The Meaning Behind The Song: So Long – Marianne by Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen was a legendary musician, poet, and novelist who captivated the hearts of millions with his soulful and introspective lyrics. His song, “So Long, Marianne,” from his album “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” has become one of his most iconic and inspiring creations.
The song is a tribute to Marianne Ihlen, Cohen’s former lover and muse, who inspired much of his early work. The lyrics are a reflection of their relationship, the memories they shared, and the bittersweet ending of their romance.
The Story Behind the Song
Cohen and Ihlen met in the 1960s on the Greek island of Hydra. They fell deeply in love and embarked on a passionate and tumultuous relationship. Cohen’s music was heavily influenced by Ihlen and her life experiences, and many of his earlier songs were written about her.
“So Long, Marianne” was written during one of their trips to the Greek island where they first met. The song’s lyrics are a heartfelt goodbye to Ihlen as Cohen prepared to leave her behind and return to Montreal, where his musical career was on the rise.
The song’s opening lyrics, “Come over to the window, my little darling, I’d like to try to read your palm,” were inspired by an actual moment between Cohen and Ihlen. A tarot card reader had come to the island, and Cohen had asked Ihlen to come to the window to have her palm read.
Cohen wrote “So Long, Marianne” as a farewell to Ihlen, who was staying on the island. Despite their split, they remained lifelong friends, and Cohen was with Ihlen until her death in 2016.
The Significance of the Song
“So Long, Marianne” is hailed as one of Cohen’s most poetic and profound works. It captures the essence of a loving and passionate relationship and the sadness that comes with its ending.
The song’s chorus, “So long, Marianne, it’s time that we began to laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again,” is a reminder that even though the relationship may be over, the memories and experiences shared together will always be cherished.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to strike a chord with listeners who have experienced the highs and lows of love and relationships. It’s also a testament to the power of music to transcend time and connect people across generations.
FAQs
1. Who is Marianne Ihlen?
Marianne Ihlen was one of Leonard Cohen’s muses and former lovers. They met in the 1960s on the Greek island of Hydra and embarked on a passionate and tumultuous relationship that inspired much of Cohen’s early work.
2. What inspired “So Long, Marianne”?
“So Long, Marianne” was written as a farewell to Marianne Ihlen as Cohen prepared to leave her behind and return to Montreal, where his musical career was on the rise. The song’s lyrics reflect their relationship and the bittersweet ending of their romance.
3. What is the significance of the song?
“So Long, Marianne” is hailed as one of Cohen’s most poetic and profound works. It captures the essence of a loving and passionate relationship and the sadness that comes with its ending. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to strike a chord with listeners who have experienced the highs and lows of love and relationships.
4. When was “So Long, Marianne” released?
“So Long, Marianne” was released on Leonard Cohen’s debut album, “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” in 1967.
5. What other songs were written about Marianne Ihlen?
Many of Leonard Cohen’s earlier songs were inspired by Marianne Ihlen, including “Bird on a Wire,” “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye,” and “Sisters of Mercy.”
6. What is the meaning behind the song’s chorus?
The song’s chorus, “So long, Marianne, it’s time that we began to laugh and cry and cry and laugh about it all again,” is a reminder that even though the relationship may be over, the memories and experiences shared together will always be cherished.
7. What is the significance of the opening lyrics?
The song’s opening lyrics, “Come over to the window, my little darling, I’d like to try to read your palm,” were inspired by an actual moment between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen. A tarot card reader had come to the island, and Cohen had asked Ihlen to come to the window to have her palm read.
8. Did Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen remain friends after their split?
Yes, despite their split, Cohen and Ihlen remained lifelong friends. Cohen was with Ihlen until her death in 2016.
9. How has “So Long, Marianne” influenced popular culture?
“So Long, Marianne” has become an iconic song that has been covered by many artists, including Jeff Buckley, Pixies, and Lisa Hannigan. It has also been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials.
10. What is the legacy of Leonard Cohen’s music?
Leonard Cohen’s music has left a lasting impact on popular culture and has influenced generations of musicians, writers, and artists. His ability to capture the essence of the human condition in his lyrics has made him an enduring figure in music and literature.
11. What was Leonard Cohen’s writing process?
Leonard Cohen was known for his meticulous writing process, often taking years to perfect a song’s lyrics. He would spend hours writing, rewriting, and revising each line until he felt it was perfect.
12. What is Leonard Cohen’s legacy?
Leonard Cohen’s legacy as one of the most influential and revered songwriters of all time has been solidified by his poetic and introspective lyrics, timeless melodies, and captivating performances. He is remembered not only for his musical contributions but also for his profound insights into the human condition.
