“Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, and with our last breath we can still sing Hallelujah.” - The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
“One of the best volumes on Cohen's life and lyrics ... An exploration that would have intrigued and excited Leonard himself.” - John MacKenna, author and friend of Leonard Cohen
Harry Freedman reveals the spiritual traditions behind Leonard Cohen’s profound and recognizable lyrics. Singer and poet Leonard Cohen was deeply educated in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual traditions that served as the foundation of his self-identity and his perception of the world.
In this book, Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, explores the mystical and spiritual sources that Cohen drew from, discusses their original context, and the stories and ideas behind them. Cohen's music is filled with allegories to Judaic and Christian tradition, to stories and ideas from the Bible, the Talmud, and the Kabbalah.
From his 1967 classic “Suzanne,” through masterpieces like “Hallelujah” and “Who by Fire,” to his final challenge towards divinity, “You Want It Darker,” he drew from spirituality both as inspiration and as a tool for creating understanding, clarity, and beauty.
Born into a prominent and educated Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, Cohen initially aspired to be a poet before turning to songwriting and eventually recording his own compositions. Later, he delved into Zen Buddhism, moving in 1990 to a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California, where he remained for some years.
Leonard Cohen died, with perfect timing, on the day before Donald Trump's election in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. “Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius” delves deeply into the imagination of one of the greatest singers and songwriters of our time, providing a window into the landscape of his soul.
Moving away from traditional biographical approaches, Freedman explores piece by piece how Cohen rephrased myths and prayers, legends and allegories, with a song index at the end of the book for readers to look up their favorites. In the end, the reader will gain a strong understanding of Cohen's story, along with a much broader view of the mystical roots of his indisputable work.
Pages: 288, Year of Publication: 2023, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm
