First We Take Manhattan
Leonard Cohen
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They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom For trying to change the system from within I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin I'm guided by a signal in the heavens I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin I'd really like to live beside you, baby I love your body and your spirit and your clothes But you see that line there moving through the station? I told you, I told you, told you I was one of those Ah, you loved me as a loser But now you're worried that I just might win You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the discipline How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin I don't like your fashion business, mister And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin I don't like what happened to my sister First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin I'd really like to live beside you, baby I love your body and your spirit and your clothes But you see that line there movin' through the station? I told you, I told you, told you I was one of those And I thank you for those items that you sent me The monkey and the plywood violin I practiced every night, now I'm ready First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin I am guided Ah, remember me, I used to live for music Remember me, I brought your groceries in Well, it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
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Written by: LEONARD COHEN
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Creation & Collaboration"First We Take Manhattan" is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was originally recorded by American singer Jennifer Warnes on her Leonard Cohen tribute album "Famous Blue Raincoat," which was released in 1986.
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Leonard Cohen's VersionLeonard Cohen's own rendition of the song was featured in his 1988 album "I'm Your Man." Cohen's version featured a heavier production style lined with synths and saxophone.
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Song MeaningCohen explained the meaning of the song as a response to the mindless chant of terrorism and revolution. He spoke of an "inner voice" that says "I’m gonna run this whole show," which he revealed was the essence of the song.
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Song ReceptionThe song was well-received by audiences and has since been covered by various artists. It also became the lead single for Cohen's "I'm Your Man" album and has been performed live by him numerous times.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song features Cohen in a suit and tie, wandering aimlessly around the desolate Berlin Wall before its Fall, which further symbolizes the singer's isolation.
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Song's Popularity in Europe“First We Take Manhattan” was more successful in Europe than in North America. It reached the top 10 in Norway and Sweden and scored top 20 in the UK singles chart.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by many artists, including R.E.M., Joe Cocker, and Stevie Ann. It has proved enduringly popular, with more recent renditions including a 2017 version by Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation.
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Song’s Inclusion in FilmsThe song has also made appearances in a few films including the movies "Bird on a Wire" (1990) and "Watchmen" (2009).
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Lyrics InterpretationSome interpretations suggest that the song's title "First We Take Manhattan" refers to a symbolic attack on the values of materialism and frivolity that Manhattan seemingly represents.
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Crossover with Other GenresThe song has crossed over into several different genres through its numerous cover versions–from Warnes' soft rock take to R.E.M.'s alternative rock rendition and Within Temptation's symphonic metal interpretation.
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Citation
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"First We Take Manhattan Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 6 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35049843/Leonard+Cohen/First+We+Take+Manhattan>.
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