I’ve had more than my share of goodbyes, thank you very much, so when Helen set the theme of ‘Goodbye/Farewell’ for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday, I knew immediately whay my pick would be.

For ten years, from 1985 to 1995, I was only around at weekends – and not all of them. That’s what happens when you live in Scotland and work in London for an American investment bank, covering companies in Europe and Australia.

So I’ve said far more goodbyes than I ever wanted to – to the extent that this song by Leonard Cohen is part of the soundtrack to my life. Don’t let the almost jaunty tune fool you.

I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm
Your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm
Yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new
In city and in forest, they smiled like me and you
But now it’s come to distances and both of us must try
Your eyes are soft with sorrow
Hey, that’s no way to say goodbye

I’m not looking for another as I wander in my time
Walk me to the corner, our steps will always rhyme
You know my love goes with you as your love stays with me
It’s just the way it changes like the shoreline and the sea
But let’s not talk of love or chains and things we can’t untie
Your eyes are soft with sorrow
Hey, that’s no way to say goodbye

I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm
Your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm
Yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new
In city and in forest they smiled like me and you
But let’s not talk of love or chains and things we can’t untie
Your eyes are soft with sorrow
Hey, that’s no way to say goodbye

Songwriters: Leonard Cohen
Hey, That’s no Way to Say Goodbye lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Song Lyric Sunday 28 January 2018