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Leonard Cohen, I love his raspy voice and the way he delivers a story. Did you know, Leonard was a more than a Canadian singer, and songwriter. He was also a poet, and novelist. His work explored religion, politics, isolation, depression, sexuality, loss, death and romantic relationships.

Leonard pursued a career as a poet and novelist during the 1950s and early 1960s, and did not begin a music career until 1967 at the age of 33 he turned to music. His greatest influence came from poet Federico Garcia Lorca who was noted for his symbolism and surrealism poetry in Spain.

In 1967, disappointed with his lack of success as a writer, Cohen moved to the United States to pursue a career as a folk music singer–songwriter.

“His song Suzanne became a hit for Judy Collins (who covered a number of Cohen’s other songs as well), and was for many years his most-covered song. Collins recalls that when she first met him, he said he couldn’t sing or play the guitar, nor did he think “Suzanne” was even a song: And then he played me “Suzanne”  … I said, “Leonard, you must come with me to this big fundraiser I’m doing” … Jimi Hendrix was on it. He’d never sung [in front of a large audience] before then. He got out on stage and started singing. Everybody was going crazy—they loved it. And he stopped about halfway through and walked off the stage. Everybody went nuts. … They demanded that he come back. And I demanded; I said, “I’ll go out with you.” So we went out, and we sang it. And of course, that was the beginning.” `wikipedia.

How cool is that to be on stage with Judy Collins and Jimi Hendrix. Both incredible artists, no wonder he walked off stage… it had to be overwhelming when you’re just beginning in the music field.

Leonard passed on November 7th, 2016 at the age of 82. I cried.

I enjoy all of Leonard’s work but this song is my absolute favorite.

Dance Me to the End of Love

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I’m gathered safely in
Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Oh, let me see your beauty when the witnesses are gone
Let me feel you moving like they do in Babylon
Show me slowly what I only know the limits of
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We’re both of us beneath our love, we’re both of us above
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I’m gathered safely in
Touch me with your naked hand or touch me with your glove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Source: Lyric Find

Songwriters: Leonard Cohen

Dance Me to the End of Love lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC