Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius

'Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.'
— The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

'Among the finest volumes on Cohen's life and lyrics ... An exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.'
— John McKenna, writer and friend of Leonard Cohen

Harry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions that lie behind Leonard Cohen's profound and unmistakable lyrics.

The singer and poet Leonard Cohen was deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual traditions that underpinned his self-identity and the way he made sense of the world. In this book, Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, explores the mystical and spiritual sources Cohen drew upon, discusses their original context, and delves into the stories and ideas behind them.

Spirituality in Cohen's Music

Cohen's music is rich with allusions to Jewish and Christian tradition, drawing from:

• The Bible
• The Talmud
• The Kabbalah

From his 1967 classic 'Suzanne', through masterpieces like 'Hallelujah' and 'Who by Fire', to his final challenge to divinity, 'You Want It Darker', Cohen used spirituality as both inspiration and a tool to create understanding, clarity, and beauty.

A Life of Exploration and Creation

• Early Life: Born into a prominent and scholarly Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, Cohen initially aspired to be a poet before turning to songwriting and eventually recording his own compositions.
• Immersion in Zen Buddhism: Later in life, Cohen became immersed in Zen Buddhism, moving in 1990 to a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California, where he remained for several years.
• Final Chapter: Cohen passed away, with immaculate timing, on the day before Donald Trump was elected in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations.

What This Book Offers

Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius takes a deep look into the imagination of one of the greatest singers and lyricists of our time. Departing from traditional biographical approaches, Harry Freedman provides:

• A song-by-song exploration of how Cohen reworked myths, prayers, legends, and allegories.
• An index of songs at the end of the book, allowing readers to search by their favorites.

By the end of this journey, readers will gain not only a powerful understanding of Cohen's story but also a broader insight into the mystical origins of his inimitable work.