When I want to hear the best renditions of Leonard Cohen songs I harken back to this concert and center stage to listen to the wonderful voice of Perla singing "Bird On A Wire".
Oh, Perla! Thank you so much you kind and gentle spirit, for so generously sharing yourself with all of us. Every time I hear you sing this song, I get goosebumps! I love you!
I had never heard of Perla before the Kate Wolf Music Festival this summer. Her two sets were highlights of the festival for me. I bought the "Bird on the Wire" all-Cohen CD and the equally great "Mestiza", with all songs she co-wrote. But this is the most amazing concert video I have ever seen. Seldom have I seen a performer pour out so much raw emotion on stage. She has an equally lovely and talented daughter. I got to chat with them briefly, and told them to be sure and come back next year!
This is where music (and dance and poetry) comes from. The deepest of the deepest of souls. I just close my eyes and picture all those from time immemorial who truly understand what Perla has done here rising up and in ecstacy swaying around the their ancient campfires on their dionysian pilgrimages.
It takes a lot to make this old man cry but Perla Batalla did it in less than a minute. No wonder Kris Kristofferson wants this as his epitaph. Thank you, Mr. Cohen for your songs and your most interesting life.
oh my goodness. What an angel's voice this is. What a song which I heard Leonard sing on two occasions. In a just world both would be household names and known by all..Instead what do we have?
This version is actually from the special features on the DVD :"I'm Your Man" there are there several other songs, all from the concert in Sydney, Australia! Perla Batalla, has been singing with Leonard Cohen since the early 1990.
I've never watched "Bird (freedom) on the wire", as Perla embodies it, The floor is like the wire under her searching bare feet, and the strings are the wire, vibrating, with her deep feelings of human emotion. If this is what Leonard Cohen meant to say, with words and musical notes, than they have reached the soul. Somehow I think that he meant just this, Perla on scene singing in his song!
you probably dont give a damn but does anybody know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me
perla flies young lady I swear that was just magnificent what more can I say im a bit late first time ive heard you you are great please come to Melbourne Australia come to our crown casino bless you girl truly Beautiful
Thanks! Watch other videos from the same concert, all in the special features of the DVD, and of course, here on you tube! Try Anthem with Perla and Chritensen! Great music, great message!
Yes, I couldn't say it any better...Indeed true body and should...You know that the song is on the "I'm your man" dvd, in the special features section...I hope you got it. I know Perla's Daughter is very talented, But I never got to see them live...Each once in a while, I listen again to this version of the song, and fall into deep admiration and feel....free- like a bird.
kerry evans Thank you: I can understand why, in a deeply freedom loving Ireland Perla's Bird on the wire is so liked! I always admired the the richness and depth of the Irish spirit, its soulful folklore and passionate human spirituality! It goes to prove that spirit is forged by in in the natural element, and away from the spoil of material possessions, and more in faith as character, and spiritual builder. Your Comment is so much appreciated!
"Like a baby, stillborn; Like a beast with his horn; I have torn everyone who reached out for me." For all I know I have sunk to the floor of the ocean, and the air squeezed out of my lungs. This crushes me. Cohen marks the zenith of songwriting. All are measured by Leonard Cohen.
How in the FUCK does this beautiful rendition by Perla only have 2400 views?!! This is why I am convinced that Americans have the worst fucking taste EVER!! I love all her songs and loved her during her Cohen years. This is just amazing! Thank you for posting this treasure!
Exactly my feelings Ryan: I feel like being at a Greek Tragedy, in one of the antiquity's amphitheaters, listening to the essence of life, of us mortals! Happy New Year! and stay open to feeling! it is our human nature!
Yeah, saw Batalla and Christensen on 3 or 4 of Cohen's London dates way back and more recently when the "I'm Your Man" show came to Brighton. With all respect to the Webb Sisters, they do a fine job, but Perla and Julie always were and always will be Leonards best backing singers .
Lordie Lordie Lordie Lord....!!! See what I mean ? One should never stop seeking, searching, looking until one is able to find the true talents in life...Gee What A Woman, What a Voice....She has surrendered her everything into that song.....Where was she born? God bless her and I wish her all success in her entire career. Miss Perla thank you for making my day and the rest of them.....Good night. Wilbur W. Walker, attorney at Law, Santo Domingo.
I cant stop playing this version....didnt know about her. How old would she be today? I've always been a fan of Rita Coolidge with this song. Im in awe of these deep and unusually glorious voices and yet they can hit a high note. Tracy Chapman, Zahara( South African artist - just search her song called 'My guitar') Stevie Nicks.....Im their 'number one fan',always. Now im adding this amazing soul to my list. Amazing rendition indeed! U just want to close your eyes and 'float in the clouds' Lol.
Thanks SpaceCowboyToo! I'm glad that you too see the artistry of this wonderful interpreter! Check out out more of the very deep meaning poems composed by leonard Cohen...and why not "The Traitor" is one of those, and Martha Wainwright does it justice! George.
Gracias George Bost , por subirlo. Entiendo el triunfo de Leonard Cohen aparte de su increible voz, por rodearse con estas maravillosas voces de Perla y Julia.
HI Jose: True talent...What is it? Coming of age, coming of mind, coming of heart: Awakening! Yes, awakening: the moment when, leaving behind the weight of the body, one can take off for the stars! Yes Jose, I think your commnet is a wonderful tribute to Perla's artistic Accomplishment! thanks fro your heartfelt comment! Find Perla artistry here, at her RUclips channel....It's a start, right? And yes, she stirs you back to love, no matter how heart frozen!
Presumably this version is not blocked in other countries so you may extend your sentiment to the entire world! It's not as if YT page views legitimize Perla Batalla's talent and renown! Many Americans, such as myself, OWN at least one version of this song and I'm guessing some of them don't bother to come to YT to view it as they tire of pedantic commentary linking their musical preferences to either genius or some sort of psychological defect.
Lee Glasse Thanks for your appreciation! The future will be returned to the one that did everything to be Free, in the most general understanding of the notion!
This is truly fantastic, but just so you know. Leonard only had magnificent singers and musicians working with him. Look for Sharon Robinson singing Alexandra Leaving.
+henrik fiehn tak for din kommentar ... du er så lige i din følsomme konto. det tog ingen tid til at oversætte din kommentar til engelsk og til at skrive mit svar til dansk med Google oversætte! ehat vidunderlige tider, vi lever, til at være forståelse for eavh anden, uden nogensinde selv nogensinde lært sproget!
Thanks for writing. After reading the translation I think it would be better for me, to use english. After I saw "I'm your man" from Sidney 2005, a short time ago, I just fell in love with Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen (danish name !!!), Anthony, Beth Orton and of course, Martha and Rufus Wainwraight. Martha and Perla give me goosebumps when they start singing.
@violetadz3 bare feet, light like a feather slowly floating and turning at the tune of the instruments, with the magnificent gesures of the devoted lover: I think she reaches in the highest of stage and off stage performence...Perfection. Thanks for you comment!
This version will just simply never get old. No histrionics and sideshow. Just plain and simple talent.
I have this song for my final day in this life. Perla, touches one's soul through her voice, Leonard through his words.
Wonderful - I bought this DVD many years ago, another of Leonard's angelic female singers & friends, lovely!
Tommy Devine Indeed she is....I got that DVD too, by the way!
When I want to hear the best renditions of Leonard Cohen songs I harken back to this concert and center stage to listen to the wonderful voice of Perla singing "Bird On A Wire".
She absolutely smashed this song. Best version ever!
So so beautifully sung absolutely breath taking ..not only that such a beautiful voice and woman xx
Oh, Perla! Thank you so much you kind and gentle spirit, for so generously sharing yourself with all of us. Every time I hear you sing this song, I get goosebumps! I love you!
Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. That's all I can say at the moment. Beyond that, I'm speechless. What a lovely, lovely lady she is.
I saw her the other day. She's still lovely.
This has always been one of my favorite Cohen songs. 💕
Her rendition, what a joy. Love her xx
Sooo beautiful this cover from Mister L. what an emotional voice..❤
I had never heard of Perla before the Kate Wolf Music Festival this summer. Her two sets were highlights of the festival for me. I bought the "Bird on the Wire" all-Cohen CD and the equally great "Mestiza", with all songs she co-wrote. But this is the most amazing concert video I have ever seen. Seldom have I seen a performer pour out so much raw emotion on stage.
She has an equally lovely and talented daughter. I got to chat with them briefly, and told them to be sure and come back next year!
Fantastic, beautiful and so expressive. Love you Perla.
such a unique presence and talent
The best version of this song. Period.
Voz e Interpretação Magníficats!!! Para Ouvir Sempre!!! 🌻🌻🌻
Wow! Now THAT was SOMETHING!!! Bravo!
Such a Beautiful & Great performance Pearla Batalla. Thank you so much.
+Anne Kullegaard Andreasen A unique performance indeed...letting it all out like that, is a special, unique gift for which we can all be thankful!
+Anne Kullegaard Andreasen thank you for your kind comment!
I think this is the most emotional, "singer to song" appearance I have ever witnessed
+Dwight Robertson indeed..I have to agree with you! It is the most heartfelt intepretstion that I ever heard!
Emocionante. Deliciosa voz y una ternura infinita en tu interpretación. Perla, adorable!!!!
Gran interpretación, admirable su identificación y su empatia con el maestro Leonard Cohen. Insuperable
This is where music (and dance and poetry) comes from. The deepest of the deepest of souls. I just close my eyes and picture all those from time immemorial who truly understand what Perla has done here rising up and in ecstacy swaying around the their ancient campfires on their dionysian pilgrimages.
Thanks, I do too. Never in my lifetime have I experienced such feeling for our deepest hopes, for our collective humanity!
Very well said.
yes
George Bost yes
amazing beyond my highest imagination. thanks i love when she was singing next to him
I agree, she made me cry each time I watched it. Fourteen times.
That moment when a song takes hold of the artist.... great version Perla! You gave everything to make this super!
+Sandra De Wet-van den Berg indeed, the trimph of heart over mind, with a mindful spirit!
It takes a lot to make this old man cry but Perla Batalla did it in less than a minute. No wonder Kris Kristofferson wants this as his epitaph.
Thank you, Mr. Cohen for your songs and your most interesting life.
oh my goodness. What an angel's voice this is. What a song which I heard Leonard sing on two occasions. In a just world both would be household names and known by all..Instead what do we have?
+Paul Donohoe she is...thanks!
How very beautiful I've only heard Perla sing with Leonard Cohen
What a voice!!
+Penny Granger a unique performance!
The Voice of an Angel.
Captivating. So emotional. She's probably a great lover.
Brilliant performance. Thank you so much.
the best
So emotional, bet she's a wonderful lover. I'm so hooked on this performance.
+tombanjo1 same exact thoughts have crossed my mind...not once! ;)
Qu'elle intensite bravo Perla.. Souvenir... ❤️
Excelente versión de este tema. Magnífica Perla Batalla.
This is really a great interpretation. How I miss Leonard..
Wonderful: i don't think I would be able to sing that song in such as free way, really free like a bird!
This version is actually from the special features on the DVD :"I'm Your Man" there are there several other songs, all from the concert in Sydney, Australia! Perla Batalla, has been singing with Leonard Cohen since the early 1990.
I've never watched "Bird (freedom) on the wire", as Perla embodies it, The floor is like the wire under her searching bare feet, and the strings are the wire, vibrating, with her deep feelings of human emotion. If this is what Leonard Cohen meant to say, with words and musical notes, than they have reached the soul. Somehow I think that he meant just this, Perla on scene singing in his song!
you probably dont give a damn but does anybody know of a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb lost the password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me
@Samir Wade Instablaster :)
Favorite song, favorite version!
nothing but beautiful....
Such a great song ans sung so beautifully..........
perla flies young lady I swear that was just magnificent what more can I say im a bit late first time ive heard you you are great please come to Melbourne Australia come to our crown casino bless you girl truly Beautiful
JUST SO WONDERFULL
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Wow!Beautiful.
Thanks! Watch other videos from the same concert, all in the special features of the DVD, and of course, here on you tube! Try Anthem with Perla and Chritensen! Great music, great message!
So many thanks !!!
Yes, I couldn't say it any better...Indeed true body and should...You know that the song is on the "I'm your man" dvd, in the special features section...I hope you got it. I know Perla's Daughter is very talented, But I never got to see them live...Each once in a while, I listen again to this version of the song, and fall into deep admiration and feel....free- like a bird.
Perla a gem no she is much appreciated here in Ireland
kerry evans Thank you: I can understand why, in a deeply freedom loving Ireland Perla's Bird on the wire is so liked! I always admired the the richness and depth of the Irish spirit, its soulful folklore and passionate human spirituality! It goes to prove that spirit is forged by in in the natural element, and away from the spoil of material possessions, and more in faith as character, and spiritual builder.
Your Comment is so much appreciated!
No me canso de escucharte Perla Batalla , cantas con una envolvente que hipnotizas
hypnotic indeed: she really let her wings float her above all wire fences! to freedom!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks Ela...Just..." like a bird", isn't she...memorable scene and song rendition... and what an perfect instrumentation!
Thanks George. Perla is like the true pearl (almost nomen omen)..and in reality is even brighter :)
Nice description...indeed!
This soundtrack album contains many definitive performances; this is one . . .
Incredible, moving, beautifully done
thanks Judy !
Go see Perla singing Anthem with Julie Christenson. A pure act of love.
Marcy Sheiner you're right! But....I like this one better, I think! Thanks!
Marcy Sheiner ... Absolutely !
An anthem to humanity and hope .
BRAZIL! Entre as músicas do Leonard Cohen que conheço essa é a número 1. out Bolsonaro! Love music!
Beautiful....Perla
Amazing job, wow!!!
Back in the days of MY Space, I had this playing on my page over & over.
"Like a baby, stillborn; Like a beast with his horn; I have torn everyone who reached out for me."
For all I know I have sunk to the floor of the ocean, and the air squeezed out of my lungs. This crushes me.
Cohen marks the zenith of songwriting. All are measured by Leonard Cohen.
How in the FUCK does this beautiful rendition by Perla only have 2400 views?!! This is why I am convinced that Americans have the worst fucking taste EVER!! I love all her songs and loved her during her Cohen years. This is just amazing! Thank you for posting this treasure!
a magical performance
Exactly my feelings Ryan: I feel like being at a Greek Tragedy, in one of the antiquity's amphitheaters, listening to the essence of life, of us mortals! Happy New Year! and stay open to feeling! it is our human nature!
le temps devrait s'arrêter parfois!!!!et là c'est le cas!!!! que c'est beau la vie comme cela!!!
Perla is wonderful.
an extraordinary artist
Donald Davis
Donald Davis
Wow!
Yeah, saw Batalla and Christensen on 3 or 4 of Cohen's London dates way back and more recently when the "I'm Your Man" show came to Brighton. With all respect to the Webb Sisters, they do a fine job, but Perla and Julie always were and always will be Leonards best backing singers .
Lordie Lordie Lordie Lord....!!! See what I mean ? One should never stop seeking, searching, looking until one is able to find the true talents in life...Gee What A Woman, What a Voice....She has surrendered her everything into that song.....Where was she born? God bless her and I wish her all success in her entire career. Miss Perla thank you for making my day and the rest of them.....Good night. Wilbur W. Walker, attorney at Law, Santo Domingo.
She was born in California.
Really great performance. Respect and love.
Thanks Doris, I'm glad you liked it: the quest for our primordial communality!
RIP Mr Cohen
+David Johnson RIP MY BARD
I'm seeing it dude. Loved Perla from the start, and the start was probably London's Albert Hall in about '89.
Wauw ye love this
this is what music sounds like in heaven.powerful and kind. gz
Yeah, George. I'm in love with her also.
lov this song because it's my life
+will o shaughnessy so true! Thanks! :)
her version is beautiful, I'm sure Leonard would give his blessing,
I cant stop playing this version....didnt know about her. How old would she be today? I've always been a fan of Rita Coolidge with this song. Im in awe of these deep and unusually glorious voices and yet they can hit a high note. Tracy Chapman, Zahara( South African artist - just search her song called 'My guitar') Stevie Nicks.....Im their 'number one fan',always. Now im adding this amazing soul to my list.
Amazing rendition indeed! U just want to close your eyes and 'float in the clouds' Lol.
Thanks SpaceCowboyToo! I'm glad that you too see the artistry of this wonderful interpreter!
Check out out more of the very deep meaning poems composed by leonard Cohen...and why not "The Traitor" is one of those, and Martha Wainwright does it justice!
George.
Hypnotic indeed
Thanks Lexi!
A beautiful and spiritual lady chosen by a beautiful and deeply spiritual man.
+dante 19: So well said... :)
Great version!
Magistral
+dontgo57 totally out of this world #
Hope you've booked to see her at Union Chapel later this year? Can't wait....
Entrancing !!
The Angel of The House of Cohen .
¡¡¡¡ Dios mío que voz, mas maravillosa !!!!
+MrRafael0219 Thank you she is unequally unique!
Gracias George Bost , por subirlo. Entiendo el triunfo de Leonard Cohen aparte de su increible voz, por rodearse con estas maravillosas voces de Perla y Julia.
+MrRafael0219 gracias!
HI Jose: True talent...What is it? Coming of age, coming of mind, coming of heart: Awakening! Yes, awakening: the moment when, leaving behind the weight of the body, one can take off for the stars!
Yes Jose, I think your commnet is a wonderful tribute to Perla's artistic Accomplishment!
thanks fro your heartfelt comment!
Find Perla artistry here, at her RUclips channel....It's a start, right?
And yes, she stirs you back to love, no matter how heart frozen!
Presumably this version is not blocked in other countries so you may extend your sentiment to the entire world! It's not as if YT page views legitimize Perla Batalla's talent and renown! Many Americans, such as myself, OWN at least one version of this song and I'm guessing some of them don't bother to come to YT to view it as they tire of pedantic commentary linking their musical preferences to either genius or some sort of psychological defect.
Well put.
+Julie Greer thanks!
the best
P erla the best for me outside of leonard
+Walter Flaherty So nicely put.
Thank you!
My favorite cover of this Cohen masterpiece. Who started singing in bare feet first between kd lang and Perla?
wow
I don't know, but it is part of the I'm Your Man (2005) performance.
I see it as well.
Ik zie je live in Tilburg,Holland,11 nov.Hope you will sing this song.
It's not only you.
Lee Glasse Thanks for your appreciation! The future will be returned to the one that did everything to be Free, in the most general understanding of the notion!
..only after hearing this song, did i understand why Antony went to war for Cleopatra.....god bless us all, gz
This is truly fantastic, but just so you know. Leonard only had magnificent singers and musicians working with him. Look for Sharon Robinson singing Alexandra Leaving.
Don't know who she is but I really like her voice
Greg Bowlan thanks! You can find out about her from Wikipedia, google...Perla Batalla
George Bost thank you... That song moves me even more so, hearing her version.
Wow! Thank you for this moving, passionate version. A powerful rendition.
Smukt , melodisk og følsomt.
+henrik fiehn tak for din kommentar ... du er så lige i din følsomme konto.
det tog ingen tid til at oversætte din kommentar til engelsk og til at skrive mit svar til dansk med Google oversætte! ehat vidunderlige tider, vi lever, til at være forståelse for eavh anden, uden nogensinde selv nogensinde lært sproget!
Thanks for writing. After reading the translation I think it would be better for me, to use english. After I saw "I'm your man" from Sidney 2005, a short time ago, I just fell in love with Perla Batalla, Julie Christensen (danish name !!!), Anthony, Beth Orton and of course, Martha and Rufus Wainwraight. Martha and Perla give me goosebumps when they start singing.
+henrik fiehn thanks! I'm in love with all of them too!
@violetadz3 bare feet, light like a feather slowly floating and turning at the tune of the instruments, with the magnificent gesures of the devoted lover: I think she reaches in the highest of stage and off stage performence...Perfection. Thanks for you comment!
omg
Poor thing. She always looked so tired when touring 😥. But beautiful. ⚘ What a voice!