First we take Manhattan

by Leonard Cohen

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, now 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.

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

And I thank you for the items that you sent me

The monkey and the plywood violin

I practiced every night and 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.