Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius – Freedman Harry (2024)

Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions behind Leonard Cohen’s profound and unmistakable lyrics. Deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, Cohen drew on stories and ideas from the Bible, the Talmud and the Kabbalah throughout his music, from “Suzanne” and “Hallelujah” to “Who by Fire” and “You Want It Darker.” Freedman explores these mystical and spiritual sources in their original context, examining how Cohen reworked myths, prayers, legends and allegories to create understanding, clarity and beauty. Born into a prominent Jewish family in Montreal, Cohen first aspired to become a poet before turning to songwriting and recording his own compositions. Later, he immersed himself in Zen Buddhism and spent several years at a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California. Moving beyond traditional biography, this book examines Cohen’s work song by song and includes an index of songs for readers to search by their favourites. It offers a deeper understanding of Cohen’s life and a window onto the spiritual landscape of one of the greatest singers and lyricists of his time.