Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne"

[darkstar]

I don’t know why, but I always thinks of this song around the holidays. Maybe because of the Jesus centered second verse. But it’s the third verse that gets me: There a re children in the morning / they are leaning out for love / they will lean that way forever.

As side note, has anyone seen the rather experimental 70s indie film “The Second Coming of Suzanne” that uses the song as a loose jumping off point? It stars Sondra Locke and Richard Dreyfuss. It’s a film within a film about a hippie director who casts Locke as a female Christ figure. A confusing mess, but it was some lovely, memorable moments. Anyway, would love to find someone else besides me who’s seen it.

?si=N-L8E7csPCmoKzuj

[nikatnyte]

1. Every bit the equal of "Hallelujah"

I wasn't too aware of Leonard Cohen when I first heard "Suzanne" in 1967. It was recorded by Noel Harrison, actor Rex Harrison's son, and was a minor hit on the local radio station KRLA here in Los Angeles. I was immediately captivated by the song and its lyrics; Harrison wasn't a great singer but his thin voice was perfect for the song. It remains one of my all-time favorites. "Hallelujah" has become Cohen's most famous song, perhaps deservedly so, but to me it's "Suzanne" that comes to mind when I l
hear his name. (No, I've never heard of that short film. I'm a bit hesitant about seeking it out, but I will!)

[darkstar]

2. Well, the film is a feature, not a short.

I bought it on vhs for 2 bucks in one of those circular bargain bins at a Walgreens knowing nothing about it except the box description and cast. I really can’t recommend it, but on the other hand I’ve probably watched it 3 times, hahaha.

And I agree with you that it’s every bit the equal of his most famous song.

[Conjuay]

5. I heard it for the first time on the first Women's Rights day

It brought me to tears-
and only three songs have ever done that.

[darkstar]

8. I teared up my first time too

And even if no tears, it puts a lump in my throat, that’s for sure. Like I said in OP, it’s those lines about children leaning out for love forever that slay me.

[Norrrm]

3. Same song in his 2008 concert was far superior to his younger versions.

Same for his other songs in that 2008 concert.

(Just my opinion)

&list=RDRF3SJerPG7g&start_radio=1

[Morbius]

4. I find it extremely difficult to name Leonard Cohen's best song.

He is hands down the best composer in Canadian history, not that that's a huge deal. He wrote quite a few memorable songs, some of which come to me at the oddest times. I've seen the future, and it's murder.

[Conjuay]

6. "not that that's a huge deal"

Joni?
Gordon Lightfoot?
Neil Young?
Sorry, but I would have to disagree.

[Morbius]

7. I did not know Joni Mitchell was from Canada.

And Neil Young is special, too. I apologize; you have a point.

[Zorro]

9. Judy Collins' version is ethereal