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Cowboy Junkies — A Common Disaster
Album: Lay It Down
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3462









Released: 1996
Length: 3:17
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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A candle burning for everything I've ever wanted
A tattoo burned for everything I've ever wanted and lost
I had a long list of names that I kept in my back pocket,
but I've cut it down to one and your name's at the top

Won't you share a common disaster?
Share with me a common disaster
A common disaster

I found myself a friend,
but he's crooked as a stick in water
So now I'm writing fairy tales
to catch the spirit of revenge
He's got a plan to steal my little sister,
but I'm not too concerned
'cause I will get him in the end

Won't you share a common disaster?
Share with me a common disaster
A common disaster

Going to find me someone to share
A common disaster
Run away with me from a life so cramped and dull
Not worry too much about the happily-ever-after
Just keep the Caddy moving
'til we're well beyond that hill

Won't you share a common disaster?
Share with me a common disaster
A common disaster
Comments (242)add comment
 petecallaghan wrote:

Would love to see these guys live


I saw these guys eons ago at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock NY. Great show!
Posted 7 months ago by MrPou    [ Reply ]
Would love to see these guys live
Posted 9 months ago by petecallaghan    [ Reply ]
Still timeless after three decades. 
Posted 1 year ago by RobertBigelow    [ Reply ]
Jan 31 2023 I will finally be able to see them for myself . The problem with living in Australia is the dirth of truly great acts that come here.
Posted 1 year ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
Heard this live last night in Arden Gild Hall. Live was even better!
Posted 2 years ago by unbroke1    [ Reply ]
 tinypriest wrote:
Will never understand the appeal of this mediocre outfit from the Toronto suburbs. They look as bored on the cover as I do listening to this monotonous dirge. So many wonderful singers in the world, and so many of them played on RP! But these guys stopped at their sister to choose their singer, whose range is about a half octave and with the emotional delivery of a car-insurance cold caller. Sorry to all the CJ fans who will hate me saying this. But this stuff has the inspirational energy of grass seed.

Monotonous dirge?  Did you even listen to the song? Or is that based entirely on your preconceptions about the CJs?

I suspect I know the answer... 
Posted 2 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
What a great sound!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
I would share a common disaster but our little blue ball has enough going on right now.
Posted 2 years ago by Rockit999    [ Reply ]
Just bumped the CJ all the way to 10 from 8
Posted 3 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 tinypriest wrote:
Will never understand the appeal of this mediocre outfit from the Toronto suburbs. They look as bored on the cover as I do listening to this monotonous dirge. So many wonderful singers in the world, and so many of them played on RP! But these guys stopped at their sister to choose their singer, whose range is about a half octave and with the emotional delivery of a car-insurance cold caller. Sorry to all the CJ fans who will hate me saying this. But this stuff has the inspirational energy of grass seed.



You surely are an ABBA Fan
Posted 3 years ago by ger-man    [ Reply ]
Tune 
Posted 3 years ago by bikerman65    [ Reply ]
Will never understand the appeal of this mediocre outfit from the Toronto suburbs. They look as bored on the cover as I do listening to this monotonous dirge. So many wonderful singers in the world, and so many of them played on RP! But these guys stopped at their sister to choose their singer, whose range is about a half octave and with the emotional delivery of a car-insurance cold caller. Sorry to all the CJ fans who will hate me saying this. But this stuff has the inspirational energy of grass seed.
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
Was lucky to see the Junkies in '88 or '89, back when they toured their Trinity Sessions album, in a small live music bar in Victoria, BC.
Margo seemed quite shy as she sang, but was positively extroverted compared to brother Michael on guitar, as I don't think I saw his face the entire gig, as he sat hunched over his guitar.
An intimate & very cool experience.
Posted 3 years ago by hifigreg    [ Reply ]
 meanderer wrote:

Ah come on Bill... I'm trying to finish work here... Stop playing the good shit will you??



Maybe this is Rebecca's Gig! Love this Disaster tune. 9
Posted 3 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
Ah come on Bill... I'm trying to finish work here... Stop playing the good shit will you??
Posted 3 years ago by meanderer    [ Reply ]
Cool Bass Line
Posted 3 years ago by Internazionale    [ Reply ]
 xcranky_yankee wrote:
one of my favorite Cowboy Junkies' tunes. Margo Timmons voice is perfect for it
 

Also, "common disaster" is a pretty good description of the things which are currently going on. :}
Posted 3 years ago by a_geek    [ Reply ]
It would be helpful to have an "11" button here.
Posted 3 years ago by moto848    [ Reply ]
Gave it an 8 because i love margos voice
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
one of my favorite Cowboy Junkies' tunes. Margo Timmons voice is perfect for it
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
I am again amazed at how they take such a simple groove and dig the everloving hell out of it; my God:  that voice, guitar and bass!
 
Well it did all start in a CHURCH! ;-) 
Posted 4 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Groove like a loooong lit fuse🔥
Posted 4 years ago by SteveInVa    [ Reply ]
this song is prophetic. 
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I call them the Boring Monkeys. They have zero uptempo songs—only downpresser tunes. Margo, SCREAM a little!
Posted 4 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
How apropos for Spring 2020. world wide common disaster. Be safe all.
Hunkering down is all the easier with RP. Thanks Bill &  Rebecca!!
Posted 4 years ago by indatube1    [ Reply ]
Love the bassline
Posted 4 years ago by drwhy    [ Reply ]
 Shipp wrote:
The music ain't no disaster.
 
Amen...Margo Timmins' voice on the chorus is so ethereal. Thanks RP for the CanCon.
Posted 5 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
I will share a pizza with you......but NO disasters!
Posted 5 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
The music ain't no disaster.
Posted 5 years ago by Shipp    [ Reply ]
 dragon1952 wrote:
Love the '60's vibe on guitar.

 
Hmm.  This note made me listen the guitar more closely.  One note throughout each verse (at least for the first two). I hadn't noticed before, but it's pretty boring, bordering on annoying.  The rest of the song is pretty good.
Posted 6 years ago by bitterdave    [ Reply ]
My Fave Junky Song....9
Posted 6 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
Awesome song,   it's the one that turned me onto the Cowboy Smack Heads{#Drunk}
Posted 6 years ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
captain cook took his parrot with crooked smile and  went cruising again.

Posted 7 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Hi from Beijing - your great selections are helping easing the jet lag and I agree on Sweet Jane.
Posted 7 years ago by lisa_jacobson568    [ Reply ]
 Rockstable wrote:
I think their version of Sweet Jane is the best!
 
I'll take a pull to that.   
Posted 7 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
I think their version of Sweet Jane is the best!
Posted 7 years ago by Rockstable    [ Reply ]
Natalie Merchant's apocalyptic future vision "Its a coming" followed by Cowboy Junkies "A common disaster" - Bill, did you wake from a nightmare last night or were you watching the final throes of the Presidential debates and making a cryptic prediction?
Posted 8 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Every time Cowboy Junkies comes on, I go straight for that PSD button. Sorry Margo and the boys, but you're boring and slightly irritating. If it's any consolation, I do the same thing when Joan Osborne comes on, too.
 
Posted 8 years ago by skyian    [ Reply ]
Love the '60's vibe on guitar.
Posted 8 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
I echo Zoopmama - too much play time for the Cowboy Junkies.  I've even seen them in concert and still go "ho hum". 

 
I saw them in concert and almost fell asleep. Strangely, I still like them on radio or CD where I don't expect a " show" just an interesting vibe and they are unique.
Posted 8 years ago by mobboss    [ Reply ]
Used to kind of like them. Now I find them kind of dull (especially Margo's singing).
Posted 8 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
About the only Cowboy Junkies fit for RP. I give this one a 7 ... the rest get 2s because they all sound alike.
Posted 8 years ago by mbolch30307    [ Reply ]
 PaoloManana wrote:

They are addictive, can't get enough.
 
lol...a continuing argument with a friend......addicting or additive? 

P,S, you got it right 
Posted 8 years ago by Chinto    [ Reply ]
I honestly don't know why I dislike these guys so much.
Posted 9 years ago by cheetahwheelies    [ Reply ]
always enjoy hearing CJs on RP. 
Posted 9 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
I found myself a friend  of sound mind.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
I echo Zoopmama - too much play time for the Cowboy Junkies.  I've even seen them in concert and still go "ho hum". 
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 zoopmama wrote:
The Junkies are overplayed on RP. Give us something new and underrepresented — like Judee Sill.

 
I've been enjoying Shawn Colvin's cover of "There's a Rugged Road," but until tonight I had never heard of Judee Sill.
Even comments shared in frustration can guide us to new places on this Radio Paradise map.


Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
I am trying to remember where / when I heard this, but I seem to remember hearing Margo Timmins in an interview, about how she was shopping for clothes (I believe it was around Newbury Street in Boston) and while she was in the fitting room, the woman in the next room was singing this song.

Pretty cool story, really.  I wish I could confirm it ...
Posted 9 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
Love the sixties guitar leads they like to use.
Posted 9 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
I am again amazed at how they take such a simple groove and dig the everloving hell out of it; my God:  that voice, guitar and bass!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 duckwater wrote:
 
 
Well put.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

{#Tongue} ..... I know she is
 
Everybody in my homeless camps loves Margo, this song, and this entire album...

hope life is grand for both of you right this minute, Peter_Bradshaw and LowPhreak... 
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 (former member) wrote:

This song is soooo good it makes us tear off our clothes and start slow-dancing...

Margo is marvelous...
 

 
{#Tongue} ..... I know she is
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
 (former member) wrote:

This song is soooo good it makes us tear off our clothes and start slow-dancing...

Margo is marvelous...
 

 
I want Margo to tear off her clothes first! ;)
Posted 11 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 zoopmama wrote:
The Junkies are overplayed on RP. Give us something new and underrepresented -- like Judee Sill.

 
They are addictive, can't get enough.
Posted 11 years ago by PaoloManana    [ Reply ]
 Hogtownmike wrote:

it may seem that they are overplayed—only because Margo's voice is so distinctive. I will have to check out Judee Sill now...

 
They may seem overplayed to some listeners since there are forty-five of their songs on the playlist (more titles than Led Zeppelin, The Who, or Jimi Hendrix), not necessarily entirely because of Margo's "distinctive" voice.  I'm not a big fan, but I don't find them overplayed either.  This song is cool.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 zoopmama wrote:
The Junkies are overplayed on RP. Give us something new and underrepresented -- like Judee Sill.

 
it may seem that they are overplayed--only because Margo's voice is so distinctive. I will have to check out Judee Sill now...
Posted 11 years ago by Hogtownmike    [ Reply ]
The Junkies are overplayed on RP. Give us something new and underrepresented -- like Judee Sill.
Posted 11 years ago by zoopmama    [ Reply ]
 Hogtownmike wrote:

that is a common disaster...

 

That and it's just plain silly.
Posted 11 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 

 
that is a common disaster...
Posted 11 years ago by Hogtownmike    [ Reply ]
Upbeat drear. 
Posted 11 years ago by chism2    [ Reply ]


Margo is marvelous...  this song is from a GREAT album...

love this song...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
they make such enjoyable music 
Posted 11 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
A FANTASTIC combo of Margo's sultry vocals & rockin' instruments!
 
Posted 11 years ago by doc1968    [ Reply ]
The bass on this is positively SIZZLING, and the rest ain't bad, either!
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
i still like this after years and years
Posted 12 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Still like it lots! {#Bananajam}
Posted 12 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

I agree...  love this song...

 
 
I Third that she is all and everything!    {#Cheers}
Posted 12 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
Margo is a goddess
Posted 12 years ago by sniderscion    [ Reply ]
Oh man I WORSHIP MIGHTILY any station that plays THIS within minutes of Dylan's Twist of Fate and Neil Finn's live CH classic and Bowie's freaky Ashes to Ashes! 
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 demenshea wrote:
Need to hear more of this album...can I still say album? {#Tongue-out}
 
I don't know.  Can I call this a radio station?  More like a webcast.

Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Need to hear more of this album...can I still say album? {#Tongue-out}
Posted 12 years ago by demenshea    [ Reply ]
SIMPLY GOOD!
Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

This whole album is fantastic...  great groove...  love this song...


 
 
couldn't agree more... well said.
Posted 13 years ago by kayumann    [ Reply ]
This may be the only CJ song where her voice does not get on my nerves.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

slow dancing to beach music...  we be doing it now...  love this song...

 

 

Beach music? Heee...?
How can you dance and post at the same time?
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
ABSOLUTELY LOVELY!!!
GREAT BAND,....still!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Not sure why but this song grates on my nerves.
Posted 13 years ago by adrianblack    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


We just started shagging...  cool...
 

And you just had to interrupt it by posting this?
Posted 13 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 Randomax wrote:
Why does this make me want to hear The Metro by Berlin?
 
Now that you mention it, they would go together rather well.

Posted 13 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

 

As for boring, compared to who?  Swiss Germans?  -lol-

 
You just get to Berlin, my friend. I'll show you how boring Germans are.

And don't be late.... 
Posted 13 years ago by thediceareloaded    [ Reply ]
This whole album is great...but this song is outstanding.  

Nice follow-up to In the Waiting Line from Zero 7 Mr Bill... 
Posted 13 years ago by Radiohead-head    [ Reply ]
smooth & easy — I give it an 8
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
...and I always thought Margo was hot...
Posted 14 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Nice and groovy!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I hate this band, hate her voice, but the guitar in this is so good it overcomes the obstacle of her voice. Pretty good song.
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

Yes, this really is a great song...  I gave it a rare 10...

 
 
lol

Posted 14 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Up from an 8 to a 9. Love the Junkies.
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


We just started shagging...  cool...
 

uhhhh, as in "dancing to beach music" or the Horizontal mambo" ???
Posted 14 years ago by scott_bruce    [ Reply ]
I really like this, lots .
Posted 14 years ago by tipper    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:

We just started shagging...  cool...

 
Er,  I think that counts as too much information, guy. I think I preferred it when songs were "soooo good for the ears". You sure you made enough comments on this page? I count at least 10...

The chord changes on this are both smooth and disturbing, and certainly grab the attention. 8 from the Nottingham jury.


Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Fine-fine Junkies!
GREAT sound!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]

Margo Timmins Cowboy Junkies 5 by =rachellcoe
Rachell  ©2010 =rachellcoe

Margo Timmins Cowboy Junkies


Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Said it before and I say it again, love it!

Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
wb
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Could someone please get Margo Timmins some espresso - i know her singing is putting ME to sleep {#Puke}
Posted 14 years ago by stephw    [ Reply ]
Why does this make me want to hear The Metro by Berlin?
Posted 14 years ago by Randomax    [ Reply ]
major Tom's a junkie ;-))
Posted 14 years ago by vinv    [ Reply ]
I think we're sharing that right now.

Posted 14 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
Yep—this is as up-tempo as Margo ever gets. She is giving us Canadians the rep we have always had: polite + boring.
 

Well, being Canadian and having traveled and lived extensively outside Canada I would like to suggest that Canadians can be surreptitious back stabbers.

 

As for boring, compared to who?  Swiss Germans?  -lol-


Posted 14 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Thanks to RP for turning me onto the Cowboy Junkies!!  Don't here this stuff on mainstream FM radio!
Posted 14 years ago by ober9000    [ Reply ]
I have always liked this band!!!{#Yes}
Posted 15 years ago by chedak    [ Reply ]
Absolutely beautiful and in that wonderful restrained Cowboy Junkies style too. It's almost like they could have "rocked this one out" but remembered at the last moment who they were. I love it.

Posted 15 years ago by maroubra    [ Reply ]
For three sibilings to work together and still make music, that is pretty impressive.....
Posted 15 years ago by ortallcowgirl    [ Reply ]
"And well you should because it kind of rocks, especially for the Cowboy Junkies!"

Very true.  Definitely a very rock-flavored album.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 Geecheeboy wrote:
I always turn this one up just a little louder than I should for this office.
 
And well you should because it kind of rocks, especially for the Cowboy Junkies! {#Guitarist}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
I love this whole CD.  It's their best work by far.
Posted 15 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
love this, and great segue after Zero 7  {#Music}
Posted 15 years ago by Middleton    [ Reply ]
 Akaiila wrote:

The most instantly recognisable voice in the business?


 
this and definitely one of the most beautiful voices also.

PLEASE MARGO MARRY ME !!


Posted 15 years ago by dunno    [ Reply ]
Margo Timmons = most seductive voice in recent history
Posted 15 years ago by LBHK007    [ Reply ]
Yummy!  Love this whole CD  - dark and moody stuff. 
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
No doubt about it. This is the best Cowboy Junkies tune of all times!!!!!!!  10
Posted 15 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Cool...Zero 7 and Cowboy Junkies...separated at birth?
Posted 15 years ago by kencav    [ Reply ]
How bland.
Posted 15 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]

The most instantly recognisable voice in the business?


Posted 15 years ago by Akaiila    [ Reply ]
Thank you RP for bringing this fantastic music to my attention!
Posted 15 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
They sound more like junkies than cowboys... {#Eh}
Posted 15 years ago by Stardust83    [ Reply ]