Big Circumstance

by Bruce Cockburn

Big Circumstance cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1988
  • Label: True North
  • Country: Canada
  • Length: 1:06:58
  • Community rating: 3.24/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Written following an extensive period of travel through politically volatile regions including Central America and Nepal, this release captures a deeply observant and politically charged era for the Canadian artist. The arrangements balance intimate acoustic textures with denser, radio-friendly pop-rock production. The poignant lyricism addresses global injustices alongside themes of personal mortality and love.

Genres

Descriptors: melodic, death, atmospheric

Tracklist

  1. If A Tree Falls (5:44)
  2. Shipwrecked At The Stable Door (3:40)
  3. Gospel Of Bondage (5:48)
  4. Don't Feel Your Touch (4:50)
  5. Tibetan Side Of Town (7:01)
  6. Understanding Nothing (4:29)
  7. Where The Death Squad Lives (4:25)
  8. Radium Rain (9:24)
  9. Pangs Of Love (5:16)
  10. The Gift (6:08)
  11. Anything Can Happen (4:36)
  12. If A Tree Falls (Acoustic) (5:32)

Credits

  • Bruce Cockburn - primary artist, vocals, guitar, harmonica, written-by, guitar harmonica, vocal
  • Judy Cade - backing vocals, background vocals vocal
  • Mary Margaret O'Hara - backing vocals
  • Fergus Jemison Marsh - bass
  • Myron Schultz - clarinet
  • Michael Sloski - drums, percussion, membranophone percussion
  • Hugh Marsh - violin
  • Jonathan Goldsmith - autoharp keyboard

More from Bruce Cockburn: full discography