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Bruce Cockburn — The End of All Rivers
Album: Speechless
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2562









Released: 2005
Length: 5:46
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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(Instrumental)
Comments (220)add comment
Such a talented guitar player.  You almost forget the perfection of his playing because he's such a poet too!
Posted 16 hours ago by lynnefredricksen    [ Reply ]
I like his instrumental music most of all.
Posted 18 hours ago by liveaudio608    [ Reply ]
Lovely song
8
Posted 2 months ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

This is the sort of aimless noodling that musicians do when they buy a new delay pedal (or start using the delay plug-ins in their DAW), but to my ears it has no place in a playlist.


I'm assuming you've never seen Bruce LIVE and in concert noodling away.  He might occasionally sing a song too.

Posted 3 months ago by dickmahoon    [ Reply ]
SUPERB TUNE!
Posted 7 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I wonder what the etymology of his last name is
Posted 7 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Been a long while since I've heard this in rotation, thanks RP for reprising. Always loved the vibe on this. 
Posted 7 months ago by christopherwoods    [ Reply ]
lunch lost 
Posted 1 year ago by pbouchar    [ Reply ]
I have a friend here in our little village who is a pretty decent guitar player.  He always comments that Bruce Cockburn is a terrific guitarist.  

Truth.
Posted 1 year ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:



Relax. It's only music.


Fair point.  Memo to self - stop making negative comments about music that I don't care for.  Just because I don't like it doesn't make it bad, just music I don't like.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

This is the sort of aimless noodling that musicians do when they buy a new delay pedal (or start using the delay plug-ins in their DAW), but to my ears it has no place in a playlist.




Relax. It's only music.
Posted 1 year ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
This is the sort of aimless noodling that musicians do when they buy a new delay pedal (or start using the delay plug-ins in their DAW), but to my ears it has no place in a playlist.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
Saw him at the Narrows in Fall River, MA, in March. Just WOW! Awesome show.
Posted 2 years ago by costoonces    [ Reply ]
Great album...saw him at the Ark in Ann Arbor w/older son...stunning. 
Posted 2 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Bruce - as well rounded a musician can be… love him
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
Got tix for his show tomorrow night at the Boulder Theater. 
Posted 2 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
A highlight of his Hillside Festival appearance in 1998
Posted 2 years ago by ArrayMac    [ Reply ]
Man I love how Bruce tickles the strings. If you ever need to lower my blood pressure play anything off this album or by Michael Hedges. 
Posted 2 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
 ReMarcKO wrote:

I really like this, but humbly posit that Durutti Column pioneered this style from 1978.  Not to say that there weren't others, but they are the artists that I have always associated with this sound.



Grateful Dead played something extremely reminiscent of this, from around 1969 or so, probably even earlier. Check out live versions of  The Other One.
Posted 2 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
What a wonderful piece this is!
Posted 3 years ago by SRAY    [ Reply ]
 tayltree wrote:

Hearing this tune live is completely stunning.  Bruce is a complete artist, thoughtful caring, smart and an all around good Human! I have been following his music for 30 plus years and seen him live numerous times. It is such a joy to hear whatever he is working on, especially musically.



Yes, he is a good human. I've seen him three times - twice in concert and once, in April 1990, on the New York State Parkway in upstate NY. It was pouring rain and he was helping a guy boost his old dead battery truck at a gas station. Truly a good person. 
Posted 3 years ago by dfphillips1    [ Reply ]
I really like this, but humbly posit that Durutti Column pioneered this style from 1978.  Not to say that there weren't others, but they are the artists that I have always associated with this sound.
Posted 3 years ago by ReMarcKO    [ Reply ]
I cannot "10" this song enough. I will always turn it up for the beautiful sound and talent. Thanks, Bruce! (And Bill!)
Posted 3 years ago by kcatalina    [ Reply ]
there is reasoning behind this 
Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M    [ Reply ]
 tayltree wrote:
Hearing this tune live is completely stunning.  Bruce is a complete artist, thoughtful caring, smart and an all around good Human! I have been following his music for 30 plus years and seen him live numerous times. It is such a joy to hear whatever he is working on, especially musically.
 

Look after the king of R n R please 
Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M    [ Reply ]
This is really, really nice. 
Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
can't believe i've never heard this.

10
Posted 4 years ago by wanderinglevel    [ Reply ]
Magical mystical Bruce lost in Canadian woods under the starry sky.
Posted 4 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
This really sounds like Michael Hedges
Posted 4 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
So much '10' for this song. Love this guy!
Posted 4 years ago by k1j2cat    [ Reply ]
Wow. Just perfect.
Posted 4 years ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]
Hearing this tune live is completely stunning.  Bruce is a complete artist, thoughtful caring, smart and an all around good Human! I have been following his music for 30 plus years and seen him live numerous times. It is such a joy to hear whatever he is working on, especially musically.
Posted 4 years ago by tayltree    [ Reply ]
don't normally go for his music but this is superb 
Posted 4 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Wow. 10/10. What a revelation what music can be (after 4 Hours listening to our annoyng office radio station)
Posted 4 years ago by Piego    [ Reply ]
Recently I've been guitar shopping and am still in love with a guitar I cannot afford... I found some unique features that the luthier Linda Manzur developed. She's made a number of instruments for BC. 
http://cockburnproject.net/formusicians/gear.html
https://manzer.com/
https://manzer.com/artists/the-bruce-cockburn-page/
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Outstanding.  Like any art, not for everyone, but love him or not you have to respect this work.  Man, you can just about smell these notes.
Posted 4 years ago by stretcher    [ Reply ]
What a beautiful song this is. I am speechless.
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
I watched a recent interview where he said he doesn't like to play chords.
Posted 5 years ago by ecojot    [ Reply ]
so beautiful..
Posted 5 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
 njswede wrote:
"Check out this new tape echo I got! I wonder what it can do?" 
 

"Nice work! I'm simply captivated by it!!!"
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
"Check out this new tape echo I got! I wonder what it can do?" 
Posted 5 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
Just so amazing.
Posted 5 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Corn liquor; the end of all livers.
 

Posted 5 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
Like....
Posted 5 years ago by hbm    [ Reply ]
Saw him do this live at the base of Copper Mountain, it was loud and awesome! Incredible guitar player.
Posted 5 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
Stops me in my tracks, every single time.
Posted 5 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
Corn liquor; the end of all livers.
Posted 5 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Very nice stuff!
Posted 5 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
That's the track that made me buy the CD. It makes me stop what i'm doing. Takes me to a happy place.
Posted 5 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
I read his biography - he is a really good person.
Posted 5 years ago by ecojot    [ Reply ]
I increase my rating from 7 to   8 - Most Excellent 
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
So beautiful. It takes me, sweeps me.

Edit: Still sweeps me. 
Posted 5 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
 passsion8 wrote:
I think Bruce's words are great, but his voice can sometimes leave me wanting more of his guitar. This is that album. All vocal-less songs. Really amazing album to have on in the background on repeat.
 

You put into words what I was just thinking. This is darn good...
Posted 6 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Finding this kind of annoying this morning; it's like the longest intro into...nothing.
Posted 6 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 BlueHeronDruid wrote:
I want to rate this 11.

 
Me too.
Posted 6 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
{#Meditate}
Posted 6 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Ethereal{#Meditate}
Posted 6 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Thats an easy 8 for ol' Cockburn. Wait for it... LOL! Cockburn!
Posted 6 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
As did Bert Weedon in the 60's, with a reel to reel loop no less.
Posted 6 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
https://wallup.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/167954-river-trees-forest-clouds-hill-UK-green-water-landscape-748x477.jpg
Posted 6 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
perfect music!  perfect for making art, or banging a hammer or caressing the smooth skin of a lover...enjoyable sounds  : )
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
All you gotta do is close your eyes and drift away... 
Posted 6 years ago by dligudzinski500    [ Reply ]
I want to rate this 11.
Posted 7 years ago by BlueHeronDruid    [ Reply ]
 Hannio wrote:
This is what they always play when I'm at REI looking at the carabiners.

 
Muzak for climbers.  Hard not to like. 
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
This is what they always play when I'm at REI looking at the carabiners.
Posted 7 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Oh my.  The layered guitars rushing and tripping over each other sound just like a river.

FWIW, I spend a lot of time on flowing water.  
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
What an absolutely beautiful guitar intro!
Posted 7 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
I think Bruce's words are great, but his voice can sometimes leave me wanting more of his guitar. This is that album. All vocal-less songs. Really amazing album to have on in the background on repeat.
Posted 7 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
 zerosomething wrote:
 it reminds me of an instrumental version of the round sung in the middle of The Prophet's Song
 
He uses a lot of echo like Brian May. This also reminds me of his solo in Brighton Rock live in the late 70's and early 80's. To this day, one of my favorites by them. The Prophet's Song was awesome as well.
Posted 7 years ago by bm.deavenport613    [ Reply ]
Most excellent!
Posted 8 years ago by semolinapilchard    [ Reply ]
Ausgezeichnet!
Posted 9 years ago by theralph    [ Reply ]
 A real journey {#Meditate}!
Posted 9 years ago by muzikbrazil    [ Reply ]
 jgriffin56 wrote:
Take a listen to Funkadelic's Maggot Brain and tell me there is not a similar vibe going.  Really nice spacey guitar takes me to a nice place.  Thanks RP
 
There must be hundreds of instrumental, guitar songs that use a long delay like that and get that "spacey" sound but I hear what you mean.  It may be the first time anyone has ever compared Funkadelic to Bruce Cockburn though.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This amazes me.
Posted 9 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Bruce Cockburn does down tempo ambient with an acoustic guitar.

Introspective he has done, this is different.  Sweet. 
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
What an amazing talent...he really evokes the flow of a river like the Amazon.  Gorgeous.
Posted 10 years ago by SmileOnADog    [ Reply ]
 spudboy wrote:
The bus came by and I got on.....

 
I believe that JG had some sort of influence on BC. The very first time I heard this the Garcia feel was evident. The music never stops...
Posted 10 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Whole album is great. It will leave you speechless. Bruce usual opens his concerts with an instrumental to get his fingers going and to get those in the crowds who are only familiar with Wonder where the lions to realize there are going to see a whole lot more!

 
So glad I had the chance to see BC live a couple times years ago.
Posted 10 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
A perfect interlude to Russia on ice
Posted 10 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 mgkiwi wrote:
Hmmmm, looking out the window on a cold, rainy day wishing I was somewhere else kind of music!!
 What a beautiful image. A treasured sensation...the slight settling of sameness foreshadowing the whisper of the road. It's a call I always answer, but knowing that from which I will flee is the delicious pressure before the sneeze.
Posted 11 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
NICE NOODLING.......{#Guitarist}   ( digi-dat & all )
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 zerosomething wrote:
This is a Queen melody/song but what one?
  it reminds me of an instrumental version of the round sung in the middle of The Prophet's Song
Posted 11 years ago by zerosomething    [ Reply ]
This is a Queen melody/song but what one?
Posted 11 years ago by zerosomething    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Whole album is great. It will leave you speechless. Bruce usual opens his concerts with an instrumental to get his fingers going and to get those in the crowds who are only familiar with Wonder where the lions to realize there are going to see a whole lot more!

 
I have seen Bruce live many times and my favourite part of every show is the acoustic guitar instrumentals.
Posted 11 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Fantastic!
Posted 11 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm, looking out the window on a cold, rainy day wishing I was somewhere else kind of music!!
Posted 11 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
Whole album is great. It will leave you speechless. Bruce usual opens his concerts with an instrumental to get his fingers going and to get those in the crowds who are only familiar with Wonder where the lions to realize there are going to see a whole lot more!
Posted 11 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
perfect music!  perfect for making art, or banging a hammer or caressing the smooth skin of a lover...enjoyable sounds 
Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Whoa - this is Bruce Cockburn?  Never would have guessed, either.  (Y'all catch the echo thingy there?  Oh never mind.)
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 BBoyes wrote:
Whoa - this is Bruce Cockburn? Never would have guessed. Sounds more like an electric Michael Hedges... This is why I listen to RP: new musical discoveries.
 
I was thinking the same thing.  Michael Hedges with tape delay and reverb.
I love it.  Well done Bruce.  This is now my favorite work of yours.
Posted 11 years ago by reindeer    [ Reply ]
When I heard the first few notes, especially those first few trills, I had a feeling it was Bruce - kind of like the intro to "Pacing the Cage". Anyhow, nicely done, Cockburn.
Posted 11 years ago by Coventry    [ Reply ]
 spudboy wrote:
The bus came by and I got on.....
 
Sittin' behind ya. Had to go order this CD.
Posted 11 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
Whoa - this is Bruce Cockburn? Never would have guessed. Sounds more like an electric Michael Hedges... This is why I listen to RP: new musical discoveries.
Posted 11 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
The bus came by and I got on.....
Posted 11 years ago by spudboy    [ Reply ]
BRUUUUUUCE! {#Biggrin}
Posted 11 years ago by lbeaton    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:


Well said...

miss you so much, Cynaera...

 
 
Agreed...so much
Posted 11 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I love the guitar in this... I love the mood it evokes in me. And Stingray, take a couple of deep breaths and think a bit. Absorb. Relish. Cherish. Think before you post - at least where Bruce Cockburn is concerned. His name might be the source of freshman jokes, but his music is far from juvenile.

Just sayin'....

 

Well said...

miss you so much, Cynaera...

 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 jgriffin56 wrote:
Take a listen to Funkadelic's Maggot Brain and tell me there is not a similar vibe going.  Really nice spacey guitar takes me to a nice place.  Thanks RP
 
I somehow doubt that George Clinton told Cockburn to play like he found out his mother just died.
Posted 12 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
 vanmas wrote:
Some guitar man with a delay effect...
Can't enjoy this... too easy.
 
I like the man, but repetitive delayed guitar gets old fast no matter who's playing.  At best, it's tiresome.  At worst, it's guitar wanking.
Posted 12 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
Take a listen to Funkadelic's Maggot Brain and tell me there is not a similar vibe going.  Really nice spacey guitar takes me to a nice place.  Thanks RP
Posted 12 years ago by jgriffin56    [ Reply ]
..this song bounces my ears around..in a great way..

..thank you, Canada!..
Posted 12 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
Just bought it on iTunes - Love it, love it, love it!  Thanks RP for playing it!
Posted 12 years ago by QT    [ Reply ]
Some guitar man with a delay effect...
Can't enjoy this... too easy.
Posted 12 years ago by vanmas    [ Reply ]
It's like the echo of the last note wraps itself around the next note... mmhmm...
Posted 12 years ago by milipili    [ Reply ]
Nice set altogether.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
When he was young, John Martyn used the same effects in live gigs. It was mesmerizing.
Posted 12 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
 christopherwoods wrote:


I view his use of delay and verb as a second musical instrument in its own right - which he just happens to 'play' with a guitar. The music is made through a combination of him understanding how his acoustic guitar produces sound, and how the echo and delay affects the dry sound and creates something different out the other side. For me it's similar to the Beatles using tape loops and manually slowing the reel with a finger in realtime to achieve some cazy effects.
 
{#Yes}
Posted 12 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
I heard Bruce Cockburn play this at a club in Carrboro a few years ago. Mesmerizing performance that motivated me to buy the CD. Nice to hear it on RP.
Posted 12 years ago by ericb    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:

The entire cd is excellent! Highly recommended.

 
And again.
Posted 12 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Bruce has heard a few versions of the dead's "the other one" - sure a lot of similar sound in there!
Posted 13 years ago by jerrydog    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Tim Reynolds. Great aura
Posted 13 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
So spacey...and that's a good thing.
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
I'll just let this play all night and see what happens  {#Smile}
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
Very nice - reminds me of a band I listened to back in the 90s called 'Wind Machine'.
 
Thanks!  Added Wind Machine to my spotify play lists (about 8 songs available), will give them a listen tonight.

Posted 13 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
Very nice - reminds me of a band I listened to back in the 90s called 'Wind Machine'.
Posted 13 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Saw Bruce last year at the Clarke Theatre - what a show! He performed this track also - it was awesome to see it and hear it done live!
Posted 13 years ago by R7-12    [ Reply ]
Gotta Love The Cockburn!
Posted 13 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
Perfect song for hearing while in a hammock in the shade, sipping a vodka tonic on a warm and breezy day...
Posted 13 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
 Poacher wrote:

I'd rather listen to John any day. . . (rest in peace)

But I feel the same as you about Bruce Cockburn and have even bought a couple of cd's. But this just leaves me cold, turn off the echo and there is little there. Bruce is an obviously gifted musician and poet. . . but this. . . . makes. . . . . . . . . . me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . snooze.. . . . . . 

 

I view his use of delay and verb as a second musical instrument in its own right - which he just happens to 'play' with a guitar. The music is made through a combination of him understanding how his acoustic guitar produces sound, and how the echo and delay affects the dry sound and creates something different out the other side. For me it's similar to the Beatles using tape loops and manually slowing the reel with a finger in realtime to achieve some cazy effects.

(I imagine Cockburn probably played through the FX, his playing style seems very much tailored to him monitoring of the wet signal as he lays down the track). I like this track very much, reminds me of Phil Keaggy's nonreligious instrumental stuff.
Posted 13 years ago by christopherwoods    [ Reply ]
Didn't make me retch...best I do for anything Cockburnesque...
Posted 13 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]