Iodine

Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]

I needed you, I knew I was in danger

Of losing what I used to think was mine

You let me love you till I was a failure,

You let me love you till I was a failure --

Your beauty on my bruise like iodine

I asked you if a man could be forgiven

And though I failed at love, was this a crime?

You said, Don't worry, don't worry, darling

You said, Don't worry, don't you worry, darling

There are many ways a man can serve his time

You covered up that place I could not master

It wasn't dark enough to shut my eyes

So I was with you, O sweet compassion

Yes I was with you, O sweet compassion

Compassion with the sting of iodine

Your saintly kisses reeked of iodine

Your fragrance with a fume of iodine

And pity in the room like iodine

Your sister fingers burned like iodine

And all my wanton lust was iodine

My masquerade of trust was iodine

And everywhere the flare of iodine

Iodine - Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's 'Iodine' stands as a haunting centerpiece within his expansive discography, embodying the artist's signature blend of poetic melancholy and spiritual inquiry. Recorded for the comprehensive 'Complete Studio Albums Collection,' the track exemplifies Cohen's mastery of blending folk and art rock sensibilities with profound lyrical depth. The song reflects his lifelong exploration of themes such as mortality, faith, and the human condition, delivered through a voice that has become synonymous with introspective storytelling. As part of his broader catalog, 'Iodine' captures the mature artistry of Cohen's later years, offering a listening experience that resonates with listeners seeking emotional authenticity and philosophical reflection within the genre of alternative folk and singer-songwriter music.