SISTERS OF MERCY
By Leonard Cohen
Rec on Best of Leonard Cohen and others.
Co. 1967 Stranger Music, Inc. (BMI)

Oh, the sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone.
They were waiting for me when I thought that I just can't go on;
And they brought me their comfort and later they brought me this song.
Oh, I hope you run into them, you who've been traveling so long.

Yes, you who must leave everything that you cannot control:
It begins with your family, but soon it comes round to your soul.
Well, I've been where you're hanging. I think I can see how you're pinned.
When you're not feeling holy, your loneliness says that you've sinned.

They lay down beside me. I made my confession to them.
They touched both my eyes and I touched the dew on their hem.
If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn,
They will bind you with love that is gracious and green as a stem.

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 they have sweetened your night.
We weren't lovers like that, and besides, it would still be all right.