Sunday, July 04, 2010

No way to say goodbye

One reason for spending time with RTÉ rather than BBC radio these days is the eclectic mix of programming - not separated off into differnet 'demographics' for different stations 7 a mix of music & speech.

Music of all kinds form all eras - some I have not heard since my grandparents were alive.

Best of all, in some ways, the Irish seem to have an especial liking for Leonard Cohen, one of his songs might pop up almost anywhere, which can be the nicest way to hear them, unexpectedly.

Just last week I heard one I haven't heard for ages; I have the LP, though nothingto play it on.

Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye
from Songs Of Leonard Cohen


I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm,
your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm,
yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new,
in city and in forest they smiled like me and you,
but now it's come to distances and both of us must try,
your eyes are soft with sorrow,
Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.

I'm not looking for another as I wander in my time,
walk me to the corner, our steps will always rhyme
you know my love goes with you as your love stays with me,
it's just the way it changes, like the shoreline and the sea,
but let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't untie,
your eyes are soft with sorrow,
Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.

I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm,
your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm,
yes many loved before us, I know that we are not new,
in city and in forest they smiled like me and you,
but let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't untie,
your eyes are soft with sorrow,
Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.

Written by Leonard Cohen, Stranger Music Inc. (BMI).