Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer, songwriter, and poet whose voice seemed to carry a lifetime of wisdom. His songs, like Hallelujah and Suzanne, go into themes of love, faith, and life’s challenges.
He had a way of making even the heaviest subjects feel personal and relatable. Many people found comfort in his lyrics, and his music continues to connect with listeners all around the world.
Cohen wasn’t just a musician; he was a storyteller whose words still touch hearts today.
About the Song
Who By Fire song by Leonard Cohen is inspired by a Jewish prayer called Unetanneh Tokef, which reflects on life, death, and fate, asking who will live and who will die in the coming year.
The song talks about how everyone faces their own destiny, and how we all must eventually face life’s end. Its haunting melody and lyrics make it both thought-provoking and emotional.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 11, 1974 |
| Album | The Essential Leonard Cohen (2002) |
| Writer | Leonard Cohen |
| Producer | John Lissauer & Leonard Cohen |
Full Lyrics of Who by Fire
Verse 1
And who by fire, who by water
Who in the sunshine, who in the night time
Who by high ordeal, who by common trial
Who in your merry merry month of May
Who by very slow decay
And who shall I say is calling?
Verse 2
And who in her lonely slip, who by barbiturate
Who in these realms of love, who by something blunt
And who by avalanche, who by powder
Who for his greed, who for his hunger
And who shall I say is calling?
Verse 3
And who by brave assent, who by accident
Who in solitude, who in this mirror
Who by his lady’s command, who by his own hand
Who in mortal chains, who in power
And who shall I say is calling?
Live Performances of the Song (London 2008)
Similar Songs Like Who by Fire
Here are some tracks that share a similar vibe to Who by Fire. Each one tells its own story in a way that’s easy to connect with:
- The Partisan: Powerful, haunting song about resilience and survival during wartime, inspired by the struggles of the French Resistance. The song’s somber tone and poetic lyrics are deeply moving.
- Bird on the Wire: This song speaks about freedom, regret, and the desire to make amends. It has a simple yet beautiful melody that highlights Cohen’s poetic writing.
- The Guest: A song that reflects on the passage of time and the inner search for meaning. It has a similar introspective and spiritual vibe as “Who By Fire.”
Similar Artists Like Leonard Cohen
If you love Leonard Cohen’s unique blend of soulful reflection, touching lyrics, and haunting melodies, you’ll enjoy exploring these artists who share a similar tone or storytelling style:
- Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk, Rock, Americana
Top Albums: Highway 61 Revisited (1965) Blood on the Tracks (1975) Time Out of Mind (1997) - Nick Cave
Genre: Alternative Rock, Post-Punk
Top Albums: The Boatman’s Call (1997) Push the Sky Away (2013) Murder Ballads (1996) - Tom Waits
Genre: Rock, Blues, Jazz
Top Albums: Rain Dogs (1985) Closing Time (1973) Mule Variations (1999) - Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Folk, Rock
Top Albums: American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002) At Folsom Prison (1968) Cash: Ultimate Gospel (2007)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mood of Who By Fire?
The mood of Who By Fire is somber and reflective. The slow, solemn melody paired with the thought-provoking lyrics creates an atmosphere of contemplation on life’s fragility.
What Impact did Who By Fire have on Listeners?
Who By Fire has connected greatly with listeners due to its universal themes of fate, mortality, and reflection.
What Makes Who By Fire so Impactful?
The song’s repetition of who by fire, who by water paired with Cohen’s raw, emotional delivery creates a powerful sense of inevitability and reflection.
