Paper Thin Model

Leonard Cohen · Death Of A Ladies' Man [1977]

The walls of this hotel are paper-thin

Last night I heard you making love to him

The struggle mouth to mouth and limb to limb

The grunt of unity when he came in



I stood there with my ear against the wall

I was not seized by jealousy at all

In fact a burden lifted from my soul

I heard that love was out of my control

A heavy burden lifted from my soul

I heard that love was out of my control



I listened to your kisses at the door

I never heard the world so clear before

You ran your bath and you began to sing

I felt so good I couldn't feel a thing



I stood there with my ear against the wall...



And I can't wait to tell you to your face

And I can't wait for you to take my place

You are The Naked Angel In My Heart

You are The Woman With Her Legs Apart

It's written on the walls of this hotel

You go to heaven once you've been to hell



A heavy burden lifted from my soul

I heard that love was out of my control

Paper Thin Model

Leonard Cohen's 'Paper Thin Model' stands as a poignant song within his 1977 album, Death Of A Ladies' Man. This recording captures the artist during a period of profound introspection, blending his signature poetic lyricism with a melancholic musical arrangement. The song reflects Cohen's ability to explore themes of fragility and human vulnerability, hallmarks of his extensive discography. While often overshadowed by his more anthemic works, this track offers a nuanced glimpse into his evolving sound during the late seventies. It remains a testament to his enduring influence on singer-songwriter traditions, showcasing a depth of emotion that resonates across generations of listeners. The composition highlights his mastery of weaving personal narrative with universal sentiment, securing its place within his celebrated body of work.