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I realize that many countries put us Americans to shame by speaking our language while we struggle to come up with a few words in theirs.....at least, speaking for myself, that's true! But I've been amazed at how Leonard can skip (literally...) from country to country and fill venues singing three hours of almost exclusively English language lyrics. While listening to Andrea Bocelli sing in Italian today, it dawned on me that possibly some find enough enjoyment in Leonard's beautiful voice and the exquisite orchestration that understanding the lyrics is not too important. I'm pretty much that way with Andrea Bocelli. I guess everyone on The Forum understands English, but do you think most all of his fans do?

Hi Neophyte ~

It's frustrating isn't it, knowing so little of anyone else's language.. and not always all of our own. And there they go chatting away in their four different languages. I'm thinking that many [most?] fans have learned to understand at least the meaning of his songs, even if not every word? Yet, I've heard people say that they came to Leonard's music, not understanding a word of it, but so pulled in by the depth, beauty, and gravitas of his voice, and his music. I, too, hear that kind of thing in some singer's voices, whose words I don't understand. It's an interesting question that makes me wonder how the numbers would play out.


~ Lizzy

I would ask people posting about Leonard in non-English languages on Twitter, but I can't think of a non-annoying way to phrase the question.

Leonard is all about the words and it's hard to believe that it's possible to fully appreciate his music without understanding the lyrics but I suppose you can enjoy the general feel without knowing every word. On the 2010 tour in France, they had French subtitles on the big screens but I have never seen that anywhere else. In my experience, most people at the concerts speak excellent English!

Wendy

I can say that my parents do not speak English at all, except for a few words. However, a lot of the songs they enjoy tremendously because of the feel, the voice, the music and the energy that flows from Leonard. The overall atmosphere of the songs captures the imagination, even though the words may not be clear. This is true for such songs as: Dance Me To the End of Love, The Partisan, I'm Your Man, First We Take Manhattan, Joan of Arc, Halleluja, The Future, So Long Marianne, etc. They less connect to Susan, for example, because the arrangements there are minimal and understanding the lyrics is pivotal for the magic to pass on. But even in such songs the voice alone is hauntingly alluring and they acknowledge that.

I agree with that, Inna... and all the words you chose to express it.
From what I've been told, all of the sounds of Leonard's songs merge to where people are drawn to him and, even if it's just to learn the words/meanings of the songs [vs. learning English as a language], they've become motivated to do at least that much, to heighten their appreciation. So much is conveyed through Leonard's vocals, even without all the word meanings and interplay of meanings.

When I first experienced Leonard's music, all of it hit me full in the face [head/heart/soul] at the same time... when I heard "Suzanne."

Thanks for helping to enlighten me, Lizzy, Wendy and Inna. I agree with your beautiful descriptions of the power Leonard has even for those not understanding English. And that's kind of amazing as he's so beloved for his lyrics! Truly a double threat! (Or triple, quadruple, etc., depending on what you're counting....) And that's interesting about the French subtitles. In Montreal I could have used English subtitles for his French commentary between songs, appreciated the gentleman next to us who spoke French, but, of course, could translate into English.

This is an interesting topic. I am a LC fan for decades, from the Netherlands, but still don't know if I understand his English. But I was wondering if native speakers do understand everything? As it is poetry, everyone can have their own understanding or interpretation, and that's just what it makes so wonderful, in my humble opinion. Or am I talking Double Dutch now

I think it's safe to say that no, we native speakers of English don't understand everything. Once you get into highly figurative language, metaphor & symbolism... no. But that doesn't mean it isn't endless fun to wonder.

I agree with HelenOE that you're not talking Double Dutch, drsing. I only wish I had a great interpretation for every lyric! And, yes, different people have different interpretations and certainly change their own on occasion. I came along so late in the game and had such a mountain of treasures to hear for the first time that all I knew for awhile was that I loved them but needed some time to get a better understanding of lyrics. And I think the pleasure is enhanced by having an appreciation of the lyrics.

That will come with time, Neophyte... and it will change with time.
[Paraphrasing Leonard] Akin to a Volkswagen that's built to last 30 years, Leonard's lyrics are constructed to last forever... as we go through our lives and experience new things, different emotions, greater losses... it doesn't matter. There's a Leonard song to fit.