written by Leonard Cohen
© Sony ATV Songs LLC (BMI)

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 traveling 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

Well they lay down beside me
    I make my confessions 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 
    and I hope you run into them soon
Don't turn on the lights 
    you can read their address by the moon
And you won't make me jealous
    if I find they have 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