Leonard Cohen

Singer-Songwriter

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet known for his profound lyrics exploring love, loss, and spirituality.

Born
September 21, 1934
Died
November 7, 2016
Quotes
399
Rank
#509

About Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen — Life and Legacy

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet whose work profoundly influenced music and literature. His distinctive voice and poignant lyrics often delve into themes of love, loss, and spirituality, with notable works like 'Hallelujah' and 'Suzanne' showcasing his unique ability to blend poetic depth with musical expression. Cohen's worldview was shaped by his experiences as a writer and a performer, reflecting a deep understanding of human emotions. His quote, 'There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in,' encapsulates his belief that vulnerability is essential for personal growth and enlightenment. This perspective challenges the notion of perfection, emphasizing the beauty found in flaws and struggles. Cohen's exploration of love is marked by a sense of realism, often portraying it as a complex and sometimes painful journey. His lyrics resonate with listeners, as they navigate their own experiences of love and heartbreak. By intertwining religious imagery with personal narratives, Cohen invites audiences to reflect on their own spiritual quests and the search for meaning in life's challenges. His work continues to resonate, offering insights into the human condition that remain relevant today.

Quote collection

Leonard Cohen quotes (page 1 of 20)

399 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
Popular

"We are not mad. We are human.We want to love, and someone must forgive us for the paths we take to love, for the paths are many and dark, and we are ardent and cruel in our journey."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"I don't consider myself a pessimist. I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"I greet you from the other side of sorrow and despair, with a love so vast and shattered it will reach you everywhere."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"I wish I could say everything in one word. I hate all the things that can happen between the beginning of a sentence and the end."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"We are so lightly here. It is in love that we are made. In love we disappear."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"May you be surrounded by friends and family, and if this is not your lot, may the blessings find you in your solitude."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"We are so small between the stars, so large against the sky."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"It's the notion that there is no perfection - that there is a broken world and we live with broken hearts and broken lives but still there is no alibi for anything. On the contrary, you have to stand up and say hallelujah under those circumstances."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"You live your life as if it's real.......a thousand kisses deep"

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"Like a bird on a wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, I have tried in my way to be free!!"

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"When things get really bad, just raise your glass and stamp your feet and do a little jig. That's about all you can do."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"When we are touched by a song, it is because the artist cannot hide himself."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"To keep our hearts open is probably the most urgent responsibility you have as you get older."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"How can I begin anything new with all of yesterday in me?"

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"I don't really understand that process called reincarnation but if there is such a thing I'd like to come back as my daughter's dog."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"a kite is a victim you are sure of. you love it because it pulls."

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin Dance me through the panic 'til I'm gathered safely in Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove Dance me to the end of love"

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Leonard Cohen Singer-Songwriter
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"Never make a decision when you need to pee."

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