So Long, Marianne

Album: Songs Of Leonard Cohen (1967)
Play Video
  • Come over to the window, my little darling
    I'd like to try to read your palm
    I used to think I was some kind of Gypsy boy
    Before I let you take me home

    Now so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

    Well, you know that I love to live with you
    But you make me forget so very much
    I forget to pray for the angels
    And then the angels forget to pray for us

    Now so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

    We met when we were almost young
    Deep in the green lilac park
    You held on to me like I was a crucifix
    As we went kneeling through the dark

    Oh, so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

    Your letters, they all say that you're beside me now
    Then why do I feel alone?
    I'm standing on a ledge and your fine spider web
    Is fastening my ankle to a stone

    Now so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

    For now I need your hidden love
    I'm cold as a new razorblade
    You left when I told you I was curious
    I never said that I was brave

    Oh, so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again

    Oh, you are really such a pretty one
    I see you've gone and changed your name again
    And just when I climbed this whole mountainside
    To wash my eyelids in the rain

    Oh, so long, Marianne
    It's time that we began to laugh
    And cry and cry and laugh about it all again Writer/s: Leonard Cohen
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Robert Campion from Galway, IrelandThis song was written in Montreal, Canada...always thought there might be some connection between the title and Marianne Street on Montreal.
  • Leo from Ny , Nythis song is so beautiful. i got it from my girl friend. and i been listening to it for past 2 month have 100o tmes n over n over,
    craig you wrote it so precise
  • Thomas Gabrielsen from Oslo, NorwayFor those who understand Norwegian can go to www.nrk.no and search for it in the archive, it is freely available for everybody. Next saturday they broadcast an interview with Leonard Cohen where he will tell his story, and I really looking forward to it.
  • Craig from Dunedin, New ZealandA NewZealand band called the "Straitjacket Fits" did a really cool interpretation in the late '80s . The result was that my friends and i checked out the Cohen catalogue. Well into the millenium and continue to listen and be intrigued!
  • Craig from Madison, Wi"She held on to me like I was a crucifix." Absolutely amazing. No lyricist has such a clear and precise sense of metaphor--song length or one-line.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.