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Leonard Cohen — My Secret Life
Album: Ten New Songs
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 874









Released: 2001
Length: 4:51
Plays (last 30 days): 2
I saw you this morning
You were moving so fast
Can't seem to loosen my grip
On the past
And I miss you so much
There's no one in sight
And we're still making love
In My Secret Life

I smile when I'm angry
I cheat and I lie
I do what I have to do
To get by
But I know what is wrong
And I know what is right
And I'd die for the truth
In My Secret Life

Hold on, hold on, my brother
My sister, hold on tight
I finally got my orders
I'll be marching through the morning
Marching through the night
Moving cross the borders
Of My Secret Life

Looked through the paper
Makes you want to cry
Nobody cares if the people
Live or die
And the dealer wants you thinking
That it's either black or white
Thank God it's not that simple
In My Secret Life

I bite my lip
I buy what I'm told
From the latest hit
To the wisdom of old
But I'm always alone
And my heart is like ice
And it's crowded and cold
In My Secret Life
Comments (18)add comment




His secret life goes like this: there is no L. C., it's Dustin Hoffman, after being divorced from Kathrin Ross, he moved to Greece, met Marianne Faithful there, until she left him for Mick Jagger, he composed "So long Marieanne". The rest is history.
Majority is probably already familiar with this, but I will highly recommend Cohen's concert Live in London O2 arena (released  2009). Available on both DVD and CD. Amazing performance including the musicians and backup vocals. 
Perhaps, we should all aspire to live a life so full of introspection.  Lyrics from a mind that explored his thoughts and emotions completely; and unfiltered. 
Thirteen comments for LC? I have it! You are all dead!
I was unaware - but Leonard obviously was watching me when he wrote the lyric! He got it down better than could I.  Thanks, L Cohen!
He's more a poet than a singer.
 Paddy_Hannan wrote:

I always habitually bought everything Cohen put out, but I haven't loved any album he made since Various Positions in, what, 1984? Even that record had a couple of tracks I can live without but it's mainly excellent despite its arrangements and production.
Still, I agree with most of the more negative sentiments expressed here; I believe Cohen's work became dull and uninteresting.
Though I will say that Alexandra Leaving from this album is my favourite Cohen track since VP and almost certainly the best thing he did in his later years.


Somewhat recently I ended a relationship and have dealt with it at times by pretending my love is still with me. Leave it to Leonard (like I'm on a first name basis with him, lol) to have been through a similar situation before my time. And awesome of him to have put my experiences into a song in a way that I never could. So of course I don't believe this song is dull or uninteresting as I can personally identify with it. I suppose it's good that many people can't personally identify with it. But then again, I wouldn't trade that love for anything.
I find these lyrics moving and personal. I'd guess they would resonate with anyone who has lived a full life. Leonard Cohen's heartfelt poetry never disappoints. 
More like basso profundo,  otherwise agree.   Typesbad wrote:
It's nice to hear a baritone male voice, but there is noting else interesting in this song. Melody, words, instrumentation - all just boring as a bookkeeping textbook.
 

I always habitually bought everything Cohen put out, but I haven't loved any album he made since Various Positions in, what, 1984? Even that record had a couple of tracks I can live without but it's mainly excellent despite its arrangements and production.
Still, I agree with most of the more negative sentiments expressed here; I believe Cohen's work became dull and uninteresting.
Though I will say that Alexandra Leaving from this album is my favourite Cohen track since VP and almost certainly the best thing he did in his later years.
It\'s nice to hear a baritone male voice, but there is noting else interesting in this song. Melody, words, instrumentation - all just boring as a bookkeeping textbook.
Leonard you sell out. This is so mediocre. Lost it.
Originally Posted by Not_Dark_Yet: Everthing The Jikan does is worth listening too. Even if you have to wait ten years for another album. I too have been a fan since "Suzanne". Leonard not only rocks, he *is* a rock. Let's hear more of him here. Please. This https://www.leonardcohenfiles.com/ for the fans to look at. "I'm turning tricks, I'm getting fixed, I'm back on Boogie Street. ... And sometimes when the night is slow, The wretched and the meek, We gather up our hearts and go..."
Thanks, Not_Dark _Yet (one of my favourite Dylan songs by the way) I've already visited the Cohen tribute site and it's been very worthwhile.
Zzz . . . Zzz . . . Zzzz
his voice is strangely mesmerizing...