The Window – English Lyrics

• By: Leonard Cohen
• Album: RecentSongs

Lyrics & Translation

Discover the profound poetry of Leonard Cohen's "The Window," a song that transcends language barriers with its universal themes of spiritual yearning and hope. Through its beautiful blend of folk, jazz, and Eastern melodies, this song offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of mystical and religious imagery that influenced Cohen's work. Learning the language of this song is to delve into a world of deep emotion and timeless wisdom, making it a special piece for any language learner's journey.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
abandoned /əˈbændənd/ B2	adjective - deserted or left alone
thorn /θɔːrn/ A2	noun - a sharp point on a plant
bosom /ˈbʊzəm/ B1	noun - a woman's breast or the front of a person's body
spear /spɪr/ A2	noun - a weapon with a long shaft and sharp point
fragrance /ˈfreɪɡrəns/ B1	noun - a pleasant smell
remorse /rɪˈmɔːrs/ B2	noun - deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed
loosen /ˈluːsən/ B1	verb - to make less tight or firm
tangle /ˈtæŋɡl/ B1	noun - a twisted or tangled mass verb - to become twisted together
splendor /ˈsplɛndər/ C1	noun - great and impressive beauty or magnificence
tarry /ˈtæri/ C1	verb - to delay or wait
ruin /ˈruːɪn/ B1	noun - the state of being destroyed or decayed
silent /ˈsaɪlənt/ A1	adjective - making no sound
gentle /ˈdʒɛntəl/ A2	adjective - mild and kind verb - to make calm or quiet
bless /blɛs/ B1	verb - to invoke divine favor upon
continuous /kənˈtɪnjuəs/ B2	adjective - without interruption
stutter /ˈstʌtər/ B1	verb - to speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions

Key Grammar Structures

• Now why do you stand by the window

  ➔ Present Simple in a Question

  ➔ The verb 'stand' is in the present simple tense, used to ask about a habitual or general action. The inversion of 'why' and 'do' forms a question.

• The thorn of the night in your bosom

  ➔ Possessive Determiners

  ➔ The phrase uses 'your' as a possessive determiner to show ownership. It modifies 'bosom' to indicate possession.

• Lost in the rages of fragrance

  ➔ Past Participle as Adjective

  ➔ The word 'Lost' is a past participle used as an adjective to describe the state of being. It modifies the noun phrase 'the rages of fragrance'.

• Oh chosen love, oh frozen love

  ➔ Vocative Case

  ➔ The phrases 'Oh chosen love' and 'oh frozen love' use the vocative case to address or invoke the subject directly. 'Oh' is used to express emotion.

• And kiss the cheek of the moon

  ➔ Imperative Mood

  ➔ The verb 'kiss' is in the imperative mood, used to give a command or instruction. It directly addresses the listener.

• The new Jerusalem glowing

  ➔ Present Participle as Adjective

  ➔ The word 'glowing' is a present participle used as an adjective to describe 'the new Jerusalem'. It shows a continuous action or state.

• But climb on your tears and be silent

  ➔ Imperative Mood with 'and'

  ➔ The verbs 'climb' and 'be' are both in the imperative mood, connected by 'and' to give multiple commands. It emphasizes consecutive actions.

• Then lay your rose on the fire

  ➔ Imperative Mood with Object

  ➔ The verb 'lay' is in the imperative mood, followed by the object 'your rose'. It gives a direct command with a specific object.