Universally beloved Canadian poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen died on November 7 at the age of 82. The video above by the PBS Digital Studios animated web series Blank and Blank goes back to a rare 1974 interview with Cohen to uncover some of his influences.
Cohen, then 40, recites Two Went To Sleep in his signature deep, rich and soothing voice – a poem he wrote when he was 20. Rich in imagery, the poem – “Two went to sleep, almost every night, one dreamed of mud, one dreamed of Asia, visiting a zeppelin, visiting Nijinsky” – is visualised through animation.
In the second half, the singer-songwriter explains what he thinks of covers of his songs, “I’m always pleased when somebody sings a song of mine. In fact, I never get over that initial rush of happiness when someone says they’re going to sing a song of mine.”
And finally, the piece de resistance: the real-life incident that inspired Sisters of Mercy.
“It’s one of the few songs I ever wrote from top to bottom without a line of revision,” he explains. Here’s the song:
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!