The Guests
Leonard Cohen · Other Songs - Leonard Cohen
The guests are coming through
The open-hearted many
The broken-hearted few
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
And those who dance, begin to dance
Those who weap, begin
And welcome, welcome cries of voice
Let all my guests come in
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
And all goes stumbling through that house
In lonely secrecy
Saying do reveal yourself
or why has thou forsaken me
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
All at once the tortures flare
The inner door flies open
One by one they enter there
in every style of passion
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
And here they take their sweet repast
Wild house and grounds resolve
And one by one the guests are cast beyond the garden wall
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
For those who dance, begin to dance
Those who weap, begin
Those who earnestly are lost
are lost, and lost begin
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
One by one the guests arrive
The guests are coming through
The broken-hearted many
The open-hearted few
And no one knows where the night is going
And no one knows where the wine is flowing
Oh love, I need you, I need you, I need you, I need you
I need you now
The Guests - Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "The Guests" stands as a haunting centerpiece in his expansive discography, embodying the artist's signature blend of spiritual introspection and poetic melancholy. Released within the context of his broader catalog, the track exemplifies Cohen's ability to weave complex theological themes into accessible, folk-infused melodies. The song reflects his lifelong exploration of sin, redemption, and the human condition, delivered with a voice that has become synonymous with baroque pop and spiritual folk. As a key component of his recorded legacy, "The Guests" captures the raw emotional depth and philosophical inquiry that defined his work across decades, resonating deeply with listeners seeking profound commentary on faith and mortality.