Born In Chains

Album: Popular Problems (2014)
Play Video
  • I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt
    I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised
    Lord I can no longer keep this secret
    Blessed is the name, the name be praised

    I fled to the edge of a mighty sea of sorrow
    Pursued by the riders of a cruel and dark regime
    But the waters parted and my soul crossed over
    Out of Egypt, out of Pharaoh's dream

    Word of words and the measure of all measures
    Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
    Written on my heart in burning letters
    That's all I know, I cannot read the rest

    I was idled with my soul, when I heard that you could use me
    I followed very closely, but my life remained the same
    But then you showed me where you had been wounded
    In every atom broken is a name

    I was alone on the road, your love was so confusing
    All my teachers told me I had myself to blame
    But in the grip of sensual illusion
    The sweet unknowing unifies a name

    Word of words, and the measure of all measures
    Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
    Written on my heart in burning letters
    That's all I know, I cannot read the rest

    I've heard the soul unfolds in the chambers of its longing
    And the bitter liquor sweetens in the amber cup
    But all the ladders of the night have fallen
    Only darkness now, to lift the longing up

    Word of words and measure of all measures
    Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
    Written on my heart in burning letters
    That's all I know, I cannot read the rest Writer/s: Leonard Cohen
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.