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Lizzy inspired me through a conversation to start this thread (thanks, Lizzy).

We all love the way Leonard sings, that's for sure, but each of us must have noticed some words he pronounces in a way so special and unique that we simply adore listening to, again and again.

For me there is no one in the world who can pronounce the word "violin" better than Leonard and the same goes for the word "omega". What about you?

I love the way he says words ending in "ter" e.g. "bitter" and "water" with his emphasis on the "t" sound. I think they stand out especially for me as I live in London where nobody pronounces the letter t. Also kinda obvious but his "naked" (he says that a lot) and "baby" are good too.

Leonard`s emphasis is the most enchanting I have ever heard, rich like vintage wine and sliding like the finest silk. For me nobody pronounce name "Leonard Cohen" as perfectly as Leonard himself!

Leonard`s emphasis is the most enchanting I have ever heard, rich like vintage wine and sliding like the finest silk. For me nobody pronounce name "Leonard Cohen" as perfectly as Leonard himself!

So, SO true, Spicebox... "Sincerely, L Cohen" comes in there with that, too.

And, Joney, I also said "naked" when Stamatina and I were talking about it. These are my comments from then:

Yes, you're right, omega is another one, Stamatina .

I've been thinking for several days now how just these simple, common words, are joined together with such amazing impact, with the way Leonard says them. So much is imbued them with Leonard's voice and expression. I'll put them in list form, just to underscore how common they really are:

but
you
look
good
you
really
do


I can't even begin to express what happens inside me when I hear him speak these words... he imbues them with such high degrees of appreciation, melancholy, poignancy, even bittersweet longing, and humility, in A Thousand Kisses Deep.

~ Lizzy


[edited to add the "Sincerely" in "Sincerely, L Cohen"]

Ah, the "omega". So, so, so much better than our Ancient and Modern Greek Language professor at school... Same goes for "alpha" and "delta", but the "omega" is the most incredible of the three.


I'll also have to add "body".

And what about the way Leonard says "darling"! I am little shy of word "baby", it is strange word for Finnish ears, so I am happy he uses more his lovely "darling" nowadays.

I love the way Leonard says the word "iron", especially in the live version of Memories on the Field Commander Cohen album.

I pinned an Iron Cross to my lapel

Mary

It has got to be "memories" in "I Can't Forget"!
"I've got this rig that runs on memories"
Gets me every time.

He seldom says 'to,' almost always 'ta.' (...ta the end of love...) Love it! And, of course, the Canadian pronunciation of 'out.'

What about "hallelujah"

Monkey!!!! Sometimes it sounds like Moan-kay.

Have to agree with those who like "Iron" and "Body". "Kitchenette" and "Babylon" are darn good too.

I love the way he says "commonwealth aGAIN in Villanelle for Our Time. I mentioned this in another thread and was told that is how it is pronounced in Canada.

"Government" and "Thundercloud" in Anthem get me every time too.

And "the wisdom of OOOOOOOLD" in In My Secret Life always gives me goosebumps, especially when he holds that low note sooooo long there on the current tour.

I adore this thread. Thank you for starting it Stamatina, and thanks Lizzy, for the idea!

I love the way he says "commonwealth aGAIN in Villanelle for Our Time. I mentioned this in another thread and was told that is how it is pronounced in Canada.

I don't care how they pronounce it in Canada . I LOVE how Leonard says it.


I don't think it was my idea to start the thread, Mnkyface... but, rather our discussion that gave Stamatina the idea and my support for her doing so. Wasn't that how it went, Stamatina? Or did my support come after? Too little sleep these days...

lizzytysh wrote: I don't think it was my idea to start the thread, Mnkyface... but, rather our discussion that gave Stamatina the idea and my support for her doing so. Wasn't that how it went, Stamatina? Or did my support come after? Too little sleep these days...

Your support was there all along the way and I thank you.
Also, the title belongs to you and above all, if it hadn't been for our discussion, I wouldn't have thought of starting the thread. So, thanks again.

Leonard has got one of my favourite voices to listen to ever! I love his Canadian softness and the pronunciation of 'aboot', 'withoot' etc One of my favourite phrases has to be 'your naked bodaaay' in Memories. Also, good call Spice-box about 'darling' - I love the line 'come over to the window my little darlin' ' in the current tour version of So Long, Marianne. I also find it endearing how he says 'PERscription' in the album version of One Of Us Cannot be Wrong - I think he corrects it on the Cohen Live version.

Ah... it all comes back! And I thought my support got in there sooner than afterward! Whew. It helps to have someone remind you of your life once in awhile . I didn't want to take credit anywhere that credit wasn't due. Thanks for piecing the puzzle together and now, I even remember my own words [thread title]... so, how 'bout that for waking up ? I'm very glad you decided to start this thread, too, Stamatina. I'm loving everyone's entries.


~ Lizzy