Cherry needs an answer..........Famous Blue Raincoat

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thrillkil
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Cherry needs an answer..........Famous Blue Raincoat

Post by thrillkil »

I hope you won't make fun of this questio, but I have just 'discovered' all of these awesome songs. What I need I know is what 'Famous Blue Raincoat' is about. Maybe it is one of those cryptic songs that have no real meaning except to oneself, but perhaps someone can give me an insight. Thanks. Darren.xxx
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Welcome to the Forum, Darren :D .

Yours is not a question to be made fun of... it's a question that intrigues many of us. There are some people here who are very adept at searching for particular topics that have already been discussed here. This is one of them. It's be great if someone could bring that forward and then some can add to it, now. This is a wonderful song and cannot be talked about too much. If I knew how to pin down where these things are at, I'd be doing it for you right now. You've entered a world where there are many devoted to Leonard's 'cryptic' :wink: songs... and, no matter what they may be 'determined' to 'mean,' Leonard has intentionally left space for the heart and mind of the listener to bring their own experience and meaning to his songs. It's a part of his genius. You've made a magnificent discovery 8) .

We have another thread here asking how you discovered Leonard's music. Perhaps, you can go there and share your own experience.

~ Lizzy :D
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Hi, again, Darren ~

If you go to the "Leonard Cohen's Music" section, you'll find one thread that Paula [thank you, Paula :D !] brought forward on "Famous Blue Raincoat" ~ you'll recognize the thread by its title.

~ Lizzy
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Tri-me
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Post by Tri-me »

I thought I heard someone say, someone in my life, that he wore a blue raincoat.
Welcome to the forum, hopefully someone who knows will answer, it can be had to find an old thread.
Cheers & DLight
Tri-me (tree-mite) Sheldrön
"Doorhinge rhymes with orange" Leonard Cohen
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Yes, that is true, from what I understand, too, Tri-me. Leonard did have a blue raincoat, hence that particular detail being referenced in the song. Of course, the song's meaning goes far beyond that particular piece of apparel 8) .

~ Lizzy
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Tri-me
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Post by Tri-me »

Thanks Lizzy. I am sure the song is about more than his coat
To me it seems to be about the sad ending of a relationship. But, the beauty of his work is that we can create our own stories. It is interesting to hear how others see each song or poem.
I like.........
I did not realize until you walked away that you have a perfect ass. Forgive me for not falling for your face or conversation.
I think it is a playful funny thing to say to a lover, others think it is soooo arrogant.
It’s four in the morning, the end of december
I’m writing you now just to see if you’re better
New york is cold, but I like where I’m living
There’s music on clinton street all through the evening.

I hear that you’re building your little house deep in the desert
You’re living for nothing now, I hope you’re keeping some kind of record.

Yes, and jane came by with a lock of your hair
She said that you gave it to her
That night that you planned to go clear
Did you ever go clear?

Ah, the last time we saw you you looked so much older
Your famous blue raincoat was torn at the shoulder
You’d been to the station to meet every train
And you came home without lili marlene

And you treated my woman to a flake of your life
And when she came back she was nobody’s wife.

Well I see you there with the rose in your teeth
One more thin gypsy thief
Well I see jane’s awake --

She sends her regards.
And what can I tell you my brother, my killer
What can I possibly say?
I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you
I’m glad you stood in my way.

If you ever come by here, for jane or for me
Your enemy is sleeping, and his woman is free.

Yes, and thanks, for the trouble you took from her eyes
I thought it was there for good so I never tried.

And jane came by with a lock of your hair
She said that you gave it to her
That night that you planned to go clear

-- sincerely, l. cohen
Cheers & DLight
Tri-me (tree-mite) Sheldrön
"Doorhinge rhymes with orange" Leonard Cohen
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

"Honey... would you mind walking in front of me, and backing up to me when you approach?" :wink:


~ Lizzy
MARTI
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Famous Blue Raincoat

Post by MARTI »

Leonard is writing to an old friend that once came around and had an affair with his wife, Jane.

In the end he forgives him and thanks him for taking the trouble from her eyes.

I have just posted a question (my first post) asking about that same song, there is a line in there that goes:

"Jane came by with a lock of your hair
she said that you gave it to her,
that nigth when you said you'd go clear
did you ever go clear"

I wonder what going "clear" means.

Anyway, read the lyrics, it tells the whole story. And Jane is back with him, so she send her regards in the letter.

It's a great song.
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lizzytysh
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Post by lizzytysh »

Hi Marti ~

Welcome to the Forum... :D . We had a discussion surrounding your very question some time ago. Someone more adept with this computer searching thing on the Forum will be able to bring that thread forward for you [I hope ~ if I could, I would].

You're right on this being a tremendous song... as it's about that most beautiful of things, forgiveness and understanding. It's also mentioned in the Leonard Cohen Poetry and Novel section, by MarioJoel.

~ Lizzy
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Partisan
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Post by Partisan »

As with all the songs, all that matters is what it means to you.

p.
Andrew McGeever
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Post by Andrew McGeever »

Dear Partisan,
You're right.
For what it's worth, "Famous Blue Raincoat " means a lot to me.
I guess that doesn't answer the question.

Andrew.
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tomsakic
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Post by tomsakic »

I agree, Partisan. Also, I think that the voice of that song (signed "L. Cohen"), writes to his old self.
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