Leonard Cohen: Likeness
Leonard Cohen was Canadian poet and singer-songwriter. Explore interesting quotes on likeness.
“Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.”
"Bird on the Wire"
Songs from a Room (1969)
"Suzanne"
Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)
Context: And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said "All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them"
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
Introducing "Who by Fire"
Warsaw concert (1985)
Context: I come from a country where we do not have the same struggles as you have. I respect your struggles. And it may surprise you, but I respect both sides of this struggle. It seems to be that in Europe there needs to be a left foot and a right foot to move forward. I wish that both feet move forward and the body moves towards its proper destiny. This is an intense country; the people are heroic, the spirit is independent. It is a difficult country to govern, it needs a strong government and a strong union. … I would like to say to you, to the leaders of the left, and the leaders of the right, I sing... I sing for everyone. My song has no flag, my song has no party. And I say the prayer, that we said in our synagogue, I say it for the leader of your union and the leader of your party. May the Lord put a spirit, a wisdom and understanding into the hearts of your leaders and into the hearts of all their counsellors.
“Only in Canada could somebody with a voice like mine win 'Vocalist of the Year.”
First words of his speech accepting the Juno Award for Best Male Vocalist in Canada (1992)
"Sisters of Mercy"
Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967)
Context: When I left they were sleeping, I hope you run into them soon.
Don't turn on the lights, you can read their address by the moon.
And you won't make me jealous if I hear that they sweetened your night:
We weren't lovers like that and besides it would still be all right.
“ordinary eternal machinery, like the grinding of the stars”
Source: Beautiful Losers
“Every heart to love will come
But like a refugee.”
"Anthem"
The Future (1992)
On the lyrics to "You Have Loved Enough" in an interview released at the Ten New Songs site (2001)