Kicking at the Darkness: Bruce Cockburn and the Christian Imagination

For more than 40 years and in 31 albums (20 of which went gold or platinum), the Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter has probed the depths of human life in all its joy, anguish, sorrow, despair, and hope. In this affectionate set of fan’s notes on his favorite musician, Walsh (The Transforming Vision) gracefully and charmingly attempts to join Cockburn on his artistic journey to determine whether there are resonances with our own journeys and to see if Cockburn offers wisdom that will help us as we travel our own roads. Walsh provides close readings of Cockburn’s many lyrics to demonstrate the ways in which Cockburn is a psalmist whose songs’ rich images invite us into a world that is “intergenerational, covenantally shaped, morally serious, dialogically open, and politically demanding.” For example, in “Isn’t That What Friends Are For?” (1999), Cockburn scrapes a little light off the darkness—in this case the darkness brought on by a failing friendship—and shares that light with his hearers in the midst of darkness. Walsh’s loving tribute to Cockburn’s artistry, one suffused with grace and generosity, offers a rich introduction to one of our most precious musical talents. (Dec.)