Sexual Orientation in "Teachers"

EdC · Post by **EdC** » Thu Aug 15, 2002 3:53 am

I'm new to the site and don't know how serious members are, but I'll try a question.

In his song "Teachers," L. Cohen sings

and I wished for an embrace.

Several girls embraced me, then
I was embraced by men,
Is my passion perfect?
No, do it once again.

Does anyone know if this refers to any forays into homo or bi sexuality? Is there a different reading.

Thanks

Post by **jarkko** » Thu Aug 15, 2002 8:47 am

In numerous interviews Leonard has made it clear
that he has not had any homosexual experiences.
His personal history would more point to pretty
ladies

The song lyrics should not be taken too literally.
Jarkko

smile · Post by **smile** » Thu Aug 15, 2002 3:33 pm

THANKYOU FOR PUTTING US ALL STRAIGHT WITH THIS.

Kush · Post by **Kush** » Thu Aug 15, 2002 4:46 pm

Is there another figurative explanation ? Anyway, he could be speaking from some else's perspective. Aznavour had a great song 'What makes a man' from the perspective of a gay transexual.
Yes, I have noticed LCs personal history points exclusively to pretty ladies.
Methinks he missed the point......

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Fri Aug 16, 2002 3:44 am

Hi EdC,

I've always taken those lines to be more of an expression of trying and failing, wanting to be loved and to please, and somehow even failing in what should be a fairly simple gesture. I took the mention of the man/men to just be a way to express the comprehensiveness of his failings and resultant loneliness.

~Lizzytysh

lightning · Post by **lightning** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 6:44 am

A lot of people are now denying experimentation with both drugs and sex done proudly in the 60's. To hear them talk you'd think no-one ever did anything. Maybe it's self-protective but what hypocrisy!

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Mon Aug 19, 2002 8:16 am

Akin to Bill's not inhaling....