"Avalanche" is a powerful and haunting song written by Leonard Cohen, appearing on his 1971 album "Songs of Love and Hate." The song is renowned for its dark and introspective lyrics, as well as its sparse yet evocative musical arrangement.

Lyrically, "Avalanche" delves into themes of despair, isolation, and the destructive power of love. The song's title serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming force of emotion, suggesting a sense of impending doom or catastrophe. Cohen's lyrics are characterized by their poetic imagery and emotional intensity, painting vivid scenes of despair and longing.

Throughout the song, Cohen's gravelly vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, drawing listeners into the depths of his despair. The repetitive refrain of "Avalanche" adds to the song's sense of urgency and intensity, echoing the relentless onslaught of emotion that the lyrics describe.

Musically, "Avalanche" features a sparse and haunting arrangement, with Cohen's voice accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration. The song's melody is melancholic and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the weighty themes explored in the lyrics.

The song's minimalist approach allows Cohen's lyrics and vocals to take center stage, creating a sense of intimacy and intensity that captivates the listener's attention. It's a deeply affecting and emotionally resonant piece of music that showcases Cohen's talent for crafting songs that speak to the complexities of the human experience.

Overall, "Avalanche" is a masterful example of Leonard Cohen's songwriting prowess, offering a glimpse into the depths of despair and longing with its haunting lyrics and evocative melody. It's a song that continues to resonate with listeners, inviting them to explore the darker corners of the human psyche with its raw emotional power.

Lyrics:

I stepped into an avalanche
It covered up my soul
When I am not this hunchback that you see
I sleep beneath the golden hill
You who wish to conquer pain
You must learn, learn to serve me well

You strike my side by accident
As you go down for your gold
The cripple here that you clothe and feed
Is neither starved nor cold
He does not ask for your company
Not at the center, the center of the world

When I am on a pedestal
You did not raise me there
Your laws do not compel me
To kneel grotesque and bare
I myself am the pedestal
For this ugly hump at which you stare

You who wish to conquer pain
You must learn what makes me kind
The crumbs of love that you offer me
They're the crumbs I've left behind
Your pain is no credential here
It's just the shadow, shadow of my wound

I have begun to long for you
I who have no greed
I have begun to ask for you
I who have no need
You say you've gone away from me
But I can feel you when you breathe

Do not dress in those rags for me
I know you are not poor
And don't love me quite so fiercely now
When you know that you are not sure
It is your turn, beloved
It is your flesh that I wear

Source: Musixmatch
Avalanche lyrics © Cloud 9 Holland Music Publishing, Leonard Cohen Stranger Music Inc., These Are Songs Of Pulse, Tap Music Publishing Ltd., Phantasy Sound Ltd