Closing Time--Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen is better known as a songwriter that a singer, mainly because of his gravelly baritone voice, but his songs have influenced many musicians over the decades. Cohen published two novels in his youth and published numerous books of poetry, before becoming known as a singer/musician.

I just learned of this song and it has made a impact on me.

I hope you like it well.



www.azlyrics.com...


[edit on 2008/1/1 by GradyPhilpott]

Those who really like Cohen stuff might want to check out the story behind Suzanne. It's so romantic.

The Story of Suzanne.



Mira

reply to post by GradyPhilpott



Grady Philpott, did you know that Leonard Cohen used to visit the Bodi Mandala in Jemez on a fairly frequent basis?

I have met him and he is truly a gracious gentleman.
His lyrics and melodies have been an inspiration to me since I first heard him.


[edit on 1-1-2008 by whaaa]

I hoped others would like his music, too.

He's been around a long time now, but super stardom has eluded him and I wasn't sure if anyone here would be interested.

I'm glad there are those here who do.

I didn't know he appeared in this region frequently. That's interesting to know.

[edit on 2008/1/1 by GradyPhilpott]

Cohen is my favorite songwriter of all time, without question.

Did you know that he basically filled an entire notebook with lyrics for Closing Time until finally whittling it down to the verses that he used on the recording? You can read them here. I recommend checking that out. It consists of scanned pages from Cohen's notebook, so you gain insight into his process. In effect, you can observe him refining meter, accents, and syllabic patterns. Cohen has always been what I consider a "writer's writer" in that he is just so good that people who don't write will never really understand how completely in another league Cohen is. If you're a writer and a Cohen fan already, and you haven't seen this, then you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Famous Blue Raincoat is still probably my favorite Cohen song, but there are just so many good ones that it's hard to prefer one over another.

/tn.


[edit on 1-1-2008 by teleonaut]

Originally posted by Mira_of_lurk0more
Those who really like Cohen stuff might want to check out the story behind Suzanne. It's so romantic.

It is very interesting and the account is very romantic.

The Future is one of my favourite songs like his work with Nick Cave as well.

reply to post by teleonaut


Thank you for posting that.

It will be interesting and educational to go over that page by page.

May the light in the land of plenty shine on you some day... Democracy is comin', democracy is comin' to the USA... Took my diamonds to the pawnshop but that don't make it junk... Lost between the reason and tfhe cause.

Cohen's catalog is in hundreds close to, if not thousands. Ten New Songs his best ever. I'm Your Man and The Future top notch too.