Collins, Judy - Suzanne Lyrics

I knew a girl named Suzanne when I was a young teenager and she was a special friend though I only really knew her for a couple of years or so. Flash forward a few years, I am twenty years old, in Vietnam and I acquired the Judy Collins cassette with "Suzanne" on it...….the memories came flooding back. I must have listened to this song a thousand times and it played in my head, as it is playing now, many times more and I missed her terribly. Fifty-four years have past and I have thought of her often all through that time.

My girlfriend is right. I've seen 3 dead cats and a man who died.

great song neads leonard,not the same without him

"...they are leaning out for love and they will lean that way forever..." 😢💔

This is the first Leonard Cohen song I ever heard, and the version of Suzanne I like best.
This version was on one of the three 8-tracks we had - and played happily, over and over - on a hippie-painted VW bus, on a trip in late 1971 from Athens, Greece, to Beirut, Lebanon, and then to Cairo and Giza, Egypt.
Gawd, does this bring back memories.

Sort of similar story. Was on a cassette I got from a friend of my dad on a group holiday in Czechoslovakia in 1976. Had a bunch of LC tracks on it and Suzanne was my fav.

Schauen Sie mal.....Wie die Politikern & Wissenschaftler + Literaturwissenschaft Geschichten um Menschlich Flüchtlingskinder...............Experimente im Wildnis & Züchten.........Zerstören meine Families.........

When this album first came out I used to have to replace it every time it got scratched. Just listened to this song again at age 68, and cried. Such a time to live through.

Awesome song and version- love it

What a BEAUTY What has happened to music? ;-( the raunchiness, the explicitness of 21 C Love lyrics..is appalling

If U wanna get depressed, listen to Leonard Cohen!

Beautiful, but not as good as Neil Diamond's cover.

peace and love to all

These are the True lyrics.

My favorite Cohen song. Second is Bird on a Wire. At 70 I still listen to the music that defined me and the era.

I remember this though not clearly from '68 or there abouts. At the time was very much into rock then. My brother though was listening to folk music an had a crush on Joan Baez.
I hope your cousin is OK, just remember a man comes back changed in so many ways from war.

"Perhaps his most memorable song from Canadian poet/songwriter & performer Leonard Cohen. Cohen specified, notably in a BBC interview, that the song was about encountering Suzanne Verdal, the then wife of sculptor Armand Vaillancourt, in a Montreal setting. Indeed, many lines describe different elements of the city, including its river (the Saint Lawrence) and a little chapel near the harbour, called Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (literally Our Lady of Good Help), which sits on the side of the harbour that faces the rising sun in the morning, as it is described in the song.

Suzanne Verdal was interviewed by CBC News's The National in 2006 about the song. Verdal claims that she and Cohen never had sexual relations, contrary to what some interpretations of the song suggest. Cohen himself stated in a 1994 BBC interview that he only imagined having sex with her, as there was neither the opportunity nor inclination to actually go through with it. She says she has met Cohen twice since the song's initial popularity; once after a concert Cohen performed in the 1970s and once in passing in the 1990s when she danced for him, but Cohen did not speak to her (and possibly did not recognise her).

In any case, its lyrics first appeared as the poem "Suzanne Takes You Down" in Cohen's 1966 book of poetry Parasites of Heaven, admittedly because of lack of new material (lyrics to a few other songs from his subsequent 1967 debut album were also printed in the book)."

Commentary Posted by Jan Hammer
on Nov 16, 2012

Exquisitely beautiful Leonard Cohen song sung by one of the greatest female vocalists of the folk era. It grabbed my heart strings and took me back in time to my youth. The 60's were a magical time when a wave of spiritual energy rolled through America and began the process of sweeping away the old paradigm & making the first heart openings for the new. I am so glad that Judy Collins was there to sing some of the songs that grabbed our souls and swept us up into the sublime majesty of Love. And may your cousin return safely from the battlefields of Afghanistan...

According to me one of the most beautiful love song ever written in the world! Judy Collins did a very good job with this cover!

to Scout4Me1I served 8 years during the rare times we had between "conflicts" as a Navy corps person.I saw the world.Dear lord.I circumvented the globe.My heart goes out to you and your brother. What we sacrifice....if we live and do not later take our own lives for what we have witnessed...........is life changing.God bless you and he.If he comes home in one piece.....He is the most beautiful and fragile vase to care for.

Just a gorgeous song, and Judy's voice is as always angelic, Mr. Cohen a lyrical genius, and like Mr. Zimmerman his voice was not always so pleasing but the poetry incredible (though Bob could sing wonderfully beautiful when he wanted, many of his songs, however, cried for one of his "not so pleasing" growls)

The most beautiful layered guitar ever....does anyone know who played this haunting classic ?

A beautiful song and beautifully sung. It is a song I teach to my guitar pupils. Please listen to the song " Gravity the writers". Thank you.https://youtu.be/k2NbdcBzJGQ

I love this song Judy’s rendition is beautiful. What a gorgeous voice. It’s nice to hear someone actually sing.

Even if Cary Grant never actually said it, at least I can: "Judy, Judy, Judy ..."

I'm ashamed very much, because I heard Judy Collins first time. But I know now, that her voice and songs (which are sung by Judy) will be always with me. Thank you for Judy and Leonard.

I've been playing this song since the 70's. Judy sings the lyrics in such a smooth lilting style. But I especially like the descending arpeggios of the guitar. Actually there are two guitars playing a similar picking beat. Does anyone know if Judy plays these arpeggios or does she have an accompanist do the fancy stuff?

Judy Collin's voice has the magic power of giving a celestial touch to every song. Love you Judy!

A marvel. Pc Paris

Flowing, like a river of flowers

A wonderful song, so poetic and mystical. The words and associated images are compelling, even though I don't completely understand the song and all the levels of meaning. I was privileged to hear Judy Collins sing it many times in concert when I was in college in Rhode Island. Her voice is beautiful and clear and I am so glad that she and Leonard Cohen got together. They have left a lasting gift for all of us.

suite: judy blue eyes

we just saw her & Stephen Stills last night. This STOLE the show (I am still in tears)

super song. lens best

Leonard Cohen and Judy Collins are angels from heaven. Thank you Scout4Me1 for sharing this. I am weeping tears of joy as I listen to the beauty and perfection of this song. God bless you and your cousin. Love to everyone everywhere.

Leonard got to complete his journey by giving us Hallaluya.  He started with Suzanne.  These two songs put him in the best writer category for all time.  Nuff said.

superb voice

Mr C was a monster talent who will surely be missed.

Very  nice  woman and voice!

I just listened to Joan Baezs cover and tho I Love Joans work as an amazing artist I think this cover is the Best

As a young Marine I first heard this while stationed in San Diego. At a time where many of the locals spat at my uniform and called me baby killer, war monger. This song gave me such a great feeling.

Thanks to all of you for this uplifting gift

One of the finest sopranos of our time, singing a great work from one of the finest poet/songwriters of our time.

'' O An Absolute GEM lndeed ''.. !!!

Rest ln Peace....... LeonardO.

marvellous interprétation. l Cohen. is the real winner of cosmic prizes. He must now rest by heavenly divinities. God bless him. Thanks.....Patrice Paris

The beauty in these words, and meanings, could never be painted using an artist's easel.

I memorized the lyrics in 1969 while listening over and over to Judy's album "Who knows where the time goes." As a dumb high school kid I paid no attention to who wrote it but over the years I connected the dots as I collected his work anywhere I could find it. I believe there are a tiny few who tap into the mystery of God or whatever force is beyond our understanding and that this light came through Leonard's dark and beautiful gifts to us.

This is the song that "made" Leonard Cohen in the music world.  Like "Oh!  He's not just a poet."  Judy and Jennifer Warne sing Leonard's songs so beautifully.  Rest in peace, old friend, and may Light Perpetual shine upon you, and your songs be sung forever.

Gail Williams ,

With Gratitude to Leonard Cohen.......your words will live on and on..........Thank you for sharing them with us.

Thanks for this. Thanks also to Judy and Leonard

Eric Palladini

A beautiful rendition of a beautiful song written by a beautiful soul. R.I.P. LC

I have loved your music, since the 60's, especially "Suzanne". That has been in my repertoire all these years. I'm sure your genius as a poet, musician, and singer will grace the heavens. Rest in peace, Leonard Cohen!

My first introduction to Leonard Cohen's songwriting. My sister played this version of Suzanne for me after she got the album in '67 or '68. I was 7 or 8 years old. I found the song beautiful and haunting then and I still do today. RIP Mr Cohen. You have left a legacy of beautiful poetry and music.

RIP Leonard Cohen. One of the more beautiful covers of this song

I am so sad.

John, why?

RIP Leonard. Beautiful music

Just listened to this for the first time in many years. What a beautiful song and a beautiful voice. RIP, Leonard Cohen.

RIP Leonard Cohen.

Hope your cousin is home safe and sound now.

just heard this song for the first time. Wow!

I met her once. At the Taco Bell at Cleo street and Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. She and her small entourage sat at my table. This was in the late 60s. She was a superstar and trying to be low profile.

I told her she looks just like Judy Collins. She said everyone has to look like somebody. I didn't buy it.

I just wept hearing this. Bought Judy's Wildflower album in 1968, a freshman at Santa Monica College, with this gem on it. Simply gorgeous. Then i met my first real girlfriend. Her name? Suzanne,. I loved her dearly.

i wept to hear this song, and wept again for your story. thanks for that.

don riley I hope she knew.

I wept for the song, Don, ​and Nora

Have domilar story as Don. My Suzanne was "just a friend" in high school. Ran into her two years later on the bus. Started dating for three years then she broke it off. Never have completely forgotten her. Poignant as all get-out.

I grew up having a crush on her and her music. My heart aches for such music again. More than that it was a reflection of our innocence and hope for the future.

cu latr i hope.

one half crazy is it.?

Honored to play "Sue," to Joanne Dorian's "Bella," in the original Kelly Zekas play, Speak Now, inspired by this Leonard Cohen folk song. @Articulate Theatre Company @Women in Theatre Festival, 2016.

love it!!!  Wow, what a powerhouse of song writing, vocalist, and producer?  The cascading guitar...who assembled that?

You're right about Judy Collins being all of those, Richard, but this particular wondrous song was written by Leonard Cohen. Her magic made it her own.

"...for he's touched your perfect body with his mind" Who else could sing this song so real, you can feel it."? God bless you sweet Judy Collins!

"Truth is beauty, and beauty, truth." RIP Judy Collins

+MrsHarrisW210 Judy Collins is not resting in peace. She is very much alive.

+MrsHarrisW210 Judy just celebrated her 77th birthday on Sunday, May 1st.  GO JUDY!!!!

Judy Collins has such a beautiful voice, absolutely perfect for singing Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne." They just don't make music like this anymore...

This song and singer never get old! So beautiful

" and you want to travel with her...and you want to travel blind..."

as a Vietnam vet .... will say a little pray for your cuz

Hope your cousin is safely back from Afghanistan.

They are leaning out for love, and they will lean that way forever...

Beautiful!
Great song to play!
Thanks for sharing!

some of us are way too accustomed to wage wars on lies, abbroad, on behalf of the capitalist profit and NWO. I am disgusted.  Meat for guns nothing more.

"my cousin who is fighting in harms way in Afghanistan"

You mean he is a bloody assassin!
BAFS

+FRÉMAUX SOORMALLY FYAD

+mr katz
Caught you, SAYAN KATZ!

I have never heard this song without crying my eyes out. Judy does Leonard proud!! A voice still, like liquid gold!1

And just why is that? What is it that is so dammed special about this song? Why do our hearts break when we hear it? I have tears falling from my eyes just listening to it. We should just be glad to be alive enough to be moved by its beauty.

being from B'klyn I tend to mimic his accent when listening to Suzanne...Neil writes most of his stuff but also check out his cover of "If You Go Away"..also magical...

check out the cover by the great
 Neil Diamond...pure magic...

i hope he got back safe Allah is peace and fromAllah comes peace

+Thomas Puleo Find Buddha.

+Brendan-Kailer Lieb Buddha cannot give eternal life. Buddha did not die so that we may live. Only one did.

@Hoobler08 Please, save your bullshit and tend to your own life, 

+Brendan-Kailer Lieb Oh, you have the right to post w/e you want (i.e. your buddha comment), but I have to 'tend to my own life', huh?


Sorry dude, it doesn't work like that. Not yet.

+Hoobler08 AMEN, Hoobler! you speak the truth. But as the song says, only drowning men can see Him.

Heaven.  Since I was 12.  I am now 61.  How true it is.

Gorgeous. Leonard Cohen writes such haunting, provocative lyrics.

Judy's voice is one the clearest and most beautiful voices of her time.

@Rock 'n Roll  Amen - I'm totally in love with both of them...when I was a kid in the 60's I formed the idea that Joan had the better voice but Judy was the better singer.

Too true. Any song she sings is improved through her involvement.

Amen - I adore her voice = and her spirit

"Her time" started nearly 60 years ago. I believe "Judy's voice is one the clearest and most beautiful voices of [any] time."

I absolutely love this song and Judy Collins.  Her voice is like liquid sunshine!!!

Thanks Becky.  So pleased that you feel the same way!!:)

This song is liquid gold, takes me another world

This is beautiful but I still find Roberta Flack's version the BEST

This is absolutely Judy.

this is Judy Collins I still own my vynyl

The "In My Life" album is unfairly neglected.  It's one of all-time favorites.  My vinyl version is...gone away.

what kind of voice is this, what kind of sorcery is this, I melted.

No, this is Judy. The fantastic tremolo of Joan's voice is conspicuously absent. Find Joan singing Suzanne (she covered it often) on youtube and compare, you'll see the difference.

Sorry... this is correct. Go to Amazon you'll find it.

This must be a mistake. It is not Judy Collins, but Joan Baez.

A beautiful comment from you, Warhawk. Yes, many of us have sailed the same time-space, and had, gratefully, the same angel to listen to in Sweet Judy Blue Eyes. How lucky we are!

I believe I could walk with her to the river, or wherever,

Perfect

one of the all time great songs by the woman whose voice does it justice. Love you Judy!

wow beautiful satin jacket

Thank your cousin the service. One vet to another.

This is one of my five favorite songs in this whole life. I think this version has the most beautiful almost lullaby,prettiness to it yet very intense.