LEONARD COHEN – Who By Fire (live in London)

Leonard Cohen’s “Live in London” concert, recorded on July 17, 2008, at the O2 Arena, marks a significant return for the legendary musician after a lengthy hiatus. This performance took place when Cohen was 73 years old and had recently emerged from a Buddhist monastery, reestablishing himself in the music scene following financial difficulties.

The concert features a powerful setlist filled with some of his most beloved songs, including “Suzanne,” “Hallelujah,” and “Dance Me to the End of Love.” Cohen’s signature deep voice, coupled with his gentle stage presence, captivated the audience, showcasing both his lyrical mastery and his ability to convey deep emotional resonance.

“Live in London” was officially released as an album on March 31, 2009, capturing the full essence of the concert, which lasts over two and a half hours. The recording has been praised for its production quality and the heartfelt performances that reflect Cohen’s introspective style and spiritual themes​.

This concert remains a celebrated moment in Cohen’s career, encapsulating his profound connection with his audience and his ability to weave complex emotional narratives through music​. For more detailed insights, you can visit the official Leonard Cohen website or check out music platforms that feature the concert recording.

Needless to say that Leonard Cohen was a huge poet, much more than a singer-songwriter. His lyrics are profoundly and beautifully poetic. Such as this one. From beginning to end, they are only questions, in a short, eliptic way. The title-question, “who by fire?”, asks about those who feel warm in their hearts. “Who by water”, the following one, may be intended to have more than one meaning, about those who are drowning or simply contemplating the bucolic scenery of a lake or an ocean while sitting on its shore. The series of questions point to the particularities and the commonality of a wide array of human experiences. No single individual can experience them all at once, but we are very likely to experience most if not all of them in different moments and situations throughout the course of our lives. Today by fire, tomorrow by water, and so on…

And who by fire? Who by water? Who in the sunshine? Who in the night time? Who by high ordeal? Who by common trial? Who in your merry merry month of May? Who by very slow decay? And who shall I say is calling?

And who in her lonely slip? Who by barbiturate? Who in these realms of love? Who by something blunt? Who by avalanche? Who by powder? Who for his greed? Who for his hunger? And who shall I say is calling?

And who by brave assent? Who by accident? Who in solitude? Who in this mirror? Who by his lady’s command? Who by his own hand? Who in mortal chains? Who in power? And who shall I say is calling?

And who by fire? Who by water? Who in the sunshine? Who in the night time? Who by high ordeal? Who by common trial? Who in your merry merry month of May? Who by very slow decay? And who shall I say is calling?