Franciscan Lourdes Hymn: Song of Bernadette by Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen

Sister JulieAnn Sheahan

February 01, 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’. Franciscan Sister Pamela Catherine and Megan Lourdes GrottoIt is a classic hymn of  exquisite melody and meaningful lyrics. This stream is perfect for the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes this month of February.Our Lady of Lourdes at Motherhouse

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.

Comments from Jennifer Warnes

Jennifer, 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:

http://www.jenniferwarnes.com/

Purchase music here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/famous-blue-raincoat-20th/id261773273

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: Track 14.

Speak Your Mind