I have a deep tribal sense. I grew up in a synagogue that my ancestors built. I sat in the third row. My family was decent. They were good people; they were handshake people. So I never had a sense of rebellion. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
There are writers who are great visionaries, who can depict huge movements – things like that. They’re the great writers. I’m just the other kind. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
I had girlfriends who really irritated me by their devotion to the Beatles. I didn’t begrudge them their interest, and there were songs like ‘Hey Jude’ that I could appreciate. But they didn’t seem to be essential to the kind of nourishment that I craved. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
I continually blacken pages and scribble away, so I always have a number of songs that are half-finished. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
I always thought that poetry is the verdict that others give to a certain kind of writing. So to call yourself a poet is a kind of dangerous description. It’s for others; it’s for others to use. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
Most of the time one is discouraged by the work, but now and again by some grace something stands out and invites you to work on it, to elaborate it or animate it in some way. It’s a mysterious process. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
We used to play music for fun. Much more than now. Now nobody picks up a guitar unless they’re paid for it. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
I had the title poet, and maybe I was one for a while. Also, the title singer was kindly accorded me, even though I could barely carry a tune. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
Women stand for the objective world for a man. They stand for the thing that you’re not and that’s what you always reach for in a song. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
I read with some amusement my reputation as a ladies’ man. My friends are amused by that, too, because they know my life. Leonard Cohen Read Quote
