Lovers in a Dangerous Time

Bruce Cockburn

About Lovers in a Dangerous Time

"Lovers in a Dangerous Time" is a song by Bruce Cockburn, originally released on his 1984 album Stealing Fire. The song was a Top 40 hit for Cockburn, peaking at No. 25 on the Canadian charts the week of August 18, 1984. According to Cockburn, the song was inspired by seeing teenagers expressing romantic love in a schoolyard. In the song, he contrasts the hopefulness and joy of new love with the despair of a wider Cold War world where notions of the future often carried a sense of foreboding and doom. However, especially in light of Cockburn's next single "If I Had a Rocket Launcher", the song has also been interpreted by listeners and critics as referring to the same Guatemalan refugee crisis that inspired the later song, or to the then-emerging HIV/AIDS crisis. Cockburn stated in later interviews that he was pleased by both of these alternate interpretations. U2 alluded to "Lovers" in their 1988 single "God Part II", with the lyric Heard a singer on the radio late last night/He says he's gonna kick the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight. 


Year:
1984
4:06
537 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Bruce Cockburn

Bruce Douglas Cockburn OC ( /ˈkoʊbərn/ KOH-bərn; born May 27, 1945) is a Canadian folk/rock guitarist and singer-songwriter. His most recent album was released in March 2011. He has written songs in styles ranging from folk to jazz-influenced rock to rock and roll. more »

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10 facts about this song

Song’s Origin
"Lovers in a Dangerous Time" was written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter, Bruce Cockburn. The song was first released on Cockburn's 1984 album, "Stealing Fire."
Inspiration
The song was reportedly inspired by the delicate state of the world during the Cold War era. The lyrics convey a sense of fear and uncertainty about the future, balanced by Cockburn's trademark optimism and hope.
Success in Canada
On its release, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" reached number 25 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart, making it one of Cockburn's most successful hits in his home country.
Music Video
The music video for the song received heavy airplay on MuchMusic, Canada's music video network. It features Cockburn walking through downtown Toronto and interacting with the youth of the city, highlighting the song's theme of inherited problems passed on to younger generations.
Barenaked Ladies Cover
In 1991, Canadian band Barenaked Ladies covered “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” which significantly boosted their fame. Their version also made it to the Top 100 in Canada and won a Juno Award for Single of the Year.
Lyric Misunderstanding
A popular misinterpretation of a key line from 'Lovers in a Dangerous Time' is "Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight / Got to kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight." Some fans have cited it as "Got to kick at the darkness till it *beats* daylight," which Cockburn has clarified every so often on stage.
Live Performances
Over the years, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" has been a staple in Cockburn's live performances. Notwithstanding, each live version somewhat varies musically, with Cockburn often opting to reinterpret the song rather than recreate the original.
Charity Work
In 2005, Cockburn performed "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" on the CBC charity telethon for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
Cultural Impact
"Lovers in a Dangerous Time" has had a lasting cultural impact in Canada, with the song being covered and remixed by numerous artists. It was listed at number 11 on Bob Mersereau's 2007 book The Top 100 Canadian Singles.
Usage in Television
The song has also been used in popular culture, including an episode of the Canadian television show, "Due South," in which the Barenaked Ladies cover was featured.

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