Leonard Cohen's Divergent & Devastating Version Of "So Long, Marianne" - Oslo 1993

[@larrylar1000]

I thank God that my sophomore ,high school, English teachers turned me on to Leonard Cohen in 1968 .I have been a devoted fan ever since. I saw him once in the Earle 70's and then I saw him in 2013 . What a show. I miss him dearly but he left us all his wonderful music to remember him. What an awesome person.Thank you Leonard

[@doriannar2915]

I still cry when I think of Leonard being gone...One of the greatest poets ever.

[@andreashell491]

Leonard will never be gone.

[@perrymason4707]

He went out on the day that Trump was elected.

[@allanagaming8257]

By exposing your pain to us you reduce ours, since we see we are not alone in our dark times, there is a shared humanity..R.I.P. and thank you

[@dannymcmenemy5151]

AllanaGaming beautifully put

[@drxcreatures]

Well Put.

[@lysetteandel9225]

yes

[@spuze1]

AllanaGaming i

[@dtop668]

Both the song and the comment; all I can say is beautiful.

[@sandrahenry8539]

He is the one ,of the ones ,that I fell in love with him and his music from the very first time that my ears heard him , then and now. I'll never get enough ! I own many of his books and cd's as I find this the best way to hold him dear in my heart. His lyrics were so basic in many ways but the way that he shared his glimpse on life made one take note and look deeper into their very own soul. He sang of things that many will never allow themselves to feel much less think of. How humble can this be ? And his last, "You want it darker" was like none of his others. From the very first song, I felt a difference, I felt sorrow as I knew that he was gifting us one more time with his farewell. What a legacy he has left behind to cherish ! Leonard Cohen, you etched a place in my heart for all of eternity ! And how greater of an honor that he had than for his son Adam, to produce it. His life had purpose and meaning, it came about the full circle. Every time that I play your music, I play honor to your existence here on this earth. You left an imprint for all of us that have decided to see life as it is. Farewell Leonard, rest in peace Sir !

[@doublewings8273]

"I never said I was brave." That line always get me.

[@esthercaporale2306]

Ah, a lifetime of loving Leonard... These songs are the glue that held my life together.

[@charliesmith6137]

Me, too. First time I saw him perform was in 1967 in Vancouver, B.C. The last time I saw him perform was in Seattle in 2013. There is a hole in the world.

[@lenacohen763]

Wonderfully said...same here...

[@aanikobiro53]

Me too My transformation belong to this song.

[@Skyfan1000]

Could not be said any better. Thanks Esther.

[@writerman242]

Yes Me too I miss him

[@philipmarq]

I have heard many other songs of love and separation, but none stop me and my thinking dead in our tracks as does this version of Cohen's So Long, Marianne. I needed to know the backstory of Cohen and Marianne to comprehend. Even after numerous times seeing this video, I find it impossible to continue doing what I am doing until the end. Even the back up singers send chills thru me. I wish I had known the meaning (for me at least) of the words in my early life when so many were torn from me. I think I would understand now. I think I replay it again, now.

[@phizekes7162]

Leonard Cohen is a true Renaissance Man; author, poet, musician, artist, and Philosopher. He has traversed through this journey of life, always seeking to further himself on the existential plane. In the documentary I'm Your Man, there are photos, and drawings of the love of his life, who happens to be Marianne. All great writers and poets feed from both the lows & highs in their lives. Leonard Cohen is truly the poet Laureate of the World, and the arrangement of this particular version of the song is spectacular, as well as the vocals of long time collaborators ; Julie Christensen& Perla Batalla. I have been impressed by Cohens' songwriting, since I first heard Susanne back in 1967. He is now into the 7th decade of baring his soul to the world; long may he run. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marcob4630]

Renaissance man and also a highly Romantic man : what kind of a true artist!

[@phizekes7162]

Now he is in another plane of existence, but his words are now ours forever. The World is a much better place for having him share his insightfulness with us. RIP Leonard. Peace.

[@DianeBonnAllen]

Phizeke S : Actually Phizeke S. his words will in this earth will not " be ours forever " they are never ours by ownership either. However dear they were left here for us to listen to as much as they are here for future generations ... hopefully to listen to one of the greatest Prophets ever to do more than simply scathe the surface of of human life and existence also to open windows, doors, cracks and whatever he still can to the celestial 'Life after Life' . I have loved Leonard since a young girl I will forever love Leonard . His magnitude of depth ~ perception of truth (as he said during an interview) when questioned as to if he thought he was an honest man: " to be Honest in this business is very difficult". He has hit every nail of Truth with his hammer of words and hasn't bitten his tongue by missing the purpose of his appointment here amongst us. Leonard should have been Internationally Famous thirty - forty years ago ... he came to this world enlightened and left that enlightenment behind him as he entered the Celestial realm and the physical/spiritual dirt ~ filth even of this earth was blown away from him by the Holy Wind ( I do not mean " Structured Religion's holiness " I mean the breath in your lungs that no one lives w/out ~ if not for Creators Holy Wind our breathing would cease . Leonard knew this and shared " religious experiences with all religions/peoples/race/creed/color. He wrote too that: " There is no heaven above us and there is is no hell below. ~ I'm the little Jew who wrote the Bible " ~ We who cried for mercy from the bottom of the pit were our prayers so damn unworthy that the son rejected it' ? ~ he should be remembered in part as ' the man who told the truth thousand ways , in many spoken and written languages . He got his message across even if he had to become your religion to prove it or to assure himself you were comfortable with him shape shifter. Yes he would even become a sheep in wolves clothing to fulfill his purpose of delivering ' the Truth' err go no matter where he is in the Celestial Realm I will forever love him as I did forty five years ago knowing I will see him again 🦅 🖤 🔥 walking through wormholes in new dimensions w/out skin ...

[@terrikayy]

Quite a lot you say here. Actually I didn't read beyond the second sentence because it is nonsense. I am seriously thinking that you know nor understand anything about him.

[@dondgolfnut]

Phizeke S Jim

[@kimswales9575]

This man has been with me since I was 14 [1968] and he is with me still and more, far more. For so many years I felt covetous of his work, like it was mine alone. Lunacy of course, but sublime lunacy. Between him, Tim Buckley and Pink Floyd I've become "weird" to my peers, and my sons. Hallelujah! ha. [And proud to be so]. Kim{Male]Swales.

[@mongoose2182]

;--) me too!

[@hesmcmillan8304]

Kim{male}Swales: Not "weird", man, "ENLIGHTENED"!!! One needs a special Spirit to really hear these words and we have that! I still cry over the loss of this great man of words and melodies. It's prob'ly been a bother for you (named my daughter Christian), but I love your name! HES{female}McMillan

[@thaddeuslydia]

Kim: So sorry for your loss. So many miss him.

[@harydogers8929]

Hes McMillan you're right a lot! I agree totally

[@craigthibodeaux4606]

Well said my man

[@jackieirvine852]

I know, she passed away and told him she had only two days to live,, he said wonderful lady, I will not be far behind you, God Bless them.. so many tears.. now together..xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@Giannip45]

He said to Marianne ‘I think I will follow you soon’. We never imagined it would be so soon...We will miss you. Rest in peace

[@pederlettstroem980]

Giannip45 Leonard is up there in heaven. When I must go too, I want to that part where you are. If they let me enter the gate too. You, Leonard, have given to me so much comfort in life on earth. I need it there too.

[@lizzieedwards7325]

Peder Lettstroem and

[@mongoose2182]

he knew he had cancer and was dying when he wrote his last letter to Marianne.......

[@michele21auntiem]

Mongoose 218 Sadly yes he did. His last interview talked about how much pain he was in. He gave us such beautiful songs. I would love to hear a good female or make singer record them. Our love to you L. Cohen.

[@qweenofbatlle]

Giannip45 💌

[@gspencer6634]

He was like a friend to me so many times he kept me company rest in peace my treasured one

[@taragreenetarotastrologyre4945]

beautiful version of this classic early Leonard Cohen song. I saw Leonard when he first started his career singing in Toronto's Queen's Park at a demonstration and I have seen him sing live another time as well. Many years ago. He is a true poet, a mystic, a philosopher. The best. Very proud that he is a Canadian and world treasure.

[@erezcarmel1915]

Tara Gď1reene "Tara Tarot" Astrologer Psychic Consultant fygg5

[@joanlawrence-studebaker6099]

You have so much healing in your music. It is easy to identify with your poetic imagery. we weep and laugh with you. You can never die!

[@chrisfewster9195]

Joan Lawrence-Studebaker blue alert

[@herasmarket]

Dancing to the end of love! RIP Leonard -- you've been a true inspiration to the peacekeepers of the world! You will live on through your music!

[@bingveloso3561]

marriane died on july 28, 2016, 3 months before leonard cohen...he sent her a letter when she was sick and said: "Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine... Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road."

[@cch255]

Such a touching letter...and little did we know it would be so close.

[@mongoose2182]

He had terminal cancer so he DID know....

[@Achrostichon]

It seems to be a reference to a poem by Fernando Pessoa. I don't know the original portugese version, but in Italian the lines read: "Se potessi tendere la mia mano fino a toccare le tue sarebbe come lo spuntar del giorno dietro le torri di qualche città dell’Oriente". "If only I could stretch out my hand to the point where it reaches your hands, it would be like the day breaking behind the towers of some Oriental city".

[@tashiglt4426]

Beautiful

[@kpokpojiji]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing this.

[@marcob4630]

A gigantic emotional romantic performance ! R.I.P. Leonard

[@dorothyvanatter5327]

marco brenni

[@samuelgoldring9691]

Thank you Leonardfor describing a relationship that ended but whose beauty lives on in this song. You touched again right before she died.

[@judithcohen8732]

I'm so glad I got to experience Leonard from my young adult age in the 1970's until now in 2018 and beyond. No song, no version, no arrangement is enough.

[@mikki2006]

through pain we are all brother and sisters,,,thanks Leonard for all you shared and gave us through the years you will forever live in our hearts and souls

[@seanharrison4817]

Wow. You could always capture the pain of our hearts. We are diminished tonight without you Leonard.

[@QOH50]

Allan we are so grateful to you for bringing Leonard into our lives. So much sadness since his death.

[@renateschramm8497]

Lenny- you were someone special for me...you were at my side (my ears and my heart) since I was 14... now I am 58 and still in love with you. Marianne could have been glad to have lived with such a true friend and and lover. Rest both in peace now. I will always miss you, Lenny. But your songs will stay with me till the end. Thank you

[@fiorellafenati5395]

non ci sarà mai più un uomo come te Leonard

[@perrymason8670]

Fare thee well, Mr. Cohen. You left a void that will never be filled. “Your eyes, I forget your eyes Your body’s at home in every sea. But now you gave it to everyone You said it was a secret just for me.” I first heard this rendition 3 years ago when I was reeling from the discovery of my spouse’s infidelity. It make me cry so hard that I found courage and solace. ❤

[@beverlywelsh6269]

This gives me goosebumps, you can feel Leonard Cohens emotion throughout the song x

[@linasilva8179]

Beautiful version of this great song. A heartfelt rendition.

[@Broblem12]

Thank you for sharing this gem with us. So long Leonard, my friend through your songs.

[@janineb309]

Wonderful , from France thank you very much .I love

[@patriciawhite8224]

Thankyou again....much love....

[@KurtBliss]

R.I.P Listening to your music has been great! Your talents will live on for ever

[@maryanngarcia3080]

Doc,found this a couple of yrs ago. Fabulous version! By the way ,you were the best shrink I had in Chicago. Never needed another one. Thank you!

[@MrKRYSTYNA12]

Najlepsze wykonanie tego utworu. Uwielbiam Cohena!

[@philipbutterworth4164]

Glad I caught this before November is out....love every version of this song, but this is so special to hear for the first time after we have just lost Leonard. Thanks for the upload, you will have made many Cohencentrics very happy

[@patpower782]

thanks allan for posting this version with us- i accidentally discovered the katey sagall version of bird on a wire on tuesday night not knowing he had died-you can imagine my shock and horror when i learned of his demise. i have been playing her song alternating with his various renditions of same song non stop all week-end. it's so sad and as they say "all the best one's are gone" thanks again Patrick

[@franknolan221]

And how beautiful that moment of response was, and how it makes n=be cry.

[@PanglossDr]

Leonard's letter to Marianne, a few days before she died: Well Marianne it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very 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.

[@MichaelMeinhold]

Love it. What a great version.

[@2304palma]

Merci pour vos mots, votre poésie, votre voix apaisante....un seul bémol: Mister Cohen, hey, that's no way to say goodbye. RIP L.Cohen

[@flyicarush]

Thanks for your nice songs, rest in peace .... (istanbul)

[@joelsattler8420]

True greatness. He should have won the Nobel Prize with Bob Dylan.

[@davidnash8586]

I had the absolute privilege of seeing him live twice within a few weeks of each other when he was only 72 !

[@cch255]

I just discovered this concert version. Love it! Still so sad that he is gone. Thank goodness his music will live on and on!

[@richardgraham65]

Thank You! This has to be the best version ever made

[@mongoose2182]

MOST beautiful version of this song by far........excruciating.

[@allenroach7503]

A man always remembers his first great love that somehow faded away to the past.

[@philippeororke6232]

R.I.P. Leonard. You'll never be forgotten

[@hotforwordstoo]

Marianne of Norway just passed away...RIP! My sympathies Mr. Cohen!

[@ChorSuKong]

seriously?

[@AllanShowalter]

Marianne died last week.

[@vereddar6420]

Allan Show

[@mongoose2182]

See an article about his last letter to her, his life long friend and muse: (and lover for 10 years): www.telegraph.Co.Uk/news/2016/08/07/so-long-marianne-leonard-cohens-final-letter-to-dying-muse/ In it, written 6 weeks before he died, right after she had died, he wrote: ""It said, 'Well Marianne, it's come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very 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 for 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."'

[@hesmcmillan8304]

So sad - may they both Rest In Peace. together. I believe it.

[@kelvinriordan5833]

Thank you Allan, an amazing rendition and such beautiful photos. I felt like a peeping tom on an absolute legend. His Sydney Australia concert was the highlight of my concert going days!!

[@chrissiebowles4619]

Wow.....what an experience to listen to this!...I so love it....full of thanks to you Allan....x

[@NewEarthBlog]

The only moment that you can live here comfortably in these absolutely irreconcilable conflicts is in this moment when you embrace it all and you say "Look, I don’t understand a fucking thing at all - Hallelujah!” ~Leonard Cohen

[@williamcomer2688]

not even matured enough to not use the F word in public? It contributes nothing to your otherwise acceptable comment.

[@NewEarthBlog]

Well, hello, Societal Word Policeman! LOL. As is evident from the punctuation, it is a quote of Mr. Cohen. It expresses a certain feeling, perfectly. Learn the language.

[@mascot4950]

@William: Not even mature enough to recognize when the F word is used in a justifiable context. Grow up.

[@edsgraves]

Comer----hilarious

[@jeanenedavidson3992]

Rosalie DeGregory m

[@ingerbrenden7041]

R.I.P. Marianne. It`s a beautiful song

[@michaeladams8401]

11/10 2016. So long Leonard. Thank you.

[@HM-ot2hr]

wonderful back up singers make this special, breaks my heart to hear such harmony. Thank you. You sooth the soul. M Sydney

[@pgianola]

Thanks for uploading this authentic gem! Pure gold here...

[@kattygabby3519]

Timeless, bitter sweet, so sweet ... no wonder he cried that time. Rest well sir ... you too have changed your name ...

[@louischaumond1621]

Kathy Gabriel

[@lysetteandel9225]

makes me believe me in the heart of the human race. was about to give up. then THIS happened and I saw so many people feel. thank you Leonard. your music is in my soul

[@roberthudson1772]

Allen Showalter- Thank you SO much for these.

[@munchybiker]

RIP you wrote to my condition and every love I lost, mislaid or left. Thank you Sir.

[@mongoose2182]

BEST version of this song, ever!!! A really beautiful love song......

[@sharonholland7062]

fantastic sound . thanks for sharing

[@Dunja0712]

Thank you for sharing this, Allan! It's wonderful! :)

[@MarySMunro]

Leonard, thank you so much for your music, soul, and pain-pleasure.

[@gttdkt]

Marianne passed at age 91 in Norway. Cohen wrote he felt he would be joining her very soon. August 2016.

[@AllanShowalter]

I believe she was 81

[@anitaboucht1752]

Yes she was 81, the 18th of May 2016

[@FirstUsedBooks]

What's a decade here or there? But wait a minute. I don't have more than two or three decades left to go, regardless of how you cut the mustard. If I have 3 decades, do I really want to be maintaining a simulacrum of life in this third decade?

[@smartalek180]

"I don't have more than two or three decades left to go" Who knows? Some people say science is approaching the point that we'll even beat mortality. Others say that our bodies might inevitably die, but we might be able to save our consciousnesses in the cloud, and achieve some kind of permanence that way. One way or another, there's a very good chance that some of the people in the world today will never pass. Too soon to say -- but we'll all find out at some point, won't we?

[@mariankeogh241]

81

[@LaineeTheCatWallace]

The link you put up about the variations of Marianne was so fascinating. Thank you for the song, and for the article.

[@robertmcintyre4653]

WATCH LEONARD'S FINAL INTERVIEW HE HAD CANCER HE DID'NT WANT ANYONE TO KNOW ABOUT IT, HIS FINAL ALBUM YOU WANT IT DARKER WAS MADE WITH LEONARD SITTING IN AN EASY CHAIR HE WAS IN SUCH BAD BACK PAIN, HE STILL HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR TILL THE VERY END SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON TAKEN TO SOON GBNF XXXX

[@spuze1]

Robert Mcintyre m

[@mongoose2182]

Didn't know that.......how sad. Thanks for sharing it.

[@pbridge1300]

I don't think you understood what it was that was important to focus on.

[@mudharp]

Maybe he's with Marianne today. RIP, Leonard Cohen.

[@Nick000815]

May be, with Janis Joplin too.

[@bwanna23]

Why not.

[@mariankeogh241]

Tom Albanese one would hope so; unfortunately Leonard does not believe in God or the after life like some people do, so maybe he will not meet with Marianne; but I would love to think he will take care my friend

[@mongoose2182]

actually, if you read Sylvie Simmon's bio of him, "I'm your man" you wouldn't say that, he was an observant Jew all his life as well as a Buddhist monk for many years!

[@lindahutchinson4]

What did he believe when he died. I have just found this recently, I have heard by hundred artist's, but really never listen to the words. I have now. I believe he is with God in Heaven

[@maaidakausar9802]

Excuisitly magnificent rendition

[@TheKASOT]

You owe her, Leonard, may you make it better in the great perhaps...RIP both of you....

[@tpronk01]

RIP Leonard Cohen your songs are the best ever

[@virginiawoolf2376]

Beautiful elegy! What a mensch!

[@terryallen9546]

That just became my favorite version...by a mile.

[@mariaarroja9541]

always lovely ear your voice. thank you for your music and poems.

[@arthurmaclean4428]

How beautiful were we when we were young to the 40s and 50 and 60s genration and any one who want to join us peace and love to you all xx

[@michelesayous7346]

merci pour cette version +vidéo. Frissons et coeur serré. on ne s'en lace pas .

[@laughingwaters4445]

so so beautiful, so beautiful

[@cristinabolina9964]

So long Leonard! The world is losing its heroes and its ideals. For those who stay in this ugly world of today we have the compensation of your extraordinary songs.

[@sylvie1sings]

The version I would love to hear - and tried my best to track down when I was doing research for 'I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen' and found about its existence - was an early version called 'Come On Marianne'. Leonard told me he disliked the idea of releasing outtakes as bonus tracks on reissued albums, or even on a separate rarities box set. I know what he means about bonus tracks - they do spoil the original work, being tacked on the end like that - but I would be first in line for an outtakes box. Oh and welcome back. Allan!

[@marianedwards6898]

Sylvie Simmons beautiful book thank you. Just bought a second copy for a dear friend. We both grew up with his stunning music and it has carried us through many ups and downs in our lives but always brought us happiness.

[@jack1109]

Terrific! RIP, Leonard. xx

[@kevinberntson4239]

Rest in peace. A great human and artist.

[@williammccarthy9703]

Part of me for 40 years,always will be.fly high Leonard Cohen

[@fiorellafenati5395]

meravigliosa versione. stupenda.

[@stevekallaugher2325]

Who are the back-up singers? Their names deserve to be known, because they MAKE this version.

[@AllanShowalter]

Perla Batalla & Julie Christensen. Very popular among Cohen fans

[@mariankeogh241]

thank you......

[@mtszorf]

Absolutely wonderful with Cohen, and magnificent singers themselves.

[@Harold710]

Great production!

[@philipmarq]

Comparing the original version and this was impossible for me. This version was far more powerful and had a great punch. The 68 version was as P.Higgison said, "naked and so honest and real." I guess I'll just go on listening to both.

[@AltheaHekate]

Dear Alan; Thank you SO much for this beautiful upload.. Isn't it sad that 2 people who loved eachother SO much, that they were seperated because of religion-issues??? I think everybody agrees that Marianne was the love of leonards life.. I'm sure she waited for him... Damn, how I miss this Gentleman......Fare thee well, my Nightingale.... Big hugs and blessed be; Althea )0(

[@bardo0007]

R.I.P Leonard and Marianne

[@hennyverhoeven2796]

bardo0007 m

[@alf.k.2375]

They live in our hearts❤️

[@pandapowersays1364]

Some things lost are never found again. But the thought of it remains.

[@drummerboy1390]

Another light goes out.

[@hennytjemmes4075]

I miss mr. Cohen awfully

[@lynn0122]

I understand what you say. I also understand that I don't miss him at all for all he has left us to continue to enjoy. Those who truly miss him are the unexposed, those who don't or can't "get it" for whatever reason. I'm grateful we do get it. He will always be with us.

[@ianthornton968]

Love, love, love! Fantastic in every way.

[@QOH50]

beautiful Alan

[@lenshayler9570]

Just seen that this was on my birthday, 1st May wow! And yes I am named after LC, but I've grown to love him myself :)

[@pederlettstroem980]

So beautiful.

[@jschuler53]

I used to listen to So Long Marianne and Suzanne in college every day over and over....his music changed the way I saw the world and at a time of my coming of age....RIP love you LC....such a talent, life so well lived and a role model for us...a real sincere man..transparent about all his troubles, triumphs, but with humility. Quintessential gentleman. And those suits..always looked great...until the end.

[@xpat86]

Thanks for sharing it, Allan. What is it? I'm in Brazil and, closing my eyes, I travel through Leonard's songs and many pictures and memories of my life.

[@emr1940]

Original versión of this song dedicated to the woman Leonard líved with for five years. RIP

[@AllanShowalter]

The funeral for Marianne Ihlen takes place today in Oslo.

[@cnx1234]

She must have been a remarkable lady, I was looking some of the photos from Hydra. There is something there not easy to explain, but the closest I get is modesty, true humility and loyalty. I didn't know her but she made an impression.

[@ladislavkoukal2738]

toto je emotivní a krásné díky pane Cohen tam na umělecký oblacek

[@reidwroth7726]

.. .fabulous stuff....thank you for posting...

[@SheWhoPlays2]

True love ❤️

[@janetcardulla1610]

GOSH I COULD JUST CRY