About LC not singing, If It Be Your Will...

[lizzytysh]

I'm not offended, Denise. When I read the phrase "the Cohen experience," I think of Leonard's depth of love and appreciation for women and how affirming that has been as a woman. Here, we see the manifestation of his own choice as to two women who sing his song. He clearly loves it. I don't know that it would be 'bad'/'wrong' to call it a selfish moment... yet, he seems in his own world as he watches and listens, and I guess some might call that selfish. Many MANY love hearing If It Be Your Will exactly as Leonard has chosen.


~ Lizzy

[Box_of_Rain]

I believe you.

I suppose it was just too hard for me to believe that you really and truely would rather hear them sing it than him. And I guess a big part of that reason is because of the joy he receives.

Ok, It's getting into my thick head!

I suppose the truth is I am the selfish one!

I understand.

[lizzytysh]

. . . you really and truely would rather hear them sing it than him.

Okay, now watch it there, Denise. Who do you mean by "you"? I never said it's what I'd rather... .


~ Lizzy

[MarieM]

BOR, Lizzy answered for me better than I could. I would only add the following.

Why would you even campare the way he sings it, to the way they sing it? Do you really think that is an issue?

Being that Leonard is somewhat of a perfectionist, it might be an issue. But if it is, I don't think it is a matter of Leonard thinking he couldn't sing the song himself but just that the way he evisions the song might be better represented by how the Webb sisters sing it.

It almost sounds like you think he is having some kind of selfish moment, the enjoyment of their performance. Do you really think that?

It would not be contrary to what Leonard is about. There is selfishness, greed, desire, lust in much of his writing. But the visions of beauty are a far greater aspect of Leonard's work. I think that is what he wants us to see. These beautiful women singing his most beautiful song so beautifully.

BOR, you talked about Jerry Garcia a few posts back and I wanted to thank you for what you said because it was very insightful and thought provoking. You ended by asking whether we follow Leonard blindly. And I guess my answer would be, not blindly off the side of a bridge, but I personally feel like I go into Leonard's concerts with one request, show me. I want to see and hear and feel what Leonard wants me to experience. I open every book, listen to every song with the idea that Leonard has something to show me, to teach me, to remind me of, to make me experience. I don't see Leonard's concerts any differently.

[Box_of_Rain]

Wow!

[lizzytysh]

WoW!... from me, too, Marie. Beautifully expressed, those beautiful thoughts and lack of expectation. I agree. Leonard comes through with showing, as all of us can attest with our still being here, still reading, still listening, still going... still being satisfied.


~ Lizzy

[UrPal]

If you want to hear LC do the song beautifully and recently in a quasi-live atmosphere (and in a form about as informal and personal as you get) check out the version he extemporised at the end of his interview on that Norwegian Radio thing a couple of years back. To be honest, after that anything else is likely to prove a disappointment anyway.

Urpal.

Your comments about this "extemporised" version made me curious but I could only find the text of this interview. No audio!

Any suggestions?

Merci beaucoup

Leonard from montreal....same name...same town...no Golden Voice

I'm afraid I can't help you, LeonardfromMontreal2. I've scoured the internet and my home PC on the off chance I'd recorded it to wav or something at the time, but no.... and now I'm even starting to think I imagined hearing it and questioning my sanity!

I remember this interview as being not too long before the notion of a tour came surprisingly back on the agenda. He's asked by the female interviewer, as he has his guitar on him, to play something. There's a bit of umming and aahing and eventually he capitulates into a rather pleasing version of IIBYW. The whole thing is unforced (except to the extent LC is put on the spot) and the whole atmosphere, including background noise, has a good feel about it. A sunny veranda maybe.

Although I believe it was that Marianne Norwegian radio programme or a related one, I've heard the syndicated BBC Radio English language version more recently and this performance of the song didn't feature on that.

Hopefully someone else with a better memory and more militaristic attitude to organising their hard drive than mine will have already helped you out by now, or will soon,with a private message and an mp3 or similar. Let me know whether you agree as and when you do find it.

[leonardmtl]

Thanks for the effort, Urpal. Someday, a greater reseacher will turn up!

The actual interview was made in the Spring, 2008 at Leonard's home in Montreal, in his kitchen (!), just before the Tour started in Fredrickton!

Leonard consented to the interview after having been shown the interview that this producer, Kari Hesthaman, did with Marianne in 2005, in Norway.

I saw the texts of both interviews and they were very moving and captured a touching human moment.

It makes me wonder how it was that their relationship didn't continue. Marianne says she still dreams about LC, and his song connects with that feeling and the loss so poignantly, as if it wasn't his choice.

Get me a handkerchief!

Leonard from Montreal.....same name...same town...no Golden Voice

[john.m.lake]

I know the Webb sisters are very beautiful and they sing very lovely...I really appreciated hearing them sing, If It Be Your Will...BUT

I would like to hear Mr. Leonard Cohen sing that song. Anyone else? Why do you suppose he doesn't? Do you think there is a chance he will?

I hope, hope and pray I will hear him sing that song.

Some suggested it may be too emotional for him to sing. If that is true the whole audience could help him...we could all cry and sing together!!!

PLEASE!

Hey Box_of_Rain... I agree - I would want Leonard to sing it. It's one of my favorite songs.. I feel like no one else could do it justice. It needs LC's amazing voice. I feel that way with all of his songs - I find that when other artists cover them there is always something missing.

I saw you are a Dead Fan... Me too : ) I'll be seeing them in April. Not the same without Jerry of course - but - should still be fun.

[asta]

I cannot believe this is still going on.

Can you imagine how the young Webb Sisters might feel if they were to read or hear about those who would rather they not sing "If it be your will?"

Has Box of Rain or others thought about that? I assume not. Perhaps you should discuss it with the girls if you ever meet them.

One of the special factors of the 2008 / 2009 tours is the 'individual' talent of the Leonard Cohen band and Leonard's wish for that to be featured. He must have asked The Webb Sisters to go and rearrange it as they feel, and for them to perform in their own way? Just as Javier's wonderful solo's, and Dino's, and Sharon, and Bob and Roscoe and Raphael and Neil. Some 'fans' have even criticized them soloing. I can't understand it. Leonard loves it, and if he loves it, we should too.

Fortunately there seem to be thousands of fans who appreciate how beautifully and sensitively The Webb Sisters 'deliver' the song - and the main and most important person is Leonard. Just look at the joy he portrays as he stands motionless as they sing and play harp & guitar with Neil Larson on Hammond B3. Those who were at concerts, would have seen the 'standing ovations' and audience's surprise of the beauty of their delivery - and seeing Leonard's pleasure of it too. Similarly with Sharon and her brilliance when she is 'featured.'

Otherwise Leonard might have toured on his own - which I know some would actually have preferred - but not me, and I doubt Leonard would have even done that. Leonard seems to thrive on what seems to be a very happy band and crew and not just Leonard and his "back - up band." Most of his band have their own solo careers (and sell their own CD's at Leonard concerts) ----typically generous of Leonard ----- they are not (just) a bunch of top session people - perhaps being 'featured' is even part of their agreement to tour?

If it be your Will is one of the songs on Charley & Hattie's new EP that I bought on itunes via http://www.thewebbsisters.com and I read in a magazine that it will also be on their new full album which apparently is launched soon. Those of us going to some US / Canada concerts too, let's enjoy the continuation of the successful formula that has made these new tours the very best ever - as many fans seem to feel this past year has been.

I certainly think this is the best tour, out of the past three I have attended.

[john.m.lake]

I cannot believe this is still going on.

Can you imagine how the young Webb Sisters might feel if they were to read or hear about those who would rather they not sing "If it be your will?"

Has Box of Rain or others thought about that? I assume not. Perhaps you should discuss it with the girls if you ever meet them.

One of the special factors of the 2008 / 2009 tours is the 'individual' talent of the Leonard Cohen band and Leonard's wish for that to be featured. He must have asked The Webb Sisters to go and rearrange it as they feel, and for them to perform in their own way? Just as Javier's wonderful solo's, and Dino's, and Sharon, and Bob and Roscoe and Raphael and Neil. Some 'fans' have even criticized them soloing. I can't understand it. Leonard loves it, and if he loves it, we should too.

Fortunately there seem to be thousands of fans who appreciate how beautifully and sensitively The Webb Sisters 'deliver' the song - and the main and most important person is Leonard. Just look at the joy he portrays as he stands motionless as they sing and play harp & guitar with Neil Larson on Hammond B3. Those who were at concerts, would have seen the 'standing ovations' and audience's surprise of the beauty of their delivery - and seeing Leonard's pleasure of it too. Similarly with Sharon and her brilliance when she is 'featured.'

Otherwise Leonard might have toured on his own - which I know some would actually have preferred - but not me, and I doubt Leonard would have even done that. Leonard seems to thrive on what seems to be a very happy band and crew and not just Leonard and his "back - up band." Most of his band have their own solo careers (and sell their own CD's at Leonard concerts) ----typically generous of Leonard ----- they are not (just) a bunch of top session people - perhaps being 'featured' is even part of their agreement to tour?

If it be your Will is one of the songs on Charley & Hattie's new EP that I bought on itunes via http://www.thewebbsisters.com and I read in a magazine that it will also be on their new full album which apparently is launched soon. Those of us going to some US / Canada concerts too, let's enjoy the continuation of the successful formula that has made these new tours the very best ever - as many fans seem to feel this past year has been.

I certainly think this is the best tour, out of the past three I have attended.

Hi Asta... I sense you may be a tad too sensitive on this issue. I mean no ill will towards the Webb Sisters - I would just prefer to hear the Song in LC's voice.

And as for - "Leonard loves it, and if he loves it, we should too." - I'm sure the Webb Sisters do a great job - but - Just because Leonard loves it - doesn't mean that I should automatically love it too - I do have a mind of my own. I would just rather hear the artists I go see - perform their own songs - that's how they sound best - especially when speaking of LC.

[Box_of_Rain]

Thank you so much John! I really appreciate the help! Nice to meet you. Which shows are you going to? I did the Beacon and now I'm only doing Red Rocks. Most likely, missing out on the Dead. But I'm doing a Will Oldham aka Bonnie Prince Billy tour, have you heard of him?

I don't actually have time to write, but...it is strange that LC is doing this at all. I mean, I've never seen it before. I've never heard of it. And such a powerful song. I think, there is a reason. I believe he will eventually sing it himself, maybe even on this tour, at Red Rocks!

Hey, Lenoard from Montreal, do you have links to those interviews... that song is so amazing, Marieanne, now that I have a cd from the Beacon, that's all I listen to, I guess we were very lucky to hear that song, did he play it on the other tours?

[john.m.lake]

Thank you so much John! I really appreciate the help! Nice to meet you. Which shows are you going to? I did the Beacon and now I'm only doing Red Rocks. Most likely, missing out on the Dead. But I'm doing a Will Oldham aka Bonnie Prince Billy tour, have you heard of him?

I don't actually have time to write, but...it is strange that LC is doing this at all. I mean, I've never seen it before. I've never heard of it. And such a powerful song. I think, there is a reason. I believe he will eventually sing it himself, maybe even on this tour, at Red Rocks!

Hey, Lenoard from Montreal, do you have links to those interviews... that song is so amazing, Marieanne, now that I have a cd from the Beacon, that's all I listen to, I guess we were very lucky to hear that song, did he play it on the other tours?

Welcome Box_of_Rain : ) Nice to meet you as well. I think people just misinterpreted what we were trying to say. We are not trying to belittle anyone else or make them feel bad... 'If it be your will' is just such a beautiful song - and - Leonard's haunting voice is just so perfect a match with it.

Unfortunately - I may miss all shows - the stars are just not aligned for me. For the first Beacon show..... my sister-in-law and her husband went on a 9 day cruise - they entrusted us to care for their 10 month old daughter - the show fell within those 9 days.

Now... I will be in Holland for two weeks in May. As luck would have it - all of the shows that are in my area are during those dates... in NY, CT, PA. Travelling to a show further away may not be in the cards financially right now.

To make matters worse - I was in Amsterdam last May and left only two weeks before he performed there.

I only really discovered his music since right before I joined this forum. I did hear a few songs a decade ago - but - didn't delve deeper until then. From what I understand from reading on this site - he hasn't toured the U.S in a long time.

[gingermop]

I don't normally get involved in discussions like this, but this one has gone on for a while and begs to be clarified in order to give the Webb Sisters and Leonard their due as to this particular arrangement. Perhaps you will be touched, as I was, when I heard the reasoning behind this.

From a reliable source:

It is my understanding that 'If It Be Your Will' was originally rehearsed with Leonard singing it as normal, but the Webb Sisters' version was so good, and their harp/guitar playing so accomplished, the decision was made for Leonard to step back from the performance, literally as well as musically. The song is probably my favourite of Leonard's, so I was as surprised as anyone when I realised he was not singing it. Now that I have heard the Webb Sisters' performance, I understand.

Technically this makes the song a cover. Obviously Leonard is no stranger to covers. The difference here is that it is being performed with Leonard on the stage, stepping back and listening with the audience. Leonard said "They get me every time, emotionally, when I am standing there - because I'm seeing and hearing the next generation singing it". The delicious irony is that the song is about a voice silenced : now being performed by two talented young women on a world tour directly in front of the composer/writer. A tour, that some time ago, was deemed impossible.

It's that juxtoposition that creates the beauty of 2009's If It Be Your Will. He starts it, they finish it. He abides until he is spoken for, by the next generation, on his final tour. If Leonard sang it in its entirety, this small but perfect element would be lost.

Signing off from a broken hill,

G

[lizzytysh]

That explanation has so many elements that are integral to its justification, Gina.

In reading it, I'm guessing I'm as touched and disarmed as you were; I can't imagine anyone not being. It reframes it all in such a poignant way. Such a deep and pleasurable satisfaction, gratifying and moving for Leonard to be able to experience it for himself. This encapsulates it all, all the elements:

Leonard said "They get me every time, emotionally, when I am standing there - because I'm seeing and hearing the next generation singing it". The delicious irony is that the song is about a voice silenced : now being performed by two talented young women on a world tour directly in front of the composer/writer. A tour, that some time ago, was deemed impossible.

Especially when Leonard has held back for so long from touring, not really so sure that anyone would really care.

And this sums it up so beautifully, touches, and brings a perspective that makes sense in an abiding way:

It's that juxtoposition that creates the beauty of 2009's If It Be Your Will. He starts it, they finish it. He abides until he is spoken for, by the next generation, on his final tour. If Leonard sang it in its entirety, this small but perfect element would be lost.

Thank you so much for becoming involved in this thread and sharing all this information, Gina.


~ Lizzy