Leonard Cohen with Anjani - FAITH -

This song is addressed to God (love) and is perhaps one of the most deeply moving songs I've ever heard.

Cohen begins with an image from the beginning of time (the primordial sea), the creation of the sun, the realization that man is with sin, and that the progressive evolution of man shows his propensity for pride and power.

The "blood, the soil, the faith" are a reference to God's decision to create a great flood thus starting over. He summons Noah and tells him to build an ark which will contain 2 of each species and which can survive the great flood. After this, God establishes a covenant with Noah that the earth will not be flooded again. This is symbolized by the rainbow.

Another "test" of faith is that of Abraham who is told to kill his beloved son (blood, soil and faith). By demonstrating his faith, his son is saved. Abraham is considered the progenitor of Christians, Jews and Muslims. There are references to all three in the song.

The poem ends with a return to the first line which again refers to the primordial sea. But, eventually, the sun must set (we don't know when), time will unwind (stop moving forward) implying that God may begin all over again.

The big question which is repeated over and over is: O love (God), aren't you tired yet? In other words, how much more can man and God take of the madness which man continues to bring upon himself? When will God relieve us of this suffering??

There are many interpretations of this poem, as usual. The one I've just given made the most sense to me. I believe that this is an authentic religious prayer directed to God as a plea for help.

Another interesting note is that the melody is borrowed from an old Québec folk song called, "Un Canadien errant".

"Faith" can be found in the album, "Dear Heather" (2004).

[Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use]

Category:

Music

Tags:

• religious faith
• christianity
• judaism
• islam
• muslims
• leonard cohen
• anjani thomas
• bible
• old testament
• abraham
• noah's ark
• Dear Heather

[MsLA195]

Hm. Thought I'd respond with "Ima" but I don't even know if even a comment is allowed. Anyway: THANK YOU. Think I know what you mean.

[Adamfulgence]

@MsLA195 Sure. Comments are allowed. What did you want to say?

[MsLA195]

@Adamfulgence Ima

[mariutza66]

Eileen muy bella.... me gusto mucho., gracias, un abrazo!!

[ArtsKris]

Thank you Eileen for this beautiful emotion, it is always a pleasure to discover songs, duets that we do not know here. Very good week to you. Friendship.

[asselinyvan]

Merci pour cette magnifique vidéo, je l'aime beaucoup. "BRAVO" *****

Hop dans mes favoris !

[revelrot]

Ouf ! Je suis restée sans voix, il a fallu que je regarde et écoute plusieurs fois ta vidéo pour enfin pouvoir sortir un mot de ma bouche et le seul qui soit venu est: Ouf ! Peut-être pcq y'a longtemps que je serais fatiguée... Love est plus patient que je le suis !

Très belle vidéo Eileen !!! Tu m'étonnes à un tel point parfois que j'en reste silencieuse pour plusieurs jours... Merci infiniment, mon amie !!! Big hugs !! XXXX Rolande

[jazzableful]

My Dear Eileen, this is one of those deep thought provoking video's, sad and yet beautiful! It makes me wonder as as I always do......why is there so much sorrow in this world, but then I see "the "Wonders, the beautiful wonder's in this world come shinning through! And I try to block out the sadness! It would be wonderful if this were a "perfect world". But nothing is perfect and never will, until you see those amazing picture's! Thank You for your diversity on a great mixture of video's!