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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.
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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.
23 May 2009 at 09:35
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.
23 May 2009 at 09:38
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.
23 May 2009 at 15:43
Dina said…
For a new line in the song see
http://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/08/like-bird-on-wire.html
23 May 2009 at 15:45
Kris McCracken said…
Dina, well, it's not like Leonard had much of a voice to lose! ;)

I say that as a fan.
23 May 2009 at 15:45
Kris McCracken said…
Dina, I never knew that!
23 May 2009 at 15:46
Babzy.B said…
I 'm a fan of Mister Cohen , i've tried to be free but it is not so easy ...
23 May 2009 at 20:29
Kris McCracken said…
Babzy, it's like a cult.
25 May 2009 at 09:54
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