Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen
"Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in an old midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free. Like a worm on a hook, like a knight bent down in some old-fashioned book, it was the shape of our love that twisted me. . . "
Leonard Cohen, icon, poet/songwriter
Composer/performer of the most amazing song, Hallelujah:
Suzanne by Leonard Cohen
"Suzanne takes you down to her place near the river, you can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night beside her. And you know that she's half crazy but that's why you want to be there, and she feeds you tea and oranges that come all the way from China. And just when you mean to tell her that you have no love to give her, she gets you on her wavelength and she lets the river answer that you've always been her lover. And you want to travel with her, you want to travel blind, and you know that she can trust you for you've touched her perfect body with your mind. . . "
Book of Longing, poetry and drawings by Leonard Cohen
from Book of Longing by Leonard Cohen
from Book of Longing by Leonard Cohen
from Book of Longing by Leonard Cohen
I love Leonard Cohen, I love his songs and his poetry.
ReplyDeleteI can't understand the people who say he is dreary and miserable and dark.
Did I say that I love Leonard Cohen?
No I love Leonard Cohen!! His poetry is to die for . . .
ReplyDeleteHe hails from Montreal and an old friend of mine says she knew the real 'Suzanne' of the song. Cohen used to be seen walking around on St. Denis Street, or visiting his favourite cafes. My grandaughter (5 at the time) and her father sat having breakfast beside him in their favourite bagel shop - he was quite intrigued with her name "Indya".
I love his new book and have many of his CDs.
I love, love, love Leonard Cohen, especially his song Hallelujah. K.D. Lang has a version I love too!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Margaret!
Wow, I love this post. I have all of his books of poetry and most of his music. My favorite song is "Suzanne". It always takes me back to the 70's when I used to play it over and over. And that's a fabulous photo of the young Margaret. You're still as beautiful as you were then. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy youthful years were infused with Cohen's songs and writing. I lived in his neighbourhood in Montreal and there were many reported Leonard sightings, but I didn't see him there. He did come into the bookshop downtown where I worked, though, and checked out the poetry section. I happened to be sitting at the desk right beside it, writing up orders. He was talking to the store owner; I think he was checking out how well his book was selling. If my memory serves me well, I do believe he was wearing his famous blue raincoat!
ReplyDeleteHi Friko! I love him, too! And I bet we're not alone! Sensitive, perceptive, sophisticated...and that soulful, gravelly, breath-stopping voice!
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Hi Bonnie! Hey, get in line! (just kidding!) How great that some of your family members met him! He was at Madison Square Garden Oct 23--I had tickets but couldn't go! Now I regret it! I hear he brought the house down with Hallelujah! Amazing how he still has it. xxox
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Hi Wanda! Now we really have a long line! This man has so many qualities that render him loveable. I will have to listen to K.D. Lang's version of Hallelujah. She has a rich voice with a wide range; I bet it's beautiful. Hallelujah is considered by many to be the best song written in years... xxox
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Hi Marion! I loved Suzanne in the 70's, too! I remember trying to be like her, with the Janis-Joplin-like garb and serving tea and oranges! Wasn't it great to be young?! I loved Sisters of Mercy, too. xxox
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omg, Lynne! You actually saw him! and worked in a bookstore! What a great job! I still get that emotional tingling when I play his music. And he really hasn't changed much. xxox
What a lovely post, Margaret. You are always soothing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! Leonard Cohen has the gentlest voice. xxox
ReplyDeleteHe has a gift he shares perfectly and that makes him easy to love and enjoy. Thanks for sharing Margaret, great post!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I might be a new fan. I'll leave it up in the air as to whether I mean a fan of you or Leonard Cohen! Or maybe both!
ReplyDeleteHi Blues~ Very true. Doesn't he remind you of Bob Dylan? I see you have a wide range of musical interests. Why don't you post them on your blog, too?
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Hi Sharon! No, it is I who is the fan of yours! Maybe we can consolidate our interests? xxox
Oh thanks so much for that, I adore Mr Cohen! I used to play his albums over and over (then I found Dan Fogelburg... )
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret
ReplyDeleteI'm another L C fan from way back with Suzanne.
I'll have to look out for the book...I liked the illustration samples you offered...
Happy days
I look forward to checking in on your new blog post so creative and interesting. Rhonda E
ReplyDeleteI came to check out your Leonard Cohen post (as you comment on my blog had a link) Love to see the photos and your interpretations! (Did you know I made an art journal with his songs? It's in the gallery on my blog) The book made me remember this old post on my older blog
ReplyDelete(and so we happily keep on hopping up and down...