Cowboy Junkies is a band from Toronto whose debut album came out in 1986. They are still touring today with the original members: Vocalist Margo Timmins, her two brothers, and a family friend.
The Junkies are categorized in various ways — country rock, alternative country, alternative rock, folk rock. Whatever they are, I’m a big fan. They’ve released 21 albums/CDs, and I have 13 of them.
For a love song, “A Common Disaster” is seriously bleak and gritty. But a love song it is. The singer is asking someone to forget about all that “happily-ever-after” stuff and embark on a relationship, even if, odds are, it will end badly. The Junkies excel at this kind of tune.
A Common Disaster
By Cowboy Junkies, 1996
Written by Michael Timmins
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.
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