Winter Lady
Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]
Until the night is over
I'm just a station on your way
I know I'm not your lover
Well I lived with a child of snow
When I was a soldier
And I fought every man for her
Until the nights grew colder
She used to wear her hair like you
Except when she was sleeping
And then she'd weave it on a loom
Of smoke and gold and breathing
And why are you so quiet now
Standing there in the doorway?
You chose your journey long before
You came upon this highway
Trav'ling lady, stay awhile
Until the night is over
I'm just a station on your way
I know I'm not your lover
Winter Lady - Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "Winter Lady" stands as a haunting centerpiece in his expansive discography, embodying the poet's signature blend of spiritual introspection and melancholic observation. Recorded within the context of his complete studio albums, the track exemplifies his mastery of the art song and folk traditions, utilizing sparse instrumentation to highlight his distinctive, gravelly vocal delivery. The piece delves into themes of isolation and the coldness of human relationships, characteristic of Cohen's later work which often explored the intersection of the sacred and the profane. As a definitive recording, it captures the atmospheric depth that defined his career, offering a timeless meditation on solitude that resonates deeply within the broader canon of his musical legacy.