Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws
Bruce Cockburn · 1979
36 min · 8 tracks · folk music
Folk-infused melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evokes natural and spiritual imagery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wondering Where The Lions Are — This track stands out for its catchy melody and vivid storytelling, capturing a sense of wonder and existential questioning that resonates throughout the album.
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Creation Dream Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its ethereal sound and profound lyrics about creation and interconnectedness, establishing a thematic foundation.
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Northern Lights — This song showcases Cockburn's poetic lyricism and musical versatility, blending folk elements with evocative imagery of nature that enhances the album's overall atmosphere.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cockburn's blend of introspective lyrics and folk melodies creates a distinctive sound that resonates over time.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a soft, fingerpicked guitar that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through the first four tracks.
- Each song features intricate arrangements that blend acoustic instruments with layered vocals, enhancing the lyrical themes.
- The tempo varies significantly, with tracks like 'Wondering Where The Lions Are' introducing a more upbeat feel amidst the contemplative pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective reflective listening sessions
- nature-inspired contemplative moods
- gradual builds and payoffs
- layered dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its introspective lyrics and rich sound, showcasing Cockburn's artistry.
- Themes
- spiritual interconnectedness· Canadian wilderness
- Career context
- Released in 1979, Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws marked Bruce Cockburn's fifth studio album, coming after his breakthrough record, Night Vision. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a significant voice in Canadian folk music, blending political themes with personal reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Richard Thompson· Leonard Cohen· Joni Mitchell
Tracklist
- 1 Creation Dream Start here 4:02
- 2 Hills Of Morning 4:28
- 3 Badlands Flashback 6:15
- 4 Northern Lights 4:10
- 5 After The Rain 3:54
- 6 Wondering Where The Lions Are 3:44
- 7 Incandescent Blue 4:35
- 8 No Footprints 5:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Songs of Love and Hate
Leonard Cohen
Shares introspective lyrics with spiritual themes and rich, folk-infused melodies.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Evokes natural imagery and personal reflection through poignant storytelling and folk influences.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Combines delicate melodies with introspective themes, creating an atmospheric listening experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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