About the song
“The Partisan” by Leonard Cohen is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the essence of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. Originally written in French by Anna Marly with lyrics adapted by Hy Zaret, Cohen’s rendition of “The Partisan” is featured on his album “Songs from a Room,” released in 1969.
Cohen’s deep, gravelly voice lends a sense of gravitas to the song’s powerful lyrics, which tell the story of a partisan fighter during World War II. The song’s evocative imagery and stirring melody evoke a sense of longing and solidarity, as the protagonist reflects on the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.
While “The Partisan” didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, it garnered critical acclaim for its poetic lyrics and Cohen’s emotive delivery. The song’s placement on “Songs from a Room” contributed to the album’s reputation as a masterpiece of Cohen’s early work.
Despite not charting prominently on music charts, “The Partisan” has left a lasting impact on listeners and fellow musicians alike. Its themes of resistance and resilience resonate deeply with audiences, transcending the boundaries of time and place.
Leonard Cohen’s rendition of “The Partisan” stands as a testament to his ability to infuse profound meaning into his music, making it relevant and resonant across generations. As listeners immerse themselves in the song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics, they are transported to a world where courage and hope shine brightly even in the darkest of times.
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Lyrics
When they poured across the border
I was cautioned to surrender
This I could not do
I took my gun and vanished.
I have changed my name so often
I’ve lost my wife and children
But I have many friends
And some of them are with me
An old woman gave us shelter
Kept us hidden in the garret
Then the soldiers came
She died without a whisper
There were three of us this morning
I’m the only one this evening
But I must go on
The frontiers are my prison
Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing
Through the graves the wind is blowing
Freedom soon will come
Then we’ll come from the shadows
Les Allemands étaient chez moi
Ils me dirent, “résigne toi”
Mais je n’ai pas peur
J’ai repris mon âme
J’ai changé cent fois de nom
J’ai perdu femme et enfants
Mais j’ai tant d’amis
J’ai la France entière
Un vieil homme dans un grenier
Pour la nuit nous a caché
Les Allemands l’ont pris
Il est mort sans surprise
Oh, the wind, the wind is blowing
Through the graves the wind is blowing
Freedom soon will come
Then we’ll come from the shadows