Leonard Cohen

Born In Chains

Leonard Cohen


I was born in chains
But I was taken out of Egypt
I was bound to a burden
But the burden it was raised
Lord I can no longer keep this secret
Blessed is the Name
The Name be praised
I fled to the edge
Of the Mighty Sea of Sorrow
Pursued by the riders
Of a cruel and dark regime
The waters parted and my soul crossed over
Out of Egypt
Out of Pharaoh's dream
Word of Words
And Measure of all Measures
Blessed is the Name
The Name be blessed
Written on my heart
In burning Letters
That's all I know
I cannot read the rest
There was total unemployment
When I heard that you could use me
Though I followed very closely
My life remained the same
But then you showed me why
The world was wounded
My eyes were opened
Broken is the Name
I was alone on the road
Your Love was so confusing
And all the teachers told me
That I had myself to blame
But in the Grip of Sensual Illusion
The sweet unknowing
Unified the Name
I've heard the soul unfolds
In the chambers of its longing
And the bitter liquor sweetens
In the hammered cup
But all the Ladders of the Night have fallen
And darkness now
To lift the Longing up
Word of Words
And Measure of all Measures
Blessed is the Name
The Name be blessed
Written on my heart
In burning Letters
That's all I know
I cannot read the rest