Leonard Cohen was a master wordsmith who was always able to craft lyrics that were both poetic and profound. His song “First We Take Manhattan” is a powerful and enigmatic piece that is still celebrated and analyzed today. This article explores the lyrics and meaning behind this iconic piece of music.

Table of Contents

Introduction

“First We Take Manhattan” was released in 1988 as part of Leonard Cohen’s album “I’m Your Man.” The song was widely celebrated upon its release and has since become an anthem for many different groups and causes. Despite this, the lyrics remain somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation.

The Lyrics

The opening lines of the song immediately establish a sense of authority and control: “They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom for trying to change the system from within.” Cohen’s protagonist is a man who has been jailed for his political beliefs, and who has subsequently been turned into a “prisoner of the white lines on the freeway.”

The chorus is both memorable and ominous: “First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.” This line has been interpreted in many different ways, with some seeing it as a statement of world domination while others see it as a reflection of a personal journey.

The second verse focuses on the narrator’s relationship with a woman named Jane: “I’m fond of her but she’s distant and I’m tired of that distance clouding up my vision.” Here, Cohen is commenting on the emotional distance that can exist between people, and how it can be frustrating and disorienting.

The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, and an acknowledgement that the narrators are now “all equal in the end.”

The Meaning

There are many different interpretations of what “First We Take Manhattan” is about, and it’s likely that Leonard Cohen intended for the lyrics to be open to interpretation. However, there are a few key themes that are worth exploring in more detail.

One of the most obvious themes in the song is power and control. The narrator has been imprisoned for his beliefs, and his desire for change leads him to proclaim that he will “take” the world’s major cities. This could be seen as a reflection of revolutionary ideals, or could be interpreted more abstractly as a desire for personal power and control over one’s own life.

Another theme is emotional distance, which is exemplified in the narrator’s relationship with Jane. Cohen is commenting on the personal toll that can result from a lack of emotional connection, and how it can be frustrating and isolating.

There is also a sense of inevitability in the song, which is echoed in the repetition of the chorus. The narrators are on a journey that will lead them to their ultimate destination, and they are determined to reach it. This could be seen as a reflection of the human desire for purpose and meaning, or as a commentary on the futility of resistance.

The Legacy

“First We Take Manhattan” has continued to be celebrated and analyzed in the years since its release. The song has been covered by a number of different musicians, and has been cited as an influence by many others. Its timeless message of power, control, and perseverance continues to resonate with audiences today.

FAQs

1. What is the meaning behind the title “First We Take Manhattan?”

The title of the song has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. Some see it as a statement of world domination or political power, while others see it as a reflection of a personal journey. In any case, the title is memorable and has helped to ensure the song’s enduring legacy.

2. What are some of the key themes in the song?

Some of the key themes in “First We Take Manhattan” include power, control, emotional distance, and inevitability. The song is a reflection on the human desire for purpose and meaning, and the ways in which we can struggle to achieve those things.

3. Why do you think the song has continued to be celebrated and analyzed in the years since its release?

There are several reasons why “First We Take Manhattan” continues to be celebrated and analyzed today. First, the song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, which allows for a range of different audiences to connect with it. Second, the song’s themes of power and perseverance are timeless and continue to resonate with people today. Finally, the song is simply a masterwork of composition, with engaging melodies and poetic phrasing that continue to captivate audiences today.

4. What is the role of Jane in the song?

Jane serves as a foil for the narrator, and represents the emotional distance that can exist between people. She is a reminder of the toll that a lack of emotional connection can take on a person, and she embodies the frustrations and feelings of isolation that the narrator is experiencing.

5. What are some examples of other musicians who have been influenced by “First We Take Manhattan?”

Some musicians who have been influenced by “First We Take Manhattan” include R.E.M., Jennifer Warnes, and John Cale. The song’s enduring legacy and memorable melody have made it an influential work for a variety of different artists.

6. What is the significance of the repetition of the chorus?

The repetition of the chorus reinforces the sense of inevitability that runs throughout the song. The narrators are on a journey that will ultimately lead them to their destination, and the repetition of the chorus highlights this sense of purpose and determination.

7. What do you think is the ultimate message of the song?

The ultimate message of the song is open to interpretation, but could be seen as a reflection on the human desire for power, control, and meaning. The song’s protagonists are on a journey that will lead them to their destination, and their unyielding determination is reflective of the resilience of the human spirit.

8. What is the role of the prison in the song?

The prison serves as a symbol of the oppression and resistance that is at the heart of the song. The narrator is a victim of this oppression, and his desire for change fuels his determination to “take” the world’s major cities.

9. What is the significance of the statement “all equal in the end?”

The statement “all equal in the end” could be seen as a reminder of our ultimate mortality, and a reflection on the fleeting nature of power and control. It is a sobering reminder that we are all equal in our shared humanness.

10. How does the song fit into Leonard Cohen’s larger oeuvre?

“First We Take Manhattan” is a testament to Leonard Cohen’s enduring genius and mastery of language. The song’s memorable melody and poetic lyrics are a hallmark of Cohen’s larger body of work, and exemplify his unique talents as a songwriter.