What does Sisters of Mercy mean?

Leonard Cohen: Sisters of Mercy Meaning

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Album cover for Sisters of Mercy album cover

Sisters of Mercy Lyrics

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...

  1. anonymous
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    Mar 31st 2016 !⃝

    A man is troubled and confused. What he loved and depended upon not just for support but self-worth slipped away. Cohen infuses religion into his lyrics with some regularity but here he maybe chafes some sensitivities by comparing the comforts of Catholicism with prostitution.

    Not only the title but "making my confession" not by kneeling but laying with them - a Biblical euphemism for intercourse. It is difficult to expostulate as this one just seems too obvious. He lost his family, questioned his faith, found comfort from others. Has apparently gotten on with his life by the time he writes the song but expresses a beautiful appreciation for what the sisters provided.

    "And it won't make me jealous if I learn that they've sweetened your night. We weren't lovers like that and besides, it would still be all right.

  2. anonymous
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    Apr 23rd 2007 !⃝

    It's about prostitutes and the relationship the character has had with them throughout his life.


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