If you were wondering if Leonard Cohen’s latest CD “You Want It Darker” would be just some half-hearted musings by an old man in the night of his life, have no fear. This CD is terrific in every way: from the lyrics, the backup vocals, the fantastic instrumental playing, and the beautifully packaged CD. Unlike some recording artists, Mr. Cohen, who is also a visual artist, seems to put as much thought into the photography and artwork as he does his always beautiful lyrics. (In this instance Cohen’s photograph is by his son Adam whose help he maintains was crucial in getting the CD finished.) Leonard for years has used great backup vocals that complement his bass voice. On this CD he is joined by Alison Krause, Dana Glover, Athena Andreadis, Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Chorus and (as the social media folk would say “OMG”) Cantor Gideon Y. Zelermyer (on the title cut “You Want it Darker.”)



The nine offerings are all exquisitely gorgeous. The lyrics are quintessential Cohen. As always, he tells all the truth but with a slant. His Bible imagery has the usual Cohen twist: “I seen you change the water into wine/I seen you change it back into water too.” He writes about love (when it works and when it doesn’t), resignation, peace in old age, death—and with such beautiful imagery. “If I Didn’t Have Your Love” is a prime example: “If the stars were all unpinned/And a cold and bitter wind/Swallowed up the world/Without a trace“ is poetry of the highest order. Although I like all the songs, “You Want It Darker” barely edges out “Treaty” as my favorite after several listenings, at least for today. It has to be listened to to be believed. Here are the first two verses:



If you want it darker

I’m out of the game;

If you are the healer

I’m broken and lame

If thine is the glory

Then mine must be the shame

You want it darker

We kill the flame



Magnified and sanctified

Be Thy Holy Name

Vilified and crucified

In the human frame

A million candles burning

For the help that never came

You want it darker

We kill the flame



Henini Henini (Translated from the Hebrew: “Here Am I.”)

I’m ready, my Lord



If this CD is Mr. Cohen’s swan song—and we hope not-- it is a glorious finish to a long and distinguished career. (I would have given him the Nobel Prize for Literature along with Bob Dylan so there would have been a tie.) To paraphrase W. H. Auden’s words on the death of William Butler Yeats, the day of his death will be a dark cold day.