Leonard Cohen with Anjani - FAITH -

This song is addressed to God (love) and is perhaps one of the most deeply moving songs I've ever heard.

Cohen begins with an image from the beginning of time (the primordial sea), the creation of the sun, the realization that man is with sin, and that the progressive evolution of man shows his propensity for pride and power.

The "blood, the soil, the faith" are a reference to God's decision to create a great flood thus starting over. He summons Noah and tells him to build an ark which will contain 2 of each species and which can survive the great flood. After this, God establishes a covenant with Noah that the earth will not be flooded again. This is symbolized by the rainbow.

Another "test" of faith is that of Abraham who is told to kill his beloved son (blood, soil and faith). By demonstrating his faith, his son is saved. Abraham is considered the progenitor of Christians, Jews and Muslims. There are references to all three in the song.

The poem ends with a return to the first line which again refers to the primordial sea. But, eventually, the sun must set (we don't know when), time will unwind (stop moving forward) implying that God may begin all over again.

The big question which is repeated over and over is: O love (God), aren't you tired yet? In other words, how much more can man and God take of the madness which man continues to bring upon himself? When will God relieve us of this suffering??

There are many interpretations of this poem, as usual. The one I've just given made the most sense to me. I believe that this is an authentic religious prayer directed to God as a plea for help.

Another interesting note is that the melody is borrowed from an old Québec folk song called, "Un Canadien errant".

"Faith" can be found in the album, "Dear Heather" (2004).

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