Emerging from the smoky haze of Leonard Cohen’s 1984 album I’m Your Man, First We Take Manhattan stands as a song shrouded in enigma. While undeniably catchy with its melancholic melody and Cohen’s signature baritone growl, its cryptic lyrics and ambiguous themes have left listeners pondering its meaning for decades.
Composed and written solely by Cohen himself, the song defies easy categorization. The instrumentation, a sparse yet propulsive blend of keyboards and percussion, leans towards a more synth-driven sound compared to Cohen’s earlier folk-oriented works. However, the lyrical delivery retains a stark poetry, weaving together imagery of love, violence, and a yearning for a transcendent state of being.
First We Take Manhattan garnered significant attention upon its release. It became a minor hit on alternative rock charts, particularly finding favor in college radio stations. Despite not achieving the mainstream success of some of Cohen’s other works, the song has become a cult classic within his repertoire, revered for its unconventional beauty and thought-provoking lyrics.
The true intrigue surrounding the song lies in its open-ended narrative. The opening line, “First we take Manhattan,” sets a tone of unsettling conquest, yet the target and motivation remain unclear. Is it a literal or metaphorical takeover? A declaration of love or a threat of violence? Cohen offers no easy answers, leaving listeners to grapple with the song’s multiple interpretations.
Further adding to the mystery is Cohen’s own commentary on the song. In a 1988 interview, he described it as “a terrorist song,” a response to the act of terrorism itself. However, this explanation only adds another layer of complexity. Does the song glorify or condemn violence? Is it a commentary on societal unrest or a personal exploration of dark desires? These questions remain unanswered, fueling the song’s enduring allure.
First We Take Manhattan is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a puzzle box waiting to be unlocked. By embracing the ambiguity and delving into its poetic imagery, listeners can find their own meaning within the song’s evocative lyrics. It’s a testament to Cohen’s artistry that a single song can evoke such a wide range of emotions and spark such fervent discussions.
Tam Le