LEONARD BRINGS IN THE LIGHT

My husband sent me this message from his wonderful Red Hand Files. It comes from Kaley in Manchester. He tells me many people are sending in songs and poems at this time. That is such a generous thing for people to do.

Dear Nick,

Leonard Cohen once said ‘there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in’. I know you love Leonard as much as me so I am sending you this gorgeous live version of ‘Anthem’. This is my offering of light to you, Susie and Earl during this time of madness. Stay safe.

Love, Kaley x

Thank you Kaley, It is wonderful to receive these gifts.  Here is Leonard, telling it like it is, a prophet of our times, whose patient, unhurried songs are, indeed, the light getting in. Love, Susie x

Anthem

The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
Has passed away
Or what is yet to be
Yeah the wars they will
Be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
Bought and sold
And bought again
The dove is never free

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in

We asked for signs
The signs were sent
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to see

I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
And they're going to hear from me

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in

You can add up the parts
You won't have the sum
You can strike up the march
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart to love will come
But like a refugee

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in
That's how the light gets in

Songwriter – Leonard Cohen