Wednesday 25 July 2018

I'm Your Man by Sylvie Simmons – reminding you of Leonard Cohen's genius






"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 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.

3 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to read that you are a Cohen fan. He's long been a favorite of mine. I think his music and lyrics are just brilliant. I don't usually read biographies - period - but I might make an exception with this one.

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  2. I'll have to put it on my reading list. Thanks for the critique.

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  3. I love Cohen! Didm't know there was a biography. It's on my wish list. thanks!

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