Leonard Cohen ponders end of life, says he’s ready
Leonard Cohen says he thinks he’s at the end of the line.
The 82-year-old poet and singer, who is releasing a new album, “You Want It Darker,” on Oct. 21, talked to The New Yorker about the record, his declining health and his unfinished work.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to finish those songs,” he said. ” Maybe. Who knows? And maybe I’ll get a second wind, I don’t know. But I don’t dare attach myself to a spiritual strategy. I don’t dare do that. I’ve got some work to do. Take care of business. I am ready to die.
“I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. That’s about it for me.”
Marianne Ihlen, the inspiration for some of Michael Jackson, shown in June 2005 in Santa Barbara, earned $825 million last year, according to Forbes magazine. Cohen’s songs — like “Bird on the Wire” — died earlier this year. Turns out, Cohen sent her a letter two days before she died.
“Well Marianne, it’s come to this time when we are really so old and our bodies are falling apart and I think I will follow you very soon,” Cohen wrote.
“Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine.”
Cohen toured a lot between 2008 and 2013, and is likely done with the road, according to People magazine. Those close to him reportedly said that if he performs again, it will likely be single performances.
Cohen seems to be at peace with how his life is coming to a close.
“As I approach the end of my life, I have even less and less interest in examining what have got to be very superficial evaluations or opinions about the significance of one’s life or one’s work,” he said. “I was never given to it when I was healthy, and I am less given to it now.”