Leonard Cohen — I'm Your Man
Album: Cohen LiveAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 3627
Length: 5:25
Plays (last 30 days): 5
share
tweet
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
If you want a boxer
I will step into the ring for you
And if you want a doctor
I'll examine every inch of you
If you want a driver, climb inside
Or if you want to take me for a ride
You know you can
I'm your man
Ah, the moon's too bright
The chain's too tight
The beast won't go to sleep
I've been running through
These promises to you
That I made and I could not keep
Ah, but a man never got a woman back
Not by begging on his knees
Or I'd crawl to you baby
And I'd fall at your feet
And I'd howl at your beauty
Like a dog in heat
And I'd claw at your heart
And I'd tear at your sheet
I'd say please, please
I'm your man
And if you've got to sleep a moment on the road
I will steer for you
And if you want to work the street alone
I'll disappear for you
If you want a father for your child
Or only want to walk with me a while
Across the sand
I'm your man
If you want a lover
I'll do anything that you ask me to
And if you want another kind of love
I'll wear a mask for you
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
If you want a boxer
I will step into the ring for you
And if you want a doctor
I'll examine every inch of you
If you want a driver, climb inside
Or if you want to take me for a ride
You know you can
I'm your man
Ah, the moon's too bright
The chain's too tight
The beast won't go to sleep
I've been running through
These promises to you
That I made and I could not keep
Ah, but a man never got a woman back
Not by begging on his knees
Or I'd crawl to you baby
And I'd fall at your feet
And I'd howl at your beauty
Like a dog in heat
And I'd claw at your heart
And I'd tear at your sheet
I'd say please, please
I'm your man
And if you've got to sleep a moment on the road
I will steer for you
And if you want to work the street alone
I'll disappear for you
If you want a father for your child
Or only want to walk with me a while
Across the sand
I'm your man
If you want a lover
I'll do anything that you ask me to
And if you want another kind of love
I'll wear a mask for you
Comments (301)add comment
Just don’t get it…. What’s the fascination?
Bump to 8
To each their own
To each their own
I try and try to embrace this man for his talent, but I think his voice is terrible. He sounds like he can't hold a tune and he does nothing for me. I get confused as to why anyone thinks he is appealing, but I do respect others opinions.
Nope. Next.
Boring production, always that annoying predictable backing choir and his voice has not aged well I'm afraid...
yes he is a poet and a legend. Played here too much. Thx Bill!
dr.sandra.lee84 wrote:
What a lovely share, thank you.
Leonard Cohen is a treasure beyond measure. His voice, poetry , and face carried me through an important time of transition in my life. Leonard carried me o the end of love.
What a lovely share, thank you.
Leonard Cohen is a treasure beyond measure. His voice, poetry , and face carried me through an important time of transition in my life. Leonard carried me o the end of love.
KeithBrofsky wrote:
A Leonard Cohen concert had been on my bucket list and I was so disappointed I was never able to fulfill that wish!
I saw him in concert, almost two years prior to the day he died. I only knew him peripherally, and had thought his sound was somewhat depressing. But the moment he skipped out on stage, with the audience leaping to an instantaneous standing ovation, I knew I was in for something special. He didn't disappoint. It was the most heartfelt, timeless, beautiful concert... like a dream. The band was classy, soulful, a combination of sounds including big band, Klezmer, R&B backup singers, flamenco guitar, and all with poetry from a menschy sage who showed love to his audience that soothed and enlightened. I only wish there would have been more. He left too soon.
A Leonard Cohen concert had been on my bucket list and I was so disappointed I was never able to fulfill that wish!
missionaire wrote:
7th of May 2024 - did it again!!
27 April 2023 - RP just playedMadeleine Peyroux's cover of "Dance Me to the Edge of Love" and now it's the Man Himself at 60, growling out "I'm Your Man" live in Toronto.
And that, in short, is why I give RP money every goddamn month.
7th of May 2024 - did it again!!
I wonder how Leonard would get on these days if he enter 'The Voice'....
Ray Romano could play Leonard in the film adaptation of his life. Not that I'd watch it.
thewiseking wrote:
Possibly my ears are malfunctioning because 'Terrible' isn't what I'm hearing.
C'mon. Use your ears. This is terrible.
Possibly my ears are malfunctioning because 'Terrible' isn't what I'm hearing.
C'mon. Use your ears. This is terrible.
Grayson wrote:
Is ASTS supposed to mean something? American Society of Transplant Surgeons?
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
Is ASTS supposed to mean something? American Society of Transplant Surgeons?
missionaire wrote:
must be the same playlist i'm hearing 3 wks later.
27 April 2023 - RP just playedMadeleine Peyroux's cover of "Dance Me to the Edge of Love" and now it's the Man Himself at 60, growling out "I'm Your Man" live in Toronto.
And that, in short, is why I give RP money every goddamn month.
must be the same playlist i'm hearing 3 wks later.
LinThizzy wrote:
You sir are a barbarian
yuck x2
You sir are a barbarian
27 April 2023 - RP just playedMadeleine Peyroux's cover of "Dance Me to the Edge of Love" and now it's the Man Himself at 60, growling out "I'm Your Man" live in Toronto.
And that, in short, is why I give RP money every goddamn month.
And that, in short, is why I give RP money every goddamn month.
yuck x2
Funny coincidence: I just turned on RP and this song came on. And I had just listen in the car to NPR's Fresh Air where Amanda Shires just sang her interpretation of the song during the interview with Terry Gross.
This album is not from 1997, it's from 1994, and the performance is from Toronto on June 17, 1993.
heymull wrote:
Great to hear from a fellow centenarian :)
where was this guy when I was younger?
Great to hear from a fellow centenarian :)
Greenman wrote:
David Crosby surpasses him.
In what way?
David Crosby surpasses him.
In what way?
heymull wrote:
Listening to commercial music radio with it’s SSDD
where was this guy when I was younger?
Listening to commercial music radio with it’s SSDD
lizardking wrote:
you've fucking sold me, jp33442, I'm going +1 to 9 now too...LLRP and RIP Mr. Cohen.
Thanks lizardking
you've fucking sold me, jp33442, I'm going +1 to 9 now too...LLRP and RIP Mr. Cohen.
Thanks lizardking
Grayson wrote:
....ahh the circle of the life of a musician.
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
....ahh the circle of the life of a musician.
lizardking wrote:
Who is the creepy horndog you speak of - clearly not the DEARLY DEPARTED Leonard Cohen, may he rest in peace...…
I'm bumping my 7 to an 8 - my wife liked it which is ALWAYS worth at least a +1.
Long Live RP!!
David Crosby surpasses him.
Who is the creepy horndog you speak of - clearly not the DEARLY DEPARTED Leonard Cohen, may he rest in peace...…
I'm bumping my 7 to an 8 - my wife liked it which is ALWAYS worth at least a +1.
Long Live RP!!
David Crosby surpasses him.
Supported by a beautiful, sublime band 
A great poet, songwriter and damn good vocalist. From what others wrote, I am worse off for not seeing Mr. Cohen in concert.
two problems on Radio Paradise:
Celtic Fusion
Late career Leonard Cohen
Celtic Fusion
Late career Leonard Cohen
Just so beautiful. Full stop ....
Grayson wrote:
What does the American Society of Transplant SurgeonsHave to do with it?
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
What does the American Society of Transplant SurgeonsHave to do with it?
I won't rate anything by Leonard Cohen. He clearly has his following and to some degree I understand why. I find I like his songs better when they are done as covers by others. There's no saying why anyone likes an artist or not. It's not a rational decision. Perhaps part of the reason I don't appreciate him is the first time I saw him perform on a tv concert I thought he takes himself way to seriously. Maybe some day I'll 'get' him. Maybe some day you'll get Dylan. For now, I'll just hit mute.
If you are so inclined, enjoy.
If you are so inclined, enjoy.
Sad I never got to see him live but been a fan for the best part of my life
jp33442 wrote:
you've fucking sold me, jp33442, I'm going +1 to 9 now too...LLRP and RIP Mr. Cohen.
Went up to 9 because it is Leonard fucking cohen
you've fucking sold me, jp33442, I'm going +1 to 9 now too...LLRP and RIP Mr. Cohen.
I wonder why the synthesizer sounds like a late 1980s Casio consumer keyboard. I mean it's interesting they were going for that vibe. Same with the synthesized saxophone.
I like poetry and cabaret music but I think this is bullshit. "Work the street." He wrote this in 1997. Foreigner is more authentic. Not that I did compare Foreigner to Leonard Cohen, but I do, now that I hear this song now.
"I'll wear another mask for you..."
Funny.
Funny.
I saw him in concert, almost two years prior to the day he died. I only knew him peripherally, and had thought his sound was somewhat depressing. But the moment he skipped out on stage, with the audience leaping to an instantaneous standing ovation, I knew I was in for something special. He didn't disappoint. It was the most heartfelt, timeless, beautiful concert... like a dream. The band was classy, soulful, a combination of sounds including big band, Klezmer, R&B backup singers, flamenco guitar, and all with poetry from a menschy sage who showed love to his audience that soothed and enlightened. I only wish there would have been more. He left too soon.
Went up to 9 because it is Leonard fucking cohen
where was this guy when I was younger?
DanielHLloyd wrote:
curios minds wonder alike
His voice always sounds like the voice of profundity to me. Like everything he sings is pure truth in a big metaphor I am supposed to figure out. Awesome.
curios minds wonder alike
Enough to render me down to a puddle of gooey bliss...
mario_1954 wrote:
c'è molto da studiare, i suoi testi sono scritti come poesia
bellissima peccato l'ho conosciuto negli ultimi 2 - anni davvero peccato!
c'è molto da studiare, i suoi testi sono scritti come poesia
DanielHLloyd wrote:
Somehow I keep hearing Leon Redbone when he sings.
His voice always sounds like the voice of profundity to me. Like everything he sings is pure truth in a big metaphor I am supposed to figure out. Awesome.
Somehow I keep hearing Leon Redbone when he sings.
caspita come passa il tempo già 4 anni che è morto! allora l'ho ascoltato 80-10 anni fa. è eterna la sua musica poesia pura.
Well,,,,At the very least,, he is open to wearing a mask,,,,,,,,,
bellissima peccato l'ho conosciuto negli ultimi 2 - anni davvero peccato!
BCarn wrote:
Do a little reading and listening on him. Quite intriguing. And his mono tone grows on you. Watch the memorial concert for him. He had quite an influence on many many artistes and people alike.
As if.
Silly, arrogant and condescending suggestions.
I like him but some don't, for obvious reasons.
Do a little reading and listening on him. Quite intriguing. And his mono tone grows on you. Watch the memorial concert for him. He had quite an influence on many many artistes and people alike.
As if.
Silly, arrogant and condescending suggestions.
I like him but some don't, for obvious reasons.
Grayson wrote:
Hey, LC is your man, show some love.
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
Hey, LC is your man, show some love.
ckcotton wrote:
Do a little reading and listening on him. Quite intriguing. And his mono tone grows on you. Watch the memorial concert for him. He had quite an influence on many many artistes and people alike.
I just don’t get the appeal. Boring monotone
Do a little reading and listening on him. Quite intriguing. And his mono tone grows on you. Watch the memorial concert for him. He had quite an influence on many many artistes and people alike.
The departures from the listed song lyrics are quite interesting, he even added a whole 'nother verse!
I just don’t get the appeal. Boring monotone
Grayson wrote:
Who is the creepy horndog you speak of - clearly not the DEARLY DEPARTED Leonard Cohen, may he rest in peace...…
I'm bumping my 7 to an 8 - my wife liked it which is ALWAYS worth at least a +1.
Long Live RP!!
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
Who is the creepy horndog you speak of - clearly not the DEARLY DEPARTED Leonard Cohen, may he rest in peace...…
I'm bumping my 7 to an 8 - my wife liked it which is ALWAYS worth at least a +1.
Long Live RP!!
If there was ever a more creepy horndog on the planet, I can't think of who it might be. At the moment. Gross. ASTS.
Welllllll... I think we have put LC too high on a pedestal.
I like some of his stuff, but not most of it...
He was a is a great poet, I'll give him that!
Canada's Bob Dylan....
I'm Your Man Spam
But there are no letters in the mailbox!
There are no grapes upon the vine.
There are no chocolates in your boxes anymore.
And there are no diamonds in your mine.
There are no grapes upon the vine.
There are no chocolates in your boxes anymore.
And there are no diamonds in your mine.
Decoy wrote:
I'll be in my bunk.
RIP Mr Dreamy voice. I want to lay down in a bed with your voice as the sheets.
I'll be in my bunk.
What a man
Decoy wrote:
Please stop.
RIP Mr Dreamy voice. I want to lay down in a bed with your voice as the sheets.
Please stop.
DanielHLloyd wrote:
I love this comment, thank you for that
His voice always sounds like the voice of profundity to me. Like everything he sings is pure truth in a big metaphor I am supposed to figure out. Awesome.
I love this comment, thank you for that
DanielHLloyd wrote:
Exactly!
His voice always sounds like the voice of profundity to me. Like everything he sings is pure truth in a big metaphor I am supposed to figure out. Awesome.
Exactly!
I agree with your agreement.
It's a bittersweet thing now when BillG plays the Leo duo back to back. RIP to both Leon Russell and Leonard Cohen.
EdEastridge wrote:
Quite apt to agree with Laz here. Still in shock over the abattoir that 2016 managed to become. RIP, Leonard.
Lazarus wrote:
Lazarus wrote:
big stud romeotuma wrote:
His voice always sounds like the voice of profundity to me. Like everything he sings is pure truth in a big metaphor I am supposed to figure out. Awesome.
Quite apt to agree with Laz here. Still in shock over the abattoir that 2016 managed to become. RIP, Leonard.
Lazarus wrote:
Lazarus wrote:
big stud romeotuma wrote:
Go Leonard Go!!!
The Golden Voice.......oh that voice!!!!
— Cool"!!"!!
mach-hog wrote:
mach-hog wrote:
For the last 40 years of my life, since being introduced to Leonard Cohen's work in high school I have been so entertained. The poetry, the songs, the novel, the sadness, the desire and the spirit in his work combined with the wry humour and occasional joyful carnality... what an amazingly talented human being. A mensch.
For the last 40 years of my life, since being introduced to Leonard Cohen's work in high school I have been so entertained. The poetry, the songs, the novel, the sadness, the desire and the spirit in his work combined with the wry humour and occasional joyful carnality... what an amazingly talented human being. A mensch.
big stud romeotuma wrote:
Everybody in my elevators loves this song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love Radio Paradise...
andreicio wrote:
No no no no no no no... there are many many many many songs I do not bother rating at all, because I only have room for 10's... Radio Paradise plays tons of tens... this is one of them...
What do you mean by rare? You only gave maximum ratings on RP. And 3682 10's isn't exactly avoiding it, either.
No no no no no no no... there are many many many many songs I do not bother rating at all, because I only have room for 10's... Radio Paradise plays tons of tens... this is one of them...
Everybody in my elevators loves this song... we be dancing like happy hippies... love Radio Paradise...
Is that an elementary recorder I am hearing?
"Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine. And you know that I’ve always loved you for your beauty and your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that because you know all about that. But now, I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road."
—Leonard Cohen's goodbye letter to Marianne Ihlen as she was dying from cancer
—Leonard Cohen's goodbye letter to Marianne Ihlen as she was dying from cancer
Loved his work, from the early days until the latest. Very grateful that he shared his life and work with us to the end. RIP Leonard Cohen..
RIP, Mr Cohen. 2016 has been hungry for our best and brightest musicians. What a year...the Cubs win the World Series, Donald Trump's the next US President...
One of a kind. RIP You will be missed but we have your music for an eternity.
RIP, Lenny
Committed to his art to the end. RIP LC.
RIP Leonard
RIP Mr Dreamy voice. I want to lay down in a bed with your voice as the sheets.
RIP Leonard. :-(
Bill, can you play Jazz Police? No one ever plays the fun stuff and I feel like people who don't know his stuff well might be getting the impression he was a miserable sod.
Mr. Cohen, you will be missed...
raenvald wrote:
Empathise completely with your heartfelt praise of a magnificent poet and performer. Can understand that not everyone connects with his music indeed it took me time to appreciate his exceptional lyrics and musicality. What's sad though is the need of some of his detractors to criticise and seek the solidarity of like-minded mud slingers to secure mutual assuramce that they are not somehow flawed for being unable to connect with an artist rather than just moving on and respecting those with a different view.
I've been travelling with Leonard since the early 70's (Montreal daze), and have fallen headlong into his poetry and his spare, clean, powerful compositions. I have surrendered and revelled in his sensual and intellectual depths, so humble, vulnerable, truth seeking, integral.
If you were never moved by his raw honesty, his humanity and lovingness, or indeed that big flat resonant voice of his, or if you have never managed to see him perform live—he is magnificent live—and why haven't you after the monumental tour he has been on these past 10+ years, then perhaps (perhaps) your rude and dismissive comments are understandable. They remain ignorant (literally), but understandable, in a certain light.
If you were never moved by his raw honesty, his humanity and lovingness, or indeed that big flat resonant voice of his, or if you have never managed to see him perform live—he is magnificent live—and why haven't you after the monumental tour he has been on these past 10+ years, then perhaps (perhaps) your rude and dismissive comments are understandable. They remain ignorant (literally), but understandable, in a certain light.
Empathise completely with your heartfelt praise of a magnificent poet and performer. Can understand that not everyone connects with his music indeed it took me time to appreciate his exceptional lyrics and musicality. What's sad though is the need of some of his detractors to criticise and seek the solidarity of like-minded mud slingers to secure mutual assuramce that they are not somehow flawed for being unable to connect with an artist rather than just moving on and respecting those with a different view.
This song is used throughout the movie 'Barney's Version'. Has anyone seen it?
Typesbad wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
Even though this excellent post was just bumped, I'm gonna bump it again, because it so perfectly articulates my own feeling on the subject. Since when does one have to sound like Josh Groban to be considered a great singer? This is rock & roll, people. It's all about emotion and feel, not who has the prettiest voice. This goes for Dylan, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and all the other greats who are constantly being dumped on here.
Thank you, Typesbad!
'Nuff said.
I’ve been reading the complaints below about (insert accomplished artist's name here) singing. Besides being an old complaint I find it ironic considering the point of view of this particular song. A scared young man, a kid really, tentatively doing what he thinks he has to do, which quickly turns out very badly. I think (said artist's) voice couldn’t be more perfect for it.
Some voices are just beautiful; smooth as warm chocolate pudding and they are a thing to behold. Others impress us with range or skilled technique. And then there are the voices that simply have a character of their own. They often have an everyman (or woman) quality that remind us that the emotions expressed therein are felt by and can come from any of us. I treasure such voices.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Even though this excellent post was just bumped, I'm gonna bump it again, because it so perfectly articulates my own feeling on the subject. Since when does one have to sound like Josh Groban to be considered a great singer? This is rock & roll, people. It's all about emotion and feel, not who has the prettiest voice. This goes for Dylan, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and all the other greats who are constantly being dumped on here.
Thank you, Typesbad!
'Nuff said.
I've been travelling with Leonard since the early 70's (Montreal daze), and have fallen headlong into his poetry and his spare, clean, powerful compositions. I have surrendered and revelled in his sensual and intellectual depths, so humble, vulnerable, truth seeking, integral.
If you were never moved by his raw honesty, his humanity and lovingness, or indeed that big flat resonant voice of his, or if you have never managed to see him perform live—he is magnificent live—and why haven't you after the monumental tour he has been on these past 10+ years, then perhaps (perhaps) your rude and dismissive comments are understandable. They remain ignorant (literally), but understandable, in a certain light.
If you were never moved by his raw honesty, his humanity and lovingness, or indeed that big flat resonant voice of his, or if you have never managed to see him perform live—he is magnificent live—and why haven't you after the monumental tour he has been on these past 10+ years, then perhaps (perhaps) your rude and dismissive comments are understandable. They remain ignorant (literally), but understandable, in a certain light.
pretty decent karaoke perf
Is he wearing that famous blue raincoat?
OK buddy. Closin time. Finish up that last round and go home now, if ya have a home that is
Oh words words words.
He'd be nothing without female backup vocals.
He does seem to attract the ladies, though. The old coot.
He'd be nothing without female backup vocals.
He does seem to attract the ladies, though. The old coot.
He's like a parody of himself.
Floyd62 wrote:
Yup. He should let other people do his songs and stay on the bench.
I guess I am sick of Leonard Cohen.
Yup. He should let other people do his songs and stay on the bench.
poet.... lyricist ...
expressing universal feelings/thoughts
presentation .. as only Cohen can...
Thank you ... Thank you Radio Paradise....
expressing universal feelings/thoughts
presentation .. as only Cohen can...
Thank you ... Thank you Radio Paradise....
I guess I am sick of Leonard Cohen.
He can do better
Beautiful poem
This is used very poignantly in the Roger Ebert movie, "Life Itself."
I like that Leonard Cohen is weird and all, but he's way overrated.
I've been listening to a lot of RP and must miss LC all the times folks say he gets played. I sure wish I had heard this one.
I've only really gotten into Leonard the last 6 years. Although his sound can get repetitive as someone said, I find his music, lyrics, & even that voice to be most rich in an aged wine sort of way. I'm a newbie to RP, and like most things wonderful & new, I'm addicted. The diversity & flow are unmatched as far as I've found.
I've only really gotten into Leonard the last 6 years. Although his sound can get repetitive as someone said, I find his music, lyrics, & even that voice to be most rich in an aged wine sort of way. I'm a newbie to RP, and like most things wonderful & new, I'm addicted. The diversity & flow are unmatched as far as I've found.
He could tear at my sheet!!! Love it .. Thanks Bill
Fromage of the day!
Self-immolation is the only solution for this song. Where are my matches?
SUPER SUCKO!
Like singing with a Voice box...
Some weird comments below.. this song is so smooth and sweet to me..
dedicated to my DOCTOR Ms. W. Leonared, for saving my life and my sence of humor.....
por vida con softices
por vida con softicesTerrible. Did he just get a free Casio keyboard?
Must admit to to not liking him until I heard his new album on RP, could not believe how much he had improved with age. Saw him live at the O2 in London a couple of weeks ago, consummate profession, for a man of his age! Over three and a half hours on stage bouncing around at 79!
Man, Leonard Cohen stinks.
My anthem.
MsJudi wrote:
He really needs to stick to writing and composing and letting someone else sing his otherwise brilliant music.
I disagree...on the recent tour, anyway. His voice was, imo, wonderful on his most recent live album cd/dvd. He really needs to stick to writing and composing and letting someone else sing his otherwise brilliant music.
Every time I heard this song, I think about the loser that I was fool enough to give shelter and love, and it makes me want to puke.
oh no not another johnny cash er i mean leonard cohen song to wade thru
atleast they've got background singers going wooo aaah
atleast they've got background singers going wooo aaah
This is perfect!
two problems on Radio Paradise:
Celtic Fusion
Late career Leonard Cohen
You forgot Toto Amos