What are your reasons for loving/respecting Leonard?

[leonardmtl]

I love that Leonard describes, in just a minimum of words, the emotions that sear his (and our) connection to life experiences... the core feelings, dissected and calibrated with uncanny accuracy. Almost every line, taking so excruciatingly long to construct, exact just the right meaning. I am humbled to suggest several examples from a life work........ ( "a man working for your smile") ( I don't like children any how") ("holding up the wall") ( "Johnny Walker wisdom")

Are we not priviledged to see life experiences from a mountain top or an ocean bottom?

leonard from Montreal

[somewhat_nifty]

I think Leonard is rare in that both the music and the man are capable of inspiring (and maintaining) strong feelings. Leonard himself - his intelligence, charm, kindness, erudition, humility, spirituality (something I think I admire because I absolutely do not share it), generosity, etc - not wanting to write him up as a saint as I'm sure there are episodes in his life where he's not felt proud about the way he acted, but, as lightasabreeze says, the fact that he's been able to maintain good relations with so many exes is noteworthy. He seems like a presence people want to keep in their life.

The songs - so many things, the honesty, beauty, humour, exquisite craftsmanship, self-examination, the unflinching gaze at things many would avert their eyes from. I have never found songs that speak to me as Leonard's have. And it's not just the words, the melodies as well - Leonard is the only composer outside of classical music that has managed to have a physical effect on me, sometimes my chest tightens and aches listening to certains songs of his (I'm not some kind of classical music fiend, but certain movements of Schubert/Mozart are the only other pieces that do this to me). And how many other performers would incorporate the handflute into their repertoire?

Oh, and as mnkyface says, got to love the fedora

[st theresa]

I first came to this forum because I wanted to thank Leonard for his work. I had no idea that you were all here, but I was thrilled to find you. I quickly realized that I would not be able to contact him in person, but at least I was able to share my years long feelings of love and respect for the man. This question always takes me back --what was it back in 1970, that so grabbed my attention. His humour, the poetry, the way his words seemed to come from somewhere deep in me. I recognized him at some strange level that I certainly didn't express in words, back then. I felt that he knew me at a level deeper than I knew myself. Perhaps it was his honesty as someone has already mentioned, and the fact that he was older, braver, and a lot better with words than I was then and am now. He is still older (of course). I wonder who of us does not long for an older wiser mentor to give our lives some context, some direction. When Leonard says he does not know where the good songs come from, I smile. I think there is some higher wisdom that artists know more intimately than most, and which, if they are open enough, uses them to express itself to us. I recognize Leonard's humanity and his great humility, in recognizing his own humanity. Many gifted artists lose that humility in their journey. I think that I am not alone in recognizing that deep humility and just appreciating it so much. Have I said too much?

[Cheshire gal]

No you could'nt.



Cheshire gal

[Geoffrey]

John Etherington wrote:
>Leonard . . . has fathered children, and done what is necessary to earn money and provide for himself, his family, and those who he cares for.

Fathering children is not all that hard work, John. I would even go as far as to say that Leonard probably even enjoyed the task. Carrying, and especially giving birth to the little brats, is harder (which is why it is called 'being in labour') - but fathering them is a process that would have appealed to a man of Leonard's calibre. So to praise Leonard by saying he "has fathered children" as if to suggest he had endured hardship and sacrifice is to twist the facts, is it not? The likely truth is that he wanted to do it, regardless of whether or not his act resulted in conception. Because afterwards he could relax for twenty minutes and think about something else. How free he must have felt in that brief period after shooting his wad, a time when energy and thoughts could be focused onto something other than nookie.

[Boss]

Only a few people in this world give me hope. Leonard Cohen is one of them.

[HopeIt'sYourWill]

If a friend could be built to order, mine would be intelligent, well read, kind, caring, and generous. He would be spiritual, creative, and unpretentious to the point of being down right humble. My built to order friend would possess an extraordinary command of language as well as a veracious wit. And, while I was at it, I'd go all out and order the super deluxe model whose standard features include: The heart of a lover, the soul of a poet, and the voice of wisdom. If you'd like a similar friend, simply check the LEONARD COHEN model on your order form. He comes with a money back guarantee but I can assure you, my friend never disappoints. And so, I find myself answering the above question with a another question. How could anyone with a such a friend NOT love and respect him?

Hope

[Cheshire gal]

HopeItsYou'rWill,

You put it perfectly, what else is there to ask for? Leonard delivers in all ways.



Cheshire gal

[LisaLCFan]

Everyone has given such lovely reasons for loving and respecting Leonard, most of which I agree with wholeheartedly. I guess the only thing I can think of to add is this: Leonard Cohen makes the world a better place.