrenaes I was born in 1978 yes we are old but just think of all the great song's we have had since then
I’ve always felt that this one of the most beautifully sad song, but today my beautiful Mother passed away and I’m going to miss her so much…… Pacing the cage….
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
This year I drove four hours to hear this man perform... he was absolutely amazing! The four hour drive home that night felt like sailing on a peaceful moonlit sea. Don't miss an opportunity to experience this man perform... you will never forget it.
I would definitely drive 4 hours to see this man. I wish he would do a concert in my area.
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
With love, Namaste, Pam
Weeping while reading , listening .
pamela wilson b
Sometimes the darkness is your friend. Stirs up edys. Peace brothers & sisters
This is my anthem
Thanks
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. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
You know it brother, thanks for the music. Just lovely.
Personally going through a tough time in my life - perhaps the worst time since my father died when I was 12. By most measures, I should be joyous (great family, great home, great health) but I am feeling really bad. At 57 years old, I am worried and feeling stuck … “pacing the cage”. This song hits me SO HARD because it exactly describes my feeling and not sure anybody in my circle would understand it (or my feelings). It’s pretty lonely to be so introspective and alone in your feelings where you can’t see the joy as much as you see the boredom and futility of things (not always but more often than not). It feels like a curse that you notice this and it hits you … others don’t seem to notice or have this feeling of malaise and hopelessness. Exacerbated by a very stressful work position making good money but hating it and at the same time fearing the future of retirement income/lifestyle, mortality and realizing you may never be what you had envisioned when you were young and hopeful. Perhaps this is depression, perhaps this is mid-life crisis, perhaps this is normal, perhaps I can change this and take control… but this song captures so perfectly that feeling of being “STUCK” and not knowing which way to turn. To others, the solution may seem so simple… to you, you can’t figure out why you feel this way or the next step to take. I am admitting that I am frozen, stuck, a bit hopeless. I know things can and will change but at the moment it feels lonely and scary. I know only I can take charge and get past this, I know I will, I know I need to take control and make changes but knowing often doesn’t help while you are feeling stuck and in despair about the future. Amazing song I love because it makes me think this feeling is normal but wish I never heard because it is so raw and true - that life is not always feeling great and is truly lonely at times. It’s time for me to stop running to the next distraction to avoid my pain. It’s time to look in the mirror and face the hard truth that I am not the illusion I built of myself…I am ok, I can love myself eventhough I did not get the material things I thought I wanted… I will get through this time and come out on the other side feeling grateful and hopeful and content. As mother (God rest her beautiful soul) often said: “Today is the tomorrow that worried you yesterday and ALL IS WELL”. ❤
Thanks for sharing.
I believe you are exactly where you are supposed to be, regarding your introspection. Because I believe you are growing.
It's a personal belief of mine, that our "being"...our soul...is on a journey to grow and develop.
I feel like you are doing just that.
While I understand the confusion and the melancholy you're feeling...accept a little pride in it...with a healthy dose of humility as well.
Be at peace. You are exactly where you are meant to be.
Best of luck to you.
I know how you feel, hoping you get through this soon.
Weird statement BUT... this is the song I'd like to have played at my funeral.
I dont think thats weird
Not weird
I think of death as "Released from the cage".
I spent the vast majority of my life doing driving jobs. Long hours and lots of bumpy roads. Empty clacking trailers, dragging overloads. Lonely hours with nothing but the Lord and good music as my companions. Chatter of the CB sharing strangers opinions. Rolled west bound thru Flagstaff at dawn with the sunrise lighting the golden high desert wind scarred Rocky Mountains singing along "To Raise the Morning Star". He's right about maps, some places you go aren't on the best map. God Bless.
for my son Adam who passed away 20 minutes after he was born love you miss you think about you every day dad Will see you real soon
😄😄I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 the song but when last did you play it
@@josephkurt2080 Every Day Why
Unbelievably great. Bruce is so awesome. I may have commented on the song before but I'm doing it again.
I cry every time, and I don't care who knows it.
I started listening to Cockburn in the 70's when living on the Canadian border. The last 10 years have been hard as my parents passed away as well as many of my friends. My ex-wife didn't survive the pandemic. It's just me and my daughter left. I get this song more now than ever.
During this time of COVID-19 and world-wide lock-ins, this song speaks to me on both a personal and global level. Especially the final verse: Sometimes the best map will not guide you; you can't see round the bend...." It's exactly how so many of us feel these days. I do.
Bingo
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
@@brucecockburn5025 you
are such a beautiful soul! Your words go past time and space and reach the human heart and condition on such a profound level it brings me to tears of gratitude! Bless you to write on themes that can be understood by multiple generations! I use your songs in my English classes to help teens truly understand life and poetry! Thanks for your lifetime of beautiful words! Sabrina
@@brucecockburn5025 what a lovely version this is. Hope you get back to Canada soon. My Quarantune.
With all the world aggression climate issues and politics people just are seeking what they perceive as some some kind of normalcy myself included
I've proven who I am so many times
The magnetic strip's worn thin
And each time I was someone else
And everyone was taken in
Ok... This is late 20th Century Cole Porter. Brilliant.
My favorite line in any song
Losing a loved one... when life is upside down it takes more than strength to turn it right side up... it takes heart... where there is no sense to be made... understanding... we awake to another day with one more cup of espresso... the sun rises as it always will... and we begin again another morning... listening closely... peacefully... Bruce Cockburn... a talented and gifted voice of gentle persuasion in a world of mediocrity... sharing astute observations... eloquent explanations... and simple yet solemn advice... whether we listen... and do not hear... or politely smile... feel it deeply and agree... pacing the cage...
I try not to listen to this song too often because it is so poignant, it makes me weep.
Which is why we should listen to it more... :)
try playing it !! gets me too ! also when I play " If a tree falls " that one brings me to tears when I paly it
This morning, when I woke up to this song, I thought about Anthony Bourdain.
Everytime it brings tears
This song is so relevant to life, for everything we do, and all of our accomplishments, sometimes we get down and start "Pacing the cage"...
One of the great songs ever written
I had forgotten about this incredible poem set to music until listening to SXM 24s tribute to Jimmy Buffet and hearing his excellent live cover performed as a second encore in Burgedette PA on 6-19-99. JB also covered Life Short Call Now. At 62, I’m closer to the tolling of the bell than to the opening bell and so appreciate the proud impact that both of these artists have had on my life. RIP JB and keep rocking BC.
Song we played at my dad's funeral. Jimmy Buffet's version. RIP Dad and Jimmy.
This may just be my favourite song of all time.
A very special love of mine sent this song to me from Canada. I'm in Florida, ... But I listen to this masterpiece and I can feel his breath on my neck. This is magnetic, beautiful and brings him close to my heart Everytime I play it. Thank you Bruce for making the miles feel closer until we meet again.
I keep coming back to this song. It brings me something new each time I hear it. It is so contemporary and classic at the same time. Such a beautiful and heartbreaking song.
Id like to gather all the young up and coming songwriters together and just learn this song and really just take it in ...
i teach guitar/vocal performance myself and i played this to a 16 yo student and hes now 23 and a good songwriter in his own right ... he always mentions the day he listened to this song as a moment of change in his writing.....thanks bruce ☆
Sometimes the road leads through dark places. Sometimes the darkness is your friend.
Four years later I post here. This song is timeless. It touches me so deeply every time I listen to it. I learned about him in mid-seventies when I visited friends in Montreal. Have been a fan every since. One of Canada's best singer/songwriters.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
That Linda Manzur guitar is one of the best sounding live guitars...In the hands of a master like Bruce
Who is not pacing the cage now? Love this guy. An individual in his element in excellence is a joy.
I'd cry, if I weren't so mad these days. I've used this for so many things.
'"....My first vision of earth was water vieled. I come from a race of men and women who see all things through this curtain of sea, and my eyes are the color of water'"
Anais Nin
This song like no other brings tears to my eyes everytime.
"I've proved who I am so many times, the magnetic strips worn thin" a serious punch in the gut or slap in the face depending on my mood.
It speaks to our soul and plays on our heart strings.
I live in the UK and I've just come across Bruce now (late 2020) - Sorry I'm late.
J'ai vu Bruce Cockburn dernièrement à l'Impérial, à Québec pour son spectacle O Moon O Sun! Ça m'a fait pleurer mon coeur de le voir si diminué physiquement, mais je sais que ce n'est pas l'image de lui qu'il faut garder.
Il a sa voix, son charisme, sa poésie, sa force avec lui depuis toutes ces années...et ça remonte à la fin des années 1970 pour moi....a long time, hey?...Yes...still a groopy till the end of us!
Je suis francophone, mais il m'a enseigné l'anglais, la guitare, l'humanisme, la poésie, l'amour sans commune mesure (l'amour de l'être Humain, de la Terre, parfois la rage aussi, pour les injustices). C'est un Grrrrand Homme au Grrrand Coeur, avec un Grrrand talent.. Sa voix, son humilité, sa générosité touche beaucoup de gens, dont je fais parti!
MERCI infiniment Bruce :)
This song can be sad but also provide strength
What a poet. Beautiful song and so true 🙏
That lyric "Sometimes the best map will not guide you, you can't see what's round the bend!" Is a real Cockburn lyric, such depth. I really love this song!
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕....
One of most beautiful songs I've heard.
An astoundingly accurate song.
Absolutely love this song… Bruce is a fave especially when I find myself pacing the cage
one of my favorites...by Bruce....the world is pacing the cage
Been a fan since I first heard him at my Montreal girl friends home. Her brother, a Canadian poet and professor today, introduced me to him. He was an incredible find that has been with me ever since.
Beautiful every time I hear it...
😄😄I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 the song but when last did you play it
I like the bass part on the original recording of this. I believe it is played by Rob Wasserman. It is as outstanding as the song, if that makes any sense.
For sure. Something that I remember even if I haven't heard the song in a long while.
This wonderful song has managed to reach my inner most part of my heart. Thank you so much for sharing this performance. Thank you Bruce♥️ It is so beautiful.
I heard “pacing the cage” years ago. To me … it brought me to dealing with alcoholism.
Pacing the cage….. Addiction
The key to that cage was being held by God himself. Only he can unlock the cage.
So intense, so deep, so sad. Love, Bruce, thanks for your artistry. God bless you
met Bruce after show at Baton Rouge’s-Red Dragon Music Review.
62 year old fan boy! mentioned this song and the visuals it painted, he said that the “today these eyes scan for the outbound stage” line evoked a western movie collage.
i just sat there, mouth agape and saying “yes”!!
also, “pacing the cage” ties into our Louisiana Tigers.
So incredible - this song - and Bruce's voice - always touch me deeply. Nice video work too!
This song brings me to tears every time I listen to it. Not sure why, it just strikes a chord way deep down inside. Thank you Bruce.
came here from Paper Rival's cover.
Both and each.. are very poignant.
A powerful tune.
Timeless. Thank you Bruce.
I noticed that the video is from at least 2 concerts. It's the long earings that gave it away...but seeing your last concert it has already been said and done. One of his best songs (I do have all 30+ cd's). The imagery of the opening lines are captivating. I met him a few years ago after a concert..just as humble as you suppose. He truly is a Child of the Wind.
This is a song that is great so many ways. Lyrics most of all but the subtlety oh biscuit our work is just incredible.
I love songs that paint the imagery of sunrises or sunsets. This is absolutely the best one I heard.
If ever there was a song for this time this is surely the song...."powers chatter in high places, stirring up eddies in the dust of rage..."
Cockburn is a great among the greats. Certainly among the Canadians who have enriched American culture and at times have given to the unappreciated such.
Reverend James He can write a novel in 3 verses and a chorus.
We have broad and eclectic tastes! Thanks for paying such close attention to the earring. All filmmakers should be so lucky to have such observant audiences!
Yeah, I kept trying to figure that out. Is it there or is it not there?
This one puts me on my knees.
I've seen bruce 9 times and he's coming next week...sadly I can't do it....This guy really is a treasure
Beautiful work! From this socially conscientious artist (rocket launcher). When the world gets tough Bruce seems to give me the strength to cary on or fight.
I've had a very strange life much longer than I ever thought it would be, how the hell am I 51, I never saw that coming, after all I've been through how did I get this far and live to tell, sometimes it feels like I've lived too long I've been many things to many people, this life is strange, the line about "I've proven who I am so many times the magnetic strips worn thin and each time I was someone else and everyone was taken in" truly hits home for me I do find myself routinely pacing the cage, outside looking in on this world that I do not feel like I am really a part of anymore...
I never knew what you all wanted so I gave you everything
Thank you so very much for sharing your divine music & lyrics with us... this landscape we call our planet would be such a shallow surface without artists such as yourself to enlighten and intrigue us year after year,,,,, your are truly a gem!
Thank You may there be enough eyes to see and ears to hear. Take Care Bruce and team
Cant Believe I'm Just hearing this guy now...Brilliant
Hi
thanks for watching and commenting on my CZcams channel God bless you🤗🌞 hope you don’t stop with your love and support❤️👑✏✒✏kindly drop your email address or WhatsApp contact below for more details about my upcoming album🎊 , 💫Tour or Concert🎄 🎹🎙🎷🎷🎷🎤🎻🥁🎚💛...🎷🎷🎷✨.... 💯💯💯
The lyrics are beautiful, so telling.
This song just resonates in some unnameable place in my soul.
❤I feel the very same❤
"Today these eyes scan bleached out lands, for the coming of the outbound stage..." Jesus what sentiment
Can you explain that line? I was always curious what he meant by an "outbound stage"
@@yourmother3207 I will try, but I am just giving my read on his lyrics. It is a 'world-weary' song. The first verse includes the line ' sometimes you feel like you've lived too long'. Bruce is what I call an 'enlightened Christian'...and there are metaphors in this song that refer to reincarnation(having lived multiple lives): i've proven who I am so many times, the magnetic strip's worn thin, and each time I was someone else, and everyone was taken in'...to me this signifies the long journey of the soul towards Christhood(as Ram Das said 'we're all just walking each other home...') towards being able to stay a loving being, even in the face of atrocity. Bleached out lands refers to the strange and horrific times we're in, and the 'outbound stage' is his eventual death, his merging with the One, through Christ. This song is him experiencing, assessing and expressing a soul tiredness, with unflinching honesty. In my opinion.
@@moonlitme brilliant, thanks.
@@yourmother3207 Thanks Mom.
This song is so awesome!! Bruce where have you been all my life!! Your words are a salve on my soul!!
Bruce Cockburn ❤❤❤❤🎼🎵🎶🙂
most underrated musician in Canadian/American history.
What a poet.
If there is such a thing, this is a perfect song- lyrics, chords, bridge...
I saw Bruce in the tablelands of northern Australia. 1989. Never forget it.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕
This is my desert island song. Jimmy Buffett does a beautiful rendition of this, and until today I always thought he had written it. Very few songs have ever spoken to me and the way I feel about my life than this one.
Pete, I saw you post about this song on FB. Thanks.
Doug Slifer
Cool, Doug. Meant every word. This song truly speaks to my heart and soul.
Tommy, last thing I asked for was a debate. I love this song, and that is all I posted about, but I have to take your bait, not that I desire to. Buffet is way beyond a "decent" songwriter. He is the most under-rated songwriter on the planet, and there are few who can write a story song like him. A plethora of his great songs should have been hits, but radio, with its head forever up its bean-counting ass, forever awaited the next COME MONDAY as he was cranking out insightful and reflective songs such as NOBODY SPEAKS TO THE CAPTAIN NO MORE and IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING IT'S ME, to name only a few. PACING THE CAGE is "Too Deep" for Buffett? You couldn't be more wrong. It is a tremendous song, but have you bothered to explore his body of work beyond the obvious two hits he had? He is a songwriter's songwriter, and the stereotype that all he writes about is cheeseburgers and margaritas is lost on so many, and most likely you. If this is what Cockburn said, what you said he did, that "Buffett didn't really do anything with it," then all I can say is that Cockburn is an ingrate. He should be grateful that perhaps Buffett respected the song so much that he did his best NOT to make it his own, to not change a thing about it, but to deliver it in its plaintive and unadulterated form. There are a multitude of artists who would be more than honored to have the great Jimmy Buffett record one of their songs. It's not as if he has to, considering his own wealth of talent. I will always be a fan of this song, but thanks to what you just told me about Cockburn's unappreciative comment, I have lost interest in exploring much more of his work. Very arrogant comment on his behalf. Almost wish you hadn't told me that, because he almost had me as a fan.
Tommy Bain
No sweat, Tommy, I hear you. I'm just real protective of Jimmy. His music has done much to heal my soul and spirit through the years, and as a songwriter and entertainer myself, as well as novelist, I have learned a lot through him.
why did this speak to you?
Love Bruce's music his new album Crowing Ignites based on Scottish roots!Had the opportunity to meet with him face to face 2019 October! Got pics together at 74 years of age still touring!And still plays great ..he has some health conditions seems he had a cane to help balance him was sad to see that!I mentioned one of his songs was beautiful Rose above the sky..he said thank you for saying that!But there are so many other beautiful songs I could have mentioned! For me meeting Bruce after a lifetime of listening and loving his music a rare privilege!We had a short talk but a memorable one!And film!
thanks for this gem
Beautiful.
This is so beautifull wonderfull to listen he do a lot of good work with his music.
How could 3 people not love this song. I don't get it.
Bruce is too far beyond the LCD... (lowest common denominator)
It's a conspiracy
Lieber Bruce, das ist mein Lieblingslied von Dir!
Great tour. Loved it.
Bruce has been the voice of beauty for a long time. Thank you god for Bruce Cockburn. He brings me back everytime.
Hi there🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for your love and support that has brought me this far, it has been a hard time for me going through this but your love and support keeps me going and standing strong in this difficult times. I do read your heartwarming comments and I truly appreciate all you’ve done for me throughout the years.
It’s a season of love😍❤️❤️ for me and so I decided to put a smile on the faces of my fans by going through my CZcams channel and checking out on my fans, so I can get to communicate with my fans better through discussion of depth and humor listening to o and criticism of my career.💞💞🙏💖💕💕
A deep moving masterpiece by a master, not much else to say. This one sits high on my all time list of gems.
One of Bruce's best, if this was recorded by a mainstream artist it would be a huge hit.
+Guy B. Agree, Check out Paper Rival - Pacing The Cage
Jordan Kessler Once i figured out Paper Rival wasn't a song ( i was sure i had heard everything Bruce recorded) i was pleasantly surprised, nice cover.
+Guy B. Glad you liked it. Check out some of their other stuff if you haven't already.
+Jordan Kessler I'm listening to Charity of Night as we speak.
Urban legend:
Eddie Van Halen was once asked what it felt like to be the greatest guitar player in the world, Eddie replied,
"I don't know, you'd have to ask Bruce Cockburn."
+Mr. G. How about Jimmy Buffett?
Love, love, love this song!!
Thank you for this. I love this song.
Sunset is an angel weeping. Holding out a bloody sword.
Some songs are excellent and this is perfect. Makes me emotional but thats a great thing; Bruce's ability to move people!
I am grateful to the fella that introduced me to Bruce's music so many years and worlds ago.
Right there myself friend. BC's music is my therapy and sometimes salvation