So Long, Marianne

Leonard Cohen

About So Long, Marianne

"So Long, Marianne" is a song written by Canadian poet and musician Leonard Cohen. It was featured on his debut album, Songs of Leonard Cohen. Pitchfork Media placed it at number 190 on their list of "The 200 Greatest Songs of the 1960s."


Year:
1975
5:38
378 
#10

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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

Oh, 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 razorblade
You left when I told you I was curious
I never said that I was brave

Oh, 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

Oh, so long, Marianne
It's time that we began to laugh
And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen, (September 21, 1934- November 7, 2016) CC GOQ, was a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, and novelist. His work often explored religion, isolation, sexuality, and interpersonal relationships. Cohen was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honour. In 2011 Cohen received Prince of Asturias Award for literature. more »

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Written by: Leonard Cohen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Inspiration
"So Long, Marianne" was inspired by Leonard Cohen's romantic relationship with Marianne Ihlen, a woman he met in the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s.
Album Placement
The song was released as part of Leonard Cohen's debut album "Songs of Leonard Cohen." It is the seventh track on the album.
Popularity Ranking
"So Long, Marianne" is considered one of Cohen's most popular songs, often included in his concert performances.
Cultural Impact
It has been covered by multiple artists over the years, further attesting to its cultural significance and popularity.
Personal Significance
The song held personal significance for Cohen. He sent a letter to the real Marianne before her death in 2016, saying "I'm just a little behind you, close enough to take your hand."
Song Theme
The song is about the tumultuous nature of Cohen’s relationship with Marianne which was characterized by a blend of love, passion, heartbreak, and the struggles that come with long-term commitment.
Artistic Style
As is common with Cohen’s body of work, the song has a melancholic tone, and the lyrics are poetic and emotionally charged.
Song's Persona
In the song, Cohen assumes the persona of a mourning lover saying goodbye.
Release Year
"So Long, Marianne" was released in the year 1967.
Book Inspiration
A book titled "So Long, Marianne" was written by Kari Hesthamar, exploring Cohen's relationship with Marianne Ihlen in depth.
Song's Impact on Marianne
The real-life Marianne reported being deeply touched by the song, stating that it helped her through tough times.

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