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Leonard Cohen — So Long, Marianne
Album: The Songs of Leonard Cohen
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7.6

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Total ratings: 2320









Released: 1967
Length: 5:36
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Come over to the window, my little darling,
I'd like to try to read your palm.
I used to think I was some kind of Gypsy boy
Before I let you take me home.

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.

Well you know that I love to live with you,
But you make me forget so very much.
I forget to pray for the angels
And then the angels forget to pray for us.

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.

We met when we were almost young
Deep in the green lilac park.
You held on to me like I was a crucifix,
As we went kneeling through the dark.

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.

Your letters they all say that you're beside me now.
Then why do I feel alone?
I'm standing on a ledge and your fine spider web
Is fastening my ankle to a stone.

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.

For now I need your hidden love.
I'm cold as a new razor blade.
You left when I told you I was curious,
I never said that I was brave.

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.

Oh, you are really such a pretty one.
I see you've gone and changed your name again.
And just when I climbed this whole mountainside,
To wash my eyelids in the rain!

Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again.
Comments (172)add comment
One verse after another, each one rationalizes more and deflects more and justifies more. A trainwreck all prettied up. It just leaves one terribly sorry for the girl. 
Posted 2 months ago by Dr_Ross    [ Reply ]
I've seen Leonard in Verona, Italy in 2012. Before the concert we were wandering around the town and there was this massive rainfall, like water all over the place. And it was cold and the seats in arena were cold (metal, I think) and I was almost getting a cold. Rain stopped just before the entering arena and... what an amazing night it was!!! Leonard, humble as he was, playing all his nice tunes and you could feel the breeze of calm all over the place. Thank you Leonard!  
Posted 2 months ago by Günther    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.



I was thinking Al Pacino
Posted 8 months ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
Frankly I never understood his popularity. His lyrics are grade B Dylan. At least in this period he was actually singing. In his later years he simply tlaked and mumbled instead of singing.
Posted 11 months ago by hunter14    [ Reply ]
Remembering when I first heard this song and thinking what a strange song. Now decades later there is some connection that makes me stop and listen as it transports me to another state of mind.
Posted 1 year ago by PaganSkier    [ Reply ]
 niall123 wrote:

What a truly sad person you are.....................


if good is not inside you, your full of something else!
Posted 1 year ago by L2000    [ Reply ]
I recently, (post attack) saw the photo of Cohen giving Rushdie a kiss on the cheek. How sublime ❤️
Posted 1 year ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
 ScottN wrote:
 Use the PSD button. As for the personal attacks, unless you know him personally, refrain from calling names, please.


So Stingray, does this mean that you don't like him??
Posted 1 year ago by loriserritelli58    [ Reply ]
please...............no more Leonard...............I'm beggin' ya!
Posted 1 year ago by dublanica1    [ Reply ]
Dear Ann, Thank you for gifting me the beauty of Leonard 30 years ago. I am sorry I wasn’t a better man to you…
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

Enough about your comments there Nurs…..and this old (as in young) LC track is getting a +1 from me....So Long 7 and Long Live RP!!

So Long 7 and 8 and hello to 9 and LLRP!!
Posted 2 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Wait, Leonard Cohen wasn't always a gruff old dude? This sounds weird.
Posted 2 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
 aneal300 wrote:
how come they put Al Pachino's face on the album? 


Al Pacino copied Leonard's face, clearly 
Posted 2 years ago by bobs_yer_uncle    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.



More like Al Pacino in my view
Posted 2 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
how come they put Al Pachino's face on the album? 
Posted 2 years ago by aneal300    [ Reply ]
 Stetsonman wrote:

little known fact.
This song is about Richard Nixons sister who Cohen was stuffing with his pink pork sword thoughtout the 60s. The doity dog




Get your little known facts straight before you post nasty and misspelt rubbish
Posted 2 years ago by BonzoWiltsUK    [ Reply ]
His voice really changed over the years. 
Posted 2 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
and think about his following album, "songs of love and hate"

wow
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.




And I thought it was a young Al Pacino
Posted 2 years ago by SurlyRon    [ Reply ]
 Stetsonman wrote:

little known fact.
This song is about Richard Nixons sister who Cohen was stuffing with his pink pork sword thoughtout the 60s. The doity dog




Why would you post nonsense like this?
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.




Hahaha! I thought it was Adam Sandler!
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Takes me right back to being 18 years old...can't ever get enough of this 
Posted 2 years ago by christineclaydon1    [ Reply ]
RP could benefit from playing cuts from his Songs from a Room  album and we would all laugh with "it's closing time"
Posted 2 years ago by Gs95045    [ Reply ]
Would be better without the backup singer. 
Posted 2 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
Our guy!  Actually talked to him once. Somebody at a party in Vancouver had a phone number for him. He was living in New Jersey at the time.. He was very gracious considering we were all drunk!
Posted 2 years ago by hdavid7    [ Reply ]
little known fact.
This song is about Richard Nixons sister who Cohen was stuffing with his pink pork sword thoughtout the 60s. The doity dog
Posted 2 years ago by Stetsonman    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.




Or a young Anthony Bourdain!
Posted 2 years ago by ImaOldman    [ Reply ]
God Bless Leonard Cohen.
Posted 2 years ago by WannabeBanned    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.



I see a young Al Pacino myself 
Posted 2 years ago by SnapDragon66    [ Reply ]
I kinda prefer falsetto Cohen over  Basso/Baritone Cohen.
Posted 3 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:
Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.
 
And there's a good one of Anthony Bourdain for Cohen's Wikipedia page.  

Master of disguise....
Posted 3 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
 Chwkbud wrote:
From the 'music is subjective' file: this is the ONE LC song performance that doesn't force me to hit the skip button...
 
Opposite for me. To me it's his one overtly pop effort. Kind of a French romance film of the 60s put to music. He was young...
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
From the 'music is subjective' file: this is the ONE LC song performance that doesn't force me to hit the skip button...
Posted 3 years ago by Chwkbud    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:
Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.
 

Posted 3 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
Godlike is an enormous understatement !!!! 100/10
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
poesia allo stato puro - superfantastica
Posted 3 years ago by mario_1954    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:
Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.
 
Geez, and I thought he looked like Pacino as Michael Corleone.
Posted 3 years ago by derhey9416    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:
Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.
 

While was all the time Hustin Doffman
Posted 3 years ago by zon00460    [ Reply ]
Whether you like the song or not, you have to admit that that's a great album cover photo of Dustin Hoffman.
Posted 3 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
https://www.billboard.com/arti...
Posted 3 years ago by newbolddrive    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:
Interesting bit of trivia... according to the Wikipedia notes for the album, the female backing vocal on this track is Nancy Priddy, mother of actress Christina Applegate.
 

Nancy Priddy went to high school in south bend In in the middle 50s and spent a long time on the New York Stage.  She sometimes hosted a local tv dance show on Saturdays called Hoosier Favorite and once, with the camera tight on her face, dedicated a Platters song to my brother because he was always walking the hallways of the school singing the song.  I think it was The Great Pretender.  and if I remember correctly, she was even more gorgeous than her daughter.   
Posted 4 years ago by wildmanfromSB    [ Reply ]
There seems to be something gentlemanly about this and many of Cohen's songs.

A new documentary called Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love came out in 2019. My brother tells me it's very good. Looking forward to seeing it.
Posted 4 years ago by mattenuttall    [ Reply ]
Love this song Leonard Cohen is a poet, and now I know the story behind this song , very sad
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
HORRIBLE-HORRIBLE GUY!

I literally hate his "music" and "singing"

RIDICULOUS!


 
Therapy needed here. You're not really listening to it, obviously. But you are YELLING
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:
Never realized how much the early Cohen sounded like Neil Diamond.
 
Well, Neil sounded like Leonard, actually.
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I as well.  Tina Louise was pretty attractive:
tl
 
If you like absolutely gorgeous classy women.
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
Love it !
Posted 4 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
Those back up voices are angelic!
Posted 4 years ago by ai63    [ Reply ]
 Nurs wrote:
Boring, darn, boring.
 
Enough about your comments there Nurs…..and this old (as in young) LC track is getting a +1 from me....So Long 7 and Long Live RP!!
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 alisathegreat wrote:
This is probably the only song I really like from Leonard Cohen. I don't like his later deep throated drivel.
 

Nah, his deeper voiced stuff, contrasted with gorgeous backing vocals, branded him as something unique and special. This was not special at all for 1967.
Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
Whoa, is this before testosterone shots?
Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

WRONG!

More S, when it comes to this awful guy!

I could beat him all day long!

I "HATE" all he represents. ALL!!!!

My number-1 hate-figure!

 


 
Five years later, you'd fit right in with a certain group reemerging in Western societies.
Posted 4 years ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 Foot wrote:
I dare RP to play the Straitjacket Fits (New Zealand) version circa 1988.
 
At this pace, you might consider skipping over the many intermediate steps and go straight to a double or triple dog dare. We're not getting any younger.
Posted 4 years ago by bk2    [ Reply ]
Anything by Leonard is an 8 or above
Posted 4 years ago by jp33442    [ Reply ]
This is probably the only song I really like from Leonard Cohen. I don't like his later deep throated drivel.
Posted 4 years ago by alisathegreat    [ Reply ]
An older slower version, please.
Posted 4 years ago by RandyHowell    [ Reply ]
 Egctheow wrote:
Man, that Adam Sandler character has unknown depths 😁
 
LOL...he does strike a resemblance for sure!
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Man, that Adam Sandler character has unknown depths 😁
Posted 4 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
 Chwkbud wrote:
the only recording by L.Cohen that I can listen to in its entirety without hitting 'advance'.
 
I used to not care too much for his works but after seeing his tribute concert on CBC (called "Tower of Song a tribute to...") I discovered a respect for his music. I ended up buying his Live in London triple album(vinyl) and downloaded the "Essential LC". I erred in never enjoying his stuff enough to see him live. A great artiste.
Posted 4 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
Interesting bit of trivia... according to the Wikipedia notes for the album, the female backing vocal on this track is Nancy Priddy, mother of actress Christina Applegate.
Posted 5 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
All Cohen Works are a 10. Full stop.
Posted 5 years ago by martinlovesRP    [ Reply ]
the only recording by L.Cohen that I can listen to in its entirety without hitting 'advance'.
Posted 5 years ago by Chwkbud    [ Reply ]
Never realized how much the early Cohen sounded like Neil Diamond.
Posted 5 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Boring, darn, boring.
Posted 5 years ago by Nurs    [ Reply ]
 I dare RP to play the Straitjacket Fits (New Zealand) version circa 1988.
Posted 1 year ago by Foot 

melzabutch wrote:

I looked it up and here is the link, GREAT

 https://www.elsewhere.co.nz/fromthevaults/4748/straitjacket-fits-so-long-marianne-1990/

 
Excellent! Thank you.
Posted 5 years ago by haretic    [ Reply ]
canada's poet laureate of music. 
Posted 5 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
Fantastic LC song....
Posted 5 years ago by Bert7    [ Reply ]

Second time I hear this song. I like it!!!

Became Leonard Cohen fan thanks to RP a couple years ago.

This song is really good!!!


Posted 6 years ago by mgrazortx    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
he sounded so young here. 

 
a full octave higher here
Posted 6 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Oh wow, I guess I need to listen to more Leonard Cohen, because I've never heard the original version of this where his voice is almost unrecognizable to what I'm more familiar with later in his life/career.
Posted 6 years ago by BoFiS    [ Reply ]
 Decoy wrote:
he sounded so young here. 

 
Yes his voice had not dropped to the gravelly bass we associate with his later years. Actually he was actually trying to sing then before he gave up on that and adopted the talky talky style .
Posted 6 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Ahhhh, songs of love and hate. 
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 milesfinn wrote:
Here's part of the Wikipedia entry, OMG:

The song was inspired by Marianne Jensen,. . . Marianne Ihlen died in hospital in Oslo on 28 July 2016, aged 81. Cohen wrote to her shortly before her death, saying: "Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine... Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road." He died three months later, on November 7.

 

 
Timeless quote.  Amazing Poet.... See you down the road Leonard.
Posted 6 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
he sounded so young here. 
Posted 6 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
 Foot wrote:
I dare RP to play the Straitjacket Fits (New Zealand) version circa 1988.

 
I looked it up and here is the link, GREAT

 https://www.elsewhere.co.nz/fromthevaults/4748/straitjacket-fits-so-long-marianne-1990/
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
this song has been with me all my life
so long, Mr. Cohen
until it is time to
laugh about it all again
Posted 7 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

WRONG!

More S, when it comes to this awful guy!

I could beat him all day long!

I "HATE" all he represents. ALL!!!!

My number-1 hate-figure!

 



 
What a truly sad person you are.....................
Posted 7 years ago by niall123    [ Reply ]
 dave216j wrote:
Wish you were here to help us make sense of this darkness, Leonard. So long.

 
And god knows we need help more now than ever before. It hurts when they leave us. 
Posted 7 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
Here's part of the Wikipedia entry, OMG:

The song was inspired by Marianne Jensen,. . . Marianne Ihlen died in hospital in Oslo on 28 July 2016, aged 81. Cohen wrote to her shortly before her death, saying: "Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine... Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road." He died three months later, on November 7.

 
Posted 7 years ago by milesfinn    [ Reply ]
I dare RP to play the Straitjacket Fits (New Zealand) version circa 1988.
Posted 7 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Farewell to one of the greatest poets - and a truly human being. We will miss you!

ps Some of the comments here - Stingray - explain the state of things now.................. 
Posted 7 years ago by niall123    [ Reply ]

I truly thank you very much for all your words

Do a good trip

and come back soon

this dark world needs your wisdom

 


Posted 7 years ago by thais    [ Reply ]
Ah remember me, I used to live for music
Remember me, I brought your groceries in
Well it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

{#Clap}
{#Cry}
Posted 7 years ago by doc_dave    [ Reply ]
Thank you Leonard, for great songs and poetry, RIP
Posted 7 years ago by dmeschke    [ Reply ]
So long.. {#Cry}
Posted 7 years ago by Mireletion    [ Reply ]
aw hell, another inspiring spirit reaches his end   : (    will only think positive about his strong work
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]

How poignant, written four months ago.  A legend is gone.
Posted 7 years ago by Dundas1965    [ Reply ]
So long Leonard. It was a great ride. Closing Time.
Posted 7 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
A true talent, so long, Leonard.
Posted 7 years ago by balinor    [ Reply ]
Wish you were here to help us make sense of this darkness, Leonard. So long.
Posted 7 years ago by dave216j    [ Reply ]
RIP :(
Posted 7 years ago by keijz    [ Reply ]
RIP Leonard, and thank you.
Posted 7 years ago by agkagk    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

WRONG!

More S, when it comes to this awful guy!

I could beat him all day long!

I "HATE" all he represents. ALL!!!!

My number-1 hate-figure!

 



 
gif of Robert DeNiro from "Taxi Driver"
Come back, Stingray. We laugh at you, but in a good way. {#Group-hug}

When the only songs of Cohen's that I knew were this and "Susanne", I was amazed. Now that he's ruined his voice, Leonard has worn out his gravelly welcome on RP. 

 
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Al Pacino sings Cohen's early hits!
Posted 7 years ago by Ctrl-Alt-Delete    [ Reply ]
Similar sound to some early rolling stones
Posted 7 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
 PopKombo wrote:
which brings up the question.  Marianne or Ginger?

 
Why not both?
Posted 7 years ago by Ulises    [ Reply ]
Great use of this song in the movie Pirate Radio which was quite enjoyable.
Posted 7 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Now this is the Leonard Cohen that I enjoy! He sounds so moribund these days; I wish we could hear more of his early stuff on this station.
Posted 7 years ago by Artemis_Crow    [ Reply ]
Wow Bill is really on a LC roll these days....don't think I've ever heard so much on RP before - not that it is a bad thing!
Posted 7 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
Poor Mary Ann, or is it Marianne....



 
Mary ann
Posted 8 years ago by cuemaster    [ Reply ]
Vale, Andrew McLean of Perth, Australia, who taught me this song, when we were almost young. Thank you for playing it.
Posted 8 years ago by jab49    [ Reply ]
which brings up the question.  Marianne or Ginger?
Posted 8 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
{#Notworthy}
Posted 8 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
It took this trip into his past for me to discover what exactly bothers me so much about Leonard Cohen.

He's a clone of Rod McKuen.

Thanks, Bill! 
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:

I was always a Ginger fan. Married a redhead!

 
I as well.  Tina Louise was pretty attractive:
tl
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
Poor Mary Ann, or is it Marianne....



 
I was always a Ginger fan. Married a redhead!
Posted 9 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Listen...Just play the entire "Songs of Love and Hate" album.

It's a masterpiece...maybe even making Bobby Dylan a little jealous.  
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Great song, great transition by RP. The music stream to which one has become accustomed.
Posted 9 years ago by Laowai    [ Reply ]
Pure. Gold. Thank you for playing this.
Posted 9 years ago by Shmelo    [ Reply ]
Man I love those backup vocals.
Posted 9 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Long time ago i heared this. LC is a poet!
Posted 9 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Might be a great poet, but a musician he ain't. Agree with Stingray on this one - just awful
Posted 9 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
Stingray is just a troll.  He's fishing for people to take his bait. He just want's someone to love him. Come here little guy, I'll give you a hug. There, there. Now, go back and play on your computer. That's a good boy.

{#Devil_pimp} 
Posted 9 years ago by MsfStl    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

HORRIBLE-HORRIBLE GUY!

I literally hate his "music" and "singing"

RIDICULOUS!

 
Use the PSD button. As for the personal attacks, unless you know him personally, refrain from calling names, please.
Posted 9 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
I wish I had the means to SHUT this old,
never-ending disharmonic WHINER up!
Unbearable!



 
exactly my take on 99% of your rants. why do you persist  in being tormented by R.P.'S habit of playing fantastic  music? go back to clear channel of where ever your happy........
Posted 9 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Poor Mary Ann, or is it Marianne....


Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
oh thank the gods for psd, got The Spinners "I'll be Around"!!!!  THAT is Real music, sorry Cohen, this one is awful
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

Something tells me that you're into S&M, Stingray. 

More M than S, too. {#Whipit} 

 

WRONG!

More S, when it comes to this awful guy!

I could beat him all day long!

I "HATE" all he represents. ALL!!!!

My number-1 hate-figure!

 


Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

My god...he sounds young? And why is he so upbeat?

Where's that famous raincoat and the songs of love and hate?   

 Age & cigarettes. He was young at the time of this recording. Personally, I prefer his voice now.



Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]

HORRIBLE-HORRIBLE GUY!

I literally hate his "music" and "singing"

RIDICULOUS!


Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]