A companion to the “Tower of Song” thread… I’ve heard of nuns referred to as “Sisters of Mercy,” but I doubt that’s who Cohen’s referring to in his song. I see them as godesses, or people he’s met… does anyone have any better info?
I think it can be used as just a generic nun gang name. The New Jersey Sisters of Mercy. Like the Chicago Mother of Perpetual Hope Orphanage or something. A catchy name for your handy religious organisation, and nothing more.
The original Religious Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, under the patronage of Our Lady of Mercy was started by Catherine McAuley in Ireland in 1831. Orders of nuns that live according to the apostolic life which was lived by the Sisters of Mercy founded by Mother Catherine McAuley can use the name.
I’m pretty confident that Mr Cohen on the other hand was talking about prostitutes.
When I left they were sleeping
I hope you run into them soon.
Don’t turn on the lights,
You can read their address by the moon;
And you won’t make me jealous
If I hear that they’ve sweetened your night
We weren’t lovers like that
And besides it would still be all right
Seems telling to me.
I feel suddenly immature for missing something so obvious. I got my fandom for Cohen from my dad, who gave me his albums when he “thought I was ready.” I have a feeling i need to be older to fully enjoy them, though I certainly love his songs now…
Death rock? Nah. Definitely Goth. Been around forever. “Floodland” is one of my favourite albums.
They lay down beside me
I made my confession to them.
They touched both my eyes
And I touched the dew on their hem.
As don’t ask said, Cohen’s talking about prostitutes. Each verse hints at this more stongly that the previous one until you get to that last one in don’t ask’s post, and then he leaves you with little doubt.