Song of Bernadette by Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen
This story was first published at the "Franciscanized World" blog of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Please visit https://franciscanizedworld.fscc-calledtobe.org
Franciscan Lourdes Hymn: Song of Bernadette by Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen
by SISTER JULIE ANN on FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Some songs are timeless. Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity are pleased to feature once again the collaborative energies of Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen in the beautiful ‘Song of Bernadette’. It is a classic hymn of exquisite melody and meaningful lyrics. This song is perfect for the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes this month of February.
Listen to the entire Song of Bernadette by clicking here. Go to track 13. Or go to the FSCC blog article here.
Suggestion: As you listen to the ‘Song of Bernadette’, recall images of Mary that have encouraged you in doing God’s will in the present or past.
Jennifer Warnes, singer, songwriter and recording artist reflects:
I was given the name Bernadette at birth. But my siblings preferred the name “Jennifer” so my name was changed one week later. In 1979, on tour in the south of France with Leonard Cohen, I began writing a series of letters between the “Bernadette” I almost was, and “Jennifer”–two energies within me. One innocent, and the other who had fallen for the world.
The letters were just an experiment: “Dear Bernadette, I’m so lost right now.” “Hello dear Jennifer, don’t worry, I’m here, and it’s gonna be okay.”
I showed Leonard my letters to which he replied, “There’s a song in here…just start at the beginning…”There was a child named Bernadette, I heard the story long ago…and then keep going….”
So the song arose in a bus nearby Lourdes. I was admiring Bernadette’s countryside from the bus window, thinking about the great Saint who held her ground so well, and was not swayed from what she knew to be true.
But the song is also about me longing to return to a place that was more pure, honest and true. I still long for this, and I think others do too.
Website: www.jenniferwarnes.com
Conversation of Leonard Cohen and Jennifer Warnes
You may listen to the conversation regarding Famous Blue Raincoat’s Song of Bernadette between Leonard Cohen and Jennifer Warnes. Click here. Go to track 14.
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