Passing Through
Leonard Cohen · Live Songs [1973]
"Do you hate mankind for what they done to you?"
He said, "Talk of love not hate, things to do -it's getting late.
I've so little time and I'm only passing through."
Passing through, passing through.
Sometimes happy, sometimes blue,
Glad that I ran into you.
Tell the people that you saw me passing through.
I saw Adam leave the Garden with an apple in his hand,
I said, "Now you're out, what are you going to do?"
"Plant some crops and pray for rain, maybe raise a little cane.
I'm an orphan now, and I'm only passing through."
Passing through, passing through...
I was with Washington at Valley Ford, shivering in the snow.
I said, "How come the men here suffer like they do?"
"Men will suffer, men will fight, even die for what is right
Even though they know they're only passing through."
Passing through, passing through...
I was with Franklin Roosevelt's side on the night before he died.
He said, "One world must come out of World War Two."
Ah, the fool.
"Yankee, Russian, white or tan," he said, "A man is still a man.
We're all on one road, and we're only passing through."
Passing through, passing through...
Passing Through
Leonard Cohen's "Passing Through" appears on the 1973 live recording "Live Songs," capturing the Canadian poet-musician's signature blend of spiritual introspection and folk melody. The track exemplifies Cohen's ability to transform simple musical structures into profound meditations on transience and faith. Recorded during a pivotal era in his career, the song reflects the raw, unpolished energy of his live performances, distinguishing it from his later studio productions. Its haunting vocal delivery and sparse instrumentation create an intimate atmosphere that has become central to his legacy. As part of his extensive discography, this recording stands as a testament to his unique voice, bridging the gap between religious lyricism and secular storytelling without relying on specific chart data or commercial metrics.

