A song like this is so beautiful it just reminds us record sales are a poor measure of performance genius.

The Best interpratation of a song you will ever hear.She develops every corner of this thing

This is the definitive version of this song, in my opinion. Beautiful and poignant.

It is so hard to for me to choose a favourite Leonard Cohen lyric. Yet I always come back to this song. I kiss her open mouth And praise beauty And people call me traitor to my face

absolutely beautiful rendition of a classic song, well done Martha, r i p, leonard, absolutely heartbroken when you past, glad I saw him live a few times, wish I met him, but such is life.

This is the song through which I discovered Martha's stunning voice and human presence. It's honestly one of the most mesmerizing performances I've ever seen. She gives 200% of herself over to the drama of this L.C. masterpiece of lyrical poetry. BEAUTIFUL!!

how can you not cry when listening to this?

Just came here to say, she did such an amazing job. Best performance in the film by miles. really did Leonard justice.

It’s only when you listen to this performance of Martha’s that you truly appreciate what a complete artist she truly is. She writes and sings amazing music, but her interpretation and characterisation in this performance was stunning. It’s as if the song possessed her, I was transported to that place her performance had created. Pure genius 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Martha Wainwright is a beast.

I've listened to this for years. Martha is timeless, and priceless. What an emotional ride, that breaking voice. Leonard picked her for this master piece, excellent choice. Leonard, thanks for the magical musical legacy.

God I miss Lennie. What a poetic soulful master. Thank you, Len, for all the beauty you left to us.

Mesmerizing…I had never heard this song before. I’ve listened to it dozens of times and will listen to it dozens more.

I've listened to Martha's version ever so many times: it's the best! Moves my heart.

one of the greatest moments in performances.......truly profound!

Can never listen to this just once, it's hypnotizing. Superb !

So very haunting

A true artist.. well two actually -- the first is the composer and the second is the one who most successfully interprets its meaning.

At :09 or :10 seconds into this clip, you can watch her get herself into character. For the rest of the song, she IS the narrator in the song. No wonder it's so compelling. When the song ends about 5:18, you can see her step back out of the character. That is commitment to a performance.

Know her ferociously gifted Dad Loudon W. & Mom Kate McG. since ages - all this I see merged in this perfect video... Martha energy brings the great Tina Turner to my mind (she ever did a ballad ?)

I am blown away by her astonishing voice and interpretation. This is true talent. Not some bimbo famemonger who'll do ANYTHING to be famous. Usually they are the ones with way below average talent.

with this song she becomes the best femme singer in america. her bro might be the best male. for his hallelujah... but his stunning version. this great expression. as tears flow down my chin and drip into my cafe...god ineters the room ... if there is a god...she a goddess today.

Spellbinding spirit that comes through this incredible being

So so so beautiful.... I just love that version ❤

As I sit here in total and complete amazement, I find myself with no words to describe what I am witnessing.

My idea of Heaven would be to lie about in tall green grass beside a beautiful river listening to Cohen and Chopin for all eternity.

Just frkn beautiful

Years ago,, legendary baseball manager Earl Weaver when asked to comment on his pitcher's performance after a win said simply, "You can't do no better than that," Those words describe Wainwright's performance here..

She has very beautiful, sexy eyes and she really does Justice to this excellent song Leonard Cohen wrote.🌹❤️

Love love love her voice and take on life... 💃💐

The brilliance of both her Pa and Ma - most of their records I collected and cherish - has merged in this fine woman & voice. In my fantasy i go out and stroll... make fun

Martha desperately needs to do a full Cohen cover album. The Canadian government should commission it.

Underbar vacker kvinna fantastiskt sångröst hälsningar från Sweden Fred till Ukraina ☮️ Slava Ukraina ☮️❤️😍☮️❤️😍☮️❤️😍☮️

Love this rendition.

Outstanding .. simply wonderful !

Martha just nails that song. We love her singing down here in NewZealand.

I tremble

Her Mother’s Daughter! Love her pretty voice Talented!

I really appreciate with love Leonard Cohen (et ses choristes, wow) but I prefer the interpretation of Martha Wainwright. Brings me to tears everytime I listen to this video. Entire movie must be great.

This is the best version of all the UKposts videos on UKposts of this performance! But the sound quality of the CD version of this Leonard Cohen will blow you away..:)

...and my falsity had stung me like a hornet, the poison sank and it paralyzed my will.......

'nuff to send you packing emotionally 😥 Amazing

I am sure all people here are of quality, in taste and personality.

Stunning and wonderful !

Beautiful, Martha. Love you xx

Excellent!

Wow, je n'avais jamais vu ça, quelle performance sincère! Le court extrait de l'auteur à la fin met en perspective cette chanson, sa signification. Merci!

Love her singing

Amazing!

A song bird are you Martha I sometimes keep you on repeat

"I lingered on her thigh a fatal moment."

I dedicate this song to the media Peace!

Amazing 💖

Superb!

lovely

Maryja Juli i Parlla są zachwycające głosowo i wykonaniem utworów Cohena🥰❤️🥰

So beautiful, Martha you are such a master Artist !

My favorite version of Cohen's "The Traitor"

After reading all the comments, I am speechless

Reading bio of Rufus "There Will Be Rainbows" by Kirk Lake. Absolutely excellent. It's about the whole family, at times I find Rufus to be less interesting, in his narcissism, than his parents and siblings. This excellent book also takes the reader into every aspect of the music business of the times - 1960s plus - which may be of particular interest to some. It is full of incredible research, intelligence and subtlety. I sometimes laugh out loud. Now I see Martha in a different light.

She embodied this song. Truly magnificent.

Ahora el cisne flotó en el río inglés Ah, la rosa de High Romance se abrió de par en par Una mujer bronceada me anhelaba durante el verano Y los jueces nos observaron desde el otro lado Le dije a mi madre «Madre, debo dejarte Conserva mi habitación pero no derrames una lágrima En caso de que el rumor de un final en mal estado te alcance Era la mitad de mi culpa y la mitad de la atmósfera » Pero la Rosa me enfermó de escarlatina Y el Cisne lo tenté con un sentimiento de vergüenza Ella dijo por fin que yo era su mejor amante Y si ella se marchitara, yo sería la culpable Los jueces dijeron que te lo perdiste por una fracción Levántate y prepara a tus tropas para el ataque Ah, los soñadores cabalgan contra los hombres de acción Oh, ve a los hombres de acción retrocediendo Pero me demoré en sus muslos un momento fatal Besé sus labios como si todavía tuviera sed Mi falsedad me había picado como un avispón El veneno se hundió y paralizó mi voluntad No podía moverme para advertir a todos los soldados más jóvenes Que habían sido abandonados desde arriba Entonces en los campos de batalla de aquí a Barcelona Estoy en la lista con los enemigos del amor Y hace mucho tiempo dijo: «Debo partir, Ah, pero mantengan mi cuerpo aquí para descansar sobre Puedes moverlo hacia arriba y hacia abajo y cuando estoy durmiendo Pasa un cable por Rose y enrolla el Swan » Así que todos los días renuevo mi deber inactivo La toco aquí y allá - Conozco mi lugar Le beso la boca abierta y alabo su belleza Y la gente me llama traidor a mi cara

Whoa! I love Leonard Cohen, I love Martha Wainwright and I love her interpretation of Cohen's music! (Can't say it enough!!) If i'm correct in Cohen's interpretation/explanation/intent of the music, it was about the injustice of being called a traitor when there was no traitor or even a hint of such. Fast forward to today, when there are real, actual traitors in our midst, and who deserve condemnation. I think Cohen's lyrics/music re: 'The Traitor' would no longer apply. I think Cohen would likely have written new music to comment on the reality of today's traitorism. The accusation of 'traitor' was kind of abstract when Cohen wrote the lyrics to his song years ago. In contrast are the real traitors among us who are not people from thirty years ago. They are here NOW!

Superbe

Wow

Just as her husband made Hallelujah his own Martha has done that here

Beautiful, indeed! The comments about Beyonce and Rhianna are uncalled for, however - let's not get Trump-like - all music has value and not meant to be divisive. Peace sisters and brothers - we are going to need it-.

Særegent, smukt og med en fantastisk indlevelse. Kan ikke gøres bedre.

She is the second Barbara Streisand .....I am out of Mind earring her.

A Leonard Cohen song of immeasurable beauty. Leonard’s version is magnificent, Martha’s from another dimension 🩸🩸🩸

When you find out what this song is about, you’ll know it.

I will fall to sleep tonight with the thought that they can paint legs on a snake and call it a dog the traitors have traded truth for fame and gold,media. the traitors! Beautiful post ADonovan43

This is a very bad copy of the original version - if you have a chance to get Sky Arts HD - Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man. THAT is the one you should watch and listen to - amazing, incredible!. Every time I watch it I get goosebumps all over and end up in tears. Anyone know if there is a CD or DVD for sale of the concert?

Canadian Goddess. Beyonce and Rhianna: Listen and Weep. She's not a whore either.

Boring and forgettable. You know, it's not mandatory to have all your children sing if you think you're one...

Awful