Leonard Cohen - Suzanne
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- Опубліковано 15 лис 2012
- Perhaps his most memorable song from Canadian poet/songwriter & performer Leonard Cohen. Cohen specified, notably in a BBC interview, that the song was about encountering Suzanne Verdal, the then wife of sculptor Armand Vaillancourt, in a Montreal setting. Indeed, many lines describe different elements of the city, including its river (the Saint Lawrence) and a little chapel near the harbour, called Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (literally Our Lady of Good Help), which sits on the side of the harbour that faces the rising sun in the morning, as it is described in the song.
Suzanne Verdal was interviewed by CBC News's The National in 2006 about the song. Verdal claims that she and Cohen never had sexual relations, contrary to what some interpretations of the song suggest. Cohen himself stated in a 1994 BBC interview that he only imagined having sex with her, as there was neither the opportunity nor inclination to actually go through with it. She says she has met Cohen twice since the song's initial popularity; once after a concert Cohen performed in the 1970s and once in passing in the 1990s when she danced for him, but Cohen did not speak to her (and possibly did not recognise her).
In any case, its lyrics first appeared as the poem "Suzanne Takes You Down" in Cohen's 1966 book of poetry Parasites of Heaven, admittedly because of lack of new material (lyrics to a few other songs from his subsequent 1967 debut album were also printed in the book).
It was 1972, in London, coming from an eastern European country when I first heard this song. This is when my love for this poet of songs started. I am old now, my love for his songs is young. He may not be with us, but Leonard is with us now and forever.
@Paul SmithThank you for your note. I am surviving. Living in such times, going through every day is a victory. I wish the world would become a better place. I may not be around, but I have faith that love, and songs will work their miracles.
Must be one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
What a legend!
I was going to write this exact thing.....
worthy of a Nobel Prize
indeed, it is the most beautiful song ever written !
beafulti is it not great
Your not wrong I love this song first heard a version of it in 1969 by Nina Simone one of my favourite songs of all time and yes I can play Nina Simone a version on piano thank you Mr Cohen for wetting this song
"...When musicians were authentic and not motivated by money..." Those musicians become real stars. Leonard Cohen is a perfect example af a real star.
And the muse too.
A real star indeed
He and the song Suzanne, is in the Norton American Anthology of American Literature. A priceless gift to the world, I think.
@@DaStoneboat Jestem z Polski sluchan go od 30 lat
Me too, maybe 40 years. And Joni Mitchell. Lately, another Canadian, Kerin Paris, The Innocence Mission, and this song, The Lakes of Canada ua-cam.com/video/zQqqkIoc580/v-deo.html@@cancercancer7641
I heard this song not long after it first appeared, and always loved it, though some of its lyrics were mysterious. A few years later, in 1973, I met a beautiful, mysterious, half-crazy woman named Suzanne, and the song acquired new meaning. Suzanne and I married in 1975. She died six weeks ago, and this song has been a trigger for both my grief and for happy memories of our 47 years together. I travelled with her, and I travelled blind, because I knew I could trust her.
I'm very sorry for your loss John. Aren't you blessed to have good memories to treasure. I've read several times honesty & trust are the most important in a relationship. I'll vouch for that myself without them you have a hollow relationship. Take good care of yourself & especially stay safe John
I'm sorry for your loss John, what a wonderful marriage to your wild, wonderful Suzanne. God bless ❤
I also sorry for your loss of your lifetime wife, love and companionship. There is a next world coming where there will be no more death
My condolences 🥀
To have someone, say what you have said about your wife, is just lovely. Take care
When Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature I was completely stunned - by far a better poet and composer was Leonard Cohen and if the Prize should ever have gone to a composer it should have gone to Cohen....far superior in every sense.
You really don’t know WTF you’re talking about. It’s stupid to think only one or the other can win a Nobel Prize for lit. If LC is worthy of a Nobel, I’m in support of that.
✊️💚🙏▶️🐝🥰
shocked me 2 Steven Hains
Totally agree Bob Dylan himself freely admitted to being hugely influenced by Leonard Cohen .
There are heroes in the seaweed.
Thank you Mr. Cohen for the Song My Husband 16 years my Senior Sang to me The Moment I Stole His Heart in 1982 & Lived as One till 2017 when I lost him to a medication mix-up at a hospital ?? We played music recorded & sang together I'm blessed to have those tapes to hear his voice still singing to me....
Hello Laurie, how is things going with you ?
I hope you are doing ok these days.
The first time I heard Leonard Cohen sing Suzanne in 1967, I was smitten, and my love for this song and the poet who sang it has never faded.
I'm with you Barbara. In University digs we listened
I'm just like like you Barbara, born 1947...
@@bertranddesportesdelafosse5238 yes, I'm rediscovering his music, I was born in 1947 and so grateful for him and so many of his Era. ✌
Yep, same story here.
I cannot imagine it fading
Thanks to a teacher in 74. Thank you so much. RIP Leonard! Thank you...
Who's still listening to this masterpiece in 2020 its just amazing.
Lots of people do ! The time I listen to L Cohen l was in my late teens , now my kids
and to my surprise they loved to . May he Rest In Peace,he left us with great gift
Thank you M. cohen.....
Nothing like it.... amazing
Hooked on Leonard Cohen all over again at age 67
I am! Wow he's so young! Nina Simone's version is also incredible
stevie's blues poet of Montreal
Poet of Montreal ,,,
Who's listening this legendary song during quarantine ?? 💖
Yes i’m listening from Rotterdam (NL)
Yes, I am listening and like so long ago, this song gives me shivers down my spine!! The melancholy, the harmony, the melody, it is simply deeply touching...
Me ... so long ago..
Me
Me.
Still listing in 2021. Masterpiece
Me too
Me to
Me too. July 2021. FOREVER LC!!
me, since eighties and then even didn't understand English language
Masterpiece
No one does this better than Leonard. He is a miracle of a musician and man. We all really miss him. RIP Leonard.
He's never going to die
First we take Manhattan
Yes, because he was the one who wrote it!
Absolutely love his introduction to this performance. Thanking this "friend" for taking it from him, cause "it would be wrong to write this song and get rich from it". So great.
Thanks for tuning in.
Very nice 😊 thanks
do you think he meant it
I don't think he was capable of insincerity. Whatever he said, he meant it.
Absolutely.
He has been gone for 5 years today and my heart will always break for him - we lost the most prolific artist and soul - love you Leonard
Wanted to see Leonard but it was when he had slowed down and then it must be LA but couldn't find a seat...
Hopefully I thought but everything got worse 😩, so don't delay, do it now 👍.
And STV when living in Austin but told myself, "later, later"...
Stevie Ray Vaughan crashed and died ten days later, so NO, don't delay!
I still miss STV and Leonard, John Prine, BLAZE FOLEY, SIXTO RODRIGUEZ, etc...
DON'T procrastinate, 🤬 !
Oh wow, I'd forgotten how much I loved this song as a teenager in the 60's . I am 68 and I grew up adoring the beautiful songs of Leonard Cohen, the gifted poet, and songwriter. I never cared that he had a scratchy singing voice because when he sang his beautiful songs it didn't matter. You only heard the lyrics.. His songs will live forever.
His voice was very smooth and soothing when he was young. Feel the song with your soul. It's magic. I love it as much as a teenager and I do now 70.
ethereal!
I am a retired RN. This was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar in the 60s before I was drafted.
And because we were here to experience in real time with him so will we live forever.
Roberta Flack did a beautiful rendition of this. Find it. It is amazing. This song is so beautiful
Cette chanson est tellement pleines d'emotions et belle avec la voix magique de léonard Cohen ❤️👏👏👏🌹🌻🌠
R.I.P. Leonard!
We will never forget you!
Goodnight Sir, Mr Cohen and thank you .
God bless you and RIP Mr. Cohen.
Nobody must be a genoius for listening to this very great artist. This very real artist,who touched the stars,will always be with us ..
"Hey that's no way to say goodbye'. Farewell sir, rip
Hello Bonnie, how is things going with you ?
RIP Leonard Cohen. We will dearly miss you but your music will live on. Thank you.
Ferdinand Tjombe q
thanks for all thèse beautiful songs i love...
Ja, ich vermisse diesen genialen Musiker
One of my roommates played this song in his guitar and i thought it was an original. I never asked otherwise and he never told me. Years later i bought a cd of mr. Cohen's and discovered it was his song and was so happy to find that song again because my roommate had long been gone by then. Then i spent the next decade opposed with Leonard Cohen's songs. I literally spent hours listening to his music for several days at the time while was working or doing something else. But mostly with a glass of wine and a pack of cigarettes. Or several glasses of wine and a few cigarettes.
My older sister played this song for me prior to me leaving for Australia back in 1980 and it moved me, it has words delivered from from a source outside this world, what magic, it will never grow old
I can't believe I haven't listened seriously to him until now and I'm in my seventies! lots of catching up to do...
Beryl Henshaw And I as well, 60 here
I as well and am 66 though his song Éverybody Knows' was always a favorite...ha ha it is ok to learn new things in our sunset years... Hallelujah is great too but I don't know yet what it means. :)
In the film Mc Cabe and Mrs Miller (1971. Warren Beatty + Julie Christie.Dir: Altman) I met some of Leonard´s enchanting songs for the first time. I was spellbound - Magic! I´m a fan ever since. His songs have always been very popular here in Sweden. See this Beautiful film!
Thanks, I hope to find it on Lovefilms.com
here in my 27 no age differ to ejoy a beautifull music
Rest In Peace, dear, dear man. Thank You for the Joy.
I will never forget you.
I love this song I must have listened to it a thousand times and its still one of my all time favorites
❤
I too am in my 70’s and this will be one of the gifts of Covid lockdowns. Always knew Halleluia but there is a wealth of beautiful, meaningful songs. Love them.
I sure do miss the 70s, 80s and 90s. Sometimes I wish I could find a time machine and go back in time. Life was much easier and everyone enjoyed life! Is this your favorite song?
He enriched our lives. Be thankful that you were in a time to be able to share, listen to and appreciate Leonard Cohen............sadly missed Leonard, REST IN PEACE SIR
RIP. An amazing songwriter has departed us. Join the angels in heaven.
Norman Jones
Alberto Antonio Bertotto Grande, grande Leonard, D.E.P. ya estaras en el Reino de los Cielos entre los mas grandes.
Norman Jones g
Otro poeta y grande Leonar Cohen. Mi juventud fue escucharte
met him and told him i first heard his song suzanne in a soap opera all my children he said thats probably the best way...then i asked him to sign my raincoat i was wearing...later it washed down in the rain..maby noone can ever really touch his soul but he has touched mine
RIP Mr Cohen, Poet and Gentleman. Discreet, polite, and private.
We never really lose their music,
2020 - one of the BEST songs I have ever heard!
I make it a point to tell women named Suzanne about this wonderful song. One actually told me that her father named her after the song. Brilliant piece.
that's really cool because i know a girl who's father named her after this song. i've been listening to LC since the middle 60's never tire of him
I knew Suzanne in the very early 1980s... I met her in Minneapolis! Her full name is Suzanne Verdal... she ended up a bit tragic in her older age but she was still beautiful, young and full of plans when I knew her and her two young beautiful children. She wanted me to play "Flamenco guitar" in a little dance act with her! I was a foolish young man... I should have learned to play Flamenco Guitar!
k
As if this week wasn't sad enough! Rest in peace, Leonard. Your music will live on.
Thanks, Alex Singer - in few words, you said like it is...
He passed away, before that other sad news.
Trump's victory was not at all sad, if that's what you're referring to, my friend.
. . . C'est tres mal - aussi . . . Obama etait notre frere de bon secours . . .Vive La Liberte !
not sad...a tragedy.
I love everything about this song... Sorry for my wrong grammar, I'm not good at English but you know what I'm trying to say... It made me cry😢😢to sad for me, I met his songs after he died. I am a fourteen year old boy who listen to these kind of songs. And I really love this one. Thanks Mister Cohen, rest in peace. Good night now Sir
Ginoong Vince I know what you mean I discovered him when I was 18. It was 1999/2000. My English is bad too. But I loved his music, it touched my soul the whole atmosphere...he is a wonderful poet and singer. You did a good choose. He will always be with you in every phase of your life...in good and very bad days. Peace 🌻
Thank you for taking the time to write.
I have loved his music since my student days in the late 1960s. I finally got to see him perform this song when he came to England just a few years back. It was pouring with rain the whole time and the hundreds of us sat in the rain and were so very happy. I shall never forget this experience.
think so,,,,
sailor in a wet atmosphaere no wind no .... ... ...
His words are so powerful I am glad you at 14 love his work. This is my favorite song in English.
Einer der größten Künstler der auf dieser Welt war. R.I.P Mr Cohen 😢
So ist es!!❤🇨🇭
RIP Leonard Cohen Thanks for the beautiful music.
don cosh +
This was the first song I ever heard by Leonard.... The first of hundreds and hundreds - now this genius has gone and I'm heartbroken... R.I.P Leonard and thankyou for what you gave.
EnosEverything I can remember the day 😔was so sad for me and my dad 🙏.But I’m so grateful I got to see him when I was 8 in kilmainham.Im 14 now and he’s my favorite artist of all time
Most beautiful song EVER Thank you Leonard Cohen.
I've known the song for almost 50 years and still love it...
Leonard Cohen will be missed R.I.P. Thank you for everything.
aadam1410 the south will rise again!!!!
What an incredible genius this guy was.
My first English song and my first guitar piece ( 1968). I was mesmerized by the simplicity and the sounds. L Cohen magic and poetry at work !
I know this song for so many years and I still enjoy listening.
Mein erstes Lied von Leonard Cohen. Es wird mir immer unvergessen bleiben. Danke für deine wundrschönen Lieder, Leonard Cohen.
The best song for me... Leonard Cohen is a star in the sky ...Rest in peace...🎶
What a brilliant, eloquent wordsmith, troubadour and entertainer! Under appreciated in the U.S. but revered throughout the rest of the world. Thank you Leonard for all those years of enjoyment listening to his master's voice. You will live on forever through the beautiful music you created.
Tristan Williams EVERYBODY KNOWS played live by this girl is awesome ua-cam.com/video/MSK46a8ox-U/v-deo.html you going to cry
We ...in my Canadian school ...took a while term to study, discuss and enjoy this song/poem ....thank you to that teacher that introduced us and opened us up to this lovely fellow Canadian ...how fortunate we are to have shared him with the world.
First saw him live at Forest Hills Stadium in 1967 with his Army...haunting poetry. Once a week I pass the Chelsea Hotel and think of Janis and him, And Famous Blue Raincoat and.... and.... and......a very sad night. I just don't think another like him shall pass our way.
Thank you Leonard for writing such poetic songs.. RIP
Elly van Amstel
I'll never forget the time I saw Leonard live 1967 at Trinity college Hartford, Connecticut. I first heard "Suzanne" on UCONN radio. Then they were selling tickets WOW I had to buy some front row tickets for my g'friend Chris & myself. Leonard had an unknown stand up acoustic bass player Charlie Daniels. They looked miss matched Charlie was huge he made Leonard so small. I I was so excited I couldn't remember how I got to the concert. I asked my sister friend Sue & she said I drove ha ha ha I don't remember driving to or from. I was jus excited & mezermized sitting there in front of my favorite artist Leonard! fond memories. Now, Leonard and Charlie joined the big band on the otherside. Fond memories :)
@Paul Smith Thank you Paul. Yes I'm wicked good & well. Thanx Paul have we met prior? Your name sounds familiar. ? ? Although, there must be a lot of Smith & Jones on UA-cam. 😉 Take good care stay safe. Donna
@Paul Smith BTW are you a Leonard fan? Did you go to any Leonard events?
One of the most romantic, beautiful ballards ever written performed by the great Leonard Cohen- where would modern music be without his prolific contribution.
sad loss of Mr. Cohen. the song, Suzanne , was a part of my youth. his version of hallelujah is also chilling.
me too. It is.
you realise his version of Hallelujah is the original right?
thomas james omg. I can't believe Brian.
At my 14th birthday my friends gave me his first record and while we sat in my room and listened to this song everyone said >It´s you he sings about< and just as always we continued to drink tea. After they were gone I couldn´t stop listening to that song for hours in time - A song and a musician who followed me all trough my life - already 1970 I saw him live for the first time at the Isle of Wight festival --- now I´m 63 and meanwhile I saw him seven times on stage. Those last three times concerts here in Stockholm - 2013 was the best concert I ever saw sitting just in front of him --- it just felt like > ... while Suzanne holds the mirrow
Thank goodness it was Suzanne, and Not Hallelujah.
That would have been cause for concern. Lol.
He was/is a timeless artist. Whenever I hear him, I am in Awe.
Mister Cohen, thanks forever.
Listening in 2023. May Leonard Cohen Rest in Peace.
What a wonderful gift you gave to the world. I will miss you, Leonard
Paul McGlothin blijft mooiii
Shit,a great Singer left us again and I am absolutely sad RIP my great Legend....I can´t belive it that you are gone...I hear it in an hour ago on the german tv:( My favorite song from him
RIP and Rock LEONARD COHEN!...A huge loss:...-(
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
Then 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, and you want to travel blind
And then you know that she will trust you
For you've touched her perfect body with your mind
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
And you want to travel with him, and you want to travel blind
And then you think maybe you'll trust him
For he's touched your perfect body with his mind
Now, Suzanne takes your hand and she leads you to the river
She's wearing rags and feathers from Salvation Army counters
And the sun pours down like honey on our lady of the harbor
And she shows you where to look among the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed, there are children in the morning
They are leaning out for love and they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind
And then you know that you can trust her
For she's touched your perfect body with her mind
This was "my" song for many years! Long live LC memorie! Rip.
"Suzanne takes you down to her place near the river". I will miss you. Thankfully, in our world, you will last forever. Love, cigarettes, peace and red wine. So long.
Hello Marlene, how is things going with you ?
I love this man and this is my most favourite song.. God bless you Leonard Cohen for ever and ever x
Mesmerising and hypnotic. We’re so fortunate to have this song amongst us for many lifetimes! Thank you LC 💜
Everlasting heavenly sounds reviving the pure Music of our youth. Love it .
I love the sound of his voice mixed with the cords of the Spanish guitar. A melody that flows as the sea waves...
Great comment. Thanks for tuning into The Hammer Works.
This man was soooooo amazing, ....soooooo humble !!!!! GOD BLESS HIS SOUL !!!!!!!!!!
The greatest of poets know how to speak of the lover in a way that suggests the higher and divine play of eternal love, and as such, this is one of the best poems (put to sweet music) ever.
Thank you Leonard Cohen (RIP) for writing the perfect song that uses my beloved wife's name = Suzanne.
Leonard did not write this song .. the inspiration is from God .. say : thank you God not to Leonard Cohen
Thank you for sharing this version of an extraordinary song. I had never heard the story of the song rights being stolen. As a songwriter myself, I love Leonard's passive-aggressive response to the whole affair. The guy is beyond cool.
+Jose Guardiola i agree
+Jose Guardiola Thanks Jose for checking in with us.
+Jose Guardiola Have you heard Roberta Flack's version?
+JzzE1 I have not. But i will now:) Thanks for the tip.
+Jose Guardiola Check out Neil Diamonds cut too, but Roberta's is by far the best, IMHO. let me know what you think.
A regret of my life never to have met this exceptional man. A true poet whose intelligence and knowledge shines through all his works. His voice and music never fails to move me. His music sung by other artists is just as wonderful. I recommend to all kd langs rendition of his 'Hallelujah'. It would move a mountain to tears. This man was truly a gift to his generation and those who come after who discover him anew.
❤ Så sant hälsningar från Sweden
I first heard this song because someone was trying to insult me by saying that I'm half-crazy like the Suzanne in "that song". My name is Suzanne, and I guess that's the only line he remembered.
I found the song, and loved it instantly! I hope I am anything like this. I do wear rags and feathers, which is funny. I'm an old hippy who now lives off-grid on a mountain where I raise goats with my adult son who is mentally ill but a kind soul. I sometimes refer to him as "Boo Radley", but most people don't understand that he was the good guy in that story so they avoid us. My son has been hurt by humans, so he's always had a love for animals, and they trust him.
Wow, Suzanne, I truly wish I knew you. I wish we were spirit friends and soul sisters. Have a peaceful, lovely life. Good love Boo Radley :)
🇬🇧🇬🇧🤔 I Love 💖 The Animal 🦓 s, So Loyal To one ☝️ 🇬🇧🇬🇧🤔🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 stay Safe 🙂🐕 oh and good Luck 🌹,
I wish every person had a heart as big as you have.. ❤️ - LOVE YOU - ❤️
There's nothing wrong with being half crazy .My name is Suzanne too I like to think I am his Muse.I am also an old age hippie.You sound a lovely person.
This guy was incredibly humble to the point where he felt he didn't deserve to make money off of his works. It also devalued his work to get monetarily rich off of his work. It was all spiritual and eternal to him.
I suspect there was more that a touch of irony/sarcasm in his comment.
It's like the time he publicly thanked his recording company for the modesty of the interest they showed in his work, referring to the time they initially refused to release "Various Positions" (the record containing "Hallelujah") in the United States.
In this sad week, we lose a hero, a poet, and a beautiful soul. Vale Leonard Cohen.
Beautiful. I remember this from long ago. RIP Leonard Cohen. Thank you.
Hello Cheryl, how is things going with you ?
I've always felt that this was one of the finest Cohen songs I ever heard, this and "Bird On a Wire" was my introduction to the music of Leonard Cohen and I have been a faithful follower of his since. When I heard him sing "Joan of Arc" I thought that would be the pinnacle for him but oh I was so happy to be wrong, from his early days up to his tragic (for us) end he continually amazed and always entertained us. Thank you Leonard [MK 2020]
My brother exposed me to Cohen with that song, bird on a wire. Loved it.
I was lucky enough to see him play 3 times in my life, including at Radio City which ended up being one of his last shows, I think. Each one was transcendental.
How I envy you, in a good way of course.
@kinor Spielman I saw him in Belgium and in Holland on his last tour and the one before that. Amazing. We heard him rehears and thought it was a recording. He brought the Webb sisters who sing like angels. Do find some of those recordings and than think again.... But not after you listen to the lyrics, Cohen is a great poet. I've loved his music all my life.
@kinor Spielman what are u doing reading the comments in the first place if u don't like his music. Why don't u get lost or shut up. Just saying!!
This song was my personal emblem of what my life was like in the late 60
s and 70's. The lyrics are so wonderful. The repetitive, same two chords had a kind of hypnotic effect on me, making me listen closer to the bittersweet words.
An Inspirational Poet and Singer Leonard - Cohen thank you for the Music you have left, you will be missed, Rest in Peace!..
One of the best song!
Thank you Leonard!
I'm just saying it's so cool to hear that there are so many people that love this man in his voice and his music and his soul as much as I do truly you all are amazing
Thanks for the music - you touched so many souls with your genius
Andy Gough n
As a former Montrealaise, and fan of Leonard Cohen, I feel sorrow for his ending, happy that I have heard his music, and know that for many he was and continues to be an inspiration. Find peace Leonard and your legacy will go on. Thank you.
Hello Kristen, how is things going with you?
When I hear this song, I am the singer and I am Suzanne. I am the river and the oranges and the sunshine. Most of all, I simply FEEL the words.
Such a gentleman......he was a very gentle man, in all ways.
Perhaps my favorite song ever. RIP Leonard Cohen
Rest in Peace dearest poet ~
I have loved and listened to this song for decades.
Hello Dear, how is things going with you ?
A great artist. I love to hear his songs. Unforgotten
Such a wise, introspective, and deep wordsmith. The introduction says a lot more than it would appear, particularly as he tells the tale and sings his song anyway, now, here in the present. A brutal wound indeed to a sensitive and romantic soul. In his own words Leonard Cohen explains before putting the words to this beautiful and mystical tale to music, "... anyway, this is a song I wrote a long time ago. I feel very good about this song. I'll tell you why. It's a song that people loved. Fortunately, rights were stolen from me. I thought that was justified. I'm happy for that friend who put that piece of paper in front of me and said, 'sign this'. I said, 'what is this?' and he said, 'oh, just the standard writer's contract." The words pouring from his lips sound so sweet, and so at peace to the outcome as justified" The acknowledgement that it was a betrayal by a friend", a friend who stand to gain, but wanted it all. A greed that Cohen didn't know existed. A friend who had a duty to him to protect his rights, not steal them. And so he is happy for the friend and happy to let the money flow to someone else, happy for the lesson he learned and the verification of his innate sense; justified only by the fact that it was his own trust that betrayed him. So many of his songs echo this sentiment.
I’ve thought about what you wrote many times through the years while listening to this song. I also wonder what the friend thought of himself about what he had done as the years passed. I did a search and found Suzanne, she’s a real person. She was hurt that Leonard wrote this beautiful song about her and in her time of need he didn’t help her financially. She had broken her back and really needed help. She was unaware that the rights to this song were stolen from him. Thank you for writing and sharing this 🙏
@@teresadavis9557 She is a very real person and I saw the same interview quite a while back.
I just wrote this comment 5 months ago so have suspicions of who you are that you would now write "I've thought about what you wrote many times THROUGH THE YEARS while listening to this song."
This was a song that I liked, before, well, before a lot of things. I don't listen to it and only commented to make a point, like Little Suzy did here.
Nonetheless, I'll have to look back at her interview to see what she said about Cohen's response to her request for financial help.
Your comment implies that he should have helped her, but only through the profits from this song.
Since I have no idea of his financial status at the time, the timing of her request, or the timing of the suit that he successfully waged against his manager, I can't say much more than if he got the request, he was a coward and self-interested in not telling her the truth. If he had the money, he was just an ass who was willing to take and not give. If he worked behind her back to make her life harder, then that's worse.
Creative genius and high intellect are no different than any other beings. Some have no good sense, no good will, and no empathy. They do what makes them happy. As for me, helping someone in need always makes me happy. Being kind makes me happy.
If you're talking about another situation entirely, ask me yourself. I'm an open book, you just might not like the page you're on. Certainly, no utube comment or reply will tell that story and just how malicious, contrived, and horrid people can be and have been in real life.
It would appear that you are making excuses and attempting to give explanations. This is not the time or the place.
It's happen all over the music industry, like Richard Ashcroft's Ballad : "Bitter Sweet Symphony", by the Rolling Stones manager Allen Klein, who also stole many of their and the Beatles songs. But both, Cohen and Ashcroft took it with humor. Richard said: "This is the best song, the Rolling Stones had written in the last 20 years". And I totally agree, because I have never bought a Stones Album after: "Let It Bleed". But the good end of the story was, that when Klein died, Mick Jagger and Keith Richard returned the song after 22 years to Ashcroft.
Rest in peace! The world has lost a wonderful man, great singer and poet. Oh, this sad November day!
Bonne nuit, Leonard Cohen, ma muse, bonne nuit. Je vous remercie pour avoir
vécu une vie créative et exemplaire pleine de la beauté et sublimité avec
lesquelles vous m’émouviez entraves des années. Pour moi, et beaucoup de ma
génération, vos paroles lyriques tendrement exprimées dans une voix tremblante,
susurrante, montante lentement au crescendo de peine, de joie, de rédemption
m’ont assaini l’âme au moment que je vous avais découvert et la sensation qui
s’en était coulée. Ceci, la trouvaille, aurait été contenue dans un mot, «
Eureka ». Je n’étais qu’un potache, lorsqu’en quête pour apprendre un peu de la
poésie canadienne dont je négligeais, je vous avais écouté à l’avis d’une
enseignante et la rengaine était « Suzanne », quelqu’une de mystère qui demeure
au rivage et qui me lénifie encore avec son esprit. Chacun de nous, je crois,
femme, homme, il n’importe pas de genre, connait sa « Suzanne », ouais, Suzanne
dotée de la magique poignante au cœur touché.
Monsieur Cohen était ma Ville Marie, Montréal, ensemble avec Yves
Beauchemin, la premiere était de la poésie et l’autre de la prose. Je me
souviens d’une manière vivante ma flânerie presque quotidienne au printemps,
parfois déambulant de ma résidence au Ghetto McGill au quartier d’Outremont,
parfois dans l’autre direction envers le Vieux Port, pour exercice du corps et
du cerveau, faisant pause en route dans un bistrot, une bouquinerie ou un
restaurant, même quand fermé, sans autant voir qu’une table gigogne afin de me
plonger au milieu reconnaissable à M. Cohen :
C’est vrai que le maître n’appartenait plus d’unique à Montréal, ayant
atteint une audience globale, passant plus de temps à Los Angeles, je pense,
que dans sa ville native, quoique sans jamais, jamais, l’abandonner. Pour la durée
de son existence temporelle, 82 ans, il l’adorait, ce lieu de liesse et de
grief auquel il rendait tribut car il ne l’avait transcendé mais plutôt
l’englobait toujours. Mélancolique mais pourtant merveilleux à voir que notre
troubadour, notre trouvère, qu’il avait eu à se reprendre au road show, à l’âge
avancé pour pouvoir survivre, non, vivoter, après son ancien agents l’avait
fraudé, lui, un artiste hanté et acharné toujours par escrocs d’un type ou de
l’autre parce qu’un poète soit proie facile, la sorte gentille, douée de la
sensibilité aigue mais manquant la prudence avec l’argent. J’étais à Madrid
quand j’avais entendu la nouvelle de M. Cohen au concert mais, étant routier au
temps, j’avais eu à rater la chance pour m’extasier d’une heure ou deux sans
prescience éblouissante, lumineuse, et comment cela aurait été ma dernière
chance à lui donner mon salut.
Maintenant, vous, Leonard, composez et chantez dans le panthéon du chœur
céleste bien bondé, « Alléluia », et non vous avez tort car Dieu aime la
musique, la musique divine. Je ne m’endeuille pour vous plutôt je préfère vous
célébrer, votre art qui s’éternise, vos mémoires qui n’éteignent pas, jamais.
très bon commentaire...
Bernard Fong
.
Bernard Fong
Bernard, je viens de lire votre commentaire, ce commentaire long, poétique en ecoutant la chanson. Je n'avais pas fini lire quand la chanson trouvait sa fin et une autre venait a sa place et votre commentaire disparassait. Pour lire vos beaux mots jusqu'a la fin je suis revenu pour trouver a mon grand chagrin seulement 4 lignes de votre commentaire si beau! S.v.P. ou est parti le reste ? Merci
VOILA, retrouvé dans l'eternel mystique de ce chain! Merci Bernard pour ces mots superbes, très poétiques à l'honneur de ce grand artist!
Genius does not age...he has never written better...nor influenced more lives.than Here -in this deceptively-simple song...P.
Ich liebe ihn! Immer noch, obwohl er schon ein paar Jahre tot ist. Er hat mir so viel in meinem Leben mitgegeben! Seine Musik wird nie vergehen!
Thank you Leonard for the beauty you painted with the stroke of your words.....forever and ever
Thanks Peter for visiting The Hammer Works.
I met Suzanne this last summer. she is in her 70's. She read us her poetry and showed us her mini house. she told me and my lover were soul partners. now he has passed. she hugged me and asked me my name. I said "my name is Julie" she said her daughter was named Julie.
+Julie Kothman did she feed you tea and oranges that came all the way from china?
N Deschamps
I suppose you could call the mini house in place of the tea, and oranges as the poetry. She has amazing energy.
Cohen has been my favorite songwriter and singer since the 70s I'm now 70 years old
one of the most beautifully written songs i've ever heard
I love and appreciate Leonard...HE introduced me to Toronto, Yorkville...amongst all the other Hippies, singing his songs...and writing poetry. Thank You for making me a Canadienne....for nearly 5o years.
Thanks for visiting the channel.
I was introduced to Leonard through this song by my boyfriend, and now husband of almost 40 years, as my name is Suzanne and he loved his music and it was very romantic. Highlight for me was hearing him live on my birthday in Berlin July 2013. My regret was not hearing him live again. My favourite is Dance me to the end of love.
Hello Suzanne, How are you doing?
@@Kelly-nm4kw Thanks for asking. My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 2 years ago and can't remember Leonard without a struggle and lots of prompting. I am glad we have had so many years together. Even if he forgets my name, I remember.
@@suzannedarroch1149 So touching, You are doing a great job at life! Where are you from?
I love that song too!!!
Wishing you and your husband well, Suzanne. How have you been?
My mother named me after this song.miss you Mom and Dad you both tried to do the best you could may you both find rest and eternal peace .love you Judy and Charlie.
I used to sing this to my son every night as a lullaby. He reminded me of it many years later...when he was a dad. I guess that means this song stays in your heart.
Hello Brenda, how is things going with you ?
RIP Doctor Cohen - Your Words Will Always Continue to Heal our Very Human Wounds . . .
Nils
That is so true.
Balanced Stereo
Der
Fina låtar☔️💦🌞
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