Leonard Cohen - Suzanne
13,515,235
Published 2012-11-16
Suzanne Verdal was interviewed by CBC News's The National in 2006 about the song. Verdal claims that she and Cohen never had sexual relations, contrary to what some interpretations of the song suggest. Cohen himself stated in a 1994 BBC interview that he only imagined having sex with her, as there was neither the opportunity nor inclination to actually go through with it. She says she has met Cohen twice since the song's initial popularity; once after a concert Cohen performed in the 1970s and once in passing in the 1990s when she danced for him, but Cohen did not speak to her (and possibly did not recognise her).
In any case, its lyrics first appeared as the poem "Suzanne Takes You Down" in Cohen's 1966 book of poetry Parasites of Heaven, admittedly because of lack of new material (lyrics to a few other songs from his subsequent 1967 debut album were also printed in the book).
All Comments (21)
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Must be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. What a legend!
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"...When musicians were authentic and not motivated by money..." Those musicians become real stars. Leonard Cohen is a perfect example af a real star.
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It was 1972, in London, coming from an eastern European country when I first heard this song. This is when my love for this poet of songs started. I am old now, my love for his songs is young. He may not be with us, but Leonard is with us now and forever.
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Who's still listening to this masterpiece in 2020 its just amazing.
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The first time I heard Leonard Cohen sing Suzanne in 1967, I was smitten, and my love for this song and the poet who sang it has never faded.
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I heard this song not long after it first appeared, and always loved it, though some of its lyrics were mysterious. A few years later, in 1973, I met a beautiful, mysterious, half-crazy woman named Suzanne, and the song acquired new meaning. Suzanne and I married in 1975. She died six weeks ago, and this song has been a trigger for both my grief and for happy memories of our 47 years together. I travelled with her, and I travelled blind, because I knew I could trust her.
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Who's listening this legendary song during quarantine ?? 💖
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Still listing in 2021. Masterpiece
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Oh wow, I'd forgotten how much I loved this song as a teenager in the 60's . I am 68 and I grew up adoring the beautiful songs of Leonard Cohen, the gifted poet, and songwriter. I never cared that he had a scratchy singing voice because when he sang his beautiful songs it didn't matter. You only heard the lyrics.. His songs will live forever.
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RIP Leonard Cohen. We will dearly miss you but your music will live on. Thank you.
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No one does this better than Leonard. He is a miracle of a musician and man. We all really miss him. RIP Leonard.
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Thank you Mr. Cohen for the Song My Husband 16 years my Senior Sang to me The Moment I Stole His Heart in 1982 & Lived as One till 2017 when I lost him to a medication mix-up at a hospital ?? We played music recorded & sang together I'm blessed to have those tapes to hear his voice still singing to me....
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Absolutely love his introduction to this performance. Thanking this "friend" for taking it from him, cause "it would be wrong to write this song and get rich from it". So great.
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As if this week wasn't sad enough! Rest in peace, Leonard. Your music will live on.
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He has been gone for 5 years today and my heart will always break for him - we lost the most prolific artist and soul - love you Leonard
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Thanks to a teacher in 74. Thank you so much. RIP Leonard! Thank you...
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He enriched our lives. Be thankful that you were in a time to be able to share, listen to and appreciate Leonard Cohen............sadly missed Leonard, REST IN PEACE SIR
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"Hey that's no way to say goodbye'. Farewell sir, rip
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I love this song I must have listened to it a thousand times and its still one of my all time favorites
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I too am in my 70’s and this will be one of the gifts of Covid lockdowns. Always knew Halleluia but there is a wealth of beautiful, meaningful songs. Love them.
