First We Take Manhattan

"First We Take Manhattan"
Song

"First We Take Manhattan" is a song written by Leonard Cohen. It was originally recorded by Jennifer Warnes on her 1987 album Famous Blue Raincoat, which consisted entirely of songs written or co-written by Cohen. Cohen's own quasi-synthpop version of the song was released in 1988 as the first track on his album I'm Your Man.

Cohen's then girlfriend, Dominique Isserman, shot a black and white promotional video for "First We Take Manhattan".

Cover versions

R.E.M. contributed a cover for the Cohen tribute album I'm Your Fan. Their presence on the compilation led to a re-arranging of the I'm Your Fan tracklist. In the US release of the tribute, R.E.M.'s cover appeared as the first track, which was the House of Love's "Who by Fire" everywhere else. The song also appeared as a B-side on some versions of "Drive".

Joe Cocker covered "First We Take Manhattan" on his 1999 album No Ordinary World.

The Swedish synthpop band Tyskarna från Lund covered "First We Take Manhattan" on their 2003 album Metamorphobia.

Black metal band Dead Raven Choir covered "First We Take Manhattan" on their 2004 EP Sturmfuckinglieder.

Norwegian gothic metal band Sirenia also covered the song on their album Sirenian Shores.

Spanish flamenco singer Enrique Morente made a new version of this song, titled "Manhattan", with new musical arrangements for Spanish and electric guitars and a rhythmic base with palms and drums. The lyrics were also translated into Spanish. It was included on his 1996 album Omega, performed with Lagartija Nick and other musicians.

Warren Zevon, citing Cohen as one of his favorite songwriters, performed the song on tour in support of the Mr. Bad Example album accompanied by Odds.

Kid Harpoon often plays a version of the song with his electric flange when he performs live.

Personnel

• Jeff Fisher – arranger and performer
• Leonard Cohen – vocals and production
• Anjani – vocals