Sisters of Mercy

By Leonard Cohen
Rise Up Singing chapter: Dreams and Fantasies, p.32
C F C G C / Em Bm Em Bm D
F C G F G / C F C G C

Oh the sisters of mercy, they are not departed or gone
They were waiting for me when I thought that I just can't go on
And they brought me their comfort and later they brought me this song
Oh, I hope you run into them, you who've been travelling so long

Yes you who must leave everything that you cannot control
It begins with your family, but soon it comes 'round to your soul
Well I've been where you're hanging and I think I can see how you're pinned
When you're not feeling holy, your loneliness says that you've sinned

As they lay down beside me, I made my confession to them
They touched both my eyes and I touched the dew on their hem
If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn
They will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem

When I left they were sleeping, I hope you run into them soon
Don't turn on the lights they can read your address by the moon
And you won't make me jealous if I hear that they sweetened your night
We weren't lovers like that, and besides, it would still be all right
We weren't lovers like that, and besides, it would still be all right