About the song
Judy Collins and Leonard Cohen’s performance of “Suzanne” in 1976 is a poignant moment in the annals of folk music, highlighting the collaboration of two towering figures in the genre. Leonard Cohen, a Canadian poet-turned-musician, originally wrote and recorded “Suzanne” on his debut album, *Songs of Leonard Cohen*, released in 1967. Judy Collins, an American singer and songwriter renowned for her clear soprano voice and eclectic tastes, was instrumental in bringing Cohen’s music to a wider audience.
“Suzanne” is one of Leonard Cohen’s most enduring and beloved songs. It paints a vivid, surreal portrait of a woman who leads the narrator to contemplate love and spirituality. The song’s haunting lyrics and gentle melody capture the listener’s imagination, making it a staple in Cohen’s repertoire and a favorite among his fans. Judy Collins’s rendition of “Suzanne” appeared on her 1966 album *In My Life*, a year before Cohen’s own recording. Her version helped introduce Cohen’s songwriting genius to the American audience and remains a defining interpretation of the song.
By 1976, both artists had firmly established their reputations in the music world. Collins had become known for her ability to interpret the works of other songwriters, bringing them to life with her emotive voice and nuanced performances. Cohen, on the other hand, had built a career on his deeply introspective and poetic songs, earning acclaim for his distinctive baritone voice and lyrical prowess.
Their joint performance of “Suzanne” is a testament to their mutual respect and the deep connection they shared through music. Collins’s voice, pure and ethereal, complements Cohen’s more grounded and gravelly tones, creating a mesmerizing contrast that enhances the song’s meditative quality. This collaboration is a beautiful synthesis of their distinct styles, demonstrating how two artists can come together to create something transcendent.
The song itself, with its enigmatic lyrics and evocative imagery, tells the story of a woman’s profound impact on the narrator. Lines like “And you know that she’s half-crazy but that’s why you want to be there” and “And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind” capture the paradoxical allure of Suzanne, who seems to exist on the border between reality and dreams. The refrain, “And you know that she’s touched your perfect body with her mind,” speaks to the spiritual and intellectual intimacy that defines their relationship.
“Suzanne” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the 1976 performance by Judy Collins and Leonard Cohen stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth. It is a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between two of folk music’s most revered figures and their shared ability to touch the hearts and minds of their listeners.
For an older, educated audience, this performance is not just a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s but a timeless piece of musical artistry. It exemplifies the profound impact that Cohen’s songwriting and Collins’s interpretative skills have had on the world of music. Their rendition of “Suzanne” remains a cherished moment in their storied careers, a beautiful melding of two extraordinary talents.
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Lyrics
Suzanne takes you down to a place by the river
You can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night forever
And you know that she’s half crazy, and that’s why you want to be there
And she feeds you tea and oranges that come all the way from China
And just when you want to tell her that you have no love to give her
She gets you on her wavelength, and lets the river answer
That you’ve always been her lover
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you think you’ll maybe trust her
For she’s touched your perfect body with her mind
And Jesus was a sailor when He walked upon the water
And He spent a long time watching from a lonely wooden tower
And when He knew for certain only drowning men could see Him
He said all men shall be sailors then until the sea shall free them
But He himself was broken long before the sky would open
Forsaken almost human, He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with Him
And you want to travel blind
And you think you’ll maybe trust Him
For He’s touched your perfect body with His mind
Suzanne takes you down to a place by the river
You can hear the boats go by, you can spend the night forever
And the sun pours down like honey on Our Lady of The Harbor
And she shows you where to look amid the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed, there are children in the morning
They are leaning out for lov, e and they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you’ll trust her
For you’ve touched her perfect body with your mind