Warren wanted a Beach Boys thing for this one, and Carl Wilson and Billy Hinsche came in, with Carl arranging the vocal parts. The other harmony vocalists (credited as the "Gentlemen Boys") were Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, Zevon's longtime backers Waddy Wachtel and Jorge Calderon, and Linda Rondstadt/Stone Poneys guitarist Kenny Edwards.
I've seen you change the water into wine
I've seen you change it back to water too
I sit at your table every night
I try, but I just don't get by with you
I wish there was a treaty we could sign
I do not care who takes this bloody hill
I'm angry and I'm tired all the time
I wish there was a treaty
I wish there was a treaty
Between your love and mine
Ah, they're dancing in the street, it's Jubilee
We sold ourselves for love, but now we're free
I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be
Only one of us was real
And that was me
I haven't said a word since you've been gone
That any liar couldn't say as well
I just can't believe the static coming on
You were my ground, my safe and sound
You were my Ariel
Oh, the fields are crying out, it's Jubilee
We sold ourselves for love, but now we're free
I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be
Only one of us was real
And that was me
I heard the snake was baffled by his sin
He shed his scales to find the snake within
But born again is born without a skin
The poison enters into everything
And I wish there was a treaty we could sign
I do not care who takes this bloody hill
I'm angry and I'm tired all the time
I wish there was a treaty
I wish there was a treaty
Between your love and mine
I've seen you change it back to water too
I sit at your table every night
I try, but I just don't get by with you
I wish there was a treaty we could sign
I do not care who takes this bloody hill
I'm angry and I'm tired all the time
I wish there was a treaty
I wish there was a treaty
Between your love and mine
Ah, they're dancing in the street, it's Jubilee
We sold ourselves for love, but now we're free
I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be
Only one of us was real
And that was me
I haven't said a word since you've been gone
That any liar couldn't say as well
I just can't believe the static coming on
You were my ground, my safe and sound
You were my Ariel
Oh, the fields are crying out, it's Jubilee
We sold ourselves for love, but now we're free
I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be
Only one of us was real
And that was me
I heard the snake was baffled by his sin
He shed his scales to find the snake within
But born again is born without a skin
The poison enters into everything
And I wish there was a treaty we could sign
I do not care who takes this bloody hill
I'm angry and I'm tired all the time
I wish there was a treaty
I wish there was a treaty
Between your love and mine
Lyrics submitted by bloodangel
Treaty Lyrics as written by Leonard Cohen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Like a lot of the other comments are saying, I think this mainly about voyeurism. If the song was about his girlfriend, then why would he use the word spy. If you are a spy it means you shouldn't be caught, that is kind of the whole point, and if you are a voyeur, the whole point of the pleasure you get from it, is the fact that the other people don't know you are watching them. See a bit of a connection there?
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The way this song speaks to me🥺🥺when I sing it I feel like I relate
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Recently having bought You want it darker I am overwhelmed and intrigued by the lyrics. I just listened to Treaty and I believe that it is a Treaty between Leonard and God. Changing water into wine and then back again is somewhat of an enigma, as Jesus only turned water into wine. Sitting at God's table reminds me of the Last Supper. I am sorry for the Ghost I made you be, could be Judas when he betrayed Jesus, and consequently Jesus was Crucified because of the betrayal. The hill maybe is Calvery, and the Snake, the Devil. There is rejoicing too, after the Resurrection of Jesus. And the Disciples did sell themselves for love, and then they were free after the Crucifixion. I love the words. "You were my ground, my safe and sound, my ariel. So moving. And, of course the words "I', angry and I;m tired all the time, I think is Judus angry at himself for betraying Jesus and feeling so tired of the whole thing. . I haven't said a word since you've been gone that any liar could not say as well. There is nothing left to say. It is over and the victory, the loss , the pain and the betrayal is all that is left. Leonard Cohen is simply a wonderful writer and singer, and the world he left is lost without him. Rest in Peace Mr. Cohen.