How Cohen and Bowie Faced Mortality

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00:00 Intro
00:45 Title Card
00:53 Leonard Cohen/You Want it Darker
01:23 Close Analysis
03:28 “Why must God do this?”
04:30 Final Verse/Thoughts
04:51 Bowie/Blackstar
05:16 Music Video
05:42 Religious Symbolism
07:38 “I’m a Blackstar.”
08:54 Conclusion

[@Ifailedeverything]

Bowie wrote his own requiem. It’s one of the most badass things I’ve ever heard.

[@willoliver8167]

This comment section is wild, I've seen people call Bowie a hardcore Christian, a complete atheist, an agnostic, a Buddhist, a magick practicing warlock, a cultist, and a hermetic something or other. Maybe, just maybe, none of you know what religion Bowie was, and you're all just guessing.

[@lyndalbreen7690]

He listed some of his spiritual beliefs in one interview - including pottery

[@chlaospooks1712]

Bowie was a mystery. I love him

[@chopsueykungfu]

"...I'm not quite an atheist and it worries me. There's that little bit that holds on: "Well, I'm almost an atheist. Give me a couple of months."" Blackstar is very obvious that he finally reached that point.

[@melizmatea]

@@chopsueykungfu I feel that way too! But are you saying he ended up an atheist?

[@chopsueykungfu]

@@melizmatea he ended up a Buddhist, complete with funeral arrangements. There is no deity in Buddhism.

[@dinothegonzo]

The freaky thing after Blackstar is No Plan. It's like Bowie (as immortalized by his legacy, not the person) speaks from a certain form of afterlife, no longer existing as a person but existing as something else. In addition, the vinyl sleeve for No Plan EP is an octogram with the lowest point longer than the rest, suggesting some sort of "rise". If Blackstar is about his death, No Plan is him resurrecting as a different entity altogether.

[@melizmatea]

Interesting. I haven't listened to it yet, I'll have to check it out.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Yes, it was a remarkable piece of art. It hurt me and healed me so much.

[@dinothegonzo]

Exactly. When I first heard it, I couldn't help but become teary-eyed because we thought "shit, Bowie planned everything."

[@deanmyrick7848]

It was simply his hew persona.

[@deanstanley2125]

Did you know the day after Bowie passed astronomers found what may be a new planet in our solar system?

[@Duke_Togo_G13]

Lazarus.. that is really the song of reflection, letting go, acceptance, and death. I'm surprised you didn't go with that one.

[@sallyangelworks9047]

Yes, and no plan.

[@thomaskilroy4573]

Because Lazarus wasn’t written for Blackstar. It was written for the Lazarus musical as a song for Thomas Jerome Newton. It wasn’t sung from Bowie’s own perspective.

[@kompstrumpcziwadze]

I honestly believe that there is more to Cohen's Epitaph. Judging by his journey - as an artist as well as a human, he shows not just angst. Cohen confronted a variety of philosophies and captured these beautifully - as early as his quasi-existential 'Suzanne' to somewhat Buddhist influenced late albums, 'You want it Darker' forms a really compelling finale for his whole career. It is a fine finale for a man who has lived through a lot - and accepts troubles of fate, the life itself with all the heavy baggage. Just as it says - he is READY to accept miserable human life in all it's forms, moreover - on his own terms.

[@acchaladka]

kompstrumpcziwadze Well said. I feel this video-analysis really missed the mark and that the writer is not understanding the song album or artist from a Jewish perspective the way he understands Bowie from a Christian one. I don’t expect him to start studying Talmud but all the same, he could have done a lot more. Jonathan Sacks for example did a moving short video on the Cohen song which was a great introduction to the themes; perhaps Polyphonic will (re-)do a video on Cohen in future.

[@TheTransitmtl]

@@acchaladka I also felt the Cohen part was lacking. Cohen has always held a place in my musical heart. I first heard him in a movie about teen angst. 'Everybody Knows'. I was a teen and it spoke to me but for some time it was the only song of his I listened to. Couple of years later at around 18-19 I rediscover what I consider classic Cohen. Suzanne, Sisters of Mercy, Chelsea Hotel, Who by the fire, etc. At the time I was into underground electronic music. It was 1997 but Cohen was the soundtrack of my first relationship. I was listening and re listening to his songs and amazed at how everytime the beauty of his writing touched me. After that, years were hard for me. I didn't listen to much music. Jump to 2012 on a cold early spring morning. I had spent the night at a rave and I was walking on Ste-Catherine in Montreal when I notice a sharply dressed man crossing the street. Loafers, jacket, scarf and fedora. I recognize him but I also recognize that he is not Cohen at that moment. He is Leonard, so all I say is 'Good morning mister Cohen' and he nods. Couple years later I was running an Airbnb corner St-Dominique and Marianne in Montreal. From my balcony I could see his front door but I ignored he lived there until I hear the news of his passing. With many others we held vigil in the park in front of his place. Flowers and candles by the hundreds but also oranges and incense. A testament to his spiritual quest and curiosity. As I was taking a panoramic picture Bird on a wire was playing and a radio someone had left amongst the offerings. As I left So Long Marianne was playing and I look up to see that Marianne street has been unofficially renamed.

[@IAmKillEveryone]

Blackstar was so packed with symbolic imagery that it's hard to call it all out in one go. Bowie in the attic - represents what we do with old "unwanted" possessions. We put them out of sight, out of mind in the attic. He's saying "I may be old, but I've still got something to say". The skull is an obvious nod to Bowie's alter-ego (as mentioned in the video) Major Tom, or perhaps Ziggy himself. His bejeweled skull is foreign to the inhabitants of the planet. They revere it, but don't fully understand what it is. The three scarecrows - obviously represent the crucifixions that took place on cyanide hill, and later in the video are shown being unable to protect the house in which Bowie resides from the darkness that is coming for him. Showing that religion can not save you from the inevitability of death.

[@stacyyoust]

I missed when the 3 scarecrow failed to protect...? Please tell.

[@xxmightyonexx]

People continue to baffle with their limited understandings of God and religion, it’s...akin to watching a child throw a tantrum when they don’t get their way. The idea of “save” and “death” are words being used in a way that belong to a confined (and perhaps ungrateful) perspective, along with painfully limited experience.

[@Earnshawfully]

I hadn't picked up the Attic symbolism. Interesting. The attic is where we put our obsolete goods, and it is where we, or our children, go and explore and find the treasures.

[@einarabelc5]

Uh, you understand religion is meant to deal with the uncertainty of living, not dying? That was a really lame straw man.

[@einarabelc5]

@ThielsArtwork is for people like him that I'm the Warlus was created.

[@DarkAngelEU]

Cohen will always be one of the greatest, accepting darkness as part of life. Him and Johnny Cash, man. Then balanced by rock n roll artists like Elvis and Bowie just make the best of both worlds.

[@wyattrodriguez2933]

as a musician, this video was truly in all senses beautiful in how you dug deeper into the songs of these amazing artists and beyond scratched the surface of bigger questions of a bigger picture. needless to say I'm hooked on this channel now

[@mjdorian7312]

Great work! On Black Star, I think Bowie is hyper aware of the idea that great artists are supposed to be outliers that serve an important place in society as a whole. Great artists help us explore and evolve as individuals and a society, and Bowie understands that he is one link in that chain. Because he falls, it makes room for an artist of equal influence, a star of equal magnitude to rise in his place.

[@IAmKillEveryone]

Very astute. Bowie was so aware, he was writing songs about being aware of that awareness. It was hard to wrap your head around.

[@mjdorian7312]

Thanks man! Haha and yes, love your description of the layers on top of layers of Bowie

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Reading that makes me weep all the more for his passing.

[@jiggersotoole7823]

Very insightful

[@lordofcastamere8806]

God to Cohen arriving in Heaven : - *Truth is... The game was rigged from the start*

[@johnsummers9660]

Always has been.....

[@moondancer9066]

Cool video. I'm impressed with it. I also just lost my husband 2 weeks ago. He chose to die at home. It was terrible to watch him suffer but caring for him was a back breaking labor of love I was honored to do for the man who took care of me for 29 years. Fly high Leonard and David and Jeff 🙏🧚‍♀️⚘💕

[@georgia5341]

That was really insightful. Enjoyed that

[@mark1952able]

Dying is a re-birth

[@ricardojmestre]

What a fantastic analysis!!! Many thanks!

[@CLL9262]

@@ricardojmestre I thank you, Ricardo Mestre, for sumarising my own reaction to this video. (I turned 71 last week)

[@ricardojmestre]

@@CLL9262 my belated congratulations!

[@jonahburt3360]

Add in Nick Cave's Skeleton Tree and you have the three greatest albums on death all released in 2016

[@austinchaseofficial]

Jonah Burt and Trump getting elected lmao. 2016 was wild #neverforget

[@thema1998]

@@austinchaseofficial 2016 was basically a year-long funeral. So many celebrities, young and old, were dying.

[@liammcnicholas918]

Skeleton Tree is about the death of Nick's son.

[@Prospect.1]

TY I will check it out

[@spinnpet]

Bowie and Cohen are gems of the Earth. Both gave us Irony , satire , sarcasm and suspiciously pleasurable ,emotions to deal with. But apart from that , really interesting and talented nice people whom I adore for their artistic contributions to those who continue

[@drunkvegangal8089]

...and Cave. Nick Cave. Still with us so listen up :D

[@SpikeSmeagol]

Two months on KZbin and you have 31k subscribers. There's a reason for that. Great job

[@bobandrayfan1]

Listen to Cohen's posthumous CD "Thanks For The Dance" recorded soon after "You Want It Darker" gained some momentum. He realized that he still had more to say...and he said it. His son Adam produced it. Watch the video "Leonard Cohen "The Story of Thanks for The Dance" to get a full appreciation for this new album.

[@lagercat5916]

Soo the Bowie part made me cry, out of all people i wish he could jsut keep living

[@johnathonhaney8291]

Me too...but when your time is up, your time is up. No takebacks, no extensions...and deep down, I think he did understand that.

[@aallerton]

I cried like crazy when he died. I remember I ordered that album, then saw the Lazarus video, which made me really anxious and the next day I learned that he passed away... That was in the middle of my personal bad experience and it was very devastating. 2 days after that I went to put a candle and a bunch of flowers by the place in downtown Manhattan, where he used to live. I was rather shocked by the fact how small that place was, squeezed between 2 stores, while, in London, there was a huge space where people placed flowers, candles, artworks etc.. There were murals commemorating David and so on. Yet, in NY, where he had lived for so many years, there was just a 5 to 10 meters space where people could place their things....

[@headlightdear]

When you wrote hineni the letters were backwards. Hebrew is written from right to left but most video editing software write from left to right. Other than that - you've just earned yourself a sub! Great channel.

[@michaelrocha7159]

This channel is soo small and it just barely started, but I know this channel will get big. This is an amazing channel, definitely subscribing! =)

[@Sasseverk]

its getting big now!

[@farooqansari]

381K subs as I type rn

[@thema1998]

@@farooqansari This channel now has over 383K subs. 🤓

[@calebkaufman7852]

Right you were

[@hisapez7]

Bro has 1M rn

[@kiranevetts1402]

Also Bowie was always spiritual - you could say he was into alternative religion

[@TheDilemmaDrummer]

Kiran Evetts was going to say this. Even though he wasnt so much into organised religion, all his work is deeply informed by spirituality.

[@ryanwoods1220]

maybe its individuality he has always been, many artists, musicians etc. flow in that aspect

[@blucu001]

He was Buddhist if I’m not mistaken.

[@neuralmute]

Buddhism was definitely one of Bowie's spiritual paths. But I think it's worth mention that Leonard Cohen, alhough Jewish, also spent time in a Zen Buddhist monastery in the 90's. That's the great thing about Buddhism - it makes no demand that it be your only spiritual path. (Says the Zen agnostic.)

[@jennyfab312]

he was a Buddhist for a while and was treated as a Buddhist when he died

[@Cwell]

There is something that haunts me in the song Lazarus. One of my favorite short stories, by Rubén Darío, is called Bluebird (el pájaro azul), which deals with the same topic (what I am about to say is a big spoiler, so if you want to read the tale do it before. It is pretty short anyway) A bluebird as this inspiration trapped in our head that can only be free when we die and its cell is open (in the tale by blowing your brains out). It is just mere speculation, I know. But each time I hear the song I can but wonder, if Bowie knew about the story and also believed as many others the art to be eternal and free after our death.

[@soldtobediers]

"Only Death Can Pay For Life." 8417

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

He was a big reader, so maybe.

[@pffff8233]

And then there is a poem by (Maulana Jalaluddin) Rumi as well, should check that out

[@POsomething]

The interesting thing is that the original name of Lazarus was Bluebird, which then became The Hunger and finally Lazarus.

[@dewilew2137]

He took a lot of inspiration from books. Every so often, I still will find a line in a random book I’m reading that I instantly recognize as a Bowie lyric. It’s entirely possible.

[@kiranevetts1402]

This channel is beyond excellent - absolutely blown away

[@daltonhatch2247]

I am thankful for the time you put into your videos. I seek for videos like these on KZbin all the time, and you hit the sweet spot of what I need. Keep it up and thank you.

[@maximeteppe7627]

just found out this channel. Great work.

[@petergraham4744]

LOOKING FORWARd to many more analysis from you. Wish there was much more, much deeper discussion in society than there is. Thanks for posting.

[@yuricunha88]

What a channel, friend. I'm in awe. Thank you for this.

[@jessnellaf2401]

missed this one when it was posted. So glad I caught it late. I thoroughly enjoy your incites into my favorite music. well done

[@snatchedpickles]

I've lately found myself obsessed with death, music, and art. I'm extremely delighted to have found your channel though the many 'Bowie character' videos. Thank you.

[@ymatsisstamy]

yet another superb video. don't stop posting some bro. very informative and truly amazing

[@mrbxv]

Outstanding video. You’re able to connect 2 of the greatest with such compelling narrative.

[@KevinFinkbeiner]

Polyphonic, you gotta do a video essay about “Hurt,” analyzing both the Nine Inch Nails original and the Johnny Cash cover. That would be incredible!

[@andreyrojasmadrigal6940]

Keeps this going dude, its so beautiful to see! Thanks for this awesome vid

[@32mybelle]

Fantastic interpretation of Blackstar! I was not familiar with Cohen's album prior to this video, but I will have to listen to it now. Thanks!

[@MaggieMae860]

Nicely researched & written, spoken, choreographed & executed.

[@JohnEpi]

This is good - quality work. Well done my friend.

[@nowananda]

Polyphonic videos brought me here - the first video you posted, and already so good.

[@sundragonrecords4946]

Being a dragon, my perspective might be a little skewed, but I do believe it's possible that Mr. Cohen isn't addressing God as an external entity in "You Want It Darker", rather he is addressing the collective mind of the human species as the deciding factor for its own fate. He doesn't come across as so pathetic a man as to resign himself to hope. Could he be asking YOU, the listener, if you want it (culture) darker than it currently is? He has seen how bad it has already become and is ready for death. He's played his hand as best he could, and now it's up to the people. It's up to YOU if you worship the light or the darkness. You make this choice in every action, every breath, every thought. Choose wisely.

[@annchristine47]

Sun Dragon Records e Your perspective isn't skewed,it's spot on.

[@spartan876]

It’s true

[@tyrieleyson]

My understanding as well. That november with elections...

[@sunmoon9574]

Yessssss 🙌🏽

[@garretthines7750]

These are extremely well done. Keep up the good work!

[@liorgoell]

"Hineni" is Samuel's answer to God's calling to him in Shilo (even though he believes it's Eli the high priest calling)...this was my first association when hearing this haunting song.

[@KevinFinkbeiner]

Lior Goell I first thought of it in relation to Isaiah when he responds to God’s question of “who will go for us?”

[@Chuysgamer]

Dude your videos are freakin awesome, good job!

[@Mandrake591]

Really well done video, hits home, thank you!

[@leonm.burroughs4807]

This video gave me goosebumps.. Well done!

[@jskow9677]

I truly hope you know how much I appreciate your work. You are a master of your craft. Godspeed.

[@achelec]

Thanks for respected two favorites artist. Great Job!

[@fafalel6530]

This was great!

[@770yd1n5pac3]

Absolutely spot on analysis, well done!

[@nureinherz]

Great job you did here, thanks for doing this!

[@sgnrobb]

That may be the best explanation of the Blackstar video I've heard. well done.

[@thenationaltimelyactionhou9328]

Great job my friend!

[@Aleblanco1987]

This channel is like 'every frame a painting' of music Keep up the good work!

[@dbuck5350]

Oh man, I agree. "Every Frame a Painting" and "Nerdwriter" are two of my favorite channels. Polyphonic seems to have the same thought provoking feel and approach. Subscribed a couple days ago after watching quite a few of his videos over a couple of weeks.

[@heavymeddle28]

How can someone not like Cohen and Bowie? Diamond dogs tour is just heaven. And the thin White duke live... Crazy classics

[@TheDruidKing]

I've been looking for a channel like yours! Great stuff. Subbed.

[@Serpostpuntual]

Sir, this video was truly amazing!

[@SickBoyTV]

Great video man, keep up the good work!

[@MrUndersolo]

I saw a Bowie tribute show yesterday, and I went to Cohen’s house when he died. Thank you for this.

[@watchman6989]

This documentary on death is exeptional ... thank you!!

[@CptMunta]

Fantastic video. All this Bowie talk reminded me of his album Heathen. I think a deep dive into the title track and "I would be your slave" would be great. Especially as a follow up to the subject matter in this video.

[@nureinherz]

Great last sentence! Thank you so much for this very interesting video!

[@awookieandagerman]

Would love to see you dig into some other famous and chilling swan songs. Queen's Innuendo, for example?

[@wokeupnew]

that somg is so good

[@yindyamarra]

You want it darker , is brilliant, I bought the album before Cohen passed, and actually googled Heneni when I heard it, as for dark star, again brilliant

[@klasi58]

Thank you for this insightful and meaningful video. ❤❤❤

[@jmorra]

So thoughtful and timely. Their deaths shook me and I still think about them as if they are here.

[@rsscorpio1975]

Great vids - keep them coming :)

[@jakubswatek5313]

Thanks for that video. It's great.

[@jeremynothing]

Another phenomenal video.

[@mistyhaney5565]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@ryanpatterson1403]

Wonderful content

[@mark1952able]

Interesting video...........kudos to you making it!

[@TheMonyarm]

I hadn't heard of Cohen before, but hearing this song, i'm gonna pick up an album or two for my collection.

[@Annah-mm4nz]

Did you end up getting any Cohen albums? He’s is an outstanding writer. A real story teller and a voice that commands the song 😎

[@Zeoproo]

8:39 It's actually been confirmed to be Major Tom.

[@chickengeorge1236]

great video you have produced

[@dennismason3740]

@Polyphonic - nice work, good eye. I died for less than one minute in March of 2012. It ain't what you think it is, kid. Leonard and David perceived the world through layers of enormous egos. Had they not they would not have written such (for me dirge-like) music. David understood death quite well as evidenced in the Berlin Trilogy and I credit Iggy for that influence of "carpe diem' in his work. David was "defeated" by his own perceived mortality back in 2013 - check out the photos of him from that year. What turned his expansive view into that brilliant and depressing mess in 2016 I have no idea. Keep a watch on Iggy - he is going the same route as David and he needs better friends. Oh goddess this is depressing. We could be heroes.

[@lordofashes8262]

Warren Zevon , keep me in your heart.

[@LateNotes]

art. without it we are already dead. thanks for another great video. well done!

[@dkelban]

Truly excellent video

[@thomassudkamp]

Wow! Great video!

[@donnygat]

I felt the same about black star, when I first heard the lyrics I believed David was saying that I should be inspired by his life, not just sad that it's over.

[@bohba13]

I have to say. One year later and this is still your most powerful video.

[@TrazoSucio]

This is beautiful, man :')

[@Earnshawfully]

@ POLYPHONIC, Thanks for a thought-provoking video. Just to mention, Bowie did have an interest in the spiritual , throughout his life. He was not a religious man, but when he was young, he studied and practiced Buddhism for some time. The Swedish word for Snake (the Snake temple imagery) is interesting. Bowie escaped his life threatening drug addictions by moving to Switzerland, and at that time, he needed to cut off a lot of his previous life. A kind of death. He wore a cross during his previous Berlin years, and for quite a few years afterwards, and he did study Christianity for some time. The song Word on a Wing is evidently about prayer and with a Christian heritage feel. I don't know if he ever believed in god, but he needed spirituality.

[@sallyangelworks9047]

Way Before Berlin years.

[@sadalien9049]

I'm very grateful to anyone who describes their experiences with death, dying, and near-death experiences. Not only is it scary, it's also deeply personal and soo open to interpretation.

[@MitchOrangeHoarder]

Fantastic video

[@Robjewell84]

Highly underrated channel, looking forward to more content! subbed. Also, can you do a piece on Lazarus?!

[@MrReganomics82]

Well done. Thank you.

[@iamgort70]

So very privileged to have seen both these men several times in their careers over a 40yr period...I can go to MY grave a happy man. Pure genius, captured in time forever they belong to us all in work, their talent and their history. How many of us can say that?

[@camilohinojosa5232]

Thanks for this :)

[@noelcampbell9239]

I think that David showed us is the complete dignity we can face our death with. I know he was sad because he would be leaving Iman and jis family. I know when my death comes I will think of David. I still miss him.

[@kethf4301]

Two of my favorite artists. Sadly, both now gone. But you are right in that what they have left behind has made them immortal.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

+ Polyphonic While I do not agree to all your conclusions... you’re analyzing two artists I’ve listened to and tried to understand for at least 35 years, I DO appreciate your sincere effort. Well done, I’m a subscriber now. + MrLyvik: The Villa of Ormen could also mean a house in the Norwegian hamlet Ørmen. Bowie had a girlfriend starring a movie being shot in that very region back in 1969. And yes, the word, in English spelling (O for Ø) also means the snake/serpent in Nordic languages. And it could be a reference to Jörmungandr, the World Serpent from our Nordic mythology. Etc. Etc. So very Bowie.

[@kenancabuk3831]

video is great one of the best productions i've watched on youtube. But i think you can make a video just about the blackstar album.

[@Polyphonic]

Agreed, I would love to do a whole video on Blackstar alone. I plan to in the future!

[@kenancabuk3831]

Keep up the great work! I'm waiting for it.

[@acchaladka]

Polyphonic I could tell. Wish you did a much better and in-depth analysis of the Cohen album.

[@robweeks1974]

I agree with many of these comments: I'm excited to see where this wonderful channel will go from here

[@juanmapizzorno9297]

Great work, i'd love a video about John Frusciante's music and lyrics

[@schlumbl84]

Cohen's song reminds me of Poe's poems! Bowie once said in an Interview that he hopes his legacy would be that his work inspires others. Both gained true immortality by staying alive through their art in the hearts, minds, lives and arts of others!

[@Prospect.1]

I luved these 2 artist I guess they r my all time favorite artists ever ,, and I saw n met so many but I missed LC in concert , great regrets , but I've searched how to die gracefully my whole life ty Leonard,,and ty David , I miss u but I will meet u n heaven I believe

[@owenmanach1966]

In France, Bashung (one of our greatest artist) also create an amazing album just before he died and it's incredible.

[@lilamori4198]

David bowie's view on death reminded me of Foscolo's "Dei sepolcri".

[@danielchater5951]

I really love this channel! Can't wait to see what the future holds for it!

[@kantiram2001]

The intro song is fourban by pracs

[@RonWolfHowl]

Jew here, the part about Judaism checks out 110%. Amazing video, nice job!

[@acchaladka]

It’s not exactly a deep analysis though and he keeps referring it to Christianity. Rav Jonathan Sacks of England did an amazing tribute to the Cohen song, worth checking out.

[@ltgood]

As there is no such thing as 110% save a miss guided statement, what are you saying?

[@TheMasterofSound1]

Stars are never sleeping Dead ones and the living. Fragment from "Stars (Are Out Tonight)" from The Next Day, previous album before Blackstar