“Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee. “
Anthem, Leonard Cohen, The Future, 1992
Leonard Cohen’s songs are usually intimate in subject, focussing on desire and spirituality. The Future is unusual in that many of the songs are clearly political. At once bitter and hopeful, he comments on a rotten world and the possible redemption of love. It was after this album that Cohen decided to pursue Zen Buddhism. He dedicated most of the past decade to study at Mount Baldy Zen Center in Los Angeles, only to emerge and find that his manager had been quietly embezzling his fortune. Now 74, Cohen is back on the road for the first time since the nineties. He is one of the main attractions at this year’s Coachella, providing fans what is most likely the last chance to see the old poet perform. I am excited beyond belief! The bard will be hitting my domecile of Austin TX on Apr 2. It is a rather expensive night out but, it will be worth it. Last spring I had the chance to see George Carlin perform, but I did not feel like spending the cash. Then Carlin died. I won’t be making that mistake again. If you have a chance to see a seventy-something legend, don’t think twice, because they may well die before you get another chance.
The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
bought and sold
and bought again
the dove is never free.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
We asked for signs
the signs were sent:
the birth betrayed
the marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
of every government –
signs for all to see.
I can’t run no more
with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places
say their prayers out loud.
But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up
a thundercloud
and they’re going to hear from me.
Ring the bells that still can ring …
You can add up the parts
but you won’t have the sum
You can strike up the march,
there is no drum
Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
That’s how the light gets in.
That’s how the light gets in.
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