#LeonardCohen – Tom MacInnes, Writer

The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History…Song #9: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (+) Covered by Jeff Buckley, K.D. Lang and a Cast of Thousands. (KEXP)

This list of songs is inspired by lists published by radio station KEXP-FM from Seattle in 2010, as well as the latest poll taken in 2021 by Rolling Stone Magazine. For the most part I will faithfully countdown from their lists, starting at Song #500 and going until I reach Song #1. When you see the song title listed as something like: Song #XXX (KEXP)….it means that I am working off of the official KEXP list. Song XXX (RS) means the song is coming from the Rolling Stone list. If I post the song title as being: Song #xxx (KTOM), it means I have gone rogue and am inserting a song choice from my own personal list of tunes I really like. In any case, you are going to get to hear a great song and learn the story behind it. Finally, just so everyone is aware, I am not a music critic nor a musician. I am a music fan and an armchair storyteller. Here is the story behind today’s song. Enjoy.

KEXP: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.

Song #9: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (+) covered by Jeff Buckley, K.D. Lang and a Cast of Thousands.

When I was jus a boy, my family went to Church every Sunday. We always sat in the back pew on the left side of the church. We always sat on the left side of the back pew, too. On that left side of the pew stood a pillar that separated the seat on the very end from the rest of the pew. My father always sat in that special place. I always sat on the other side of the pillar, with my mother and sister next to me. Most of the people who made up the congregation of my Church all sat in the same seats each week, too. As everyone entered and headed down the aisles, we would always nod and smile at them and they, in reply, would do so at us. Sometimes, my parents would share a whispered critique. Sometimes, those who walked by, stared straight ahead and never even acknowledged us. My parents made note of that, too. After the service was over, sometimes there would be tea served downstairs and, if not, there would certainly be conversations held outside, on the Church steps, before everyone got into the cars and drove back home to put on their comfortable clothes. We do so adore the skin we inhabit.

In technical terms, going to Church is suppose to be about your Religion and about offering thanks and praise to whichever God you choose to follow. For those for whom Church means spirituality, inviting The Lord into one’s heart is a life-affirming experience. For those who live to sing the praises of The Lord, the word, “Hallelujah” was coined. The origin of the word is such that it, quite literally, means “to sing praises to God”. For many people, the word, “Hallelujah” has always been a sacred, religious word and the emotions connected to it were always aligned closely with piousness and religion. Thus, it was a word reserved for those closest to God.

This brings us to Leonard Cohen. Cohen was a Jewish, by birth but, he was a secular man, by nature. So, when he came to write his signature song, “Hallelujah”, it should not come as a surprise that the song plays like a hymn but, it not a song of praise to The Lord. In fact, the essence of “Hallelujah” is that it helps to break down the wall that separates the pious from the rest of us and acknowledges that we, too, can and should deserve our own moments of “Hallelujah”. He does this by using the Bible to prove his own point. In the first few verses of his song, he talks about two important Biblical figures, King David and Samson, who both were first presented in the Bible as being pure and ideal in God’s eyes but who, in the end, both proved fallible, for one reason or another. Cohen’ point with both is that we are guilty of putting imperfect people on pedestals and worshipping them and their deeds as if they were flawless of character when, in fact, we all have or weaknesses and we all make our mistakes, too. The important point being that our misdeeds or weaknesses shouldn’t disqualify us from ever feeling the elation of a moment that results in a feeling of Hallelujah. Cohen gives examples of sexuality, living purposeful lives, achieving hard-fought goals and so on. That he weaves religion, in and out, all through this song, gives “Hallelujah” an air of beauty that makes it instantly recognizable regardless of who is singing its verses aloud.

Leonard Cohen released “Hallelujah” in 1984. It was his first hit in many years and helped to revitalize his career; setting him up as an elder statesmen of song, during the second half of his life. When first released, “Hallelujah” was not a huge hit for Cohen. Instead, it is a song that was recognized by other musicians for the craftsmanship of its’ lyrics and, because of the attention they showed to the song, it gained a larger audience and ended up becoming the iconic song that it is today.

The first person to recognize the importance and beauty of “Hallelujah” was John Cale, who was a key member of The Velvet Underground. He sang the song using the piano. Cale’s version was slower and softer than Cohen’s. It was a worthy cover but, its’ greatest impact was to come when Cale’s version was heard by a young, up-and-coming performer named Jeff Buckley. *(You can read about Buckley in a previous post, here). Buckley recorded his own cover of “Hallelujah” for his debut album. There are many fans and critics who find Buckley’s breathy, emotional rendition to be the definitive take on the song. Regardless of whether or not you agree, the way Buckley emotes is representative of the feeling of Rapture many people experience when they find God and allow Him into their heart. After Jeff Buckley completed recording his cover of “Hallelujah”, he passed away in a tragic accident; thus, adding to the mystic about his cover. Many others have followed Buckley in covering Cohen’s song such as Canadians Rufus Wainwright (who sang it as Cale did, with piano accompaniment) and fellow Canadian, K.D. Lang, who recorded this song on her album of Canadian classic covers called, “Hymns of the 49th Parallel”. Lang, also, sang this song during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

“Hallelujah” is a beautiful song filled with phrases that conjure up much in the way of imagery in our minds. Regardless of who sings it, it feels like they are experiencing a form of exultation that, in the past, was reserved for only those with a direct connection to God. But, thanks to the genius of Leonard Cohen, that pre-requisite has been de-mystified and has been made more accessible for the flawed characters, like us, who inhabit our planet but yet, attempt to strive for happiness, while living lives of compassion and empathy. Which brings me back to my days in Church as a child. I never felt the Rapture as I sat with my parents in the back row on the left hand bank of pews. But, what I did feel was a sense of community with the other people who were there. Our Minister would speak about Charity and Compassion from the pulpit. My parents and those around me would smile and nod their heads. And while I know we were not all perfect people, we did our best to be good and to make a difference in the lives of others; which has been my mantra, going forward, my entire life. With that in mind, I have always felt worthy of every “Hallelujah”-calibre moment I have experienced…….and so should all of you, as well.

So, without further delay, here is Leonard Cohen, John Cale, Jeff Buckley, K.D. Lang, Rufus Wainwright and even, Choir! Choir! Choir!……all with their versions of the Cohen classic, “Hallelujah”. Enjoy them all or just the one you really like.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, can be found here.

The link to the official website for Leonard Cohen, can be found here.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah”, as covered by John Cale, can be found here.

The link to the official website for John Cale, can be found here.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah”, as covered by Jeff Buckley, can be found here.

The link to the official website for Jeff Buckley, can be found here.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah”, as covered by K.D. Lang, can be found here.

The link to the official website for K.D. Lang, can be found here.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah”, as covered by Rufus Wainwright, can be found here.

The link to the official website for Rufus Wainwright, can be found here.

The link to the video for the song, “Hallelujah”, as covered by Choir! Choir! Choir!, can be found here.

The link to the official website for Choir! Choir! Choir!, can be found here.

Thanks, as always, to KEXP, for helping to inspire the writing of this post. The link to their wonderful website can be found here.

The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History: Song #453…So Long, Marianne by Leonard Cohen (RS)

RS: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.

Song #453: So Long, Marianne by Leonard Cohen.

In 2016, Marianne Ihlen passed away from cancer at age 81. Those who knew her all say that Marianne Ihlen lived a full, rich and happy life and passed away without any regrets. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to say that. Marianne lived a life that inspired her partner at the time, Leonard Cohen, to immortalize her in song. Not everyone can say that they were immortalized in song, either. Marianne Ihlen was loved and admired by all who knew her, let’s find out why.

I firmly believe that there is a core part of ourselves that is truly us. That part that forms what we believe our true identity to be. That part of ourselves that draws others toward us, too. Some of those who enter our orbit, stay. Those that stay lend us part of their essence and, in doing so, contribute a part of themselves to the tapestry of our own lives. We are enriched and lifted up by association and are changed for the better for the rest of our days. This is most true when the centre of this personal exchange is Love.

Leonard Cohen met Marianne Ihlen on the Greek Island of Hydra when he was still Leonard Cohen the man and not yet, Leonard Cohen the star. They met in the early 1960s. It was a very Bohemian time on Hydra. Artists and poets and philosophers explored the outer limits of their ideas there. Marianne Ihlen found herself alone there with her child after being abandoned by her writer husband at the time. Leonard Cohen saw her and declared her to be the most beautiful woman in the world. I am not sure how pragmatic her attraction was to Cohen or how magical but, regardless, they joined together as a family. For most of the next decade, she and her son lived with Cohen; first on Hydra and then later, in Montreal. She is widely credited with helping to encourage Leonard Cohen in pursuit of his creative endeavours, as well as acting as his first editor and muse as he completed his projects. She was immortalized, not only in song but, also in image. She graces the back cover of his second album, Songs from a Room. The “room” in question was the bedroom they shared on the Island of Hydra. As she sits at a typewriter, wearing only towel, there is no questioning her beauty nor her influence.

Eventually, Leonard Cohen the man transitioned into Leonard Cohen the star and the demands of fame ended his union with Marianne Ihlen of Norway. Marianne and her son returned to Oslo, where she lived out the remainder of her days. She found new love and contentment with a business executive there. She pursued Bhuddist philosophies and championed environmental causes. Eventually, late in her years, she developed the cancer that would later claim her life. But, as she lay dying in hospital, word of her condition reached Leonard Cohen who, himself, was not well. He reached out to his former Love in the form of a letter. His words to her were, as follows:

“Well Marianne, it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart. I think that I will follow you soon. Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine. And, you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and your wisdom but, I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love. See you down the road.“

This was the reply he received shortly thereafter from her family.

“Marianne slipped slowly out of this life yesterday evening. Totally at ease, surrounded by close friends. Your letter came when she could still talk and laugh in full consciousness. When we read it aloud, she smiled as only Marianne could smile. She lifted her hand, when you said you were right behind her, close enough to reach her. It gave her great peace of mind that you knew of her condition. Your blessing for her journey gave her extra strength. Her friends and family, who all saw what this message meant to her, all thank you with deep gratitude for replying so fast and with such love and compassion. In her last hour, we held her hand and hummed “Bird on a Wire” *(A Cohen song that she inspired him to write based on her observations of life outside of their bedroom window on Hydra.) while she breathed so lightly. When we left the room, after her soul had flown out of the window, on to new adventures, we kissed her head and whispered your everlasting words…… So long, Marianne.“

A link to the music video for “So Long, Marianne” by Leonard Cohen can be found here. ***The lyrics version can be found here.

A link to Leonard Cohen’s website can be found here.

A link to a website dedicated to Marianne Ilhen can be found here.

Rolling Stone Magazine is to be commended for their support of beautiful and important music such as “So Long, Marianne”. Thanks for inspiring me to write this post. A link to their website can be found here.

***As always, all original content contained within this post remains the sole property of the author. No portion of this post shall be reblogged, copied or shared in any manner without the express written consent of the author. ©2021 http://www.tommacinneswriter.com

The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History: Song #459…Famous Blue Raincoat by Leonard Cohen (RS)

RS: The Top 500 Songs in Modern Music History.

Song #459: Famous Blue Raincoat by Leonard Cohen.

Not too long ago in our civilized world, writing a personal letter to a friend or family member was one of our main forms of conversation. Letter writing allowed the writer to paint a picture of their world, their thoughts and feelings, in a leisurely and elegant manner. A proper pen was important, as was formal stationary. Finally, the setting mattered. “Famous Blue Raincoat” may be a song but what it actually is, are the words of a letter being written by Leonard Cohen to a man about a woman he has loved and lost to that same man.

Cohen sings as he writes. He describes his apartment on Clinton Avenue in New York. He talks about a lock of hair being sent as message. As he sings, you can almost sense the cigarette smoke slowly pirouetting toward the ceiling, the red wine sitting just off to the side. As a poet and wordsmith, Leonard Cohen is beyond compare. This letter he is writing lays his soul bare. His sense of loss is palpable. But, one of the things that I like about this song/letter is that, despite the loss of this important woman and all of the drama that such a loss implies, he actually sings his signature, too. Listen for it at the very end of the song as he signs off “Sincerely, L. Cohen“. For me, a bit of whimsy amid the seriousness of the topic adds to the pleasure of listening to such a song.

Cohen has never come completely clean about whether this song is based upon a real event from his life but, there are enough accurate details to suggest that it is. He did own a blue raincoat. He did know people who dabbled in Scientology. *(The phrase, “Did you ever go clear?” refers to the Scientology practice of having new recruits “clear” their minds of negative thoughts and memories before adopting the teachings of Dianetics). He did have many relationships with women. And, of course, he did like to write.

“Famous Blue Raincoat” is a beautiful, slow-moving song that allows you to bask in every turn of phrase, every perfectly descriptive or cutting word and every emotion that one can feel when you eavesdrop on a private conversation between two men on opposite ends of woman’s love and attention. Lines like, “Thanks, for the trouble you took from her eyes. I thought it was there for good so I never tried.“…. an entire world in all of its nuance captured in a three-four minute song written and performed by, arguably, the best writer of words Canada has ever produced. Enjoy.

The link to the music video for Famous Blue Raincoat by Leonard Cohen can be found here. ***The lyrics version can be found here.

A lovely cover version by Cohen-devotee, Tori Amos, can be found here.

There is a website dedicated to Leonard Cohen. The link can be found here.

Thanks to Rolling Stone Magazine for helping to inspire the writing of this post. A link to their great website can be found here.