First We Take Manhattan
Revolution's Overture: Unveiling Leonard Cohen's Anthem
Lyrics
They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom
They imposed upon me a sentence of twenty years filled with monotony and lack of excitement.
For trying to change the system from within
I faced consequences for attempting to reform the system from within.
I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them
I am now arriving to give them their just rewards.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
We will initially conquer Manhattan and then proceed to take Berlin.
I'm guided by a signal in the heavens (guided, guided)
I am directed by a celestial signal.
I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin (guided, guided by)
A distinctive mark on my skin guides me.
I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons (guided)
The attractiveness and power of our weapons serve as a guiding force.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Following the previous statement, reiterating the plan to take Manhattan and then Berlin.
(I'd really like to live beside you, baby)
Expressing a desire to live closely with someone.
(I love your body and your spirit and your clothes)
Expressing love for various aspects of an individual.
(But you see that line there moving through the station?)
Pointing out a line in the station, possibly indicative of a division or boundary.
(I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those)
Reiterating a previous claim of belonging to a certain group or identity.
Ah, you loved me as a loser
Reflecting on being loved when seen as a failure.
But now you're worried that I just might win
Now, there's concern that success might lead to problems.
You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the discipline
Acknowledging awareness of a solution to stop the speaker but noting a lack of commitment to implement it.
How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin
The speaker prayed for many nights for the opportunity to begin their work.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Reaffirming the plan to take Manhattan first and then Berlin.
I don't like your fashion business, mister
Expressing disapproval of the fashion business.
And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin
Disliking the use of drugs that contribute to thinness.
I don't like what happened to my sister
Expressing discontent with an unfortunate event involving the speaker's sister.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Reiterating the plan to take Manhattan and then Berlin.
(I'd really like to live beside you, baby)
Restating a desire to live closely with someone.
(I love your body and your spirit and your clothes)
Expressing love for various aspects of an individual.
(But you see that line there moving through the station?)
Pointing out a line in the station, possibly indicative of a division or boundary.
(I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those)
Reiterating a previous claim of belonging to a certain group or identity.
And I thank you for those items that you sent me, ha ha ha
Expressing gratitude for items received with a humorous tone.
The monkey and the plywood violin
Describing unconventional items received, possibly symbolizing unique experiences or challenges.
I practiced every night, now I'm ready
Having prepared diligently, the speaker is now ready for action.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin (I am guided)
Reiterating the plan to take Manhattan and then Berlin, emphasizing guidance.
Ah remember me, I used to live for music (baby)
Asking to be remembered for the speaker's past connection with music.
Remember me, I brought your groceries in (ooh, baby, yeah)
Reminding someone of past favors, such as bringing groceries.
Well, it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded (baby)
Noting the significance of Father's Day and expressing a collective sense of woundedness.
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Concluding with the plan to take Manhattan first and then Berlin.
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