One of my favourite songs is this one, Chelsea Hotel No. 2 by Leonard Cohen, in which he sings about his fleeting relationship with the wild spirit that was Janis Joplin.
"I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel
you were famous, your heart was a legend.
You told me again you preferred handsome men
but for me you would make an exception.
And clenching your fist for the ones like us
who are oppressed by the figures of beauty,
you fixed yourself, you said, "Well never mind,
we are ugly but we have the music."
Happy 75th Birthday, Mr Cohen... May you live long and happily.
10 comments:
Well, I couldn't deny the pull of Leonard Cohen here. Suzanne, I think, is my favorite of his. Who can write like that? Only him, I'm afraid.
I adore his music, his novels and his poetry. I think my favourite song is either Story of Isaac (the lake a lady's mirror - fabulous metaphor) or Famous Blue Raincoat. Years ago it was Suzanne but I think I've heard it now too many times.
We are ugly but we have the music...
Looking for what's important in life. Happy Birthday Mr. Cohen.
Not familiar with him or his music (I need to get out more!!) but wishing Mr. Cohen a happy birthday all the same :D
Hi Fhina,
Mr Cohen isn't someone I've ever listened to but that's nothing new! I know a lot of folks like his music but it seems kinda morose. But he's obviously still going strong.
'we are ugly but we have the music'
Sounds like me!
75?!! OMG!
Yeah! Happy Birthday to him!
Although I don't quite know who his is . . .
Happy birthday indeed to the Sainted Leonard. I hear he collapsed on stage over the weekend when he was performing in Spain but was later released from hospital.
Thanks for this - didn't realise the tryst was with Janis! I have been listenign to Leonard for 40 years.. since I first heard Suzanne and Marianne and Sisters of Mercy.
I still enjoy them all, and Hallelulah.
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