Anthem
The birds they sang At the break of day Start again I heard them say Don't dwell on what Has passed away Or what is yet to be....
I know I’m not the only one who loved – and still loves – Leonard Cohen. Do you recall that he passed away on November 7, 2016, just one day before the U.S. Presidential Election…though his family didn’t announce his death until 3 days later. On November 12 of that year SNL did their cold open with Hillary Clinton (played by Kate McKinnon) singing Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” It was bittersweet .
I’ve listened to “Anthem” over and over the last few months. Though it’s not considered one of Cohen’s very best or most popular songs (like “Closing Time” – which I love – or “Suzanne“), the lyrics seems just right for this day and this time.
Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack in everything That's how the light gets in
While I’ve been obsessing over Cohen and his lyrics, Andy has been focused on finding comfort during these rough times. What brings comfort to post-middle-aged, home-bound, masked, smoke-and fire-weary Sonoma food/life bloggers? Check out today’s Andy’s Corner.
To me listening to Cohen is not only comforting but hugely thought-provoking. What a great line – “America…the cradle of the best and the worst” – which comes from another Cohen all-time favorite song of mine and which has a moving, beautiful video that goes with it. I should wait until after tomorrow’s election to recommend that song, but here goes: Democracy is Coming to the USA.
Sail on, sail on
O mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
Past the Reefs of Greed
Through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on, sail on, sail on
May you RIP, Leonard Cohen.