Almost Like the Blues – English Lyrics

• By: Leonard Cohen
• Album: Popular Problems

Lyrics & Translation

Embark on a linguistic journey with Leonard Cohen's "Almost Like the Blues." This song offers a rich tapestry of profound vocabulary and complex expressions, challenging listeners to grasp Cohen's nuanced reflections on human suffering and resilience. Through his distinctive poetic style, you can explore advanced English metaphors and learn how to articulate deep emotions and philosophical insights, making it a unique and rewarding piece for language learners seeking to move beyond basic conversation.

[English]

I saw some people starving

There was murder, there was rape

Their villages were burning

They were trying to escape

I couldn't meet their glances

I was staring at my shoes

It was acid, it was tragic

It was almost like the blues

...

It was almost like the blues

...

I have to die a little

between each murderous plot

and when I'm finished thinking

I have to die a lot

There's torture, and there's killing

and there's all my bad reviews

The war, the children missing, lord

It's almost like the blues

...

It's almost like the blues

...

Though I let my heart get frozen

to keep away the rot

my father says I'm chosen

my mother says I'm not

I listened to their story

of the gypsies and the Jews

It was good, it wasn't boring

It was almost like the blues

...

It was almost like the blues

...

There is no God in heaven

There is no hell below

So says the great professor

of all there is to know

But I've had the invitation

that a sinner can't refuse

It's almost like salvation

It's almost like the blues

...

It's almost like the blues

Almost like the blues

Almost like the blues

Almost like the blues

...