Anthem lyrics by Leonard Cohen, 1 meaning. Anthem explained, official 2026 song lyrics | LyricsMode.com
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Leonard Cohen – Anthem lyrics
The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
Has passed away
Or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
Be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again

Bought and sold
And bought again
The dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

We asked for signs
The signs were sent:
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood

Of every government --
Signs for all to see.

I can't run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
A thundercloud
And they're going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring ...

You can add up the parts
But you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march,
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart
To love will come
But like a refugee.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
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Songwriters: Leonard Cohen
Anthem lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Anthem meanings

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    AnneOregonCoast
    Tomorrow the ballots will begin to be counted. This song is timely, so is Democracy. I've been playing these songs over and over, letting the wisdom and beauty wash over my mind and heart. The refrain is for the ages, as is Leonard Cohen. "I can't run no more
    With that lawless crowd
    While the killers in high places
    Say their prayers out loud.
    But they've summoned, they've summoned up
    A thundercloud
    And they're going to hear from me.
    Ring the bells that still can ring ...
    May the mischief promised for tomorrow be minimal.
    May the widowhood of this government be visible to all to see. 11/2/2026, Eve of Midterm elections in the USA.
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      AnneOregonCoast
      Tomorrow the ballots will begin to be counted. This song is timely, so is Democracy. I've been... Read more →

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