Poetic Snippets From Songs

[hydriot]

This thread is crazy, in that virtually all Leonard's songs are poetic. It would take me all afternoon to list my favourite poetic snippets, and you'd just end up with most of the lyrics of most of his songs.

Limiting myself to oxymorons (one of poetry's great devices not usually part of the song-writer's tool-box) I would say
"Invincible defeat"
but there are many many more.

[Steven]

Hi Hydriot,

Hopefully, this thread is enjoyably "crazy." Granted, that most of Leonard Cohen's
songs are poetic. But, many segments of them, even in isolation from the
whole of the songs, are remarkably poetic. And it was to the preferences
people find among them that the thread was posted. But, your point is
well taken about "most of the lyrics of most of his songs."

[piñata heart]

"Don't turn on the lights, you can read their address by the moon" - Sisters of Mercy

A seemingly simple little lyric, but for some reason, I've always found it quite moving. I remember, even in childhood, it stirred something in me. The imagery, or something. Can't really explain it.

[Inna]

And baby when I moved in you
the Holy Dove was moving too
and from your lips you drew the Hallelujah


From "Field Commander Cohen"

Leave it all and like a man,
come back to nothing special,
such as waiting rooms and ticket lines,
silver bullet suicides,
and messianic ocean tides,
and racial roller-coaster rides
and other forms of boredom advertised as poetry.

A very unique and ironic notion of poetry that I am particularly fond of.

[imaginary friend]

I like all the words to Night Comes On, but these stand out for me:

'I needed so much
to have nothing to touch
I've always been greedy that way'

[Steven]

Hi,

To everyone that has contributed to this thread, thanks. I've enjoyed the posts.

Imaginary friend quoted these words from "Night Comes On:"

"I needed so much
to have nothing to touch
I've always been greedy that way" .

Those words remind me of these from "Hallelujah:"

"I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch".

Maybe some contradictions between the two quotes, but so what? Life presents
contradictions and conflicts and fuels some great art. Glad to share an appreciation
for these snippets with this thread's contributors.

[hydriot]

"And I call to you, I call to you, but I don't call soft enough". (Ain't No Cure for Love)

[MaryB]

My mouth on the dew of your thighs.

Take This Waltz

[Stranger]

1. Entire text of Suzanne,

2. Same for Master Song

3. I leave the lady meditating
on the very love which I, I do not wish to claim,
I journey down the hundred steps,
but the street is still the very same.

(from Love calls you by your name)

4. I stand in ruins behind you,
with your winter clothes, your broken sandal straps.
(from take this longing)

5. Etc

6. Etc

[Vestige]

"Look at me, Leonard
Look at me one last time."
Then they bend over the bed
And cover me up
Like a baby that is shivering.
- Because of

These words are so intimate and plainy poetic!

[somewhat_nifty]

All of Master Song really, but especially:

He was starving in some deep mystery
Like a man who is sure what is true

One of Us Cannot be Wrong:

He taught that the duty of lovers
Is to tarnish the golden rule

So Long, Marianne

You held on to me like I was a crucifix
As we went kneeling through the dark.

This is a somewhat futile exercise though as all the songs are poetry as far as I'm concerned! The line from So Long, Marianne has always stood out for me though, right from the first listen.

[Everlong]

Well I just stumbled onto this site but couldn't help from making my contribution to this thread =)

I remember laughing to myself when I first heard the line:

The Maestro says it's Mozart
but it sounds like bubble gum

[Steven]

"If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and
condemn
they will bind you with love that is graceful and green
as a stem." -- Sisters of Mercy

Perenially good lyrics. Does anyone know if the two hotel room guests (the "Sisters")
had any subsequent contact with L.C.?