Lent and Leonard Cohen

He's been a favorite of mine since I first heard Judy Collins sing his "Suzanne" back in 1968. Two years ago I discovered him again, still writing songs, and giving some wonderful performances. This song of his seems appropriate for the beginning of Lent:

Anthem

by Leonard Cohen 

The birds they sang

at the break of day

Start again,

I heard them say,

Don’t dwell on what

has passed away

or what is yet to be.

The wars they will

be fought again

The holy dove

be caught again

bought and sold

and bought again;

the dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.

We asked for signs

the signs were sent:

the birth betrayed,

the marriage spent;

the widowhood

of every government –

signs for all to see.

Can’t run no more

with that lawless crowd

while the killers in high places

say their prayers out loud.

But they’ve summoned up

a thundercloud.

They’re going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.