Monday 23 June 2014

Three Characteristics That Make A Song A Leonard Cohen Song: #3. Artistic Design – The Mystery & Practicality Of Songs

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Note: This post is an entry in a series of essays considering the question, “What makes a song a Leonard Cohen song?” An introduction and links to all published posts in the series can be found at Three Characteristics That Make A Song A Leonard Cohen Song: Summary Page.

MAGIC & MYSTERY

While craftsmanship, training, and hard work1 are the keystones of Cohen’s songwriting, it would be disingenuous not to note his conviction that metaphysical, almost supernatural forces are also at work:
If I knew where the good songs came from, I’d go there more often. [Songwriting] is much like the life of a Catholic nun. You’re married to a mystery.2
It’s something that you can’t talk about outside the moment, how it comes and when, how it’s done exactly. … It’s nothing to lament or regret.” Songs are a gift and I have had my share — if there are no more than there are no more. If there are more then I will be grateful, but it’s nothing that you can speak about because these are curious events that you can’t command.3

Read on... 

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