Leonard Cohen - Suzanne

Perhaps his most memorable song from Canadian poet/songwriter & performer Leonard Cohen. Cohen specified, notably in a BBC interview, that the song was about encountering Suzanne Verdal, the then wife of sculptor Armand Vaillancourt, in a Montreal setting. Indeed, many lines describe different elements of the city, including its river (the Saint Lawrence) and a little chapel near the harbour, called Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (literally Our Lady of Good Help), which sits on the side of the harbour that faces the rising sun in the morning, as it is described in the song.
Suzanne Verdal was interviewed by CBC News's The National in 2006 about the song. Verdal claims that she and Cohen never had sexual relations, contrary to what some interpretations of the song suggest. Cohen himself stated in a 1994 BBC interview that he only imagined having sex with her, as there was neither the opportunity nor inclination to actually go through with it. She says she has met Cohen twice since the song's initial popularity; once after a concert Cohen performed in the 1970s and once in passing in the 1990s when she danced for him, but Cohen did not speak to her (and possibly did not recognise her).
In any case, its lyrics first appeared as the poem "Suzanne Takes You Down" in Cohen's 1966 book of poetry Parasites of Heaven, admittedly because of lack of new material (lyrics to a few other songs from his subsequent 1967 debut album were also printed in the book).

[@MrPjderks]

"...When musicians were authentic and not motivated by money..." Those musicians become real stars. Leonard Cohen is a perfect example af a real star.

[@AnnaLVajda]

And the muse too.

[@lintonarneaud1]

A real star indeed

[@DaStoneboat]

He and the song Suzanne, is in the Norton American Anthology of American Literature. A priceless gift to the world, I think.

[@cancercancer7641]

@@DaStoneboat Jestem z Polski sluchan go od 30 lat

[@DaStoneboat]

Me too, maybe 40 years. And Joni Mitchell. Lately, another Canadian, Kerin Paris, The Innocence Mission, and this song, The Lakes of Canada kzbin.info/www/bejne/sILUop5_pMhobpI@@cancercancer7641

[@cloeteotto4809]

Must be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. What a legend!

[@surrealmadrid7971]

I was going to write this exact thing.....

[@rikspring]

worthy of a Nobel Prize

[@amiranoffdenise9197]

indeed, it is the most beautiful song ever written !

[@geraldineschmid6766]

beafulti is it not great

[@seanstott6168]

Your not wrong I love this song first heard a version of it in 1969 by Nina Simone one of my favourite songs of all time and yes I can play Nina Simone a version on piano thank you Mr Cohen for wetting this song

[@steviesblues7959]

Who's still listening to this masterpiece in 2020 its just amazing.

[@blairmelanson7480]

Lots of people do ! The time I listen to L Cohen l was in my late teens , now my kids and to my surprise they loved to . May he Rest In Peace,he left us with great gift Thank you M. cohen.....

[@jb-jo2zg]

Nothing like it.... amazing

[@robbieirlam414]

Hooked on Leonard Cohen all over again at age 67

[@josiecameron4349]

I am! Wow he's so young! Nina Simone's version is also incredible

[@geoffreydixon1727]

stevie's blues poet of Montreal Poet of Montreal ,,,

[@jcavilia1]

I heard this song not long after it first appeared, and always loved it, though some of its lyrics were mysterious. A few years later, in 1973, I met a beautiful, mysterious, half-crazy woman named Suzanne, and the song acquired new meaning. Suzanne and I married in 1975. She died six weeks ago, and this song has been a trigger for both my grief and for happy memories of our 47 years together. I travelled with her, and I travelled blind, because I knew I could trust her.

[@mygoddess1]

I'm very sorry for your loss John. Aren't you blessed to have good memories to treasure. I've read several times honesty & trust are the most important in a relationship. I'll vouch for that myself without them you have a hollow relationship. Take good care of yourself & especially stay safe John

[@treesarenotgreen]

I'm sorry for your loss John, what a wonderful marriage to your wild, wonderful Suzanne. God bless ❤

[@mikell-cu4vj]

I also sorry for your loss of your lifetime wife, love and companionship. There is a next world coming where there will be no more death

[@haero58fotografie]

My condolences 🥀

[@lynnburnell7146]

To have someone, say what you have said about your wife, is just lovely. Take care

[@minatempest1707]

It was 1972, in London, coming from an eastern European country when I first heard this song. This is when my love for this poet of songs started. I am old now, my love for his songs is young. He may not be with us, but Leonard is with us now and forever.

[@minatempest1707]

@Paul SmithThank you for your note. I am surviving. Living in such times, going through every day is a victory. I wish the world would become a better place. I may not be around, but I have faith that love, and songs will work their miracles.

[@barbaramackellar5687]

The first time I heard Leonard Cohen sing Suzanne in 1967, I was smitten, and my love for this song and the poet who sang it has never faded.

[@paulgiles4718]

I'm with you Barbara. In University digs we listened

[@bertranddesportesdelafosse5238]

I'm just like like you Barbara, born 1947...

[@lauraferraro5459]

@@bertranddesportesdelafosse5238 yes, I'm rediscovering his music, I was born in 1947 and so grateful for him and so many of his Era. ✌

[@cristineerickson2237]

Yep, same story here.

[@michaelconners2805]

I cannot imagine it fading

[@mehedisajib]

Who's listening this legendary song during quarantine ?? 💖

[@marijervw53]

Yes i’m listening from Rotterdam (NL)

[@ollieallard808]

Yes, I am listening and like so long ago, this song gives me shivers down my spine!! The melancholy, the harmony, the melody, it is simply deeply touching...

[@ljiljanaraicevic2634]

Me ... so long ago..

[@ningzhuoliu2947]

Me

[@marlenebeggin2615]

Me.

[@stevenhaines4741]

When Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature I was completely stunned - by far a better poet and composer was Leonard Cohen and if the Prize should ever have gone to a composer it should have gone to Cohen....far superior in every sense.

[@clu4u]

You really don’t know WTF you’re talking about. It’s stupid to think only one or the other can win a Nobel Prize for lit. If LC is worthy of a Nobel, I’m in support of that.

[@rach2895]

✊️💚🙏▶️🐝🥰

[@mygoddess1]

shocked me 2 Steven Hains

[@whisperingblues9887]

Totally agree Bob Dylan himself freely admitted to being hugely influenced by Leonard Cohen .

[@davidloewen-ny5yg]

There are heroes in the seaweed.

[@lauriesmith589]

Thank you Mr. Cohen for the Song My Husband 16 years my Senior Sang to me The Moment I Stole His Heart in 1982 & Lived as One till 2017 when I lost him to a medication mix-up at a hospital ?? We played music recorded & sang together I'm blessed to have those tapes to hear his voice still singing to me....

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Laurie, how is things going with you ?

[@rnhealer6044]

Oh wow, I'd forgotten how much I loved this song as a teenager in the 60's . I am 68 and I grew up adoring the beautiful songs of Leonard Cohen, the gifted poet, and songwriter. I never cared that he had a scratchy singing voice because when he sang his beautiful songs it didn't matter. You only heard the lyrics.. His songs will live forever.

[@paulahiatt9697]

His voice was very smooth and soothing when he was young. Feel the song with your soul. It's magic. I love it as much as a teenager and I do now 70.

[@carolnahigian9518]

ethereal!

[@michaelnixon4584]

I am a retired RN. This was one of the first songs I learned to play on guitar in the 60s before I was drafted.

[@kitcarsoncarson615]

And because we were here to experience in real time with him so will we live forever.

[@konnierad]

Roberta Flack did a beautiful rendition of this. Find it. It is amazing. This song is so beautiful

[@121Sarah009]

Absolutely love his introduction to this performance. Thanking this "friend" for taking it from him, cause "it would be wrong to write this song and get rich from it". So great.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for tuning in.

[@jankanema563]

Very nice 😊 thanks

[@michaelangelo9550]

do you think he meant it

[@steveweinstein3222]

I don't think he was capable of insincerity. Whatever he said, he meant it.

[@antonboludo8886]

Absolutely.

[@robin4400]

No one does this better than Leonard. He is a miracle of a musician and man. We all really miss him. RIP Leonard.

[@moroseloki1912]

He's never going to die

[@jurajura1659]

First we take Manhattan

[@leiper72]

Yes, because he was the one who wrote it!

[@johndelong1301]

Thanks to a teacher in 74. Thank you so much. RIP Leonard! Thank you...

[@MartinPowick]

Still listing in 2021. Masterpiece

[@manuelabumuller-schorer4279]

Me too

[@manuelabumuller-schorer4279]

Me to

[@laraanna2791]

@@manuelabumuller-schorer4279 me too!

[@enzogalli5506]

Me too. July 2021. FOREVER LC!!

[@mariuszpecht7652]

me, since eighties and then even didn't understand English language

[@tang9008]

He has been gone for 5 years today and my heart will always break for him - we lost the most prolific artist and soul - love you Leonard

[@GinoongVince]

I love everything about this song... Sorry for my wrong grammar, I'm not good at English but you know what I'm trying to say... It made me cry😢😢to sad for me, I met his songs after he died. I am a fourteen year old boy who listen to these kind of songs. And I really love this one. Thanks Mister Cohen, rest in peace. Good night now Sir

[@hamidmusik7691]

Ginoong Vince I know what you mean I discovered him when I was 18. It was 1999/2000. My English is bad too. But I loved his music, it touched my soul the whole atmosphere...he is a wonderful poet and singer. You did a good choose. He will always be with you in every phase of your life...in good and very bad days. Peace 🌻

[@janhammer39]

Thank you for taking the time to write.

[@suejensen4823]

I have loved his music since my student days in the late 1960s. I finally got to see him perform this song when he came to England just a few years back. It was pouring with rain the whole time and the hundreds of us sat in the rain and were so very happy. I shall never forget this experience.

[@chborger185]

think so,,,, sailor in a wet atmosphaere no wind no .... ... ...

[@jeremyreagan9085]

His words are so powerful I am glad you at 14 love his work. This is my favorite song in English.

[@normanjones629]

He enriched our lives. Be thankful that you were in a time to be able to share, listen to and appreciate Leonard Cohen............sadly missed Leonard, REST IN PEACE SIR

[@cathy2525cd]

RIP. An amazing songwriter has departed us. Join the angels in heaven.

[@albertoantoniobertotto290]

Norman Jones

[@sergioguillenzait7857]

Alberto Antonio Bertotto Grande, grande Leonard, D.E.P. ya estaras en el Reino de los Cielos entre los mas grandes.

[@hermannbartsch555]

Norman Jones g

[@isacarmonagris1048]

Otro poeta y grande Leonar Cohen. Mi juventud fue escucharte

[@EnosEverything]

This was the first song I ever heard by Leonard.... The first of hundreds and hundreds - now this genius has gone and I'm heartbroken... R.I.P Leonard and thankyou for what you gave.

[@declanmcgee2205]

EnosEverything I can remember the day 😔was so sad for me and my dad 🙏.But I’m so grateful I got to see him when I was 8 in kilmainham.Im 14 now and he’s my favorite artist of all time

[@tristanwilliams6931]

What a brilliant, eloquent wordsmith, troubadour and entertainer! Under appreciated in the U.S. but revered throughout the rest of the world. Thank you Leonard for all those years of enjoyment listening to his master's voice. You will live on forever through the beautiful music you created.

[@gamervlogs2154]

Tristan Williams EVERYBODY KNOWS played live by this girl is awesome kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4SuZWmXbdSrY7c you going to cry

[@MichaelDaily1]

I've always felt that this was one of the finest Cohen songs I ever heard, this and "Bird On a Wire" was my introduction to the music of Leonard Cohen and I have been a faithful follower of his since. When I heard him sing "Joan of Arc" I thought that would be the pinnacle for him but oh I was so happy to be wrong, from his early days up to his tragic (for us) end he continually amazed and always entertained us. Thank you Leonard [MK 2020]

[@Dbb27]

My brother exposed me to Cohen with that song, bird on a wire. Loved it.

[@berylhenshaw4384]

I can't believe I haven't listened seriously to him until now and I'm in my seventies! lots of catching up to do...

[@rodratcliffe7468]

Beryl Henshaw And I as well, 60 here

[@johnnypastrana6727]

I as well and am 66 though his song Éverybody Knows' was always a favorite...ha ha it is ok to learn new things in our sunset years... Hallelujah is great too but I don't know yet what it means. :)

[@ingdalby]

In the film Mc Cabe and Mrs Miller (1971. Warren Beatty + Julie Christie.Dir: Altman) I met some of Leonard´s enchanting songs for the first time. I was spellbound - Magic! I´m a fan ever since. His songs have always been very popular here in Sweden. See this Beautiful film!

[@berylhenshaw4384]

Thanks, I hope to find it on Lovefilms.com

[@ermanolcay6574]

here in my 27 no age differ to ejoy a beautifull music

[@asinger01223]

As if this week wasn't sad enough! Rest in peace, Leonard. Your music will live on.

[@elenavanbc]

Thanks, Alex Singer - in few words, you said like it is...

[@bodejos]

He passed away, before that other sad news.

[@KoolHandJuke]

Trump's victory was not at all sad, if that's what you're referring to, my friend.

[@statueauxyeuxdejais8531]

. . . C'est tres mal - aussi . . . Obama etait notre frere de bon secours . . .Vive La Liberte !

[@nickgillott6723]

not sad...a tragedy.

[@mareeshelton7602]

I too am in my 70’s and this will be one of the gifts of Covid lockdowns. Always knew Halleluia but there is a wealth of beautiful, meaningful songs. Love them.

[@derekkess4103]

I sure do miss the 70s, 80s and 90s. Sometimes I wish I could find a time machine and go back in time. Life was much easier and everyone enjoyed life! Is this your favorite song?

[@travel-warrior]

My older sister played this song for me prior to me leaving for Australia back in 1980 and it moved me, it has words delivered from from a source outside this world, what magic, it will never grow old

[@ferdinandtjombe9224]

RIP Leonard Cohen. We will dearly miss you but your music will live on. Thank you.

[@nausicas]

Ferdinand Tjombe q

[@christilrichb7854]

thanks for all thèse beautiful songs i love...

[@karinmunster1180]

Ja, ich vermisse diesen genialen Musiker

[@SpeegBJ]

"Hey that's no way to say goodbye'. Farewell sir, rip

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Bonnie, how is things going with you ?

[@lizzz6407]

A regret of my life never to have met this exceptional man. A true poet whose intelligence and knowledge shines through all his works. His voice and music never fails to move me. His music sung by other artists is just as wonderful. I recommend to all kd langs rendition of his 'Hallelujah'. It would move a mountain to tears. This man was truly a gift to his generation and those who come after who discover him anew.

[@henrylarsson3150]

❤ Så sant hälsningar från Sweden

[@brendahughes3277]

I used to sing this to my son every night as a lullaby. He reminded me of it many years later...when he was a dad. I guess that means this song stays in your heart.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Brenda, how is things going with you ?

[@GrandeDanoise]

As a former Montrealaise, and fan of Leonard Cohen, I feel sorrow for his ending, happy that I have heard his music, and know that for many he was and continues to be an inspiration. Find peace Leonard and your legacy will go on. Thank you.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Kristen, how is things going with you?

[@marilcrabtree2364]

When I hear this song, I am the singer and I am Suzanne. I am the river and the oranges and the sunshine. Most of all, I simply FEEL the words.

[@lorrainecannatta1691]

So many of us have memories of what was happening in our life when this song came out. I was in my first year of college. I went for a walk feeling quite blue because I had not done well on an exam. I didn't pay much attention to where I was going. I grew up in a very small town, felt safe at every juncture and did not have street safety sense. I rarely talk about this, and here it is. I encountered a man who decided he wanted me to go to a heavily wooded park with him. I was terrified and walked beside him without being able to speak to the people we walked by. The story is long and still painful for me even though it was almost 45 years ago. Yes, 45 years ago. After the incident I was unable to go back to school for a while. I went to stay with my aunt Carolyn. She never had children and my mom her sister had 5. Auntie we called her. Auntie took care of me and made me laugh and we listened to your album day after day. We would play the sisters of mercy which is the song her nursing school sang at graduation. Thank you, for singing this song as it is bringing me back to some deep love and care I received from my beloved Auntie who has since passed on to the other realm. I love you Auntie Carolyn. I named my daughter after her and she is always with me as is this song.

[@janhammer39]

+Lorraine Cannatta Thanks for visiting my site.

[@shaschannel4758]

+Lorraine Cannatta, I am sorry for your pain. It is said, "That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger." Maybe so, I am not sure, but I do believe it changes us profoundly. Your Auntie sounds like she was a true godsend to you and your reflective, and beautifully written words, remind me of my own long ago pain. Sending healing light and love to you, one sister's heart, to another's. ♡

[@lorrainecannatta1691]

+Sha's Channel Wow, I wrote this a while ago. I love that your beautiful reply was so random. Kindness is always welcome any time of any day. Thank you for brightening my day today with your unexpected kindness Bless you

[@robertkelly2569]

Lorraine Cannatta, ❤️ and 🙏 from all of Scotland

[@xaviar321]

+Lorraine Cannatta That was a courageous post, Lorraine. Not all heros are famous.

[@mygoddess1]

I'll never forget the time I saw Leonard live 1967 at Trinity college Hartford, Connecticut. I first heard "Suzanne" on UCONN radio. Then they were selling tickets WOW I had to buy some front row tickets for my g'friend Chris & myself. Leonard had an unknown stand up acoustic bass player Charlie Daniels. They looked miss matched Charlie was huge he made Leonard so small. I I was so excited I couldn't remember how I got to the concert. I asked my sister friend Sue & she said I drove ha ha ha I don't remember driving to or from. I was jus excited & mezermized sitting there in front of my favorite artist Leonard! fond memories. Now, Leonard and Charlie joined the big band on the otherside. Fond memories :)

[@mygoddess1]

@Paul Smith Thank you Paul. Yes I'm wicked good & well. Thanx Paul have we met prior? Your name sounds familiar. ? ? Although, there must be a lot of Smith & Jones on KZbin. 😉 Take good care stay safe. Donna

[@mygoddess1]

@Paul Smith BTW are you a Leonard fan? Did you go to any Leonard events?

[@suzannedarroch1149]

I was introduced to Leonard through this song by my boyfriend, and now husband of almost 40 years, as my name is Suzanne and he loved his music and it was very romantic. Highlight for me was hearing him live on my birthday in Berlin July 2013. My regret was not hearing him live again. My favourite is Dance me to the end of love.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Suzanne, How are you doing?

[@suzannedarroch1149]

@@Kelly-nm4kw Thanks for asking. My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 2 years ago and can't remember Leonard without a struggle and lots of prompting. I am glad we have had so many years together. Even if he forgets my name, I remember.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

@@suzannedarroch1149 So touching, You are doing a great job at life! Where are you from?

[@Angelina-ru8ww]

I love that song too!!!

[@yasamanmansoori2789]

Wishing you and your husband well, Suzanne. How have you been?

[@marlenekjerulf-andersen5195]

"Suzanne takes you down to her place near the river". I will miss you. Thankfully, in our world, you will last forever. Love, cigarettes, peace and red wine. So long.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Marlene, how is things going with you ?

[@TheDanny7840]

First saw him live at Forest Hills Stadium in 1967 with his Army...haunting poetry. Once a week I pass the Chelsea Hotel and think of Janis and him, And Famous Blue Raincoat and.... and.... and......a very sad night. I just don't think another like him shall pass our way.

[@julietjowett9678]

Such a wise, introspective, and deep wordsmith. The introduction says a lot more than it would appear, particularly as he tells the tale and sings his song anyway, now, here in the present. A brutal wound indeed to a sensitive and romantic soul. In his own words Leonard Cohen explains before putting the words to this beautiful and mystical tale to music, "... anyway, this is a song I wrote a long time ago. I feel very good about this song. I'll tell you why. It's a song that people loved. Fortunately, rights were stolen from me. I thought that was justified. I'm happy for that friend who put that piece of paper in front of me and said, 'sign this'. I said, 'what is this?' and he said, 'oh, just the standard writer's contract." The words pouring from his lips sound so sweet, and so at peace to the outcome as justified" The acknowledgement that it was a betrayal by a friend", a friend who stand to gain, but wanted it all. A greed that Cohen didn't know existed. A friend who had a duty to him to protect his rights, not steal them. And so he is happy for the friend and happy to let the money flow to someone else, happy for the lesson he learned and the verification of his innate sense; justified only by the fact that it was his own trust that betrayed him. So many of his songs echo this sentiment.

[@teresadavis9557]

I’ve thought about what you wrote many times through the years while listening to this song. I also wonder what the friend thought of himself about what he had done as the years passed. I did a search and found Suzanne, she’s a real person. She was hurt that Leonard wrote this beautiful song about her and in her time of need he didn’t help her financially. She had broken her back and really needed help. She was unaware that the rights to this song were stolen from him. Thank you for writing and sharing this 🙏

[@julietjowett9678]

@@teresadavis9557 She is a very real person and I saw the same interview quite a while back. I just wrote this comment 5 months ago so have suspicions of who you are that you would now write "I've thought about what you wrote many times THROUGH THE YEARS while listening to this song." This was a song that I liked, before, well, before a lot of things. I don't listen to it and only commented to make a point, like Little Suzy did here. Nonetheless, I'll have to look back at her interview to see what she said about Cohen's response to her request for financial help. Your comment implies that he should have helped her, but only through the profits from this song. Since I have no idea of his financial status at the time, the timing of her request, or the timing of the suit that he successfully waged against his manager, I can't say much more than if he got the request, he was a coward and self-interested in not telling her the truth. If he had the money, he was just an ass who was willing to take and not give. If he worked behind her back to make her life harder, then that's worse. Creative genius and high intellect are no different than any other beings. Some have no good sense, no good will, and no empathy. They do what makes them happy. As for me, helping someone in need always makes me happy. Being kind makes me happy. If you're talking about another situation entirely, ask me yourself. I'm an open book, you just might not like the page you're on. Certainly, no utube comment or reply will tell that story and just how malicious, contrived, and horrid people can be and have been in real life. It would appear that you are making excuses and attempting to give explanations. This is not the time or the place.

[@hanspeterraatz4928]

It's happen all over the music industry, like Richard Ashcroft's Ballad : "Bitter Sweet Symphony", by the Rolling Stones manager Allen Klein, who also stole many of their and the Beatles songs. But both, Cohen and Ashcroft took it with humor. Richard said: "This is the best song, the Rolling Stones had written in the last 20 years". And I totally agree, because I have never bought a Stones Album after: "Let It Bleed". But the good end of the story was, that when Klein died, Mick Jagger and Keith Richard returned the song after 22 years to Ashcroft.

[@lainadfitri]

I'm only in my 20's and was in no way in his time of music. But his music was passed on to me through others and it is truly pure and inspiring good. I hardly listen to any pop songs these days because many lack in meaningful lyrics. But Leonard Cohen, his music will be carried on and will always bring me to places. Rest in peace :)

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Daniel for checking in with us.

[@Kr8tomforcheap]

You bring me hope for millenials with this statement, young man 🤣

[@MasalaiMeri]

Rest In Peace, dear, dear man. Thank You for the Joy. I will never forget you.

[@vittoriosailvessel4241]

I love the sound of his voice mixed with the cords of the Spanish guitar. A melody that flows as the sea waves...

[@janhammer39]

Great comment. Thanks for tuning into The Hammer Works.

[@robertkelly5515]

One of the most romantic, beautiful ballards ever written performed by the great Leonard Cohen- where would modern music be without his prolific contribution.

[@claireslater6243]

I love this song I must have listened to it a thousand times and its still one of my all time favorites

[@1beeyootifewl]

❤

[@mgrunsten]

I make it a point to tell women named Suzanne about this wonderful song. One actually told me that her father named her after the song. Brilliant piece.

[@harryspark8215]

that's really cool because i know a girl who's father named her after this song. i've been listening to LC since the middle 60's never tire of him

[@Velvet0Starship2013]

I knew Suzanne in the very early 1980s... I met her in Minneapolis! Her full name is Suzanne Verdal... she ended up a bit tragic in her older age but she was still beautiful, young and full of plans when I knew her and her two young beautiful children. She wanted me to play "Flamenco guitar" in a little dance act with her! I was a foolish young man... I should have learned to play Flamenco Guitar!

[@luciapalkowitsch6319]

k

[@bryanjeske6856]

This song amazed me the first time I heard it on the radio many years ago , and then I learned why he wrote it through a television documentary later , and still today I'm intrigued by the musical life of Leonard Cohen. And now I listen to his music on KZbin :) ............... R.I.P. Leonard !!!

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Bryan for checking in with us.

[@wundawuman7476]

We ...in my Canadian school ...took a while term to study, discuss and enjoy this song/poem ....thank you to that teacher that introduced us and opened us up to this lovely fellow Canadian ...how fortunate we are to have shared him with the world.

[@namllenium00]

My first English song and my first guitar piece ( 1968). I was mesmerized by the simplicity and the sounds. L Cohen magic and poetry at work !

[@TheCaptain64]

Goodnight Sir, Mr Cohen and thank you .

[@objectsovart]

met him and told him i first heard his song suzanne in a soap opera all my children he said thats probably the best way...then i asked him to sign my raincoat i was wearing...later it washed down in the rain..maby noone can ever really touch his soul but he has touched mine

[@aussieplayable]

I was playing (on guitar) and singing this song as a shallow 16 y/o hippy in the early 70's - his music let me swim in depths I would only fully appreciate and understand much later. Thank you Mr. Cohen for all your sublime poetry, your teachings, and your grace - especially demonstrated here as you thank your 'friend'' for his ''standard contract''.

[@katherinekennedy7966]

I was lucky enough to see him play 3 times in my life, including at Radio City which ended up being one of his last shows, I think. Each one was transcendental.

[@lucymorales7816]

How I envy you, in a good way of course.

[@bripan321]

@kinor Spielman I saw him in Belgium and in Holland on his last tour and the one before that. Amazing. We heard him rehears and thought it was a recording. He brought the Webb sisters who sing like angels. Do find some of those recordings and than think again.... But not after you listen to the lyrics, Cohen is a great poet. I've loved his music all my life.

[@bridielondon2764]

@kinor Spielman what are u doing reading the comments in the first place if u don't like his music. Why don't u get lost or shut up. Just saying!!

[@FrankyBangkok]

R.I.P. Leonard! We will never forget you!

[@marieeireandbreizh3900]

The best song for me... Leonard Cohen is a star in the sky ...Rest in peace...🎶

[@g.victorpaulson8836]

This was the first Leonard Cohen song I ever heard, in the summer of '72, when my first girlfriend turned me on to it. The imagery in his poetry was seared into my brain that very first time, and is still there today whenever I listen to it. Thank you, Leonard, for a lifetime of amazing words and music...

[@smattson557]

I'm just saying it's so cool to hear that there are so many people that love this man in his voice and his music and his soul as much as I do truly you all are amazing

[@flylooper]

This song was my personal emblem of what my life was like in the late 60 s and 70's. The lyrics are so wonderful. The repetitive, same two chords had a kind of hypnotic effect on me, making me listen closer to the bittersweet words.

[@indie904]

Mesmerised by Leonard's rich, powerful, and beautiful.. biblical voice. Some lovely people are lucky to have a person who had so much love ...

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting the channel.

[@indie904]

Thank you Jan.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Dear, how is things going with you ?

[@klieberthilo6571]

Einer der größten Künstler der auf dieser Welt war. R.I.P Mr Cohen 😢

[@ulrichwill496]

So ist es!!❤🇨🇭

[@marie-andredesmurs5293]

Cette chanson est tellement pleines d'emotions et belle avec la voix magique de léonard Cohen ❤️👏👏👏🌹🌻🌠

[@xaviar321]

Thank you for sharing this version of an extraordinary song. I had never heard the story of the song rights being stolen. As a songwriter myself, I love Leonard's passive-aggressive response to the whole affair. The guy is beyond cool.

[@teddy42424]

+Jose Guardiola i agree

[@janhammer39]

+Jose Guardiola Thanks Jose for checking in with us.

[@JzzE1]

+Jose Guardiola Have you heard Roberta Flack's version?

[@xaviar321]

+JzzE1 I have not. But i will now:) Thanks for the tip.

[@JzzE1]

+Jose Guardiola Check out Neil Diamonds cut too, but Roberta's is by far the best, IMHO. let me know what you think.

[@richardwieder2354]

Few of such talent have walked this earth, he took notes and words and created songs that touched your heart, your mind, your soul. I"ve been a fan since the late 60's when I bought his debut album, which I still have and am currently listening to.

[@julessmithers1743]

This guy was incredibly humble to the point where he felt he didn't deserve to make money off of his works. It also devalued his work to get monetarily rich off of his work. It was all spiritual and eternal to him.

[@hanscastorp7870]

I suspect there was more that a touch of irony/sarcasm in his comment. It's like the time he publicly thanked his recording company for the modesty of the interest they showed in his work, referring to the time they initially refused to release "Various Positions" (the record containing "Hallelujah") in the United States.

[@kenf8378]

I have listened to Leonard C. since the mid 60's. Have every album in vinyl, and the later ones in CD., and was fortunate to see him live a couple of times. The best poet/musician of his (and my) generation. unfortunately for us, it was closing time.

[@geraldinefarrelly9153]

You lucky

[@joslynsweetie]

RIP Leonard Cohen Thanks for the beautiful music.

[@bruceboa6384]

don cosh +

[@joan.myfavoritechristmasso931]

I think this was the first song/poem of his that i heard and I was hooked from then to now. You've died and gone away, but we weren't finished Loving you and your creations, my friend. You have brought so much joy to so many. R.I.P. Leonard Cohen.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Joan, how is things going with you ?

[@LazyIRanch]

I first heard this song because someone was trying to insult me by saying that I'm half-crazy like the Suzanne in "that song". My name is Suzanne, and I guess that's the only line he remembered. I found the song, and loved it instantly! I hope I am anything like this. I do wear rags and feathers, which is funny. I'm an old hippy who now lives off-grid on a mountain where I raise goats with my adult son who is mentally ill but a kind soul. I sometimes refer to him as "Boo Radley", but most people don't understand that he was the good guy in that story so they avoid us. My son has been hurt by humans, so he's always had a love for animals, and they trust him.

[@lilyd1010]

Wow, Suzanne, I truly wish I knew you. I wish we were spirit friends and soul sisters. Have a peaceful, lovely life. Good love Boo Radley :)

[@nickknott6521]

🇬🇧🇬🇧🤔 I Love 💖 The Animal 🦓 s, So Loyal To one ☝️ 🇬🇧🇬🇧🤔🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 stay Safe 🙂🐕 oh and good Luck 🌹,

[@toszatesze3796]

I wish every person had a heart as big as you have.. ❤️ - LOVE YOU - ❤️

[@suflo8245]

There's nothing wrong with being half crazy .My name is Suzanne too I like to think I am his Muse.I am also an old age hippie.You sound a lovely person.

[@sevintrix2962]

Leonard Cohen was the most important singer/ songwriter, composer and poet of our time. I'm sure in 400 years he will be remembered as we still remember Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

Do you even have the faintest idea how ironic your comment is? No, you can't do.

[@sevintrix2962]

@@mobsiesixsixsix9785 What ?

[@sevintrix2962]

666 lol.

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@sevintrix2962 The only person you can think of to compare a Jewish guy with is a dead white supremacist ancestor of the Nazis. Funny stuff.

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

@@sevintrix2962 Why is that funny you sad character?

[@gardeyoyo]

Bonne nuit, Leonard Cohen, ma muse, bonne nuit. Je vous remercie pour avoir vécu une vie créative et exemplaire pleine de la beauté et sublimité avec lesquelles vous m’émouviez entraves des années. Pour moi, et beaucoup de ma génération, vos paroles lyriques tendrement exprimées dans une voix tremblante, susurrante, montante lentement au crescendo de peine, de joie, de rédemption m’ont assaini l’âme au moment que je vous avais découvert et la sensation qui s’en était coulée. Ceci, la trouvaille, aurait été contenue dans un mot, « Eureka ». Je n’étais qu’un potache, lorsqu’en quête pour apprendre un peu de la poésie canadienne dont je négligeais, je vous avais écouté à l’avis d’une enseignante et la rengaine était « Suzanne », quelqu’une de mystère qui demeure au rivage et qui me lénifie encore avec son esprit. Chacun de nous, je crois, femme, homme, il n’importe pas de genre, connait sa « Suzanne », ouais, Suzanne dotée de la magique poignante au cœur touché. Monsieur Cohen était ma Ville Marie, Montréal, ensemble avec Yves Beauchemin, la premiere était de la poésie et l’autre de la prose. Je me souviens d’une manière vivante ma flânerie presque quotidienne au printemps, parfois déambulant de ma résidence au Ghetto McGill au quartier d’Outremont, parfois dans l’autre direction envers le Vieux Port, pour exercice du corps et du cerveau, faisant pause en route dans un bistrot, une bouquinerie ou un restaurant, même quand fermé, sans autant voir qu’une table gigogne afin de me plonger au milieu reconnaissable à M. Cohen : C’est vrai que le maître n’appartenait plus d’unique à Montréal, ayant atteint une audience globale, passant plus de temps à Los Angeles, je pense, que dans sa ville native, quoique sans jamais, jamais, l’abandonner. Pour la durée de son existence temporelle, 82 ans, il l’adorait, ce lieu de liesse et de grief auquel il rendait tribut car il ne l’avait transcendé mais plutôt l’englobait toujours. Mélancolique mais pourtant merveilleux à voir que notre troubadour, notre trouvère, qu’il avait eu à se reprendre au road show, à l’âge avancé pour pouvoir survivre, non, vivoter, après son ancien agents l’avait fraudé, lui, un artiste hanté et acharné toujours par escrocs d’un type ou de l’autre parce qu’un poète soit proie facile, la sorte gentille, douée de la sensibilité aigue mais manquant la prudence avec l’argent. J’étais à Madrid quand j’avais entendu la nouvelle de M. Cohen au concert mais, étant routier au temps, j’avais eu à rater la chance pour m’extasier d’une heure ou deux sans prescience éblouissante, lumineuse, et comment cela aurait été ma dernière chance à lui donner mon salut. Maintenant, vous, Leonard, composez et chantez dans le panthéon du chœur céleste bien bondé, « Alléluia », et non vous avez tort car Dieu aime la musique, la musique divine. Je ne m’endeuille pour vous plutôt je préfère vous célébrer, votre art qui s’éternise, vos mémoires qui n’éteignent pas, jamais.

[@benvenuti111]

très bon commentaire...

[@joasiamarkowicz4003]

Bernard Fong .

[@joasiamarkowicz4003]

Bernard Fong

[@juttaweise]

Bernard, je viens de lire votre commentaire, ce commentaire long, poétique en ecoutant la chanson. Je n'avais pas fini lire quand la chanson trouvait sa fin et une autre venait a sa place et votre commentaire disparassait. Pour lire vos beaux mots jusqu'a la fin je suis revenu pour trouver a mon grand chagrin seulement 4 lignes de votre commentaire si beau! S.v.P. ou est parti le reste ? Merci

[@juttaweise]

VOILA, retrouvé dans l'eternel mystique de ce chain! Merci Bernard pour ces mots superbes, très poétiques à l'honneur de ce grand artist!

[@paulMcGlothin]

What a wonderful gift you gave to the world. I will miss you, Leonard

[@inalittel4173]

Paul McGlothin blijft mooiii

[@BlotchyScrawls]

2020 - one of the BEST songs I have ever heard!

[@TheRickie41]

The song. I always have been singing the second voice. It came to me naturally and I think I will make it my leaving song. Thank you for all your loving art, L.C.

[@AndyGough165]

Thanks for the music - you touched so many souls with your genius

[@maryjack218]

Andy Gough n

[@balancedstereo]

RIP Doctor Cohen - Your Words Will Always Continue to Heal our Very Human Wounds . . .

[@juttahillmer9257]

Nils

[@kristo875]

That is so true.

[@ernsttipka5704]

Balanced Stereo Der

[@gunnelandersson9512]

Fina låtar☔️💦🌞

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for tuning in.

[@rachelled6763]

This song is very special to me...I met a man and fell in love with him and I was his Suzanne. I will always remember that special time whenever I listen to Leonard sing this song.

[@derekkess4103]

I sure do miss the 70s, 80s and 90s. Sometimes I wish I could find a time machine and go back in time. Life was much easier and everyone enjoyed life! Is this your favorite song?

[@mikey_suzefour]

Thank you Leonard Cohen (RIP) for writing the perfect song that uses my beloved wife's name = Suzanne.

[@fattahbasma2602]

Leonard did not write this song .. the inspiration is from God .. say : thank you God not to Leonard Cohen

[@susannefoort6606]

This man was soooooo amazing, ....soooooo humble !!!!! GOD BLESS HIS SOUL !!!!!!!!!!

[@momcat2223]

Oh, my heart hurts... I was still in middle school when this was written. "Suzanne" is the song that taught me there could be so much more to modern music than what was playing on the pop-40 radio station. RIP you beautiful, old soul.

[@robertotorres497]

Nobody must be a genoius for listening to this very great artist. This very real artist,who touched the stars,will always be with us ..

[@brianhughes4569]

Who's still listening to this enchanting masterpiece in 2019.

[@simplyblue2722]

somebody far away is! :-)

[@lindamcnair-smith581]

MEEEE and many, many more!!!

[@TONY-gs7gf]

🙋.

[@THEDUSTINLEWITSHOW]

Me!

[@carolewilkinson4989]

And me in 2022. . .

[@isabeldelcastillopapi795]

R.I.P. Sr. Cohen, muchas gracias por tantas maravillosas canciones que nos ha dejado a lo largo de tantos años, tengo 20 años menos que usted, y siendo muy joven escuché su canción Suzanne y desde entonces me enamoré de las letras y música de sus canciones... Hoy estoy muy triste y he llorado de pena porque no habrá nuevas canciones. Siempre estará en mi corazón y muchas gracias. Desde Madrid-España.

[@manuelortega1513]

Verdaremente es así Isabel yo tengo 53 años y al igual que a ti Leonard Cohen me ha marcado Su voz nunca desaparecerá porque siempre la tendremos presente. Peaso de artista

[@pastorbp6097]

de igual manera por medio de esta cancion conoci la musica de Leonard Cohen... despues compre el cd de sus exitos el 27 de octubre de 1997

[@justakuchler7787]

ä

[@helgabosse6916]

I love and appreciate Leonard...HE introduced me to Toronto, Yorkville...amongst all the other Hippies, singing his songs...and writing poetry. Thank You for making me a Canadienne....for nearly 5o years.

[@janhammer39]

Thanks for visiting the channel.

[@sofieonecrow]

My daughter's middle name is Suzanne, because this song stole her father's heart the first time he heard it, long before we met and married. Leonard wrote songs that were poems and poetry that was stories of life.

[@ric60100]

God bless you and RIP Mr. Cohen.

[@user-ww4bw9qe9h]

I love this man and this is my most favourite song.. God bless you Leonard Cohen for ever and ever x

[@MinsSongs]

To me, this song is about love and faith, how you want to travel with them, you want to travel blind,....because love and faith have touched your perfect body with her mind. I love the reference to the river being like the subconscious and Suzanne holds the mirror,....also a metaphor to the subconscious....and it is in this depth of being that love and faith are found....and you want to travel with them.....and you want to travel blind, (because you cannot find the rational words to define either love or faith. When you find them both at the river, you have found God? Love you, Mr. Cohen. Thank you for your music, your love, your faith.....Thank you Jan Hammer for posting this. I did not know this song was stolen from him. Brutal! This recording of his song is briliant and precious.

[@janhammer39]

+MinsSongs Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@MinsSongs]

+Jan Hammer Thank YOU for posting this gem! :)

[@tysfalsehood]

I spent time with this album after going through a falling out with someone I hold very dear to me. The relationship has been mended entirely, but this and many other songs off of that album just bring tears to my eyes. To me, Songs of Leonard Cohen is a soundtrack to heartbreak, and I think it's beautiful.

[@sunlion9676]

Mesmerising and hypnotic. We’re so fortunate to have this song amongst us for many lifetimes! Thank you LC 💜

[@BirgitBauhaus]

A very nice and attractive man from Netherlands, named "Wim Kuyll" sung and Player this wonderful Song for me, as I was a very young Girl.. .he was my "Teenage-Love", whow, I lived him soooo much and he seems so very beautiful to me! It was only a very short Liaison, but doesn't matter, this Song was the very best of it! 😍💜😉

[@janhammer39]

Thank you Birgit for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@Bibagodiva55]

Without the writing mistakes of my Writing/ Language-System of my Chinese Tablet (;-) ) I would like to share my memories much more! :-P I hope, that this here is now in the right way! :-) Thx Jan Hammer.... it was a great time and I don't want to miss one Second of it....also I'm still loving my Netherlands Neighbours, at my home near Düsseldorf we call them beloved "Kaaskopjes" :-D !

[@teddy42424]

+Birgit Bauhaus swet truth

[@susiegoodman4425]

Very sad to hear of Leonard Cohen not being with us any more - loved all his songs they were so poignant - beautiful lyrics & a great voice - much missed !!!

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Susie, how is things going with you ?

[@ronfellows6494]

I never saw Leonard in concert but, while living in Montreal while having a haircut, he came into the barber shop as he knew one of the barbers. He exuded charisma! I deeply regret never seeing him in concert. RIP

[@marchpierre-michel6058]

I had the chance to listen to Léonard Cohen at his beginnings, in a gymnasium at the University of Montpellier in 1969 or 1970 .... Then I never missed anything of his wonderful work as a songwriter!

[@brianbessemer5966]

sad loss of Mr. Cohen. the song, Suzanne , was a part of my youth. his version of hallelujah is also chilling.

[@loveit7484]

me too. It is.

[@thomasjames456]

you realise his version of Hallelujah is the original right?

[@markcarpenter8942]

thomas james omg. I can't believe Brian.

[@Echnaton1954]

At my 14th birthday my friends gave me his first record and while we sat in my room and listened to this song everyone said >It´s you he sings about< and just as always we continued to drink tea. After they were gone I couldn´t stop listening to that song for hours in time - A song and a musician who followed me all trough my life - already 1970 I saw him live for the first time at the Isle of Wight festival --- now I´m 63 and meanwhile I saw him seven times on stage. Those last three times concerts here in Stockholm - 2013 was the best concert I ever saw sitting just in front of him --- it just felt like > ... while Suzanne holds the mirrow

[@markcarpenter8942]

Thank goodness it was Suzanne, and Not Hallelujah. That would have been cause for concern. Lol.

[@winston2015]

What an incredible genius this guy was.

[@nicolafarago4636]

Suzanne takes you down to her place near the river You can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night beside her And you know that she's half-crazy but that's why you want to be there And she feeds you tea and oranges that come all the way from China And just when you mean to tell her that you have no love to give her Then she gets you on her wavelength And she lets the river answer that you've always been her lover And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind And then you know that she will trust you For you've touched her perfect body with your mind And Jesus was a sailor when he walked upon the water And he spent a long time watching from his lonely wooden tower And when he knew for certain only drowning men could see him He said all men will be sailors then until the sea shall free them But he himself was broken, long before the sky would open Forsaken, almost human, he sank beneath your wisdom like a stone And you want to travel with him, and you want to travel blind And then you think maybe you'll trust him For he's touched your perfect body with his mind Now, Suzanne takes your hand and she leads you to the river She's wearing rags and feathers from Salvation Army counters And the sun pours down like honey on our lady of the harbor And she shows you where to look among the garbage and the flowers There are heroes in the seaweed, there are children in the morning They are leaning out for love and they will lean that way forever While Suzanne holds the mirror And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind And then you know that you can trust her For she's touched your perfect body with her mind

[@abw48]

When I was 21 and my good buddy was 22 in 1970 I took him on his first Acid Trip and as we grooved around the City Park he kept saying over and over...'' Now I know what he means man when he sings she knows where to look between the garbage and the flowers''... Every time I hear that Lyric it reminds of those days long gone in my youth.

[@danielaschwarz1971]

Shit,a great Singer left us again and I am absolutely sad RIP my great Legend....I can´t belive it that you are gone...I hear it in an hour ago on the german tv:( My favorite song from him RIP and Rock LEONARD COHEN!...A huge loss:...-(

[@aadam-kz5my]

Leonard Cohen will be missed R.I.P. Thank you for everything.

[@i_____am_____realitybroski6421]

aadam1410 the south will rise again!!!!

[@brendel9040]

I know this song for so many years and I still enjoy listening.

[@walterwassink338]

I've known the song for almost 50 years and still love it...

[@peterross4372]

Thank you Leonard for the beauty you painted with the stroke of your words.....forever and ever

[@janhammer39]

Thanks Peter for visiting The Hammer Works.

[@brunab8867]

Leonard, you have been my friend during my lifetime. Always giving me comfort with your beautiful songs. I will miss you dearly. You gave us so much on this earth. Rest in Peace my friend. You did good my friend. You did good. I will miss you so much. Goodbye Maestro.

[@kellyscot7880]

Hello Bruna, how is things going with you ?

[@robertkelly5515]

Must be one of the best Ballards of ALL TIME, the man cannot write a bad song, Leonard cohen isn't dead, he is Alive and well, thriving in our hearts and mind's - filling our lives with his wonderfull music.He lives on through his fans and family - and the naive individual playing a LC cd for the first time or downloading his Discography for Internet!!! Rob

[@visnjapetrovic8146]

Everlasting heavenly sounds reviving the pure Music of our youth. Love it .