First We Take Manhattan

Jennifer Warnes

About First We Take Manhattan

"First We Take Manhattan" is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was originally recorded by American singer Jennifer Warnes on her 1986 Cohen tribute album Famous Blue Raincoat, which consisted entirely of songs written or co-written by Cohen.


Year:
1987
3:47
347 
#3

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They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom
For trying to change the system from within
I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

I'm guided by a signal in the heavens
I'm guided by the birthmark on my skin
I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

I'd really like to live beside you, baby
I love your body and your spirit and your clothes
But you see that line that's moving through the station? 
I told you, I told you, I told you, I was one of those

Ah you loved me as a loser, but now you're worried that I just might win
You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the discipline
How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

I don't like your fashion business mister
And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin
I don't like what happened to my sister
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Then we take Berlin, then we take Berlin

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Jennifer Warnes

Jennifer Jean Warnes (born March 3, 1947) is an American singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer. She is known for her interpretations of compositions written by herself and many others as well as an extensive playlist as a vocalist on movie soundtracks. She is a close friend of and collaborator with Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, Leonard Cohen. more »

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Written by: LEONARD COHEN

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation & Collaboration
"First We Take Manhattan" is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was originally recorded by American singer Jennifer Warnes on her Leonard Cohen tribute album "Famous Blue Raincoat," which was released in 1986.
Leonard Cohen's Version
Leonard Cohen's own rendition of the song was featured in his 1988 album "I'm Your Man." Cohen's version featured a heavier production style lined with synths and saxophone.
Song Meaning
Cohen explained the meaning of the song as a response to the mindless chant of terrorism and revolution. He spoke of an "inner voice" that says "I’m gonna run this whole show," which he revealed was the essence of the song.
Song Reception
The song was well-received by audiences and has since been covered by various artists. It also became the lead single for Cohen's "I'm Your Man" album and has been performed live by him numerous times.
Music Video
The music video for the song features Cohen in a suit and tie, wandering aimlessly around the desolate Berlin Wall before its Fall, which further symbolizes the singer's isolation.
Song's Popularity in Europe
“First We Take Manhattan” was more successful in Europe than in North America. It reached the top 10 in Norway and Sweden and scored top 20 in the UK singles chart.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many artists, including R.E.M., Joe Cocker, and Stevie Ann. It has proved enduringly popular, with more recent renditions including a 2017 version by Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation.
Song’s Inclusion in Films
The song has also made appearances in a few films including the movies "Bird on a Wire" (1990) and "Watchmen" (2009).
Lyrics Interpretation
Some interpretations suggest that the song's title "First We Take Manhattan" refers to a symbolic attack on the values of materialism and frivolity that Manhattan seemingly represents.
Crossover with Other Genres
The song has crossed over into several different genres through its numerous cover versions–from Warnes' soft rock take to R.E.M.'s alternative rock rendition and Within Temptation's symphonic metal interpretation.

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