Around the corner from my house, there's a 3 story mural of Leonard Cohen on the side of a building. He was one of Montreal's shining stars. Before he moved to L.A., we used to see him around the neighborhood. At the cafe, at the bagel shop, in the park. Leonard Cohen sightings were always a treat. One of his background vocalists was Jennifer Warnes. In 1986, she released an album of Leonard Cohen covers, called "Famous Blue Raincoat". It's brilliant, especially the title track. I loved your reaction. The Salvation Army is a thrift shop.
The "Salvation Army" is a Christian charitable group, hence the term "Salvation". Not only does Cohen's lyrics suggest that Suzanne gets her clothing in thrift shops, but the name also ties into his other religious imagery.
@@timithius Sort of true, but he was neither a Christian, nor a practising Jew, though raised surrounded by Jewish religion and culture. As an adult he became a Zen Buddhist monk and spent several years living a frugal lifestyle at a monastery, seriously immersed in meditation practice and service. He was certainly interested in religions, and well versed in Biblical lore, which comes out in the frequent Christian and Jewish imagery in his lyrics alongside deeply introspective, contemplative insights from his Zen Buddhism. Someone who knew him described his lyrics as combining 'holiness and horniness' in equal measure! Personally I think people often tend to overstate or assume a relationship of the song Hallelujah to Christian or Jewish faith, just because of the title and the several pieces of Biblical imagery it contains. To the best of my understanding, the song is primarily about a conflicted romantic/sexual relationship with a woman, evoking desire for an elusive deeper connection and transcendence, with the 'hallelujah' being an exclamation of gratitude (='Praise God') for those blissful moments their relationship brought him, and perhaps for life itself and its occasional beauty. But I think he's using religious imagery for its poetic and metaphorical power rather than as an expression of faith. (It's a little weird to me that some people have even sung it rather solemnly in Church, treating it as if it's a hymn just because of the religious associations those words and images evoke, while ignoring the actual topic of the song...) Oh well...it's probably just me, taking it all too seriously, as usual... 😀
Wow-I wasn’t prepared to hear Leonard’s young voice again. I’ve spent so much time over the years listening to his later stuff, I forgot how he sounded at first. Brilliant writer and an iconic 🇨🇦hero.
This poem strikes me as transcendence and connection. We all look for someone(thing) to attach to for meaning and purpose. We can lose ourselves in their "craziness" with the hope of achieving wisdom. You have walked among the gardens of some of the great poets today: Cohen, Diamond and Simon. Thank you!
In the old days getting oranges in winter from Japan and China was a big big treat which everyone looked forward too. Didn't have oranges every day back then.
True, and I always used to imagine them eating oranges and drinking tea together; but I've found two versions of the story behind it: one is that the phrase 'tea and oranges' actually referred to a special tea she used to buy, black tea flavoured with orange peel and spices. The blend was called 'Constant Comment', made by the Bigelow Tea Company. Although Suzanne may have believed the tea was from China, according to the makers, it was actually a Ceylon tea (from Sri Lanka). They do have some very delicate and lovely teas there, which could easily be mistaken for China teas. Another version of the story that Suzanne remembered was that she and Leonard did drink tea while eating mandarin oranges, which do indeed originally come from Ancient China where they still grow wild and have been cultivated for many thousands of years. It's perfectly possible that both versions are true, that they drank the orange flavoured tea and ate mandarin oranges during their time together. Either way the 'tea and oranges that come all the way from China' contributed to the special exotic charm with which Suzanne infused her world, and shared with Leonard, and which he was kind enough to share with us... RIP Suzanne Verdal, bohemian free spirit, dancer and muse... and Leonard Cohen, song-maker, poet, serial womaniser and Zen monk..
Oh Canada ! ........Oh Leonard !...............this is a very young voice of the Master . Like any great wine his voice got better and better and better ,til his passing.
@@SaeedReacts.and if you do Famous Blue Raincoat you have to include Tori Amos’ version because it’s mesmerizing ua-cam.com/video/BKIX7xyAN6M/v-deo.html Also Tori covered Suzanne on one of her official live “bootleg” releases in Denver.
Suzanne was a "unique" person including being being a free form street entertainer. I saw her on the street in old Montreal in, I think 1964 or 65 which, as it transpired would have been around the time that Mr. Cohen encountered her.
His lyrics are unbelievably rich. He takes you on a ride, a journey, but also makes you think. So poetic, so deep, are his lyrics. I love how he uses imagery and takes that imagery from many sources. Genius. Legend.
After watching this, I'm almost ashamed that I've never heard any Leonard Cohen music. Of course I've heard of him, but wow - this requires a deep dive for me. Thank you for this reaction!
Thank you Saeed, Such a great song from my youth. In 1971, I had no way to play music whenever I wanted to, so I memorized a few songs that I could sing wherever I was, walking down the streets or in the woods. Suzanne was the first or second song I memorized, another was Gordon Lightfoot's "Sit Down Young Stranger". I was in my late teens and early twenties and I had begun traveling to other countries. I was discovering what being alive was all about and what kind of person I wanted to be. Hearing your reaction brings back lovely memories.
Nancy Priddy was the female backing vocalist on several of the songs on Cohen's debut album. He worked with a number of female backing vocalists over the years both on recordings and tours. One of the best known is Jennifer Warnes (a great musical artist in her own right). In 1987, Warnes released her album of Leonard Cohen songs "Famous Blue Raincoat". Notably, Cohen did some background vocals on this album. The ones I remember are "First We Take Manhattan" and "Joan of Arc" but there may have been more...
I think of Suzanne as MAUDE from HAROLD AND MAUDE… AND I love that movie. 🥰😎… A young man who doesn’t know how to live and a older lady who lives like she has all the life and desire for life of a 20 year old. A lady who grabs life by the horns and doesn’t let go in her golden years and can make even tea and a conversation seem like a luxurious occasion... Then a 20 year old young man who doesn’t know if life is worth living and what the meaning of life even is…Living his life in a constant existential crisis… Harold fascinated by Maude who feels like all he’ll never be… I think of Suzanne in this song as MAUDE. 😎
When I hear this song (I remember it when it was a hit in the Netherlands, but never listen seriously to the lyrics).... What an inspirational song. And I love it when a singer knows what he /she can do vocally and pays respect for that. Then, in combination with the lyrics, you get wonderful songs. Songs like these.
This song is from canada, another song by him is Aaleluyah, his song was interpreted by Jeff Buckley in his album grace, leonard is one of the greatest lyrcisist of all time, this song is gorgeous in so many ways.
Cohen often commented on imperfection, finding beauty in imperfection, the need to carry on despite imperfection. His short poem New Year's Eve “i would like to remind the management that the drinks are watered and the hat-check girl has syphilis and the band is composed of former ss monsters However since it is new year's eve and i have lip cancer i will place my paper hat on my concussion and dance” His song Anthem from the album The Future "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Also from The Future, the song Closing Time "And my very close companion Gets me falling, gets me laughing. She's a hundred but she's wearing something tight." I hope you will continue to delve into Cohen's work. I know you will appreciate it.
Cohen was a great lyricist. Two that I really like are "Bird on a Wire" and "Joan of Arc", where Joan enters into conversation with the fire that consumes her.
I remember fondly the live show of Herman van Veen in Carré , Amsterdam, recorded around 1971, in which he sings a Dutch version of this song, beautiful translation. Salvation Army is Leger des Heils in Netherlands,
Saw a video on youtube awhile back that interviews the inspiration for \this song ~ She's a bit older now living happily in her Roma style / van in California ...
This is the first song on Leonard's first album - 1967. His sound is a bit different on those early albums, but they're my favorite, especially the first 3 albums. I simply love the songs and the sound of Leonard in the early years. Leonard also plays a good guitar in the early years. Leonard used female background vocals throughout his career to great effectiveness.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.LEONARD COHEN (R.I.P). Canada's greatest poet and singer-songwriter. He was already a legend in his lifetime. Now you absolutely have to listen to his song "You Want It Darker." He wrote and recorded it a few months before he died (82 years old)... with his deep voice that seems to come from beyond the grave. Heartbreaking. Prophetic? No, just the lucidity of wisdom. [NB: His compositions are true works of art of rare intelligence. You only have to listen to him in an interview to be immediately impressed by the greatness of his person. For the Canadian (and Quebecer) that I am, LEONARD COHEN is a monument of Canadian cultural heritage.]
Your reaction is perfect - it touched my spirit- this is one of my faves by Leonard - at 66 yrs of age it takes me back to 1973/4 when I came across a number of Suzanne’s all of which are unforgettable for varying reasons - each one unique - I married a version of them all - insight, perspective and awareness you have - is resonant- pls consider ‘ Almost like the Blues’ by Leonard it’s perfect for the times we are living in - what a lost talent has gone - for now!!! RIG
I love Suzanne, but 2 other songs that were covers by his former backup singer Jennifer Warnes; First We Take Manhattan that has Stevie Ray Vaughan as lead guitar, and a duet with Leonard himself called Joan of Arc.
So glad you've found Leonard Cohen! He has left us a vast catalogue of incredible songs, all of which have real depth and are of the highest poetic quality. Even the ostensibly simple love songs inspire deeper reflection, let alone those that address more complex subject matter. I love his earlier songs like Suzanne, which are particularly accessible and a great place to start a LC journey. I think you'll really enjoy them if you dive in there. So Long, Marianne; Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye; Sisters of Mercy; Bird on a Wire and Famous Blue Raincoat would be a few good ones to start off with. For some reason, not many reactors have got into his work, which is a shame. In my view, he's on a par with and deserved a Nobel Prize as much as Dylan.
He was one of the best writers of all time, from the beginning of his expression to the end... His catalog runs deep and is worth every step to explore. He provoked the name of Jesus many times in his songs throughout the years, unfortunately he denied Him two days before he passed in his last interview.
It was surprising when "Suzanne" started being played on AM radio stations. It was so different from the other Hit Songs on the radio. It has been many decades since I last heard it, and it still has that haunting quality that attracted me all those years ago
If Cohen's music were a TV show, it would be "Dark": consistently surprising, related to and inverted upon itself, poetic, somber yet hopeful, and overall stunning.
Leonard was incredibly spiritual throughout his life. He was born Jewish, flirted with Christianity, and lived as a Buddhist monk at the Mount Shasta Monastery, I believe. Equally fascinated with religion and women, it would seem.
Yes, her Famous Blue Raincoat is one of the greatest cover songs ever in my opinion. But Peter Gabriel’s version of Suzanne is really something special.
Thanks for watching and letting me know about that. I will do some reading up. I am from the Dutch speaking part, but i do believe here we call it "Het Leger Des Heils". I didnt connect the two while recording the video, but thought about it afterwards.
Very interesting to hear your interpretation of the song. Lonard was a great poet. One song that really touched me the most was this song and the song Who by Fire.
You are so so great at this Saeed! I feel you! I love poetry and Cohen is one of the best! IMO. He's so mature, his work, very intriguing at the very least! Immeasurable at his best. Thank you Susan and especially thank you Saeed. Have a wonderful day!
there is a sort of documentary about Suzanne. You wonder if it's her. Salvation Army in California is thrift store, it sells most anything recycled. It is also a church, sort of old time religion. I think I saw them in the Caribbean dressed in a uniform collecting money. They also have very basic bands that sometimes play on the street to collect money and spread their word.
Any Catholics out there? Does the phrase “perfect body” jump out at you as it does me? I’m trying to remember the words the priest says at the concentration. I know I’ve heard “perfect sacrifice” and “body of Christ.” Maybe I’m conflating the two. I’m fairly certain Cohen wasn’t Catholic, but it sounds like he was more than just passingly familiar with the theology. Although “almost human” might have gotten you in trouble in the Middle Ages (for heresy). I think in the 500’s AD, the Latin Church finally settled on Christ’s nature as “completely human and completely divine.” I can’t claim to be able to think that one through satisfactorily. But what a poet this guy was! I’ve loved this song/poem from the first time I heard it.
You should react to Adrianne Lenker, one of the greatest songwriters of this century and probably the greatest songwriter of the last 10 years. I'd suggest not alot, just forever, two reverse, ingydar, Free Treasure, Evol, Already Lost, Sadness As A Gift
Hi, Saeed: It's me again. As a fellow Canadian, I admire Leonard and his writing. As a Jewish man, it always surprised me that he referred to Jesus as, 'almost human', implying that He was more than that. I am not a religious man; I am a Christian and I do believe that Jesus is 'more than that', meaning that He is God. Jews generally believe, however that he was a mere man who had blasphemed by claiming to be God so Leonard surprised me with that. I also took the 'lonely wooden tower' to be the cross. It's very beautiful how he worded it. "And when He knew for certain only drowning men could see Him" may be referring to Peter when he went out to meet him on the water and then started to sink because he took his eyes off of Jesus. Without diminishing Leonard, the background 'girls' parts are beautiful and I really focus in on their voices. The only part that disappointed me a little is when he sings, 'but He Himself was broken'. It sounds unnatural and stuttering. I have Judy Collins, 'Colours Of The Day' album with this one and her version is also beautiful. Thank you for doing this one. The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination that was started, I believe in England by William Booth. As well as trusting in Jesus, they specialize in food banks and clothing donation and just being there to help people. They are also famously known for their brass bands and their uniforms. If you would like to listen to another Canadian song that has some fantastic lyrics, listen to The Last Time I Saw Her by Gordon Lightfoot, my favourite artist of all time.
The first time I heard this song was a stunning cover by Roberta Flack. In fact that was the only version I knew until maybe ten years ago when I first became interested in Cohen. Whether you react to it or just listen for your own pleasure, you won't want to miss Ms. Flack's version. ua-cam.com/video/Ud9KV-2ro_g/v-deo.html Cheers.
Great, interesting poet/man. Any suggestions you find ↕️ here are worth your time. I'd add 'Song of Bernadette', 'Tower of Song', and 'Bird On A Wire', which I first knew of via Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' album, from the film, the 3rd music book I ever bought. Also ran a Thursday night acoustic jam under that title upstairs at an east-end rock/blues bar where I also did sound beginning in Fall(autumn) 2001. 🖖🏼😉🎶❤️🍁❤️✨️🕊
Hey Saeed, still waitin' for that Nick Cave reaction 😂 Bright Horses, then Higgs Bosom Blues. Then go from there. It might have a similar impact on you as Cohen. Just kidding btw, I've only requested it in the comments. Have a good one
Because you enjoy words (as do I) I recommend his songs (off the same album) "Teachers" and "The Stranger Song": ua-cam.com/video/FzRtmOd2_3w/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/ZqlR5D0y23s/v-deo.html
@@Headtube In his time , He was quite the playboy in life ... Women need more than men ( s e x u a l l y ) .... men just need a body ...Women need , in part the mind ( focus / caring ) ... It makes perfect sense to me ...
I've been listening to Cohen for sixty years and I never tire of him.
“Forsaken, almost human. He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone.” Gets me every single time.
Around the corner from my house, there's a 3 story mural of Leonard Cohen on the side of a building. He was one of Montreal's shining stars. Before he moved to L.A., we used to see him around the neighborhood. At the cafe, at the bagel shop, in the park. Leonard Cohen sightings were always a treat. One of his background vocalists was Jennifer Warnes. In 1986, she released an album of Leonard Cohen covers, called "Famous Blue Raincoat". It's brilliant, especially the title track. I loved your reaction. The Salvation Army is a thrift shop.
I have the stamp set that includes that mural. It’s fantastic!
@@auntiethetical That's awesome!
The "Salvation Army" is a Christian charitable group, hence the term "Salvation". Not only does Cohen's lyrics suggest that Suzanne gets her clothing in thrift shops, but the name also ties into his other religious imagery.
@@jraben1065 Yes, Cohen was an artist whose faith often bled into his art. "Hallelujah" comes to mind. 🙂
@@timithius Sort of true, but he was neither a Christian, nor a practising Jew, though raised surrounded by Jewish religion and culture. As an adult he became a Zen Buddhist monk and spent several years living a frugal lifestyle at a monastery, seriously immersed in meditation practice and service. He was certainly interested in religions, and well versed in Biblical lore, which comes out in the frequent Christian and Jewish imagery in his lyrics alongside deeply introspective, contemplative insights from his Zen Buddhism. Someone who knew him described his lyrics as combining 'holiness and horniness' in equal measure!
Personally I think people often tend to overstate or assume a relationship of the song Hallelujah to Christian or Jewish faith, just because of the title and the several pieces of Biblical imagery it contains. To the best of my understanding, the song is primarily about a conflicted romantic/sexual relationship with a woman, evoking desire for an elusive deeper connection and transcendence, with the 'hallelujah' being an exclamation of gratitude (='Praise God') for those blissful moments their relationship brought him, and perhaps for life itself and its occasional beauty.
But I think he's using religious imagery for its poetic and metaphorical power rather than as an expression of faith. (It's a little weird to me that some people have even sung it rather solemnly in Church, treating it as if it's a hymn just because of the religious associations those words and images evoke, while ignoring the actual topic of the song...) Oh well...it's probably just me, taking it all too seriously, as usual... 😀
Wow-I wasn’t prepared to hear Leonard’s young voice again. I’ve spent so much time over the years listening to his later stuff, I forgot how he sounded at first. Brilliant writer and an iconic 🇨🇦hero.
This poem strikes me as transcendence and connection. We all look for someone(thing) to attach to for meaning and purpose. We can lose ourselves in their "craziness" with the hope of achieving wisdom.
You have walked among the gardens of some of the great poets today: Cohen, Diamond and Simon. Thank you!
Leorard cohen was always an inspiration to me. “ The Sisters of Mercy” is another beautiful poem with Leonard’s voice.
I second that. Great song for folks in recovery!
I was about 16 when I bought a Leonard Cohen album - my sisters, parents and friends thought I'd gone mad - but, I loved it!
In the old days getting oranges in winter from Japan and China was a big big treat which everyone looked forward too. Didn't have oranges every day back then.
True, and I always used to imagine them eating oranges and drinking tea together; but I've found two versions of the story behind it: one is that the phrase 'tea and oranges' actually referred to a special tea she used to buy, black tea flavoured with orange peel and spices. The blend was called 'Constant Comment', made by the Bigelow Tea Company. Although Suzanne may have believed the tea was from China, according to the makers, it was actually a Ceylon tea (from Sri Lanka). They do have some very delicate and lovely teas there, which could easily be mistaken for China teas.
Another version of the story that Suzanne remembered was that she and Leonard did drink tea while eating mandarin oranges, which do indeed originally come from Ancient China where they still grow wild and have been cultivated for many thousands of years. It's perfectly possible that both versions are true, that they drank the orange flavoured tea and ate mandarin oranges during their time together.
Either way the 'tea and oranges that come all the way from China' contributed to the special exotic charm with which Suzanne infused her world, and shared with Leonard, and which he was kind enough to share with us...
RIP Suzanne Verdal, bohemian free spirit, dancer and muse... and Leonard Cohen, song-maker, poet, serial womaniser and Zen monk..
Oh Canada ! ........Oh Leonard !...............this is a very young voice of the Master . Like any great wine his voice got better and better and better ,til his passing.
Amazing song and love his voice in this too. Thanks for watching.
"Famous Blue Raincoat" is my absolute favorite song by him, beautiful haunting lyrics. You should listen to it if you haven't already.
I havent heard it yet. Thanks for watching and the recommendation.
@@SaeedReacts.and if you do Famous Blue Raincoat you have to include Tori Amos’ version because it’s mesmerizing
ua-cam.com/video/BKIX7xyAN6M/v-deo.html
Also Tori covered Suzanne on one of her official live “bootleg” releases in Denver.
Suzanne was a "unique" person including being being a free form street entertainer. I saw her on the street in old Montreal in, I think 1964 or 65 which, as it transpired would have been around the time that Mr. Cohen encountered her.
His lyrics are unbelievably rich. He takes you on a ride, a journey, but also makes you think. So poetic, so deep, are his lyrics. I love how he uses imagery and takes that imagery from many sources. Genius. Legend.
After watching this, I'm almost ashamed that I've never heard any Leonard Cohen music. Of course I've heard of him, but wow - this requires a deep dive for me. Thank you for this reaction!
Thank you Saeed, Such a great song from my youth. In 1971, I had no way to play music whenever I wanted to, so I memorized a few songs that I could sing wherever I was, walking down the streets or in the woods. Suzanne was the first or second song I memorized, another was Gordon Lightfoot's "Sit Down Young Stranger". I was in my late teens and early twenties and I had begun traveling to other countries. I was discovering what being alive was all about and what kind of person I wanted to be. Hearing your reaction brings back lovely memories.
Truly is a great song. Thanks so much for sharing that story and your experience with this song, music and life. That is amazing!
Nancy Priddy was the female backing vocalist on several of the songs on Cohen's debut album. He worked with a number of female backing vocalists over the years both on recordings and tours.
One of the best known is Jennifer Warnes (a great musical artist in her own right). In 1987, Warnes released her album of Leonard Cohen songs "Famous Blue Raincoat". Notably, Cohen did some background vocals on this album. The ones I remember are "First We Take Manhattan" and "Joan of Arc" but there may have been more...
I think of Suzanne as MAUDE from HAROLD AND MAUDE…
AND I love that movie. 🥰😎…
A young man who doesn’t know how to live and a older lady who lives like she has all the life and desire for life of a 20 year old.
A lady who grabs life by the horns and doesn’t let go in her golden years and can make even tea and a conversation seem like a luxurious occasion...
Then a 20 year old young man who doesn’t know if life is worth living and what the meaning of life even is…Living his life in a constant existential crisis…
Harold fascinated by Maude who feels like all he’ll never be…
I think of Suzanne in this song as MAUDE. 😎
When I hear this song (I remember it when it was a hit in the Netherlands, but never listen seriously to the lyrics).... What an inspirational song. And I love it when a singer knows what he /she can do vocally and pays respect for that. Then, in combination with the lyrics, you get wonderful songs. Songs like these.
Have loved this beautiful song since o was a kid in the 70s…have not heard it in a long time - thank you for your reaction!
This song is from canada, another song by him is Aaleluyah, his song was interpreted by Jeff Buckley in his album grace, leonard is one of the greatest lyrcisist of all time, this song is gorgeous in so many ways.
I cannot hear this song and not think about the beautiful Montreal and my youth❤❤
I subscribed to you because you come from the perspective of a writer. Your love of words just shines through. Thanks for that.
Thanks so much for subscribing! Have a wonderful day.
Cohen often commented on imperfection, finding beauty in imperfection, the need to carry on despite imperfection.
His short poem New Year's Eve
“i would like to remind
the management
that the drinks are watered
and the hat-check girl
has syphilis
and the band is composed
of former ss monsters
However since it is
new year's eve
and i have lip cancer
i will place my
paper hat on my
concussion and dance”
His song Anthem from the album The Future
"There is a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in."
Also from The Future, the song Closing Time
"And my very close companion
Gets me falling, gets me laughing.
She's a hundred but she's wearing something tight."
I hope you will continue to delve into Cohen's work. I know you will appreciate it.
Thanks for taking the time to share this! Love that. Definitely want to explore more.
Cohen was a great lyricist. Two that I really like are "Bird on a Wire" and "Joan of Arc", where Joan enters into conversation with the fire that consumes her.
I remember fondly the live show of Herman van Veen in Carré , Amsterdam, recorded around 1971, in which he sings a Dutch version of this song, beautiful translation. Salvation Army is Leger des Heils in Netherlands,
You nailed it. It’s Suzanne’s way of looking at the world
Saw a video on youtube awhile back that interviews the inspiration for \this song
~ She's a bit older now living happily in her Roma style / van in California ...
This is the first song on Leonard's first album - 1967. His sound is a bit different on those early albums, but they're my favorite, especially the first 3 albums. I simply love the songs and the sound of Leonard in the early years. Leonard also plays a good guitar in the early years.
Leonard used female background vocals throughout his career to great effectiveness.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.LEONARD COHEN (R.I.P). Canada's greatest poet and singer-songwriter. He was already a legend in his lifetime. Now you absolutely have to listen to his song "You Want It Darker." He wrote and recorded it a few months before he died (82 years old)... with his deep voice that seems to come from beyond the grave. Heartbreaking. Prophetic? No, just the lucidity of wisdom.
[NB: His compositions are true works of art of rare intelligence. You only have to listen to him in an interview to be immediately impressed by the greatness of his person. For the Canadian (and Quebecer) that I am, LEONARD COHEN is a monument of Canadian cultural heritage.]
Your reaction is perfect - it touched my spirit- this is one of my faves by Leonard - at 66 yrs of age it takes me back to 1973/4 when I came across a number of Suzanne’s all of which are unforgettable for varying reasons - each one unique - I married a version of them all - insight, perspective and awareness you have - is resonant- pls consider ‘ Almost like the Blues’ by Leonard it’s perfect for the times we are living in - what a lost talent has gone - for now!!! RIG
Truly an incredible song. Definitely made an impact.
Thanks so much for the kind words and the recommendation
Thank you - you are the perfect reactor for Leondard Cohen
Thanks so much! Hope to explore much more of his music.
I love Suzanne, but 2 other songs that were covers by his former backup singer Jennifer Warnes; First We Take Manhattan that has Stevie Ray Vaughan as lead guitar, and a duet with Leonard himself called Joan of Arc.
So glad you've found Leonard Cohen! He has left us a vast catalogue of incredible songs, all of which have real depth and are of the highest poetic quality. Even the ostensibly simple love songs inspire deeper reflection, let alone those that address more complex subject matter. I love his earlier songs like Suzanne, which are particularly accessible and a great place to start a LC journey. I think you'll really enjoy them if you dive in there.
So Long, Marianne; Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye; Sisters of Mercy; Bird on a Wire and Famous Blue Raincoat would be a few good ones to start off with. For some reason, not many reactors have got into his work, which is a shame. In my view, he's on a par with and deserved a Nobel Prize as much as Dylan.
My all time favourite song, i’ve known it since i was a baby. It sank beneath my wisdom i suppose, it isn’t just a song to me, it just is.
He was one of the best writers of all time, from the beginning of his expression to the end... His catalog runs deep and is worth every step to explore. He provoked the name of Jesus many times in his songs throughout the years, unfortunately he denied Him two days before he passed in his last interview.
Great song love it
It was surprising when "Suzanne" started being played on AM radio stations. It was so different from the other Hit Songs on the radio. It has been many decades since I last heard it, and it still has that haunting quality that attracted me all those years ago
First track on first album, great ! xx
If Cohen's music were a TV show, it would be "Dark": consistently surprising, related to and inverted upon itself, poetic, somber yet hopeful, and overall stunning.
Leonard was incredibly spiritual throughout his life. He was born Jewish, flirted with Christianity, and lived as a Buddhist monk at the Mount Shasta Monastery, I believe. Equally fascinated with religion and women, it would seem.
Tori Amos covered this song and his other hit - famous blue raincoat and it’s haunting
Yes, her Famous Blue Raincoat is one of the greatest cover songs ever in my opinion. But Peter Gabriel’s version of Suzanne is really something special.
Thanks for your well-considered reaction to this wonderful song.
Yes, the Salvation Army also exists in Belgium, "L'Armée du Salut".
Thanks for watching and letting me know about that. I will do some reading up. I am from the Dutch speaking part, but i do believe here we call it "Het Leger Des Heils".
I didnt connect the two while recording the video, but thought about it afterwards.
So long Marianne is another song to listen to.
I love this song by him. One of my other favorites I love is "Everybody Knows." If you ever get the chance...!
Very interesting to hear your interpretation of the song. Lonard was a great poet. One song that really touched me the most was this song and the song Who by Fire.
Such wonderful poetry and music. We need more poetry in our music.
Glad you got to this one.. Thanks Susan. Love the poetry.
That is an extremely insightful reaction. Well done!
Thanks so much!
A true poet. So many meaningful songs from Mr. Cohen
Such great writing. Love it.
What a surprise!! Tx Saeed. Greetings from South Africa
You are so so great at this Saeed! I feel you! I love poetry and Cohen is one of the best! IMO. He's so mature, his work, very intriguing at the very least! Immeasurable at his best. Thank you Susan and especially thank you Saeed. Have a wonderful day!
Thanks so much!
Very intriguing indeed. Definitely have been reflecting on some of these lines throughout the day.
Have a great day!
I remember back in around 1972 our high school teacher had us analyze the lyrics of this song. Can’t remember what we figured out, if anything.
"Suzanne" is the one song John Lennon said he wished he had written.
there is a sort of documentary about Suzanne. You wonder if it's her. Salvation Army in California is thrift store, it sells most anything recycled. It is also a church, sort of old time religion. I think I saw them in the Caribbean dressed in a uniform collecting money. They also have very basic bands that sometimes play on the street to collect money and spread their word.
Any Catholics out there? Does the phrase “perfect body” jump out at you as it does me? I’m trying to remember the words the priest says at the concentration. I know I’ve heard “perfect sacrifice” and “body of Christ.” Maybe I’m conflating the two. I’m fairly certain Cohen wasn’t Catholic, but it sounds like he was more than just passingly familiar with the theology. Although “almost human” might have gotten you in trouble in the Middle Ages (for heresy). I think in the 500’s AD, the Latin Church finally settled on Christ’s nature as “completely human and completely divine.” I can’t claim to be able to think that one through satisfactorily. But what a poet this guy was! I’ve loved this song/poem from the first time I heard it.
OMG..... Taking me way way back here.... !
Great reaction to a great song, British rapper Plan B uses a sample from this in his song Suzanne, that one isn’t for the faint hearted!
He was a poet first. He didn't make songs out of all them. Get one of his poetry books, you won't regret it.
You should react to Adrianne Lenker, one of the greatest songwriters of this century and probably the greatest songwriter of the last 10 years. I'd suggest not alot, just forever, two reverse, ingydar, Free Treasure, Evol, Already Lost, Sadness As A Gift
Hi, Saeed: It's me again. As a fellow Canadian, I admire Leonard and his writing. As a Jewish man, it always surprised me that he referred to Jesus as, 'almost human', implying that He was more than that. I am not a religious man; I am a Christian and I do believe that Jesus is 'more than that', meaning that He is God. Jews generally believe, however that he was a mere man who had blasphemed by claiming to be God so Leonard surprised me with that. I also took the 'lonely wooden tower' to be the cross. It's very beautiful how he worded it. "And when He knew for certain only drowning men could see Him" may be referring to Peter when he went out to meet him on the water and then started to sink because he took his eyes off of Jesus. Without diminishing Leonard, the background 'girls' parts are beautiful and I really focus in on their voices. The only part that disappointed me a little is when he sings, 'but He Himself was broken'. It sounds unnatural and stuttering. I have Judy Collins, 'Colours Of The Day' album with this one and her version is also beautiful. Thank you for doing this one.
The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination that was started, I believe in England by William Booth. As well as trusting in Jesus, they specialize in food banks and clothing donation and just being there to help people. They are also famously known for their brass bands and their uniforms.
If you would like to listen to another Canadian song that has some fantastic lyrics, listen to The Last Time I Saw Her by Gordon Lightfoot, my favourite artist of all time.
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Gobsmaked by the lyricism.
Songs Of Love And Hate
The first time I heard this song was a stunning cover by Roberta Flack. In fact that was the only version I knew until maybe ten years ago when I first became interested in Cohen. Whether you react to it or just listen for your own pleasure, you won't want to miss Ms. Flack's version. ua-cam.com/video/Ud9KV-2ro_g/v-deo.html Cheers.
.. and I’d like a Montreal Bagel now at 3 am
Never had one. Sounds good 😃. Its almost 10am here
His Father was a Rabbi
Gosh, i could only wish for The Smiths reaction
Great, interesting poet/man. Any suggestions you find ↕️ here are worth your time. I'd add 'Song of Bernadette', 'Tower of Song', and 'Bird On A Wire', which I first knew of via Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' album, from the film, the 3rd music book I ever bought. Also ran a Thursday night acoustic jam under that title upstairs at an east-end rock/blues bar where I also did sound beginning in Fall(autumn) 2001.
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Hey Saeed, still waitin' for that Nick Cave reaction 😂
Bright Horses, then Higgs Bosom Blues. Then go from there. It might have a similar impact on you as Cohen.
Just kidding btw, I've only requested it in the comments. Have a good one
I think the Lady of the Harbour is the Statue of Liberty no?
It might be. Great point!
Jesus risked it all
Try who by fire
Thanks for the recommendation.
Because you enjoy words (as do I) I recommend his songs (off the same album) "Teachers" and "The Stranger Song":
ua-cam.com/video/FzRtmOd2_3w/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/ZqlR5D0y23s/v-deo.html
Thanks so much for this recommendation!
Yeah....she's got a body......he's got a mind......no chauvinism there.
He said it the other way around in the end.
@@tove236 After singing it how many times the one way? Please. He already set the meme.
@@Headtube In his time , He was quite the playboy in life ... Women need more than men ( s e x u a l l y ) .... men just need a body ...Women need , in part the mind ( focus / caring ) ... It makes perfect sense to me ...