Family, friends and relationships

It's four in the morning, the end of December

I'm writing you now just to see if you're better

New York is cold, but I like where I'm living

There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening.

I hear that you're building your little house deep in the desert

You're living for nothing now, I hope you're keeping some kind of record.

Yes, and Jane came by with a lock of your hair

She said that you gave it to her

That night that you planned to go clear

Did you ever go clear?

Ah, the last time we saw you you looked so much older

Your famous blue raincoat was torn at the shoulder

You'd been to the station to meet every train

And you came home without Lili Marlene

And you treated my woman to a flake of your life

And when she came back she was nobody's wife.

Well I see you there with the rose in your teeth

One more thin gypsy thief

Well I see Jane's awake

She sends her regards.

And what can I tell you my brother, my killer

What can I possibly say?

I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you

I'm glad you stood in my way.

If you ever come by here, for Jane or for me

And your enemy is sleeping, and his woman is free.

Yes, and thanks, for the trouble you took from her eyes

I thought it was there for good so I never tried.

And Jane came by with a lock of your hair

She said that you gave it to her

That night that you planned to go clear

Sincerely L Cohen

A north country maid up to London has strayed

Although with her nature it did not agree.

So she wept and she sighed and bitterly she cried,

"oh, I wish once again in the north I could be."

For the oak and the ash and the bonny ivy tree

They all grow green in the north country.

While sadly I roam I regret my dear home,

Where the lads and young lasses are making the hay.

Where the birds sweetly sing, and the merry bells do ring

And the maidens and meadows are pleasant and gay.

For the oak and the ash and the bonny ivy tree

They all grow green in the north country.

No doubt if I please, I could marry with ease,

Where maidens are fair, many lovers will come.

But he that I wed must be north country bred

And carry me back to my own country.

For the oak and the ash and the bonny ivy tree

They all grow so green in the north country.

Green are your eyes

In the morning when you rise.

Don't you be afraid, my love,

To lie by me,

Your father will not know.

Love can be broken

Though no words are spoken.

Don't you be afraid to lie

By me my love,

Your father will not know.

Love, don't cry

I'll not try.

Don't you be afraid to lie

By me, my love,

Your father will not know.

Yes love, don't you cry,

I'll not try.

Don't you be afraid to lie

By me, my love.

Your father will be told someday

About our wedding day.