The Partisan

Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]

When they poured across the border

I was cautioned to surrender,

this I could not do;

I took my gun and vanished.



I have changed my name so often,

I have lost my wife and children

but I have many friends,

and some of them are with me.



An old woman gave us shelter,

kept us hidden in the garret,

then the soldiers came;

she died without a whisper.



There were three of us this morning

I'm the only one this evening

but I must go on;

the frontiers are my prison.



Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing,

through the graves the wind is blowing,

freedom soon will come;

then we'll come from the shadows.



Les Allemands e'taient chez moi, (The Germans were at my home)

ils me dirent, "Signe toi," (They said, "Sign yourself,")

mais je n'ai pas peur; (But I am not afraid)

j'ai repris mon arme. (I have retaken my weapon.)



J'ai change' cent fois de nom, (I have changed names a hundred times)

j'ai perdu femme et enfants (I have lost wife and children)

mais j'ai tant d'amis; (But I have so many friends)

j'ai la France entie're. (I have all of France)



Un vieil homme dans un grenier (An old man, in an attic)

pour la nuit nous a cache', (Hid us for the night)

les Allemands l'ont pris; (The Germans captured him)

il est mort sans surprise. (He died without surprise.)



Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing,

through the graves the wind is blowing,

freedom soon will come;

then we'll come from the shadows.

The Partisan - Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's "The Partisan" stands as a haunting exploration of political disillusionment and moral ambiguity, delivered with his signature baritone and poetic lyricism. Recorded for the comprehensive "Complete Studio Albums Collection," the track exemplifies Cohen's ability to weave personal introspection with broader societal commentary. The song reflects his ongoing engagement with themes of power, betrayal, and the complexities of modern life, characteristic of his mature period. Through sparse instrumentation and profound vocal delivery, Cohen invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the cost of ideological purity. This recording remains a testament to his enduring influence as a chronicler of the human condition, blending folk sensibilities with a distinctively philosophical depth that has resonated with audiences for decades.