Leonard Cohen — Everybody Knows
Album: I'm Your ManAvg rating:
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Length: 5:27
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Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Comments (280)add comment
Feel free to play more Cohen, any time any day...so smooth!
SheRidesABeemer wrote:
Like Bourbon, the older I get, the more I like it.
the older I get, the better these songs get. 
Like Bourbon, the older I get, the more I like it.
Another song by another artist that I didn't get or could care less way back when.
Now as I'm older and more seasoned, its a song that I do get by an artist that I now appreciate.
Glad to hear these underappreciated nuggets in the present.
Cheers !
Now as I'm older and more seasoned, its a song that I do get by an artist that I now appreciate.
Glad to hear these underappreciated nuggets in the present.
Cheers !
Dedicated to the oil corporations.
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Kitchener Limo & Party Bus Rentals is a well-acclaimed company that specializes in delivering superior class limousine rental service across Kitchener city and nearby areas.
The CONCRETE BLONDE version of this absolutely rocks.
ckcotton wrote:
third worst
Possibly the worst song played on RP… If I don’t count anything by Tori.
third worst
One of the best song by
one of the greatest poet. What else?
one of the greatest poet. What else?
The movie Pump Up the Volume begins with this song so the scene pops in my head when I hear it.
Possibly the worst song played on RP… If I don’t count anything by Tori.
Just like the cowboy junkies why all this hate for an artist from Canada????
dwaltmire wrote:
I’m with you brother
I think... everybody knows... how to write a better song than this one! I'd personally like to listen to better ones.
I’m with you brother
I can’t stand anything I’ve heard by Leonard on RP… but this is the worst of it all
dublanica1 wrote:
You are correct. Leonard Cohen was a trust fund baby who published works to the exceedingly small poetry audiences. He was an artist who felt his art had something to contribute. Music was a vehicle to deliver his poetry. The work stands up whether accompanied by music or not but presented in an unmistakable song format. As for the voice and simple melodies, I'm a big fan of Tom Waits.
One of the albums I own from over 50 years ago was from Leonard; so believe me, I tried! Thought he was a "hip poet" then. Unfortunately, I can not get past his voice and lack of melody to truly know if his poetry is any good or not. My theory is he decided to put his poetry to music because he saw masters like Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs and others doing it with great success. But he could not and should have left his words on paper; not on the airwaves. Sorry Leonard!
You are correct. Leonard Cohen was a trust fund baby who published works to the exceedingly small poetry audiences. He was an artist who felt his art had something to contribute. Music was a vehicle to deliver his poetry. The work stands up whether accompanied by music or not but presented in an unmistakable song format. As for the voice and simple melodies, I'm a big fan of Tom Waits.
This takes me back to seeing Pump up the Volume for the first time. That movie made me want to go and start my own pirate radio station. Now that I think about it, that basically what Bill and Co. have done here with RP!
TallCreative1 wrote:
Haha, you've got excellent taste in covers! Take a look below.
Love the Concrete Blonde version of this..... 
Haha, you've got excellent taste in covers! Take a look below.
Concrete Blonde did a version of this in 1990. It's a fairly exceptional rendition IMO. Concrete Blonde's Version
Love the Concrete Blonde version of this.....
dublanica1 wrote:
Quite the opposite opinion to the person who wondered why everyone else was at the LC concert as LC was singing just to him...
One of the albums I own from over 50 years ago was from Leonard; so believe me, I tried! Thought he was a "hip poet" then. Unfortunately, I can not get past his voice and lack of melody to truly know if his poetry is any good or not. My theory is he decided to put his poetry to music because he saw masters like Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs and others doing it with great success. But he could not and should have left his words on paper; not on the airwaves. Sorry Leonard!
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose what everybody knows
That will disclose what everybody knows
I dig creative lyrics like that one.
Every LC starts at an 8 simply for the lyrics alone. After that, it's just a question of whether it deserves more.
One of the albums I own from over 50 years ago was from Leonard; so believe me, I tried! Thought he was a "hip poet" then. Unfortunately, I can not get past his voice and lack of melody to truly know if his poetry is any good or not. My theory is he decided to put his poetry to music because he saw masters like Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs and others doing it with great success. But he could not and should have left his words on paper; not on the airwaves. Sorry Leonard!
Great song writer! A little difficult to listen to.
the older I get, the better these songs get.
toterola wrote:
Looks like that link is dead
Here's an alternative
I just love Leonard. He is such an iconoclast.
If you have any interest in finding out more about him and the way he practices his craft, check this film out: https://www.leonardcohenimyourman.com/
It is wonderfully entertaining, and a real treat to watch.
If you have any interest in finding out more about him and the way he practices his craft, check this film out: https://www.leonardcohenimyourman.com/
It is wonderfully entertaining, and a real treat to watch.
Looks like that link is dead
Here's an alternative
Not sure which is better the music or the comments.
Everybody nose 👃
melzabutch wrote:
Pump up the volume.
I don't know how many times I've told myself this same thing. (Not that today is particularly bad or that I am looking for attention, just that it can be good to put it down in writing.)
Pump up the volume.
I don't know how many times I've told myself this same thing. (Not that today is particularly bad or that I am looking for attention, just that it can be good to put it down in writing.)
ziggytrix wrote:
Just look inside yourself and you'll see me
.
waving up at you
.
naked
.
wearing only a cock ring.
I remember buying the soundtrack to Pump Up The Volume and being annoyed that they only had the Concrete Blonde version. I'm sure it has its merits, but I still can't give their take on this song a fair shake based on that disappointment.
One of my all time favorite movies; it came out right after I graduated from high school.
Just look inside yourself and you'll see me
.
waving up at you
.
naked
.
wearing only a cock ring.
I remember buying the soundtrack to Pump Up The Volume and being annoyed that they only had the Concrete Blonde version. I'm sure it has its merits, but I still can't give their take on this song a fair shake based on that disappointment.
One of my all time favorite movies; it came out right after I graduated from high school.
everybody knows the plague is coming...
dwaltmire wrote:
Please take your negativity somewhere else.
I think... everybody knows... how to write a better song than this one! I'd personally like to listen to better ones.
Please take your negativity somewhere else.
I'm eagerly awaiting your # 1 hit.
dwaltmire wrote:
dwaltmire wrote:
I think... everybody knows... how to write a better song than this one! I'd personally like to listen to better ones.
Love his back-up singers!
My mom played the life out of this tape and some more by Leonard. As a child I hated his voice, made me seasick.
Straight 8 here. Thank you mommy for playing music with a bite at home. Even when I didnt enjoy it, I gained alot. Love my mom
Straight 8 here. Thank you mommy for playing music with a bite at home. Even when I didnt enjoy it, I gained alot. Love my mom
I think... everybody knows... how to write a better song than this one! I'd personally like to listen to better ones.
Grayson wrote:
On the other hand, the first time I heard this was long ago, performed by Concrete Blonde, from the Pump Up The Volume soundtrack. 'twas long before I'd heard the name Leonard Cohen. Hearing Johnette Napolitano sing it, it never occurred to me that it was particularly about a woman (or women in general), or that it was anything other than an indictment of a partner's infidelity.
Leonard Cohen had such potential. Then again, so did that whole gen of menfolk. But they never could rise above their relentless slut shaming habits. None of 'em. Even as they were banging their best friend's wife. A pox on their houses.
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
On the other hand, the first time I heard this was long ago, performed by Concrete Blonde, from the Pump Up The Volume soundtrack. 'twas long before I'd heard the name Leonard Cohen. Hearing Johnette Napolitano sing it, it never occurred to me that it was particularly about a woman (or women in general), or that it was anything other than an indictment of a partner's infidelity.
Grayson wrote:
I'm a fan of many of his tunes, only because of RP however, his "potential" was definitely reached. I even went, yesterday, to a local record shop to buy his "Live in England" album. BUT...maybe you're not from Canada. He was and still is huge here.
Check out the memorial concert for him. He was admired by many in the industry. Many.
Leonard Cohen had such potential. Then again, so did that whole gen of menfolk. But they never could rise above their relentless slut shaming habits. None of 'em. Even as they were banging their best friend's wife. A pox on their houses.
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
I'm a fan of many of his tunes, only because of RP however, his "potential" was definitely reached. I even went, yesterday, to a local record shop to buy his "Live in England" album. BUT...maybe you're not from Canada. He was and still is huge here.
Check out the memorial concert for him. He was admired by many in the industry. Many.
Leonard Cohen had such potential. Then again, so did that whole gen of menfolk. But they never could rise above their relentless slut shaming habits. None of 'em. Even as they were banging their best friend's wife. A pox on their houses.
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
Too strong?! OK, just a black cloud over in the month of May. Better?
ANDY williams christmass speci'al
merry friggin hollyday
merry friggin hollyday
GuiltyFeat wrote:
Yeah, came on to comment on that. Pure genius.
"... there were so many people you just had to meet... without your clothes."
I love this lyric and the way it scans. Perfection.
I love this lyric and the way it scans. Perfection.
Yeah, came on to comment on that. Pure genius.
"... there were so many people you just had to meet... without your clothes."
I love this lyric and the way it scans. Perfection.
I love this lyric and the way it scans. Perfection.
melzabutch wrote:
Pump up the volume.
Just look inside yourself and you'll see me
.
waving up at you
.
naked
.
wearing only a cock ring.
Pump up the volume.
Just look inside yourself and you'll see me
.
waving up at you
.
naked
.
wearing only a cock ring.
smellen wrote:
Seems like every time I turn on RP there's a LC song - thanks so much, love it
seems like every time I turn on Radio Paradise there's a Leonard Cohen song on. I'm not liking it.....
Seems like every time I turn on RP there's a LC song - thanks so much, love it
seems like every time I turn on Radio Paradise there's a Leonard Cohen song on. I'm not liking it.....
melzabutch wrote:
Pump up the volume.
LOL!!! But I love the lyrics!! Love it Love it!!
Pump up the volume.
LOL!!! But I love the lyrics!! Love it Love it!!
JK JK it's pretty boring.
deepwoodskev wrote:
Monday morning here, it's better now.
Thanks. Way to ruin my Friday morning.
Monday morning here, it's better now.
LinThizzy wrote:
Quit whining like a baby and hit the PSD.
Everybody Knows that this is a disgrace.....can't frickin stand this BS.
Quit whining like a baby and hit the PSD.
Thanks. Way to ruin my Friday morning.
Everybody Knows that this is a disgrace.....can't frickin stand this BS.
This has a lot in common with Idiot Wind: both are beyond brilliant break up songs.
Such insight from such an artist. Vale Leonard
These lyrics are hitting hard right now. I want us to be better than what we all know.
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
This would have been a fitting song right now, even if LC handed died this week also.
RIP Leonard. Another of the greats gone (whether you appreciate his work or not).
Good bye Leonard. Thank you for the great music.
Matthewpnorris wrote:
With some Al Pacino thrown in.
He looks like Adam sander.
With some Al Pacino thrown in.
He looks like Adam sander.
Seniors Night at the karaoke bar. Thrilling. 
Pump up the volume.
chyk5 wrote:
They both have a voice like sandpaper but only one of them drones and that's Mr. Cohen. Give me Tom Waits anytime.
I actually feel badly for people who can't appreciate Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, etc.. Thanks to Bill for continuing to play them.
They both have a voice like sandpaper but only one of them drones and that's Mr. Cohen. Give me Tom Waits anytime.
...not again!
Everybody knows this song is over played on RP
The most depressing song ever written, and every word of it is 100% true.
DrLex wrote:
Thanks, Doc. Now shut up and eat it.
Generic song complaint form
…………………………………………………………………
Instructions for use:
1. Print the form on a piece of paper.
2. Write your witty remark about this song on the dotted line.
3. Eat it.
4. Shut up.
…………………………………………………………………
Instructions for use:
1. Print the form on a piece of paper.
2. Write your witty remark about this song on the dotted line.
3. Eat it.
4. Shut up.
Thanks, Doc. Now shut up and eat it.
Generic song complaint form
…………………………………………………………………
Instructions for use:
1. Print the form on a piece of paper.
2. Write your witty remark about this song on the dotted line.
3. Eat it.
4. Shut up.
…………………………………………………………………
Instructions for use:
1. Print the form on a piece of paper.
2. Write your witty remark about this song on the dotted line.
3. Eat it.
4. Shut up.
WHAT'S THIS SONG CALLED?
Thank you RP!
grahamdillabough wrote:
grahamdillabough wrote:
Thank you PSD!
Thank you PSD!
Not as down on Leonard tonight, but: Concrete Blonde does it better.
I'm jes sayin' is all...
I'm jes sayin' is all...
I'm fed up with this guy, too much songs of him on RP.
Maybe the poet is gay
But he'll be heard anyway
Maybe the poet is drugged
But he won't stay under the rug
Maybe the voice of the spirit
In which case you'd better hear it
Maybe he's a woman
Who can touch you where you're human
Male, female, slave or free
Peaceful or disorderly
Maybe you and he will not agree
But you need him to show you new ways to see
Don't let the system fool you
All it wants to do is rule you
Pay attention to the poet
You need him and you know it
Put him up against the wall
Shoot him up with pentothal
Shoot him up with lead
You won't call back what's been said
Put him in the ground
But one day you'll look around
There'll be a face you don't know
Voicing thoughts you've heard before
Male female slave or free
Peaceful or disorderly
Maybe you and he will not agree
But you need him to show you new ways to see
Don't let the system fool you
All it wants to do is rule you
Pay attention to the poet
You need him and you know it
Bruce Cockburn - Maybe The Poet
But he'll be heard anyway
Maybe the poet is drugged
But he won't stay under the rug
Maybe the voice of the spirit
In which case you'd better hear it
Maybe he's a woman
Who can touch you where you're human
Male, female, slave or free
Peaceful or disorderly
Maybe you and he will not agree
But you need him to show you new ways to see
Don't let the system fool you
All it wants to do is rule you
Pay attention to the poet
You need him and you know it
Put him up against the wall
Shoot him up with pentothal
Shoot him up with lead
You won't call back what's been said
Put him in the ground
But one day you'll look around
There'll be a face you don't know
Voicing thoughts you've heard before
Male female slave or free
Peaceful or disorderly
Maybe you and he will not agree
But you need him to show you new ways to see
Don't let the system fool you
All it wants to do is rule you
Pay attention to the poet
You need him and you know it
Bruce Cockburn - Maybe The Poet
Everytime I hear that song on RP I tap that song down one step...
Startet with 5, now down to one within a week or so....
Tom Waits is ok for me but this guy....
Startet with 5, now down to one within a week or so....
Tom Waits is ok for me but this guy....
Oh no, start the RP app and directly this song... 
Everybody knows you've got a stuffy nose.
chyk5 wrote:
Bless yer heart.
I actually feel badly for people who can't appreciate Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, etc.. Thanks to Bill for continuing to play them.
Bless yer heart.
In my younger days, I could burp more-or-less in tune as well.
I actually feel badly for people who can't appreciate Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, etc.. Thanks to Bill for continuing to play them.
If RP never played another Leonard Cohen song, it would be too soon.
Bill will keep playing Leonard, and Dylan, and Neil Young, and Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchell, despite all the whiny comments, because he knows they're good.
Everybody Knows, I'm thankful for the lyrics transparency.
andrzejmojo wrote:
I agree. Enough Cohen.
molson wrote:
Exactly.
I just don't get it...I only PSD this guy...ok maybe Tom Waits...
Exactly.
tfioreze wrote:
Have you ever heard Dylan?
How is this considered singing??
Have you ever heard Dylan?
How is this considered singing??
All I can say to the nay-sayers is: the lyrics!
OMG...just saw the Eeyore post from someone earlier...totally sounds like Eeyore on open mic night!!!
I just don't get it...I only PSD this guy...ok maybe Tom Waits...
I agree. Enough Cohen.
LowPhreak wrote:
Agree, Bill. Nobody gets more airplay than Cohen, I bet. He's interesting, but there's much more out there...much, much more
For christsakes Bill, can you stop with the Cohen tracks every few hours?!
Agree, Bill. Nobody gets more airplay than Cohen, I bet. He's interesting, but there's much more out there...much, much more
Leave the lounge lizard alone! Just because he woke up one day and realized he wasn't normal doesn't make it right to make fun of his singing.... I say pump up the volume!
deepwoodskev wrote:
HA! Love this comment!
Everybody knows how to click the PSD button also. Like me. G'bye Len.
HA! Love this comment!Totally reminds me of discovering Leonard Cohen through "Pump Up The Volume". That movie just celebrated its 25th anniversary and I celebrated mine listening to this crazy buddhist monk crooner.
Everybody knows how to click the PSD button also. Like me. G'bye Len.
For christsakes Bill, can you stop with the Cohen tracks every few hours?!
Yes there were great lyrics, once. And the voice fitted, years ago. But this would be just better in a book, unsung. The musical arrangement is what could have passed as the demo song on a bontempi, ca 1988.
aaronm wrote:
It just seems that in this "American Idol / The Voice" auto-tuned era, so many people immediately discount anything that doesn't sound like the rest of the generic musical "product" out there. Even here at RP, people are constantly complaining that songs are "too long", "boring" or that the vocalist "can't sing" (translation; doesn't have a generic auto-tuned voice). For me, part of the appeal of artists like Cohen, Dylan, Tom Waits and Neil Young is that they don't have perfect voices. Their unique, distinctive and clearly not pretty voices are part of what makes them great.
You're acting like it's a super-unreasonable request that music be pleasing to listen to. We can all agree that there's taste involved, but it's like you're saying, "I know the voice is bad, but you have to enjoy this anyway, because reasons."
It just seems that in this "American Idol / The Voice" auto-tuned era, so many people immediately discount anything that doesn't sound like the rest of the generic musical "product" out there. Even here at RP, people are constantly complaining that songs are "too long", "boring" or that the vocalist "can't sing" (translation; doesn't have a generic auto-tuned voice). For me, part of the appeal of artists like Cohen, Dylan, Tom Waits and Neil Young is that they don't have perfect voices. Their unique, distinctive and clearly not pretty voices are part of what makes them great.
On_The_Beach wrote:
You're acting like it's a super-unreasonable request that music be pleasing to listen to. We can all agree that there's taste involved, but it's like you're saying, "I know the voice is bad, but you have to enjoy this anyway, because reasons."
No, Leonard Cohen doesn't have a "pretty" voice like Celine Dion or Barbra Streisand.
Oh, boo-hoo.
Oh, boo-hoo.
You're acting like it's a super-unreasonable request that music be pleasing to listen to. We can all agree that there's taste involved, but it's like you're saying, "I know the voice is bad, but you have to enjoy this anyway, because reasons."
Andres-7 wrote:
Oh come on — surely you have to agree that Bob Dylan is worse. :-)
It's horrible.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
Oh come on — surely you have to agree that Bob Dylan is worse. :-)
No, Leonard Cohen doesn't have a "pretty" voice like Celine Dion or Barbra Streisand.
Oh, boo-hoo.
Oh, boo-hoo.
Andres-7 wrote:
I agree completely.
They should use this for the recent run of GEICO ads "Everybody knows that". "Yes but did you know that Leonard Cohen sings every song by burping along with the music?"
It's horrible.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
I agree completely.
They should use this for the recent run of GEICO ads "Everybody knows that". "Yes but did you know that Leonard Cohen sings every song by burping along with the music?"
Andres-7 wrote:It's horrible.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
grahamdillabough wrote:
Reminds me of Eeyore
It's horrible.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
May be the lyrics are good, but Leonard Cohen just can't sing.
It's not music. May be poetry. But not music.
Leonard Cohen is the worst singer I've ever heard.
Reminds me of Eeyore
horseplayer wrote:
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
Very well said indeed. I would include Tom Waits and Kris Kristofferson in this group as well.
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
Very well said indeed. I would include Tom Waits and Kris Kristofferson in this group as well.
dragon1952 wrote:
A more recent cover by Sniff 'N The Tears.
That was actually Jimmy Durante and the song is called Everybody's Nose....and if you even half way get that you're at least my age.
A more recent cover by Sniff 'N The Tears.
horseplayer wrote:
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
So eloquently stated.
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
So eloquently stated.
MissElaineious wrote:
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
I've tried. I swear I've tried...for years, even. But to my ears Leonard Cohen just can't sing. Many of you out there really seem to like him. Tell me why, please. Help me understand the Leonard Cohen machine.
Hi,
That would be because his lyrics are beautiful, haunting, profound. He has the ability to imbue the ordinary, raw, gritty stuff of life with spiritual significance, and perhaps even more remarkably, he can make the spiritual gritty and real. Because these words are his own idiosyncratic vision of the world, he is able to give voice to them in a particularly powerful and evocative way. I find that when others sing them, these words can lose some of their emotional resonance (there are plenty of wincingly blase versions of "Hallelujah," for example). This is a quality that Cohen shares with many other so-called can't-sing artists — Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash all spring to mind. Those of us who enjoy this kind of thing appreciate the authenticity of the voice and find that it adds to, rather than detracts from, the overall impact of the artistic work.
Hope that helps.
I've tried. I swear I've tried...for years, even. But to my ears Leonard Cohen just can't sing. Many of you out there really seem to like him. Tell me why, please. Help me understand the Leonard Cohen machine.
Geez, he's been doing the same shtick for how long now?
How do I give this guy and his music a minus rating? Simply horrible.
Krakus wrote:
He should sing this in a DayQuil commercial. "Everybody knows about my stuffy nose."
Oh God, he's back again.
Blah.
Blah.
The Rufus Wainwright cover is quite nice, too.
That was actually Jimmy Durante and the song is called Everybody's Nose....and if you even half way get that you're at least my age.
What is that, a lute? Bouzouki?
I still love this. I still love Leonard Cohen's music. Haters be damned. Get a hobby or something. Knitting, or basket-weaving, or maybe origami. You can by Cohen's sheet music and fold it into all sorts of interesting and intricate shapes and sell it to the people who love Cohen's music. And with the money you make, you can move to a remote island where music is not available.
bump
Miss you Cynaera