As a young teen in the 80's I first heard this song..and fell in love with it! And many more of his songs.I just get so lost in his story telling and it's so romantic Suzaan is another beautiful song I love.
@@TheThamesmen His novel _Beautiful Losers_ is of interest. And a chapter of that was made into a song -- "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot" -- by Buffy Sainte-Marie. If I recall his first volume of poetry was _The Spice-Box of Earth_. There are biographies of him on youtube.
@@jnagarya519 Beautiful Losers is brilliant and outrageous. His first novel, The Favourite Game, is a bildungsroman of its time - a good read, but not a 'must-read'.
On Muses: When I lived in London in the late 60s/early 70s I occasionally heard mention of and caught glimpses of a young man who seemed curiously elusive and for some reason drew my interest; I met him finally in1973. Turned out he was in a band and was also an artist. We chatted briefly, then went our separate ways. Cut to c2019 and a series of coincidences revived these memories; I discovered he'd gone on to become a famous rock star who died quite young and I was flabbergasted when I finally listened to some of his music, which touched my soul. Instantly I deeply regretted having walked away and not bothered to get in touch again or tried to get to know him better during his relatively short time on Earth. In an effort to process all the conflicting thoughts and feelings that arose from this re-encountering, that ranged from the embarrassingly painful to the ecstatic and transcendental, I started writing, and that process continues to this day (I'm currently in the middle of a long poem about those long ago encounters and their effect on me.) Trying to process the unprocessable has been the constant irritant or inspiration for continual striving for a more perfect authentic creative and spiritual expression, as I explore the layers of his, and my being and the resonances, discords, unities and impossible gulfs between them. I recognise him as my Muse, and so this, for me at least is the purpose and function of a Muse. This relationship - if you can call it that - goes way beyond a romantic or sexual attraction (I'm female, straight, and alive and he's male, mostly gay and dead) to a sort of loving soul level curiosity that so far at least is showing no signs of running dry. :-)
Rest in Peace Mr. Cohen. I love you and miss you so much. ❤️ 🎶 🎵. For now I need your hidden love. I'm cold as a new razor blade. You left when I told you I was curious, I never said that I was brave. Oh so long, Marianne, it's time that we began ...
Such a great song, I’ve been looking for someone to react to it because it seems like it isn’t as popular in the reacting genre unfortunately. It was wonderful to watch someone experience this song for the first time. I tried to remember when I first heard it and I think the genesis was from Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) but even then I never paid close attention to the lyrics and then one day some years later I played it and it just hit me like a ton of bricks. Powerful imagery and it is a nice bit of escapism too.
Very much looking forward to Cohen week! This may be sacrilege to some, but I feel that of the 2 great songwriter poets of the last 60 years, Dylan and Cohen, cohen was the better. Certainly more consistent, and I think more deserving of a Nobel prize for literature. That’s not to take away from the genius of Dylan, but my personal view is that Cohen was a better poet.
There is at least one distinct difference: Cohen was self-absorbed and his sex life was central and constant, regardless how couched. So when, in his 80s, he said, during a concert in England, "The beast is finally dead," the audience knew what he meant. Dylan at least had a social conscience beyond himself. Watch some of the critical evaluations of Cohen available on youtube -- there's one that goes through his discography, at least the first four albums, and rightly ask, "How in hell was his working with Phil Specter going to work!?"
My first encounter with Leonard Cohen was his book "Beautiful Losers". Then I heard Sisters of Mercy and Bird on A Wire...hooked! I just rewatched your reaction to White Queen. You haven't done any live Queen for a very long time. I suggest Ogre Battle, Liar or Son and Daughter. All are epic performances at the Rainbow. Loved this reaction.
I love Leonard Cohen and this story was told at the time of his death There's a great lyric in Tower of Song that shows his self-irony - "I was born like this, I had no choice, I was born with the gift of a golden voice". Despite it not having brightness and a shiny surface, to me his voice is superb. RIP Leonard, one of the great musical poets.
That is indeed a beautiful song. Just genuine emotion expressed in a heartfelt way. Regarding the length, I think that's a very human thing. You have these 2 choices that you are conflicted on and there is a person connected with the one that loses out. And you are making the choice, but there is guilt that needs to be expressed. They need to know that it's hard for you to help take away the pain.
This was a beautiful introduction to Cohen's story. I have heard some of his music, but really know so little about him or his work. I am really looking forward to the rest of the week.
@@BrianR. So cool. I was really moved by the lyrics, not so much by the guitar work though. However, the imagery, in conjunction with the lyrics, made me tear up a little. I can't wait to see more.
Aaah some great music from my teens - loved Leonard Cohen. Mind you love my rock, blues and jazz as well - guess I just love music all round ! Love that you called him a poet - so many people see him 'as music to slash your wrists to'.
Great first episode, and I feel honoured that you would mention me in the same episode that you unveil your "awards" 😆... Amazing song and touching story. Happy to see our effort finally get to production.
Marianne did not consider this 'her song' but rather, 'Bird On A Wire', as she pushed Leonard at an uninspired period and he came up with that one.PS--the island is pronounced 'EE-dra'.
That was definitely an authentic feel. For some reason I was expecting an Nick Cave-esque somber baritone (or whatever, a deep voice, you know what I mean), but it was much more delicate than my sonic vision. Great song!
Cohen’s voice definitely deepened and became more gravely as he aged, but the period this recording comes from in the 60s it’s quite delicate at times - arguably a low tenor or high bass.
@@lbd-po7cl Thanks. That must be why I’m thinking that way. I must have heard some of his stuff, although I’m only aware of cover versions of Hallelujah
I realised I knew nothing about Marianne and only a little about Cohen, so I did some research before I listened to the song. I had heard the song before but a long time ago, it had more meaning now I knew more about their relationship. I loved it. Thank you
ARGH! Why is it "so long"??? Really? Because "so long" means "goodbye" It is saying "Goodbye Marianne, It's time we began to laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again" (i.e. begin a new life and find all the laughter and tears that we have lost".
It actually started as his love song. In the taxi, on the way to the studio he changed the lyrics.I’m sure you’ve read about that and also how Marianne hated the change of lyrics. Who wouldn’t!!! Be well.
You know, I really think my generation had it all, the advent of rock and roll, the history of classical music, the experimental music, till the downfall of modern music.
very priviledged to have grown in the mid fifties to late 70's to experience the evolution of music that is still a vital part of every one musical growth, Mt son headed off to school in the states when he returned for our thanksgiving his first task was to download as much of my classic rock as he could to take!!!
Why "so long"? Because he's saying "so long" to her and their love affair - it's time now to move on to the point that they can get over it, and look back and laugh and cry about it (a point he clearly hasn't reached) .... I would have thought that aspect of it was fairly obvious ... !
Cohen dumped her when he wanted to move on- he was ruthlessly ambitious and left her to follow his career- she became a handicap. I am a massive Cohen fan- I know most of his songs by heart- but don’t turn him into a saint. Incidentally he did the same to Suzanne- he dumped her to when she no longer fitted in to his journey.
Aurora lists Cohen as one of her major influences, and she performed a beautiful cover of this (I believe at a tribute concert) : th-cam.com/video/i4CgyVMJiEk/w-d-xo.html
This was my mothers farewell song at her funeral. She loved Cohen. Marianne has a special place in my heart.
So sad but must have been a special moment of memory
As a young teen in the 80's I first heard this song..and fell in love with it! And many more of his songs.I just get so lost in his story telling and it's so romantic Suzaan is another beautiful song I love.
Ohhh wait :)
one of my top Cohen songs too - used to use my Cohen tape as fall asleep music when I was in Uni.
Every guy has a "Marianne" in his history.
Nancy Lee Priddy was the female back up vocalist. She is the mother of Christina Applegate - "Married With Children" actress.
Wow..how cool that your mum sang this ..and your daughter is Kelly from a cool 90's show.
Didn't know that, thanks!
Cohen began as a poet during the 1950s. He published at least two volumes of poetry and at least one novel before turning to music.
He did but I’ve never read anything of his. I’ve read Millar etc but not Cohen
@@TheThamesmen His novel _Beautiful Losers_ is of interest. And a chapter of that was made into a song -- "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot" -- by Buffy Sainte-Marie.
If I recall his first volume of poetry was _The Spice-Box of Earth_. There are biographies of him on youtube.
@@jnagarya519 Beautiful Losers is brilliant and outrageous. His first novel, The Favourite Game, is a bildungsroman of its time - a good read, but not a 'must-read'.
I saw Cohen in concert three times in the 80’s.
On Muses: When I lived in London in the late 60s/early 70s I occasionally heard mention of and caught glimpses of a young man who seemed curiously elusive and for some reason drew my interest; I met him finally in1973. Turned out he was in a band and was also an artist. We chatted briefly, then went our separate ways. Cut to c2019 and a series of coincidences revived these memories; I discovered he'd gone on to become a famous rock star who died quite young and I was flabbergasted when I finally listened to some of his music, which touched my soul. Instantly I deeply regretted having walked away and not bothered to get in touch again or tried to get to know him better during his relatively short time on Earth.
In an effort to process all the conflicting thoughts and feelings that arose from this re-encountering, that ranged from the embarrassingly painful to the ecstatic and transcendental, I started writing, and that process continues to this day (I'm currently in the middle of a long poem about those long ago encounters and their effect on me.) Trying to process the unprocessable has been the constant irritant or inspiration for continual striving for a more perfect authentic creative and spiritual expression, as I explore the layers of his, and my being and the resonances, discords, unities and impossible gulfs between them. I recognise him as my Muse, and so this, for me at least is the purpose and function of a Muse. This relationship - if you can call it that - goes way beyond a romantic or sexual attraction (I'm female, straight, and alive and he's male, mostly gay and dead) to a sort of loving soul level curiosity that so far at least is showing no signs of running dry. :-)
who was it?
Rest in Peace Mr. Cohen. I love you and miss you so much. ❤️ 🎶 🎵. For now I need your hidden love.
I'm cold as a new razor blade.
You left when I told you I was curious,
I never said that I was brave.
Oh so long, Marianne, it's time that we began ...
:)
Such a great song, I’ve been looking for someone to react to it because it seems like it isn’t as popular in the reacting genre unfortunately. It was wonderful to watch someone experience this song for the first time. I tried to remember when I first heard it and I think the genesis was from Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) but even then I never paid close attention to the lyrics and then one day some years later I played it and it just hit me like a ton of bricks. Powerful imagery and it is a nice bit of escapism too.
Very much looking forward to Cohen week! This may be sacrilege to some, but I feel that of the 2 great songwriter poets of the last 60 years, Dylan and Cohen, cohen was the better. Certainly more consistent, and I think more deserving of a Nobel prize for literature. That’s not to take away from the genius of Dylan, but my personal view is that Cohen was a better poet.
Nice comment and I agree.
Absolutely 💯
There is at least one distinct difference:
Cohen was self-absorbed and his sex life was central and constant, regardless how couched. So when, in his 80s, he said, during a concert in England, "The beast is finally dead," the audience knew what he meant.
Dylan at least had a social conscience beyond himself.
Watch some of the critical evaluations of Cohen available on youtube -- there's one that goes through his discography, at least the first four albums, and rightly ask, "How in hell was his working with Phil Specter going to work!?"
My first encounter with Leonard Cohen was his book "Beautiful Losers". Then I heard Sisters of Mercy and Bird on A Wire...hooked! I just rewatched your reaction to White Queen. You haven't done any live Queen for a very long time. I suggest Ogre Battle, Liar or Son and Daughter. All are epic performances at the Rainbow. Loved this reaction.
Thanks for sharing!
I love Leonard Cohen and this story was told at the time of his death
There's a great lyric in Tower of Song that shows his self-irony - "I was born like this, I had no choice, I was born with the gift of a golden voice".
Despite it not having brightness and a shiny surface, to me his voice is superb.
RIP Leonard, one of the great musical poets.
Will check that. Thanks.
I love Tower of Song, wonderful lyrics! Leonard was a great poet.
That is indeed a beautiful song. Just genuine emotion expressed in a heartfelt way.
Regarding the length, I think that's a very human thing. You have these 2 choices that you are conflicted on and there is a person connected with the one that loses out. And you are making the choice, but there is guilt that needs to be expressed. They need to know that it's hard for you to help take away the pain.
Simply cannot beat the heart of the romantic poet/wordsmith. Then you put beautiful words to music!
It’s unfathomable how he crafts it.
Very hard to find the words to describe this man’s talent. He is just a genius with words to express his emotions.
Imagine working on his emotional level.
I agree, one of my favourites for sure.
I wonder if he had the ability to step out and actually hear how great he was
People who don't understand the creative process sling the word "genius".
I have to ask: is a non-genius "qualified" to identify "genius"?
@@jnagarya519 Genuis - exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability. I think Cohen sits there (IMOP)
This was a beautiful introduction to Cohen's story. I have heard some of his music, but really know so little about him or his work. I am really looking forward to the rest of the week.
I agree, it is a beautiful intro, enjoy the rest of the week.
@@BrianR. Hi Brian, thanks so much for putting this together. I can tell already that I am going to learn a lot and enjoy the experience immensely.
@@lencooke944 Thanks! Alex also had a great deal of input into the notes. Especially on this track.
@@BrianR. So cool. I was really moved by the lyrics, not so much by the guitar work though. However, the imagery, in conjunction with the lyrics, made me tear up a little.
I can't wait to see more.
Beautiful, I love him, and I always felt a huge parallel with Cohen and Dylan, anyone else, or just me?
Definitely a parallel there musically.
And Lou Reed
@@TheThamesmen Lou Reed and his celebration of heroin addiction?
Aaah some great music from my teens - loved Leonard Cohen. Mind you love my rock, blues and jazz as well - guess I just love music all round ! Love that you called him a poet - so many people see him 'as music to slash your wrists to'.
He is a true poet, same as Dylan’s and Reed.
Decided to revisit this week. I'm going to watch it from beginning to end. I'm interested to see how it holds up 8 months later.
That’s so cool. And?!
@@TheThamesmen loved it, I know it didn't get much in the way of views, but it does have a nice flow to it.
@@BrianR. it really is amazing song writing. We know it is not for everyone but we needed to find out what we had been missing all these years
This is still beautiful, perhaps more so the second time around.
More you listen to his songs the more they get under your skin for sure
@@TheThamesmen just doing my bit for the algorithm.
@@lencooke944 your a trooper. Thank you
that letter made me cry , reminded me of a girl i knew in art school we were the only two there who had ever heard of ol lenny crowin
That letter made me also cry.
Great first episode, and I feel honoured that you would mention me in the same episode that you unveil your "awards" 😆... Amazing song and touching story. Happy to see our effort finally get to production.
Thank you Brian for all your work.
Marianne did not consider this 'her song' but rather, 'Bird On A Wire', as she pushed Leonard at an uninspired period and he came up with that one.PS--the island is pronounced 'EE-dra'.
That was definitely an authentic feel.
For some reason I was expecting an Nick Cave-esque somber baritone (or whatever, a deep voice, you know what I mean), but it was much more delicate than my sonic vision.
Great song!
Cohen’s voice definitely deepened and became more gravely as he aged, but the period this recording comes from in the 60s it’s quite delicate at times - arguably a low tenor or high bass.
@@lbd-po7cl
Thanks. That must be why I’m thinking that way. I must have heard some of his stuff, although I’m only aware of cover versions of Hallelujah
I agree, good observation.
I realised I knew nothing about Marianne and only a little about Cohen, so I did some research before I listened to the song. I had heard the song before but a long time ago, it had more meaning now I knew more about their relationship. I loved it. Thank you
Be well
Both Dylan and Cohen’s Jewish musical heritage came through in their melodies
For me Cohen was always about trying to merge the Sacred with the Profane. Head thinking of Heaven with his feet firmly planted on the ground.
Ooh nice sentiment, short summary for a complex man
And again in the 2000’s
AURORA: So Long Marianne - Chicago 11/11/16 : th-cam.com/video/i4CgyVMJiEk/w-d-xo.html
Wow
This isn't their love song, this is their breakup song. How can you not hear that? One of my all time favs, but boy did you get the comments wrong!
ARGH! Why is it "so long"??? Really? Because "so long" means "goodbye" It is saying "Goodbye Marianne, It's time we began to laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again"
(i.e. begin a new life and find all the laughter and tears that we have lost".
It actually started as his love song. In the taxi, on the way to the studio he changed the lyrics.I’m sure you’ve read about that and also how Marianne hated the change of lyrics. Who wouldn’t!!! Be well.
Great one of many… Introduced to him by my then boyfriend (now husband) 45 years ago. Now THAT’S depressing!! 😂
HA HA
😀😀😀👍
You know, I really think my generation had it all, the advent of rock and roll, the history of classical music, the experimental music, till the downfall of modern music.
I agree.
very priviledged to have grown in the mid fifties to late 70's to experience the evolution of music that is still a vital part of every one musical growth, Mt son headed off to school in the states when he returned for our thanksgiving his first task was to download as much of my classic rock as he could to take!!!
Funny how it goes in circles. Today's youth will say the same, as the generation before yours did.
Why "so long"? Because he's saying "so long" to her and their love affair - it's time now to move on to the point that they can get over it, and look back and laugh and cry about it (a point he clearly hasn't reached) .... I would have thought that aspect of it was fairly obvious ... !
First we take Manhattan
Hey guys, Leonard Cohen dumped Maryanne. He dumped her!
Cohen dumped her when he wanted to move on- he was ruthlessly ambitious and left her to follow his career- she became a handicap. I am a massive Cohen fan- I know most of his songs by heart- but don’t turn him into a saint.
Incidentally he did the same to Suzanne- he dumped her to when she no longer fitted in to his journey.
There is a You Tube video with the real life Susanne living in a van at Venice Beach LA.
Aurora lists Cohen as one of her major influences, and she performed a beautiful cover of this (I believe at a tribute concert) :
th-cam.com/video/i4CgyVMJiEk/w-d-xo.html
They have something similar in their delivery and timing. Don’t sound the same but their ability to hold onto the words
@@TheThamesmen Yeah, that's what makes them great storytellers. You're captivated by what they're saying.