Leonard Cohen as muse

[BethLapin]

I just published my first novel, To Say Goodbye, which was inspired by one of Leonard Cohen's songs, That's No Way to Say Goodbye. His image of the changing shoreline stuck with me:

You know my love goes with you
As your love stays with me.
It's just the way it changes
Like the shoreline and the sea.

Have others been inspired by his lyrics or poetry?

Check out my book at Amazon or at my website: BethLapin.com.

[LisaLCFan]

I think that a lot of us here have been inspired by Leonard Cohen's music and poetry. His work is so rich and wonderful, so many lines and melodies are unforgettable and beautifully haunting. My very essence has been permeated by Leonard Cohen's music and poetry; it is a part of me and everything I do.

[BethLapin]

It's interesting to see that the same lyrics resonate from many people. For example, I googled Sisters of Mercy and there are many interpretations, but people kept quoting the same lines -- and they were the exact same ones I had pulled out as meaningful or poetic or worthy of introspection.

[LisaLCFan]

Indeed, my favourite lines from Sisters of Mercy are:

If your life is a leaf
That the seasons tear off and condemn
They will bind you with love
That is graceful and green as a stem.

Perfection! You might enjoy a thread on this forum called "Lines That Get You Every Time," in which people give their favourite lines from Cohen's songs. It is an interesting read, and you'll find it here:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=21035

[BethLapin]

Thanks for the link~

[Jonnie Falafel]

Congratulations on the novel Beth. I find him inspirational but as much for his take on life (interviews etc..) as for poems and songs. Sometimes the things he says in interview are so well considered and always on the side of compassion I think he's someone I'd always pay attention to. I met him in 2008 and he was so kind and gracious to a group of us excitables...

[BethLapin]

How fortunate to have had a personal connection! Some of us are good with the written word, others speaking or through art, music, etc. Leonard Cohen seems to have many of those strengths. Pretty amazing, a wonderful way to be and a good role model for us.