When Numbers Become Faces | There Is A War | Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's song "There Is a War" is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the futility of war and the human cost it inflicts. The song's lyrics, penned by Cohen himself, paint a vivid picture of a world torn apart by conflict.

The opening lines, "I don't want to talk about it anymore / I don't want to hear you talk about it either" set the tone for the rest of the song, which is a poignant exploration of the ways in which war can consume us. Cohen's distinctive vocals bring to life the words of the song, imbuing them with a sense of sadness and resignation.

The lyrics of "There Is a War" are a powerful indictment of the destructive nature of conflict. Cohen writes about the way in which war can reduce human beings to mere statistics, and how it can destroy entire communities. He sings of the futility of fighting, saying "I know there is a war going on / I know there is a war going on / And the children are crying / And the children are dying".

Despite its somber subject matter, "There Is a War" is ultimately a song about hope and resilience. Cohen's lyrics offer a message of peace and unity, urging listeners to come together and find a way to end the cycle of violence.

Throughout the song, Cohen's poetic lyrics and soaring vocals create a sense of longing and despair, but also of determination and resolve. "There Is a War" is a masterpiece of folk music that continues to resonate with listeners today.