“You Want it Darker”: Leonard Cohen’s Profound Farewell Journey – Katarzyna Jaworska
Leonard Cohen, celebrated as the quintessence of an artist with extraordinary talent and command of language, surpassed his reputation as a folk singer-songwriter. He saw his existence as a platform for artistic creativity, drawing inspiration from his approaching death for his last two albums. Released just 17 days before his passing, his penultimate album “You Want It Darker”(2016) delves into themes of mortality and his connection with God, serving as a poignant reflection on his life’s journey.
Hope Amidst Darkness
Cohen openly admitted, “I am ready to die”, reflecting his characteristic lack of ambiguity on such weighty topics. This straightforward, down-to-earth approach to grappling with life’s profound questions – love, mortality, and faith – is evident throughout “You Want it Darker”, marking it as one of the most emotionally stirring and inspired albums of his esteemed career. Cohen embraces his vulnerability, acknowledging that some mysteries may forever remain unsolved, yet inviting listeners to join him in this raw and vibrant exploration.
Across the nine tracks of ”You Want it Darker”, produced by his son Adam Cohen and crafted alongside longtime collaborator Patrick Leonard, Cohen grapples with the enduring existential questions that have defined his artistic journey. With the awareness of his mortality, Cohen approaches these themes with a newfound perspective, as evidenced by lyrics like “I’m travelling light, it’s au revoir, my once so bright, my fallen star” from the song “Travelling Light”, which celebrates the liberation found in relinquishing attachments.
The arrangements on the album strike a delicate balance between restraint and richness, ranging from the graceful harmonies of a choir to haunting string arrangements, and at times, featuring only a solitary guitar or electric piano with subtle percussion. Each element is meticulously crafted to complement Cohen’s evocative lyrics and powerful delivery. His voice resonates like distant thunder, filled with a depth that reflects not only his physical presence but also his profound spiritual journey, making for an immersive listening experience unlike any other in his career.
Despite the prevailing darkness throughout the album, there is a notable absence of despair. Leonard Cohen’s optimism, humor, joy, and genuine curiosity overshadow any negativity that may arise. As he famously said: “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”. This sentiment underscores Cohen’s belief that even in the darkest of times, there is room for hope and illumination.
The Evocative Farewell Journey
The title track, “You Want it Darker”, dives deeply into the complexities of the religious mindset, from exploitation to Cohen’s personal reflection on spirituality. Cohen incorporates the Hebrew phrase “hineni, hineni” meaning “here I am”, invoking God in the chorus, concluding with a resolute statement, “I’m ready my Lord”, accompanied by chants from Montreal’s Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Choir.
“Treaty” blends sacred and everyday elements with Cohen’s distinctive melody. Moments of vulnerability, like “You were my ground, my safe and sound”, hint at redemption amidst contemplation.
“On the Level” penned with collaborator Sharon Robinson, sees Cohen grappling with his enduring reputation as a ladies’ man and the challenge of changing his ways. He admits to struggling with temptation, yet paradoxically expresses a reluctance to see it defeated, suggesting a complex relationship with his own character.
In “If I Didn’t Have Your Love”, celestial organ tones evoke a classic, otherworldly atmosphere, expressing boundless appreciation for love’s significance.
“Leaving the Table” opens with a declaration of departure, stating stepping away from the game. It tackles letting go with a sense of contentment after a rich life experience, symbolized by extinguishing the flame.
“Traveling Light” explores the concept of journeying without burdens, which could refer to both physical travel with minimal luggage and a metaphorical journey towards enlightenment or freedom. The song nods to Cohen’s time on the Greek island of Hydra, incorporating Greek elements like the bouzouki and featuring vocals from Greek singer-songwriter Athena Andreadis.
In “It Seemed Better that Way,” Cohen grapples with doubts about faith and belief, searching for comfort amidst uncertainty. He sings of the shifting nature of truth, his voice betraying a sense of apprehension.
“Steer Your Way” delivers a powerful message of resilience, encouraging listeners to navigate through darkness with courage. Cohen emphasizes the importance of steering past previously held truths and confronting the profound pain that surpasses conventional understanding.
“String Reprise” presents a beautiful rendition of “Treaty,” culminating in Leonard Cohen’s spoken salutation.
Cohen’s album is a profound musical journey that serves as reflection of his life’s journey, touching on themes of mortality, love, and faith. Additionally, it looks into Cohen’s spiritual journey, evident in his exploration of themes like redemption and his personal connection with God. Cohen’s lyrics and vocal delivery guide listeners on an emotional journey, from periods of fragility to eventual strength and optimism. Cohen invites listeners to embrace life’s complexities and find light amidst darkness.
Katarzyna Jaworska – Master 1 Études anglophones
Bibliography
- “Leonard Cohen / You Want It Darker (Album Review)”, Boy Drinks Ink, available at: https://boydrinksink.com/leonard-cohen-you-want-it-darker, accessed 11 Apr. 2024,
- “Leonard Cohen Dead at 82: A Life in Photos”, Billboard, available at: https://www.billboard.com/photos/leonard-cohen-dies-photos/13-2013/, accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
- “Leonard Cohen’s Final Album Is a Bleak Masterpiece – Review”, Telegraph, available at : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/news/leonard-cohen-you-want-it-darker-review/, accessed 11 Apr. 2024,
- The Official Leonard Cohen Site: LeonardCohen, available at: https://www.leonardcohen.com/, accessed 11 Apr. 2024,
- WISER, D., “CANADA: You Want It Darker – Leonard Cohen”, 200worldalbums, available at: https://www.200worldalbums.com/post/canada-you-want-it-darker-leonard-cohen, 17 Aug. 2020,
- KLVSH, ”You Want It Darker Leonard Cohen”, uploaded to YouTube on 20 July 2017, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtG0dtYNzD8.
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mastersfdl (19 juillet 2024). “You Want it Darker”: Leonard Cohen’s Profound Farewell Journey – Katarzyna Jaworska. Investigatio. Consulté le 22 avril 2026 à l’adresse https://doi.org/10.58079/121vf



