"Keep these old songs alive"
Posted by Jaana Wessman
Went to see Leonard Cohen sing. Considering he was born 1934, he performed quite well. Actually, he performed quite well, full stop, and it was a completely awesome concert with all the good songs and an amazing band. Cohen is one of the musicians/song-writers/poets who have had a very strong impression on me. It was an honor to see him perform live, and by some act of art and magic he managed to make me forget the arena concert hall with thousands of people and to connect to the music like at an intimate club.
The quote in the topic came from him. In certain sadness and warmth the whole thing very much felt like he was saying goodbyes, which naturally he very likely was - even if he is still healthy it is not likely he will make another world tour, and if he will, even unlikelier he will make it to the same locations. Closing time.
Now I greet you from the other side
Of sorrow and despair
With a love so vast and so shattered
It will reach you everywhereAnd I sing this for the captain
Whose ship has not been built
For the mother in confusion
Her cradle still unfilled
For the heart with no companion
For the soul without a king
For the prima ballerina
Who cannot dance to anythingThrough the days of shame that are coming
Through the nights of wild distress
Though your promise counts for nothing
You must keep it nonethelessYou must keep it for the captain
Whose ship has not been built
For the mother in confusion
Her cradle still unfilled
For the heart with no companion
For the soul without a king
For the prima ballerina
Who cannot dance to anything
