Thursday 14 February 2013

I'm Your Man by Sylvie Simmons


I'm Your Man The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons

"There is a crack in everything.
That's how the light gets in."

I don't often read biographies about entertainers.  I think the only one I can remember reading was about Edith Piaf.  But for the last few years I have become a real Leonard Cohen fan.  I was put onto him by a colleague who insisted that the DVD Leonard Cohen Live in London was the best thing he had ever seen!

Well I got it, and then the cd's.  And boy was I hooked.  So when this biography of Leonard Cohen came out I asked for it as a Christmas present.  It was a great read.  It explained some of the attraction I have to the lyrics of the songs – Cohen is actually first and foremost a poet.

It also explained why Cohen is still touring after 80 and how he became a Buddhist monk while still remaining within the Jewish religion.

The author is a music journalist and has also written novels.  I found the writing very good.  My interest never flagged.  A must read for Leonard Cohen fans.

The title "I'm Your Man" comes from a song of the same name.
Here are some of its lyrics:

If you want a lover
I'll do anything you ask me to
And if you want another kind of love
I'll wear a mask for you
If you want a partner
Take my hand
Or if you want to strike me down in anger
Here I stand
I'm your man


NB The quote at the beginning of the post is from that fantastic song – Anthem – one of my many faves.

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5 comments:

  1. Awesome lyric !!! I am going to check out this book .

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  2. Leonard Cohen is probably one of the few poets who actually make any money. I love the song 'Suzanne'. Sounds like a great book Carole.

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  3. Interesting....going to check this out.

    THANKS.


    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Entry

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  4. I love the lyrics from "I'm Your Man." This sounds like a wonderful read. I enjoy biographies to break up fiction reading. Thanks for sharing!
    Rebecca @ The Key to the Gate

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  5. I love Leonard Cohen, and have done for 30 years. So I really should read this book....

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