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Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir. I have tried in my way to be free.


Four on one. I don't like those odds. Here is a little gang warfare, Geilston Bay-style.

Even though this image is a universal one, every time I see it I think of Leonard Cohen. Well, I always think of Leonard Cohen, but I usually hear Kris Kristofferson. Or Willie Nelson. Or Johnny Cash. Or Rita Coolidge. Or Fairport Convention. And sometimes - just sometimes - I hear good old Leonard himself.

You know it's a good track when there are so many decent covers.

Comments

smudgeon said…
True, Dirty Lenny's songwriting is marvellous even at it's worst. And when his tunes are covered, the standard is usually high.

But if I hear one more twit wailing 'Hallelujah' as if their soul depended on it, I will garotte them. Personally.
Kris McCracken said…
Me, much like Ms Houston's mauling of Dolly's masterful I Will Always Love You, the vocal gymnasts that take Hallelujah through the motions of extremity are missing the point.
Dina said…
I always start sub-vocalizing the song when I see birds on a wire too.
Lenny's live in London concert was broadcast last night on Israel TV (too bad I don't have a TV). From the previews I saw the man is looking his age but sounding the same.
Dina said…
For a new line in the song see
http://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/08/like-bird-on-wire.html
Kris McCracken said…
Dina, well, it's not like Leonard had much of a voice to lose! ;)

I say that as a fan.
Kris McCracken said…
Dina, I never knew that!
Babzy.B said…
I 'm a fan of Mister Cohen , i've tried to be free but it is not so easy ...
Kris McCracken said…
Babzy, it's like a cult.

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