'First We Take Manhattan' by Leonard Cohen

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They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom

For trying to change the system from within

I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.

I'm guided by a signal in the heavens

I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin

I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.

I'd really like to live beside you, baby

I love your body and your spirit and your clothes

But you see that line there moving through the station?

I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those

Ah you loved me as a loser, but now you're worried that I
just might win

You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the
discipline

How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

I don't like your fashion business mister

And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin

I don't like what happened to my sister

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

And I thank you for those items that you sent me

The monkey and the plywood violin

I practiced every night, now I'm ready

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

Remember me? I used to live for music

Remember me? I brought your groceries in

Well it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin

Editor 1 Interpretation

First We Take Manhattan: A Critical Analysis of Leonard Cohen's Classic Poem

Leonard Cohen's "First We Take Manhattan" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. The poem was originally published in 1988 as part of Cohen's album, "I'm Your Man." The poem has been described as a powerful and haunting meditation on the limits of human ambition and the dangers of political extremism. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of "First We Take Manhattan."

Overview of the Poem

The poem is a narrative about a group of people who are planning to take over Manhattan. The speaker of the poem is one of the members of this group, and he describes their plans in detail. The group is made up of "the sisters of mercy," "the disciples of shame," and "the priests of the temple." These are all symbolic names that suggest a certain spiritual or religious element to the group's mission.

The group's plan is to take over Manhattan by force, using weapons and violence. They plan to "blow up the bridges that bring us over" and to "obliterate this town." The speaker acknowledges that this plan is extreme and dangerous, but he believes that it is necessary in order to achieve their goals.

The poem ends with the speaker expressing his desire to be part of this group and to join in their mission to take over Manhattan. He declares that "I'm guided by a signal in the heavens," suggesting that he believes that his mission is divinely inspired.

Analysis of the Poem

The central theme of the poem is the dangers of political extremism. The group that is planning to take over Manhattan is clearly driven by a sense of righteous indignation and a desire to change the world. However, their methods are violent and extreme, and they are willing to sacrifice innocent lives in order to achieve their goals.

The poem is also a critique of the idea of divine inspiration. The speaker suggests that he is guided by a signal in the heavens, but this is clearly a delusion. His desire to be part of this group is driven by his own sense of self-righteousness and his desire for power, rather than any genuine spiritual calling.

The poem is also a commentary on the nature of power. The group that is planning to take over Manhattan is motivated by a desire for power, and they are willing to use violence to achieve their goals. However, the poem suggests that this is a futile and ultimately destructive quest. The speaker acknowledges that their plan is extreme and dangerous, and he seems to be aware that it is unlikely to succeed.

The language of the poem is powerful and evocative. The use of religious imagery and symbolism gives the poem a sense of urgency and importance. The repeated use of the phrase "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin" creates a sense of momentum and inevitability, as if the group's mission is already in motion.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a warning against the dangers of political extremism. The group that is planning to take over Manhattan is clearly motivated by a sense of righteous indignation, but their methods are dangerous and destructive. The poem suggests that this kind of extremism can never lead to a positive outcome.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a critique of the idea of divine inspiration. The speaker suggests that he is guided by a signal in the heavens, but this is clearly a delusion. The poem suggests that the desire for power and control can often masquerade as spiritual inspiration, and that we need to be wary of those who claim to be acting on behalf of a higher power.

A third possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of power. The group that is planning to take over Manhattan is motivated by a desire for power, but the poem suggests that this is a futile and ultimately destructive quest. The poem suggests that true power comes from within, and that we need to be careful not to be seduced by the allure of external power and control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "First We Take Manhattan" is a powerful and haunting meditation on the limits of human ambition and the dangers of political extremism. The poem is a warning against the dangers of extremism and a critique of the idea of divine inspiration. The language of the poem is powerful and evocative, and the use of religious imagery and symbolism gives the poem a sense of urgency and importance. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true power comes from within, and that we need to be careful not to be seduced by the allure of external power and control.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

First We Take Manhattan: A Masterpiece of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, is known for his profound and enigmatic lyrics that explore the human condition, spirituality, and social issues. One of his most iconic songs, "First We Take Manhattan," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic genius and political consciousness.

Released in 1988, "First We Take Manhattan" is a dark and haunting song that features Cohen's deep baritone voice, electronic beats, and synthesizers. The song's lyrics are a powerful commentary on the rise of totalitarianism, the corruption of power, and the human desire for control and domination.

The song's opening lines, "They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom / For trying to change the system from within," set the tone for the rest of the song. Cohen's protagonist is a rebel who has been punished for his attempts to challenge the status quo and bring about change. The line "I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them" suggests that the protagonist is seeking revenge against those who have wronged him.

The chorus of the song, "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin," is a rallying cry for revolutionaries and dissidents who seek to overthrow the existing order. The line "I'm guided by a signal in the heavens" suggests that the protagonist is driven by a higher purpose or divine inspiration.

The second verse of the song is even more ominous than the first. The line "I'm angry and I'm tired all the time" suggests that the protagonist is exhausted from his struggle and is on the brink of collapse. The line "I don't know how much longer I can go on" suggests that the protagonist is close to giving up.

However, the chorus of the song provides a glimmer of hope. The line "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin" suggests that the protagonist is not alone in his struggle and that there are others who share his vision of a better world.

The third verse of the song is perhaps the most chilling. The line "I'd really like to live beside you, baby" suggests that the protagonist is willing to sacrifice his personal relationships for the sake of his cause. The line "I love your body and your spirit and your clothes" suggests that the protagonist is attracted to the physical and spiritual beauty of his lover, but is willing to put his cause above his personal desires.

The line "But you see that line there moving through the station?" suggests that the protagonist is aware of the forces that are working against him and that he is constantly on the move, trying to stay one step ahead of his enemies.

The final chorus of the song is a powerful statement of defiance and determination. The line "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin" is repeated, but this time it is followed by the line "I'm guided by a signal in the heavens, I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin." This suggests that the protagonist is not only driven by a higher purpose, but that he is also marked by destiny.

In conclusion, "First We Take Manhattan" is a masterpiece of Leonard Cohen's poetic and musical genius. The song's lyrics are a powerful commentary on the human condition, the struggle for freedom and justice, and the desire for control and domination. The song's haunting melody and electronic beats create a sense of urgency and tension that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. "First We Take Manhattan" is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move listeners today.

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