leonardcohenforum.com

Hello. I'm a new fan of Leonard Cohen. I am amazed that I had not heard of his music earlier. His songs are absolutely beautiful! I had heard Suzanne and Famous Blue Raincoat before, but I had no idea he has written so many wonderful songs. I first heard Anthem 2 months ago and had to find out more about a composer who could write such a song. Since then I have listened to as many of his songs as I could find. I LOVE them! He uses words so well, and his voice is golden.
In particular, I am enchanted by The Window. I wonder if any of you can tell me what this song is all about - why he wrote it - who is standing by the window? The melody is so beautiful and the words so mysterious! Does anyone know what the song is all about?

From "Diamonds in the Lines" we are told that "The Window" is a prayer intended to bring the two parts of the soul ( called the sun and moon in Eastern mysticism, self and soul in the West. "tangle of matter and ghost" here) together. The refrain is taken from a Persian prayer. "Gentle this soul" is the wish for calming and the effect of the music, especially the violin, is to calm and soothe the nerves. It is probably a woman standing by the window as there is feminine imagery such as "fragrance" and "rose". Cohen is exhorting her to renounce her depression, the "sickness that loosens the high silver nerves"(grey matter of brain?). immolate the ego , eros, attachment to physical self, 'lay your rose on the fire" and come into the presence of God "the arms of the High Holy One." The Cloud of Unknowing is a famous work in Western mysticism . It refers to that which separates a soul from God. The "New Jerusalem glowing" also refers to heaven. "Climb on your tears and be silent" encourages her to transcend her grief, use it to rise higher "like a rose on a ladder of thorns" a picturesque poetical image.( Good advice but only advanced mystics can follow it. Perhaps he hopes the song will help. ) The last few lines are a meditation on the reality of creation and destruction, human beings constantly coming into and going out of this life. He accepts and blesses this reality.

Nice analysis, Lightning.

You may want to compare this song to Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "First Elegy" which contains these lines:

"Yes, the springtimes needed you. Stars now and then
craved your attention. A wave rose
in the remembered past; or as you came by the open window
a violin was singing its soul out."

The rest of the poem contains strikingly similar imagery as well. One should also recollect that Leonard's mother died from Leukemia in February of 1978.

"The Window" is one of my favorite songs.

Joe

Thank you Lightning - Thank you Joe. I appreciate both of your comments and feedback. I really like the idea that mysticism and contemplation can be such a part of sexual sensuality in Cohen's music. It rings with a truth that our western culture totally misses. We identify sexuality with beer commercials! We miss out on so much beauty. Thank God that Leonard Cohen reminds us of the truth of our bodies and souls.

You always bring so much to the table with your interpretations and explanations, Lightning. Thank you for your development of the meaning[s] in The Window.

Lechehombre ~ Peter in the Forum's Poetry section also agrees with and expresses what you have with regard to the meld of mysticism, contemplation, and sexual sensuality. It's an aspect that it seems makes some non-Cohen appreciators uncomfortable, while it makes others like us love his music all the more.

~Lizzytysh

The Window has been an all time favorite for me, it is a very comforting song, even when I didn't understand it (and still don't) totally.
I would like to have had that one on The Essential Leonard Cohen.

Thanks Lightning for the interesting explanation, I have heard LC explain parts of the song also.

Uh, Lizzytysh, exactly what is a "non-Cohen appreciator"?

eeey

....the opposite of a Cohen appreciator....in this particular case, some particular people I've seen wince or look uncomfortable while listening to particular lyrics that are clearly in the sexual realm.....and who don't continue listening to him, or make particularly positive comments about what they've just listened to.

Surely you mean 'strong' or 'negative' , not 'positive'?

Just exactly what are you referring to from the poetry section Lizzytysh? If it is the poem about the rose in the butt, that had nothing to do with LC's poetry.

The "who don't" from the preceding phrase carries over to the next phrase.

>>>>and who don't continue listening to him, or make particularly positive comments about what they've just listened to.

That would be me, I'm afraid. Very discerning of you Lizzytysh but LC just doesnt grab my attention anymore, possibly due to overexposure.

OK, got it now Tysh. Sorry to seem pedantic, but that comma after 'him' completely changes the meaning. As many of you know, i get confused easily.

p.

I tend to feel as Kush at times, but have come to the conclusion it is not LC's music but reading the opinions on this board that change my feeling of his music. If I go back and listen to the songs and let it speak to me with my own intrepretation, it is just as beautiful again.

Being or having a butt, that is the question, anyhow some of us cannot feel, we try to touch.