Boogie Street

Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]

O Crown of Light, O Darkened One,

I never thought we'd meet.

You kiss my lips, and then you're gone;

I'm back on Boogie Street.



A sip of wine, a cigarette,

and then it's time to go

I tidied up the kitchenette;

I turned the old banjo.

I'm wanted at the traffic-jam.

They're saving me a seat.

I'm what I am, and what I am,

Is back on Boogie Street.



And O my love, I still recall

The pleasures that we knew;

The rivers and the waterfall,

Wherein I bathed with you.

Bewildered by your beauty there,

I'd kneel to dry your feet.

By such instruction you prepare

A man for Boogie Street.



O Crown of Light, O Darkened One...



So come, my friends, be not afraid.

We are so lightly here.

It is in love that we are made;

In love we disappear.

Though all the maps of blood and flesh

Are posted on the door,

There's no one who has told us yet

What Boogie Street is for.



O Crown of Light, O Darkened One...



A sip of wine, a cigarette,

And then it's time to go...

Boogie Street

Leonard Cohen's "Boogie Street" stands as a hauntingly atmospheric track from his extensive discography, characterized by his signature baritone and minimalist arrangements. The song exemplifies Cohen's ability to blend folk sensibilities with a darker, more introspective mood, often utilizing sparse instrumentation to highlight lyrical depth. While the specific album "Complete Studio Albums Collection" serves as a retrospective compilation, the track reflects the enduring themes found throughout his career, exploring urban isolation and spiritual yearning. Its inclusion in such a comprehensive collection underscores its status as a significant piece within his broader body of work, resonating with listeners who appreciate his unique fusion of poetic narrative and melancholic melody.