Two years ago, I shared with you Leonard Cohen’s Song of Bernadette. It is one of my favorite songs ever and I thought I’d post it again, but this time with the lyrics. I hope you don’t mind the repetition.
There was a child named Bernadette
I heard the story long ago
She saw the Queen of Heaven once
And kept the vision in her soul
No one believed what she had seen
No one believed what she heard
But there were sorrows to be healed
And mercy, mercy in this world
So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine
Torn by what we have done and can’t undo
I just want to hold you, won’t you let me hold you
Like Bernadette would do
We’ve been around, we fall, we fly
We mostly fall, we mostly run
And every now and then we try
To mend the damage that we’ve done
Tonight, tonight I just can’t rest
I’ve got this joy in my breast
To think that I did not forget that child
That song of Bernadette
So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine
Torn by what we’ve done and can’t undo
I just want to hold you, won’t you let me hold you
Like Bernadette would do
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
The version that I heard of this song was by Luther Vandross. He also sang the Our Father. You should check out that one!! His voice has an ethereal quality to it that will touch your soul.
We’re off to New Mexico, so probably won’t be stopping in that frequently, but will include you and all here at PFO in our prayers. Brightest Blessings!
Prayers for safe and happy travels!
Emma,
I join with Fran in wishing you safe and joyful travels and, when I get a spare moment, I’m going to look for the Luther Vandross version. Thanks.
Paul
A lovely way to start the week.
Happy Monday people
Simon,
I’m so glad that you liked it.
Paul
I think this is the first time I heard this, such a beautiful song.
And every now and then we try
To mend the damage that we’ve done
Yes, it is a lovely way to start the week. Many thanks…
Tim,
It was an Irish friend who pointed me to it. Who would have thought Leonard Cohen would write such a song but, apparently, he’s fascinated by Bernadette.
Paul
Oh how I love this – hearing it again is grace and gift. Thank you.
I am fully back from retreat and vacation – pray for me, I really could get used to a more leisurely life, but I must return to my job!
Fran,
Re-entry is always a bit tough, isn’t it? I’m glad you got the chance to rest. Now, think of all those people whom you are going to help by your presence and your grace.
Paul
I am in the same boat, having just got back from nearly three months in Europe. I have to go back to work on Monday- and I know nobody will have any sympathy for my work-aversion!
I love the words of this song- and have never come across it before either…
Just came across this other version of it by Judy Collins that I love as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNFNaMNYUo8&feature=colike
Beautiful, beautiful words which gave me goosebumps & tears.
Lynda,
I know. So gorgeous, so profound, so simple…
Paul
A beautiful song, done so nicely by Jennifer Warrens. Thanks for starting the week for us this way!
Bob,
Look at Emma’s comment up above. She’s pointing us to Luther Vandross’ version. I can hardly wait.
Paul
Mondays can be so….well… Monday-like. I am so grateful that there is a beautiful piece of music chosen for me every week, like this one, to start my work week off with a blessing.
Denise,
I can only hope and pray that I can keep up the same standard!
Paul
Never heard this before; what a lovely song.
As Denise J commented “Monday’s can be so Monday-like” but last week I had the pleasure of shopping with my 3yr old Granddaughter – we bounced balls in the supermarket and modelled the clothes for each other! (haha).
I was actually there the whole week to look after Grace as her Mummy was due to have her baby who arrived on 4th July – a brother for Gracie. A special date as it was my brother’s birthday (now deceased). I had a lot to Thank God for last wk – Grace slept through every night without night terrors(she has’nt managed so many nights before).
We had such fun playing water fights in the garden and disco dancing. When I exercised she joined in too and made up some of her own that I had to copy. My list could go on……………… lets just say I’m looking forward to next week as I’m going to stay for a few days again. Already Grace was telling her Grandad it was Nanna Katy’s room. Soooooooooooo sweet. A happy week to all!
Congratulations Katy on your new Grandchild. Sounds like a lovely time with your family!
Congratulations! I am glad that your week was filled with joy and gratitude. God bless you all!
Denise J
Katy,
Congratulations to you and your family! My daughter also has a girl and a boy three years younger and I do believe there isn’t anything more joyful than being around our grandchildren. They bring God’s wonder into all that they do. Enjoy!!
Katy,
Congratulations on the birth of your grandson.
Joy, health and happiness to all your beloved family.
Congratulations Katy.
Katy,
I join, alas belatedly, in sharing the joy at your new grandson and at the fun you’ve had with your granddaughter.
Paul
Paul,
Thank you for sharing this. I had never heard this before. It is so true, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing and giving hope to start the week!
Kathy,
It was my pleasure entirely.
Paul
Such a lovely beautiful song! :’)
Monica,
Yes. Yes. Yes. What else is there to say about this sublime song?
Paul
Delightful, thank you. So very grateful to discover this beautiful song!
I just got this this morning. Our internet was down the past two days. It’s also a good start to a Wednesday. I’ve never heard the song before. Thanks, Paul. “torn by what we’ve done and can’t undo” Wow! That brought tears to my eyes.
Katy, Congratulations on your grandchild. My grandson was born last December on the anniversary of my mother’s death, and my daughter was born on the same day ( a few hours after) my grandfather’s death. This grandfather also shared a birthday with my husband (different year, of course). I love those little coincidences(?) of life.