Leonard Cohen's Theories on Life, Democracy & the Future | MTV Full 1993 Interview

[@lelobest]

Probably the only singer that could hold a conversation and saying intelligent things and be humble. Could listen to him for ages. His music and poems will live for a very long time. Quality always last in the end, regardless of the fashion of the times.

[@marita7424]

Yes, listening to him opens another dimension... magically, without knowing. Antidote to all BS.

[@patriciadavidson6765]

Elaleph I just love this interview, so hands, forthright, yet kind and gentle, inspired ❤️💥

[@marywestwood1637]

marita * I love him!

[@amirkohanim2701]

RIP much more than just a singer or artist, a philosopher, a teacher, a master of life whatever meaning the word carries.

[@johnorson6907]

What a dumb generalization

[@89ksokd91]

Best part is when he talks about the song closing time..around 17 min in. "There is a wisdom that comes with the scars but you can't tell anyone about. All you can do is lift your glass to those who have gone before, those who are with you and those that come after you." 🥃 In that spirit, I lift my glass to you all.

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

"But I am happy to discuss the lyrics line by line and I think I can defend every word in it, because they took a long time to write" How great would the world be if more people were that committed to what they said in the past and would take the full responsibility for their words. This is the true spirit of free speech, not just flying some kite and expecting nobody to criticize it...

[@89ksokd91]

Agree.

[@maxeddie1789]

Completely agree, couldn’t possibly have said it better

[@gabrielsyme4180]

Is that a Cardi B quote? 😂

[@annalisavajda252]

Yes often now people don't even care to know context or allow artists to eleborate.

[@89ksokd91]

"it's self respect you are looking for in your work." If most people felt and thought this way, we would create a much better world.

[@annalisavajda252]

Such a degrading world maintaining self respect is a challenge at times.

[@lukasnummer1]

He must have been one of the most eloquent people that ever lived.

[@marita7424]

Agree. He represents the deepest form of spirituality. Such a great visionary.

[@rodeo2108]

True

[@89ksokd91]

@ERICK TOMAS GALINDO PAZAN what's this have to do with Leonard?

[@conniebreines1725]

I do so love Leonard....

[@fiorellafenati5395]

In all the interviews Leonard is of an incredible sincerity, where almost all the singers talk superficially by telling lies or making funny ones at all costs, Cohen talks seriously about his work, deepens and always finds new words. it's like it's always the first time he's giving an interview, I mean he really talks. I don't know if I made myself clear.

[@annalisavajda252]

Well I don't think he really ever sold his soul as many artists have so he wasn't ashamed to display it.

[@suesjoy]

So much grace and elegance. He has a way of putting the interviewer, who is obviously a bit nervous, at ease. Lovely man. Good questions, too!

[@kenbarber6592]

“We should help each other out…”, and throughout the interview he shares the nuts and bolts of the carefully fashioned truth in his heart by coming alongside the interviewer, not paternalistically, but inclusively. What a divine gift of grace.

[@kenbarber6592]

@PaulB_864 The difference between being paternal-like and paternalism can be obvious or nuanced. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

[@peterstark9484]

Leonard--a great man. But for me, the music had to stop before I could get back to appreciating his genius for the word. Now I search utube to watch him and listen. This is the best interview--with voluminous insights--that I've so far have seen.

[@many7178]

The words he chose, and the way he describes things just make you smile.

[@amazingsauceboxx1954]

Leonard's humility is deadly.

[@tonywright8342]

It sure is.💚

[@lucyd2092]

What a wise and intelligent man! He listens to the questions and contemplates his answers with complete respect to the questioner, audience and the subject. One of a kind wisdom. Your legacy is your song, voice and lyrics, may they live.

[@riffraffrichard]

I like how humble but self confident he is

[@MrListenerman]

..Warm, Wise..Insightful..Prophetic... A bright star in more ways than one..

[@fredschwarz3334]

This may be the least pretentious interview I've ever seen of a major figure in music. Fascinating man.

[@kaywardell7272]

Fred Schwarz

[@sharpvonl201]

+Elmer Habavilo I'll just let that speak for itself

[@fredschwarz3334]

What's it like to have that much hate in you?

[@fredschwarz3334]

Elmer Habavilo Yawn. You're not even a creative troll. If you're going to troll, at least be interesting.

[@fredschwarz3334]

Elmer Habavilo I know you're a troll.

[@samlewis7878]

Man, Leonard is lucid here. What a mind! Potent and Poetic....what a guy*******

[@jeniegarnem]

The reading of his lyrics are just as poignant and emotional as of singing them. Pure ecstatic genius.

[@poetkarankapoor]

“the excrement is about to hit the ventilator” - Leonard Cohen’s version of “shit’s about to hit the fan” - just masterful control over his speech.

[@arar6948]

We saw him perform 40-50 years ago at the Bottom Line and 4 years ago at sold out Barclay's Arena. He remains "the crack who let's the light get in". Yet, the world feels different today.

[@sunlion9676]

What a great interview giving us more insight into Leonard the crafter of careful lyrics! No wonder the songs will stand the test of time! We just gotta make sure we’re sharing him. Ty Leonard for your Legacy of Song. 💝

[@tangobango9653]

Leonard was an extremely intelligent man, his music is riveting. We lost a genius. RIP L. Cohen.

[@suesjoy]

A Pullara no, we didn't lose him! We had him, and his legacy lives on, for eternity. Be grateful, and wish him well on this part of his journey. 💖🌺✌️️

[@tangobango9653]

Sue DeSimone Well I think we did, kinda lose the "man!" But, agree that his music & legacy will live on!

[@marita7424]

A Pullara * You are right, we lost the man whose charisma was not widely recognized... he himself says here "my problem is that a very few people want to have this conversation with me..." He had so much to say, people didn't want to listen, as if they didn't want to think deeply. He was above his era. We missed out all he still could've said in whatever form of expression.

[@davidwilsonBC]

@@suesjoy "Everybody knows that you live forever, when you've done a line or two..." Truth be told, the 'line or two' may briefly suggest human immortality, beyond bodily confines, but Leonard is lost only to those who believe in death. I have a friend who sees and converses with Jimi, Janis, David B and John L. They are very well and very happy. I'm sure that beloved Leonard is too!

[@bbegins10]

what the fuck's with the dislikes??? brilliant interview!!

[@always_in_Good_Hands]

probably sound quality on interviewers end...cause it does suck, when you can't fully hear what the freakn questions are...mtv was about audio, yet ....

[@Grace-rk8hu]

he was just so intelligent and well-spoken. I’ve looked up to him as a poet for years and just the way he talks is so poetic, I could listen to him forever.

[@heartwithnocompanion]

I discovered him for me just four years ago, after his passing away. But i'm really happy for this wonderful discovery! Thank you, nice gentleman, for your wisdom, sense of humor and all your beauty! RIP, Legend!

[@Thurston86]

I can’t leave the house Or answer the phone I’m going down again But I’m not alone Settling at last Accounts of the soul This for the trash That paid in full As for the fall, it Began long ago Can’t stop the rain Can’t stop the snow I sit in my chair I look at the street The neighbour returns My smile of defeat I move with the leaves I shine with the chrome I’m almost alive I’m almost at home No one to follow And nothing to teach Except that the goal Falls short of the reach

[@joshburgess1495]

I could listen to that all day. Great part of the album.

[@AnnaLVajda]

Poignant.

[@TorkG8]

If there's anyone I would have loved to have met, it would have been L Cohen. I wish I could have sat down and had a conversation with him.

[@tangobango9653]

TorkGirl8 Me too. Strangely his classic "Susanne" became our life love song forever. RIP L. Cohen.

[@marita7424]

TorkGirl8 * It was always my dream too...

[@jeh11]

Leonard cohen miami vice

[@SeeSawMassacre]

TorkGirl8 - I'm sure he would have liked that.

[@89ksokd91]

Me too..when asked if I could talk to any three people living or dead , I always say him.

[@styxcreek]

not 30 years, your songs are eternal.

[@owenwilberforce6138]

This is one of the great interviews of all time in that Leonard is perhaps at the peak of his powers of eloquence and gentle persuasion. The fact that a song like Democracy had 60 verses but he only sings 6 verses is a great insight into his productivity and self discipline. He knew more than he said, and says more in this interview of about 30 minutes than most people could say in days. His goodwill towards humanity is so strong. He realizes that the beast that is media is a donkey, and praises the mule as though it were a thouroghbred. The beast that is the media or whatever you could compare it to conveyed him just enough to make itself relevant. He sides with art but acknowledges that commerce is only human. His art is divine, his grace palpable.

[@lynettehall4849]

Way more intellectual than I thought.Eloquent,kind warm and unpretentious .I was glued.Respect!

[@kyruslarocque5225]

30 years strong brother. And no signs of slowing. The current generation (23) needs the psychic refreshment you bring to the table. RIP Legend

[@b.terenceharwick3222]

Simultaneously unpretentious and profound...the "irony of the hook," a paradox whose intangibility appears to run through the lyrics and possibly even the life of Leonard Cohen...

[@sleepymemoranda]

Whoever you are who conducted this interview, thank you.

[@grainnenifhoighil1692]

Such sharp awareness, a very clear 3rd eye and a connected heart. He says it as it is and sings it even more eloquently 💕🙌🏼

[@vividlight]

One of 60 verses discarded: It ain’t coming to us European style Concentration camp behind the smile It ain’t coming from the East With its temporary feast As Count Dracula comes strolling down the aisle And I know your baby’s missing But we sighted her today She was cleaning her machine-gun She was waving her beret Democracy is coming to the USA. "When the Berlin Wall came down...everyone was rejoicing...but I thought it was a wonderful thing the walls coming down, but a lot of suffering is going to unfold...So I sing in the song [The Future] 'Give me back the Berlin Wall/Give me Stalin and St. Paul/I've seen the future, brother:/ It's murder.' I said...you're gonna be happy with Stalin and the Wall and the little hole in the ozone layer that you can't repair. You know these things are gonna like the Golden Age compared to what's coming down. And it's starting to come down. You know the excrement is about to hit the ventilator." How prescient Leonard Cohen was back in 1991!

[@saultigh4103]

Canada should be proud for producing a man like this

[@always_in_Good_Hands]

we are. we just don't boast in PRIDE for the whole world to know. We are a humble people!

[@mya5980]

Quick. Thorough replies. Worry beads.smooth talker.brilliant.charming.

[@SophiahKoikasWindyQueen]

love his greek worry beads

[@colin6372]

Oh my, I kinda feel sorry for the interviewer.....his questions reek of banality, especially in the light of Cohen's answers - so stripped of pretension, so considered and full of a genuine understanding; an understanding which must, I think, be a product of deeply reflective thinking. I would have been afraid to interview this man; "your beauty like a searchlight my own poverty reveals".

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

Cohen's lack of vanity makes it rather easy. You could ask him questions like an 8 year old and he would still find something meaningful to reflect about. Also the editing must be easy - every sentence he says its perfect in itself. He talks as if everything he says is written. This way he can talk rather slow and still bring his point across faster than most people.

[@marita7424]

@@Schmidtelpunkt Master of speech. No single words he ever lost.

[@89ksokd91]

@@marita7424 the interviewer wasn't bad necessarily, seemed sophomoric, new at it..maybe realizing how unprepared he was to talk to this man.

[@fireflowyoga]

Yes. I empathize with interviewer. Likely a young man in his 20s not wise enough to get Leonard and exactly what he meant when he said you can’t reveal the wisdom as those younger won’t understand. So kind and giving and humble like a gentle master to a young, inexperienced person. I wonder how the interviewer himself reflects back on this and how he has grown in the past 30 years

[@LambentOrt]

He has such a grounded sense of reality and humor about the world.

[@kathryn3390]

One of his best albums ever. He’s the Hemingway of songwriters.

[@paracelsusify]

I've heard and read a lot of Leonard over the years but I have to say his comments at 5'21" to 5'45 will be among my favourites now: "I've never had a strategy... I did have some consuming vision, you know, I do have sort of secret chambers of thought which involve re-establishing a theocracy and being high priest of a new invisible temple and dominate the world with a compassionate vision. But outside of that.." Some non-strategy that is! (: May we all carry on the mission. Get ready Manhattan and Berlin!

[@marita7424]

Thank you for this quote which I was just trying to put together in writing when listening... you save my live lol I was absolutely amazed by this one too. Oh Lord, if we can only resurrect HIM.

[@juliangiulio3147]

an alive and witty response and comment, s'good to see!

[@dangcoppock7362]

We the PP and the world have lost the most intelligent, beautiful, strong mindset, respectful, kind hearted poetic and amazing man.😢. Thank you Mr. Leonard Cohen. Your legacy will live on❤❤❤

[@2manypeople1]

I have been Cohen fan since more than 50 years now. My main interest was in his music because my English was not good enough to follow his lyrics. The more I understood the lyrics the better it got. I keep listening to his songs more than to any other artists songs. I highly recommend him to younger generations. R.I.P

[@joejrwesthamunited4586]

the future is the best written song I've ever heard ......RIP LEONARD

[@peterstark9484]

Bob Dylan? You must be kidding me. Cohen is the great, English, poet of the last 50 years, and more.

[@christchaboomgroove]

cohen praises dylan

[@christchaboomgroove]

ginsberg praises dylan

[@christchaboomgroove]

its poetry not the superbowl

[@ScoopMeisterGeneral]

Does it matter?

[@pamelamacneil1331]

@@ScoopMeisterGeneral Was thinking the same thing!

[@aislasinclair3489]

Thanks for posting this up-really intelligent, won`t see the like again I fear!

[@LouwrensvanderMerwe]

Great man. Fascinating mind!

[@DanDeLeoninthefield]

"Love's the only engine of survival."

[@fairenough7984]

Oh my gosh What I wouldn't give to discuss Mr Cohen's music with him, for hours, days, months on end. Such a treasure, and we are so blessed to have his legacy of recorded music. Thank.you for the Tower of Song(s) you left us, Leonard.

[@justinfayre3414]

At 8:00, after a dumb question about Nostrodamus, Cohen says "You're going to be happy with Stalin, the wall and the little hole in the ozone, these things are going to sound like the golden age compared to what's coming down, and it's starting to come down - the excrement is about to hit the ventilator". Next question: "What do you think the biggest differences between you and a lot of contemporary artists?" Talk about visionary, and talk about dumb journalists! But then I realized I, too, had never given any thought at all to what Cohen meant in 1993 when the said "I've seen the duture brother - it is murder". Now we know.

[@ДианаСтразова-т4ц]

❤кроме.восторга.перед.его.творчеством.-коган.уникал ный.певец.и.музыкант-благодарна.чуду.кинематографии,запечатлевшей.прекрасные.моменты.общения.с.прекрасным.певцом.❤

[@cher4500]

Leonard will remain Timelessness.. Poet Man.. 💖 🌹 💓

[@Truthhurts0912]

I have been listening to his songs since I discovered him in 2015. He is everything I imagined him to be, that makes me feel so grateful.

[@byebyebosworth958]

I came to leonard cohens music when I was almost 30. I feel that I am in a small secret club that knows and loves his music.

[@ragnarbluechip8795]

My dad used to listen to Leonard Cohen in the later 80s when I was a small kid. Liked his music ever since

[@MsSpock1]

The voice, the voice is so cool, the wisdom pours from the lips, the heart ❤️ is full and compassionate, give us more 💋💋

[@L.iamCarroll]

Why on earth does this awesome Cohen masterclass have 1k dislikes? What is going on?

[@89ksokd91]

I see beauty on youtube getting thumbed down a lot..this world does not want empathetic people or goodness to thrive, it's like it makes people angry.

[@robtalarek1106]

Merely an indication of how sad the world is today.

[@guitarista666]

That's the judgement of the low IQ crowd.

[@joshuaridesabicycle]

"It's a nice axe," is my favorite part of the interview.

[@deandalton8482]

Why does this have so many dislikes?

[@marita7424]

Rhetorical question similar to: why so many people have no brain?

[@bluenoserr]

Abyssal interviewer.

[@nickgrant2906]

wthat is pretty odd yeah

[@KeithCharlesDovoric]

“All you can do is lift your glass….” Leonard, the world’s wound from your loss is still profoundly deep and aching. Here’s to you on that mysterious plane you now inhabit, wherein the angels are toasting you perennially.

[@cher4500]

Intelligent, Smart ... No One Beats The Rap... 💖 🌹 👌🏼 Your Music Is Forever...

[@sharonsheehy3128]

One of the music masters 💕💕💕

[@MrBendinho]

amazing humble wise lovely person

[@voyage54]

There is no contempt whatsoever in L. Cohen towards the interviewer.

[@89ksokd91]

Grace

[@billhdowne2382]

"If the Vote could change anything, it would be illegal."❤😂

[@NosyFella]

What's with the like-dislike ratio?

[@joy5976]

I've been searching the comment section trying to figure out why and I still don't know

[@hfanti]

Legend.

[@musicisbrilliant]

Wait wait wait wait... Why all the dislikes??? People!!

[@alainrouthier7264]

Best poet in Canada

[@markgriffithsandtheword]

One of the more insensitive interviews I’ve watched, lacking hearing, responsiveness and curiosity, instead relying on formula and crashing on with pre-prepared questions. LC handles the moment with his usual grace and eloquence.

[@Bronco541]

thIs interview really reveals his genious and wisdom

[@andymassingham]

2:52 “If the vote could change anything, it would be illegal.” Scene!!

[@riffraffrichard]

Loving his answers on this one, hes on form

[@abri7606]

I wish I could have had a conversation with this man even if I probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with him

[@89ksokd91]

Me too.

[@JackConnolly]

I love this nervous interviewer. He seems so young and earnest. Leonard Cohen seems to have a chip on his shoulder and this guy wins him over. Who is this interviewer?

[@riffraffrichard]

I love when hes talking about song crafting

[@thevikj]

Why are there so many dislikes?

[@nicolereith5848]

What I would have given to meet him. A fan since my teens, it could have been an extraordinary experience once I hit middle age.

[@nicolereith5848]

Oh that sounds so selfish and as if I could give. But he is such a great conversationalist and has so much to say. I would have loved to talk to him.

[@nuclearcatbaby1131]

Danny Elfman wrote a song about how the music industry underestimates the intelligence of its audience, called “Grey Matter”

[@annalisavajda252]

I recall an interview with Dylan and he was speaking about how having talent or dreams is a fragile things and it's best to just keep it to yourself or else the world may kill it. Cohen doesn't seem as bothered to be vulnerable and speak from his heart or mind in interviews seems to enjoy most interviews isn't as pained by them as Dylan but then he had problems with the media from early on the onset of his career they were critical of him demanding explanations for his lyrics or why he went electric or changed his name etc.

[@maria-z2x8v]

LOVE YOU RIP❤❤❤❤

[@johnkemp4922]

What a Legend , love his Music , My Dad got me into his music, we went to the Royal Albert Hall to see him in the 90’s , RIP LC 👌

[@matureyoungman]

he would have been cool in a detective movie/tv show, no?

[@Deliquescentinsight]

What a contrast, a man of humble intelligence and humour, compared with the buffoons and clowns of Rock, people in general would have dismissed this, how refreshing.

[@KeithCharlesDovoric]

Listen to his recitation of Closing Time. This is not your average pop or rock tune; this is a domain of literature into which very few, if any, have delved. Certainly no singer-songwriter, excepting perhaps Dylan or Joni Mitchell or perhaps Tom Waits, has plumbed this depth.

[@mikejnwill]

He was so brilliant. To me, he's a universal genius, on the level of a Goethe, Shakespeare, or Dostoyevsky.

[@silvrfox23]

Rest in peace our dear Leonard...a lyrical genius and wonderul man.

[@Bertiesghost]

This is gold.

[@WLDB]

Interesting. I hadnt seen this before.

[@adamborowicz7209]

it's nothing to lament it's just the way it is

[@joshuafriesen4436]

It can’t be understated how badly things have deteriorated for youth today in regard to pop culture.

[@allcapsbeats]

18:33 that was such a brilliant response

[@user-pt1ow8hx5l]

"Im the little jew. Who wrote the bible....." That was a line of his. The man himself turned out to be quite the prophet. With tunes for eternity.

[@jamesmichael8819]

hes being so patient with this young interviewer hahaa so cute

[@adamborowicz7209]

"the 60's lasted about 15 minutes" he nailed it

[@always_in_Good_Hands]

sound on the end of the interviewer sucks...can we adjust that please? Thank you.

[@elipena2920]

we should help each other out

[@89ksokd91]

I hope more people agree with you

[@valentinezer6284]

What is he holding in his hand, is it related to Greece in some way?

[@cherylclark915]

❤ R.I.P. Beautiful Soul. 🕊️👁️🌞✨

[@awesomesauce4295]

wow 1993 remember when MTV was good?

[@haileyshannon7548]

It was never good!

[@HMG5588]

Leonard was just a talented guy who happened to write some beautiful songs. But what is so strange is how those who can't conceive of having the same level of talent end up subconsciously worshiping those who have that mysterious gift. Listen to the desperate questions coming from this interviewer and to how Leonard is so astounded by each question under his breath. His answers are like he's swatting away the confetti flying out of this guys pie hole while he gives his matter of fact, down to earth answer. Look people. Get some faith. FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. That's what Leonard is singing about even though he himself was probably not aware of it.

[@guilhermeamaro2135]

He was Jewish i don´t he sings about faith in Jesus.

[@dpeatebc7265]

Of course he does. But perhaps not in the way HMG thinks. "Jesus was a sailor and he walked upon the water . . . "

[@89ksokd91]

I'm pretty sure he was fully aware of what he was singing about.

[@89ksokd91]

@@guilhermeamaro2135 he doesn't sing about faith in Jesus but so much of his writing is a commentary about religion and much if it involves jesus. "Wooden watchtower" for instance..

[@pauloftarsus3843]

@@89ksokd91 Deep in the soul of EVERY human being is the knowledge that Jesus Christ was the physical manifestation of God Himself. The entire history of song and singing is to worship God. Satan was the chief cherub angel in charge of worshiping God. But he fell victim to the evils of envy, jealousy, and hatred because he himself wanted the lower angels to praise him with song and singing as they do for God. So ever since Adam and Eve ignored God's rules of the garden, Satan has been using every tool at his disposal to lure humanity away from worshiping God. His best weapon to do that is music. Music is powerful. It moves the spirit. Satan uses it to push you away from God. LC was a gifted song writer. His music moved the souls of many. But not even he could escape writing a song about the powerful emotions of lust and regret that King David fell victim to 3,000 years ago when he saw Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop. LC recognized that sin and wrote a song about it. Well he also wrote about redemption for sin. And that's where Jesus Christ appears in the lyrics for that is the very reason every Christian sings songs of redemption. People who dont recognize that fact are ensnared and blinded by Satan to listen to music that pushes them away from ever seeing the light of Truth. They wallow in the joyless sins of this world then they die never knowing the Truth of song's spiritual history. Music is older than humanity. Music is the language of Heaven but also the #1 weapon of Satan. All Jews know who Jesus Christ is. It's just that some don't recognize humanity's Messiah yet. But they will soon enough.

[@RTLURDBURDPSURAFAPARRAAZORDO]

Probably like a composer of songs for my own at my own home I would say something as a fan too. There is a war right now?