Still coming around after my near brush with the unspeakable, just lately we seem to have been consumed by my/our love of Leonard Cohen. I don’t know if I ever mentioned in the past, but it was my interest in him as a younger person that first got me writing poetry. Years ago I loved his music first; it was later that I got into his poetry and who could not?
Ever-since I got out of the hospital though, I have been doing more reading and movie watching. Not long ago, for my birthday actually; (Feb 14) Elizabeth brought home from the library a DVD of Leonard Cohen’s 2008 tour in London, England. I was captivated. Actually seeing him perform live onstage was something I had not seen before. I was left with an insatiable hunger for more of his music. I had never really listened in depth to his lyrics for the songs, the words absolutely amazed me.
Most nights before we go to bed we end up playing some of his music. The problem is, once we start listening we keep playing more, it has that kind of effect, at least on us it did. I doubt that there are any of his songs that we don’t like, but like all artists, we do have our favorites.
Here then is a short list of what we like the most to end the evening with:
In my Secret life
Alexandra Leaving
Take this waltz
Famous blue raincoat
The gypsy’s wife
Can’t forget
Night comes on
Rivers of dark
Love it-self
Master’s song.
Since then, we purchased the video of that concert and added a number of CD’s of his music to our collection. Needless to say, every time we play a song of his we are amazed at the accomplishments of this man.
We also picked up his latest biography by Tim Footman and it was excellent reading. In addition, we just bought his latest book of poetry, “Leonard Cohen, Book of Longing”.
Once you spend a little time listening to Leonard, it’s not too difficult to become enraptured with his music and hypnotized by his genius with words.
Here is a man who with his sheer talent with the English language, has managed to bridge the sands of time for all eternity, painting his soul into all he creates.
It can be said in all honesty, that with the aging of his years (75 now) and the coarse sound of his voice, he has become better.
You have to live forever Leonard!! The world needs you.
Well, I do.
C’ya
About Me
- Eric Valentine
- I have been a bit of a World traveler. I was born in England and at age 32 moved to Canada. More recently this last few years I have come down with a debilitating illness that although it has no cure it can be managed sensibly. My interests now are my lovely wife Elizabeth, nature and music. I love writing at which I am always working on improving.
I am a Proud Member of The Shameless Lions Writing Circle
Sangilak
He burst forth from the past to now
Fiercely proud, strong, erect.
His torso adorned and glowing still,
Remnants of the days of battle royal,
The figures, depicting scars from days of old.
I first saw him standing there -
Covered it seemed in a hue of snow?
On his chest emblazoned in red,
“Is that a red maple leaf I see,
Or some such facsimile ?”
I said astounded! ~ hesitantly, ~
“You are Canadian ~ aren’t you”
SangilakHe burst forth from the past to now
Fiercely proud, strong, erect.
His torso adorned and glowing still,
Remnants of the days of battle royal,
The figures, depicting scars from days of old.
I first saw him standing there -
Covered it seemed in a hue of snow?
On his chest emblazoned in red,
“Is that a red maple leaf I see,
Or some such facsimile ?”
I said astounded! ~ hesitantly, ~
“You are Canadian ~ aren’t you”
Shameless Lions Award
8 comments:
I don't know much about Cohen, but did he write the wedding song? I LOVE that.
I don't recognize the name. I will have to go look him up now. :)
Just came to say Hi.. hope you and your family doing fine out there.. will definitely check out the songs.. :))
Prayers,
SAM..
Sorry to hear of your recent illness Eric - trust you are recuperating quickly.
I am a fan of Cohen's - in particular his song "Dance Me" - it's nice to know others enjoy his music too. I recently saw his last concert - it was so enjoyable!
Leonard Cohen is AWESOME! Right now I like "I'm your man" the best but it depends on my mood :D
I'm pleased that you like him NN, he's quite the man with quite the voice, I love all his stuff. Most is now on youtube.. :)
Well, I haven't been around for a while but knowing that you are a Leonard Cohen fan makes clear we we clicked as friends in the blogosphere. I always thought he was the greatest poet who really couldn't sing very well but was so haunting you couldn't turn him off. My first memory of him was his singing Suzanne (sp?).
Anyway, Eric this comment is written long after you posted it but I hope you see it and get a chance to stop by my blog which I've just resumed after a 12 month absence.
Be well, my friend!
Hi Leon, it seems we both were away for most of the year if but for different reasons. Good to see you back and I will try soon to get back in the saddle.
I like Cohens work ~ poetry and songs. I think that any artist has their own distinct sound and style that makes it unique in itself and thus enjoys success. :)
Will be seeing you again soon my friend.
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