Only a few weeks ago, Leonard Cohen shocked a multitude of fans with the confession of his readiness to die and now the great poet and singer-songwriter has passed away, aged 82. Many will remember Cohen by “Hallelujah” and some by “Dance Me To The End Of Love” – both ballads nods to Leonard’s Jewish heritage – but his depth can’t be measured by these popular pieces whose omnipresence seem to have diluted the writer’s profound message.
Cohen actually may have defined his cultural position in “Tower Of Song” and his stance by his 1970 performance at the Isle of Wight festival, yet it’s still difficult to explain the magnetism of Leonard’s lyrics – in this case, a poor choice of a word for poems bent to fit music – or voice that made him a true ladies’ man and men’s icon. Never a great vocalist, Cohen was a fantastic singer and a deeply spiritual person, although some derided Leonard’s forays into Buddhism. Looks like he was ready to be ridiculous because it facilitated his mass acceptance. That’s why his recent confession became a shock; that’s why his passing isn’t shocking. It was meant to be that way, and now Leonard Cohen’s restless soul may rest in peace.
