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Usually, what it is hard to "understand" is Cohen's lyrics. But having a view to the Popular Problems booklet, one can wonder why all the pics are Leonard cleaning his shoes!
Any comment on that? Obviously, cleaning our shoes is a "popular problem" in our "civil life".
Could it be related to the Bible? (Jesus cleaning sinners' feet).

We all know Cohen is Virgo and Virgo are very clean and tidy. Any suggestions about the photos are welcome!

I took it as a simile and a beautiful one. Leonard is shown clearly at different times (by his varied garb) carefully tending to the polishing of his shoes. This is much like the way he tends to his songs, all the time carefully polishing.

The first two songs mention shoes. Or, he might have thought it was humorous. Or, it might just be an opportunity to show off his really excellent legs.

Dreamermusic, it might help you to know that (according to a post in Heck of a Guy's blog, which I tried to find for you, but couldn't - sorry) - Leonard has a ritual of polishing his shoes before every concert that he gives. The pictures in the booklet are from photos taken by his assistant, as he engaged in this ritual before concerts. We can't know for sure Leonard's reasons for the ritual, but personally, I think it's very interesting & very touching that he does this, & I love the pictures. I also agree with the simile mentioned by Marie, & perhaps that's the reason, or one of the reasons, the pics were chosen for the booklet - but of course, that's open to interpretation.

Rachel and Dreamermusic, here's the link
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=10371&start=16725#p348519

Thanks for providing the link, Bev. I was going to search again, but now I don't have to!

My pleasure, Rachel! ..... and they certainly are great photos

I personally think his ritual of polishing his shoes before every concert stems from his mindset that touring in a band is much like being a soldier in an army. I come from a family of soldiers and the one thing a remember about my uncles and from what I saw in photos of my grandfather was that their boots/shoes were always shined perfectly. I myself am a police officer so I also am a person who respects a good shine and often find myself engaged in this very same ritual before going into work (or battle depending on your point of view on our current state as a society) .

Field Commander Cohen.

Thanks everybody for your comments! I completely agree with you all!! The photos are indeed wonderful. Cohen's said the best things he knows how to do are touring and washing the dishes. He can also add "and polishing my shoes" . Very "intimate" (whatever pronunciation of the word he wishes to use ) pics.

A gentleman from head to toe.

all very good comments that reminds me I must polish my shoes!!!

phillip wrote:all very good comments that reminds me I must polish my shoes!!!