Saved

So Long, Marianne

Chords
Get the app
App StoreGoogle Play
15
Original
Lyrics & ChordsClick chords to see diagrams
Intro:
Come over to the window, my little darling
I'd like to try to read your palm
I used to think I was somekind of Gypsy boy
Before I let you take me home
Chorus:
Now so long, Marianne, it's time that we began
To laugh and cry and
cry and laugh about it all again
Well you know that I love to live with you
But you make me forget so very much
I forget to pray for the angels
And then the angels forget
to pray for us
Repeat Chorus
We met when we were almost young
Deep in the green lilac park
You held on to me like I was a crucifix
As we went kneeling through the dark
Repeat Chorus
Your letters they all say
that you're beside me now
Then why do I feel alone?
I'm standing on a ledge and your fine spider web
Is fastening my ankle to a stone
Repeat Chorus
For now I need your hidden love
I'm cold as a new razor blade
You left when I told you I was curious
I never said that I was brave
Repeat Chorus
Oh, you are really such a pretty one
I see you've gone and changed your name again
And just when I climbed this whole mountainside
To wash my eyelids in the rain
Bridge:
Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
Ending:

The story behind the song

This song is a tender farewell, inspired by Marianne Ihlen, whom Leonard Cohen met on the Greek island of Hydra. She had been left by her husband, and Cohen invited her and her son to live with him, first in Oslo and then in Montreal, beginning a relationship that lasted throughout the 1960s. Cohen himself described her as a muse who gave him many songs, even if he didn't realize at the time he was saying goodbye. At its heart, it plays like a poignant reflection on a significant, formative relationship.

AI-written from these sources:So Long, Marianne — Wikipedia ↗Leonard Cohen — Wikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗

🎸 Tips from players

Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.

About So Long, Marianne Chords by Leonard Cohen

Learn how to play So Long, Marianne by Leonard Cohen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “So Long, Marianne chords”, “So Long, Marianne guitar chords”, or “Leonard Cohen So Long, Marianne chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy So Long, Marianne chords and for experienced players who want accurate So Long, Marianne lyrics and chords in one place.

FAQ — So Long, Marianne by Leonard Cohen

How do I play "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen on guitar?

Open the free chords for "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen free?

Yes. The chords for "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "So Long, Marianne" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "So Long, Marianne" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "So Long, Marianne"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "So Long, Marianne" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "So Long, Marianne" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "So Long, Marianne" by Leonard Cohen with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Leonard Cohen below.

What key is "So Long, Marianne" in?

The chords for "So Long, Marianne" show the original chord names. Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.