I played this song, her version from Famous Blue Raincoat, to my mother in her final days. She had already gone deep inside of herself. My brother and I locked eyes and I felt that this was the song I would always remember as I thought of her transitioning. We forgave her and forgave ourselves for what we, and she, could not undo. I love you, Mom.
Thank you so.much for your beautiful story. You touched my heart deeply. I am learning this song at a whole new level. I sang it years ago in a voice class and now I want to be able to sing it beautifully whenever I want to.This Friday I have an opportunity to sing it for a small group of friends after a deep relaxation class.I am listening and practicing. LOVE
At first when I was watching this show ,I thought she was lipping it .Then when she said , we mostly fall, I was so impressed on how relaxed she was , when she was singing this song.
I was there for this. Van Dyke Parks accompanied her on piano and director Kent Weed's moving crane shot is so extraordinary. You'll notice there are no edits after one brief dissolve in the first few seconds. After that, the camera very subtly complements her performance with such graceful movement.
Deepest thanks for the informed, informative -- concise, yet anecdotal, comment Mr. Carlton. You are a noticer. The best way to go through life, we may agree!
What a privilege that must have been! Such a gorgeous song! As a singer I have performed this in concert, and Jennifer Warnes' approach is masterful, warm and subtle.
One of the most moving performances of any song by any singer that I have experienced in my lifetime. If you can believe it, her performance of "Song Of Bernadette" on the album "Famous Blue Raincoat" is even more beautiful and moving. Whenever I play this track, I have to hear it at least 5 or 6 times at a sitting. Jennifer Warnes, thank you for this song.
Famous Blue Raincoat is a masterpiece- a collection of songs by singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. Jennifer Warnes was a backup singer early in her career for him, as well as was Laura Branigan. Leonard certainly knew how to pick them didn't he?
A gorgeous song and Jennifer's singing of it is superb. (and interesting that Jennifer Jones played this role in 'The Song Of Bernadette' and then another Jennifer (Warnes) sings it.)
So much heart. So much healing. I sang this at the end of a contemplative prayer retreat west of Seattle last fall. It sums up so much of what we carry with us and can unload with grace.
I wore out my “Blue Raincoat” record from playing it about a hundred times or more. This woman has the voice of an angel. And, as a Catholic, this song means even more to me. Can’t say enough good things about this woman, her voice, and this unforgettable album.
Thank God for this beautiful woman with a voice that only a divine source could provide. I was simply flipping through the Smothers Bros. Vids, and this melted me so much I read and researched her for a couple hours. And the sincere gratitude coupled with such humility placed my heart in such a beautiful space tonight. With a degree in vocal performance myself, I truly hope I have the pleasure of meeting you, Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your gift!❤
I'm not a fan of Jennifer, I have her Famous Blue Raincoat collection of songs, but it occurs to me what a beautiful voice she has. Not a note is sung without her conscious participation. This Song of Bernadette is a perfect example of this. In others hands it can be quite maudlin and precious to the point of syrupy sweet. Believe me I listened tonight to many versions by many famous singers and not one sang it with Jennifer's panache. Now I understand why the all want to sing the song! The melody and the vocal range is just so comfortable and beautiful that it is hard to resist, but it is a tricky choice. Jennifer's rendition draws yoo past the pitfalls I mentioned and into the simple narrative of the song and then into it's universal sentiments. Why she is not more widely acknowledged for the fine songstress she is completely baffles me.
it is impossible to see this performance without a stirring in my soul...tears included. When she says she really wants to hold you... I'm convinced she really means it.
in 2015 i had so many problems and then i saw this video i felt tremendous vibrations telling me that the divine mother will take care of me so you were the divine messenger to me an angel you jennifer i bow humble with deep respect before your beautiful soul i hope once i will take you in my arms rosemary
My grandfather named me Bernadette, despite my mother's protestations -- as the story is told, "I don't care what you call her, her name is Bernadette." My name was supposed to be monique. My grandfather named me after the movie, "The Song of Bernadette," in 1858. I was born in 1958. I can attest and witness, my life has been filled with God's power of premonitions, visions, healing, God's love, God's miracles, God's judgment in my life.
@@oliveroneill1388 Maybe you're just too stupid to understand the English language, or perhaps you aren't familiar with the Catholic reference, but the tale of Bernadette is universally accepted as a religiously inspired telling about a real person. No one asked you comment on what I said. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernadette_Soubirous
There is a vulnerability to Jennifer's voice that is captivating. A remarkable live performance.I always get a lump in the throat when she says, " We mostly fall..." How true that is, as we blunder through our lives sometimes.
This isn't just a Leonard Cohen song. It is credited to Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen and a third person, whom I can't remember right now. And what I've heard is that Jennifer Warnes wrote most of this song herself and Leonard Cohen just came in with a few tweaks at the end. Just saying.
Song of Bernadette : My favorite musicologist/social commentator Mark Steyn just wrote a 'review' only he could have written, on the 1943 movie, SONG OF BERNADETTE, opening with these arresting thoughts: 'I recently quipped that 1943's The Song of Bernadette was "the best Catholic movie ever made by two Jews." Its admirers insist you don't have to be Catholic to appreciate this ("based on a true") story of Marian visions and miraculous healings, so maybe those unexpectedly ecumenical origins explain why. 'But I'm not sure they're right. No one can watch this (or any movie) through another's eyes. The Song of Bernadette must surely be baffling and even annoying to most Jews, Protestants, and, frankly, not a few Catholics, no? The film was produced by David O. Selznick from the surprise 1941 bestseller by Prague-born Jewish writer-turned-refugee Franz Werfel, who explained his inspiration: In the last days of June 1940, in flight from our mortal enemies after the collapse of France, we reached the city of Lourdes. (...) I became acquainted with the wondrous history of the girl Bernadette Soubirous and also with the wondrous facts concerning the healings of Lourdes. One day in my great distress I made a vow. I vowed that if I escaped from this desperate situation and reached the saving shores of America, I would put off all other tasks and 'sing,' as best I could, the song of Bernadette . . ." ---- Mark brings out the writer in me and I left him this note today on Facebook: For too many reasons to list, I'm speechless in admiration of your 'review'; just had to post a related note -- about the song of the same name: Once every 12 years or so, my favorite Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Warnes has a new album (it's nearly a decade since her last). My favorite of her songs is one that she wrote after being on a bus trip “near Lourdes with Leonard Cohen.” I can remember transcribing her words for a music site (Harmony Central) a decade ago, in praise of her (their) composition, SONG OF BERNADETTE. Since the last time I checked the Wiki entry for this song, someone has included my note -- minus an opening sentence, in which I'd quoted Jennifer as “sharing notes” she'd written in childhood about her hero (Jennifer's birth name was Bernadette) - sharing with Leonard Cohen on a “bus trip near Lourdes” and that Len said to Jenn: “There's a song there!” he suggested the opening lines: "There was a child named Bernadette I heard the story long ago . . . " The Wiki entry says: "Song of Bernadette" is a song written by Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen and Bill Elliott, and first recorded on Jennifer Warnes' 1986 album Famous Blue Raincoat. The title refers to Bernadette Soubirous, a young French girl in the mid-19th century who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary on several occasions. She was canonized by the Catholic Church and proclaimed Saint Bernadette after her death. Warnes was inspired to write the song on a bus trip near Lourdes: I was given the name Bernadette at birth. But my siblings preferred the name "Jennifer" so my name was changed one week later. In 1979, on tour in the south of France with Leonard Cohen, I began writing a series of letters between the "Bernadette" I almost was, and "Jennifer"- two energies within me. One innocent, and the other who had fallen for the world.... So the song arose in a bus nearby Lourdes. I was...thinking about the great Saint who held her ground so well, and was not swayed from what she knew to be true. But the song is also about me longing to return to a place that was more pure, honest and true. I still long for this, and I think others do too." ---- Her live performance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour still moves me to tears: the RUclips video with more than a million “views” Best version -- this one; thanks, "Kehlog Albran ." Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family -- Forum -- sinatrafamily.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/56-Siriusly-Sinatra
did you know why bernadette had so many problems her heart was broken indeed because her masculin twinflame broke with her agressively in one of the lifes before he raped her told her she was worthless how many times she said i am worthless she had a trauma he took every single happines and love away with the rape also she never could have children in the lifes after
Please - this song was composed and written primarily by Jennifer. Cohen contributed the first two lines of lyrics, and Bill Elliot helped out on the melody.
I can see that being true. Cohen famously conjured up biblical references in his material. His " Hallelujah " is an example.I would like to think this was 98% Warnes.
Beautiful song Ms.Jennifer sang from Mr. L Cohen's composition...We would never hear anything like this again..The world is in a different place nowadays..Love the song and St. Bernadette.
Song of Bernadette - Jennifer Warnes (lyrics) There was a child named Bernadette I heard the story long ago She saw the Queen of Heaven once And kept the vision in her soul No one believed what she had seen No one believed what she heard But there were sorrows to be here And mercy, mercy in this world So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine Torn by what we've done and can't undo I just wanna hold you, come on let me hold you Like Bernadette would do We've been around, we fall, we fly We mostly fall, we mostly run And every now and then we try To mend the damage that we've done Tonight, tonight I just can't rest I've got this joy inside my breast To think that I did not forget that child That song of Bernadette So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine Torn by what we've done and can't undo I just wanna hold you, won't let me hold you Like Bernadette would do I just wanna hold you, come on let me hold you Like Bernadette would do
Perhaps a mistake by Dick in 1988. Jennifer went by Warren in the late 60’s and into the 70’s when she was a regular on the show but there was an actress by the same name at that time so she changed it to Warnes, her birth name.
This song makes me cry. So beautifully song by Ms. Warnes.
I played this song, her version from Famous Blue Raincoat, to my mother in her final days. She had already gone deep inside of herself. My brother and I locked eyes and I felt that this was the song I would always remember as I thought of her transitioning. We forgave her and forgave ourselves for what we, and she, could not undo. I love you, Mom.
Thank you so.much for your beautiful story. You touched my heart deeply. I am learning this song at a whole new level. I sang it years ago in a voice class and now I want to be able to sing it beautifully whenever I want to.This Friday I have an opportunity to sing it for a small group of friends after a deep relaxation class.I am listening and practicing. LOVE
@@GuyMonroeVoice I hope you'll get someone to record it. I would love to hear your performance of it. Thanks for the kind message.
At first when I was watching this show ,I thought she was lipping it .Then when she said , we mostly fall, I was so impressed on how relaxed she was , when she was singing this song.
She is awesome.
@@susiehulcher1494 🙂
I was there for this. Van Dyke Parks accompanied her on piano and director Kent Weed's moving crane shot is so extraordinary. You'll notice there are no edits after one brief dissolve in the first few seconds. After that, the camera very subtly complements her performance with such graceful movement.
Where/when was it filmed?
Deepest thanks for the informed, informative -- concise, yet anecdotal, comment Mr. Carlton. You are a noticer. The best way to go through life, we may agree!
What a privilege that must have been! Such a gorgeous song! As a singer I have performed this in concert, and Jennifer Warnes' approach is masterful, warm and subtle.
One of the most moving performances of any song by any singer that I have experienced in my lifetime. If you can believe it, her performance of "Song Of Bernadette" on the album "Famous Blue Raincoat" is even more beautiful and moving. Whenever I play this track, I have to hear it at least 5 or 6 times at a sitting. Jennifer Warnes, thank you for this song.
Jennifer Warnes awesome singer 😊
Famous Blue Raincoat is a masterpiece- a collection of songs by singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. Jennifer Warnes was a backup singer early in her career for him, as well as was Laura Branigan. Leonard certainly knew how to pick them didn't he?
She co- wrote this.
I will never understand why she wasn't enormously successful.
Agreed.
Perfection. Ms Warnes voice is honest, authentic. Her version of Bernadette usually makes me weap with an emotion that I cannot explain.
My favorite album, and this song is one of the reasons!
A gorgeous song and Jennifer's singing of it is superb. (and interesting that Jennifer Jones played this role in 'The Song Of Bernadette' and then another Jennifer (Warnes) sings it.)
A recent discovery. Whow . What a song and how it was delivered. Homage. Fantastic
One of my ABSOLUTE favorite singers! Thank you for the post.
Gets me every time - "So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine
Torn by what we've done and can't undo"
So much heart. So much healing. I sang this at the end of a contemplative prayer retreat west of Seattle last fall. It sums up so much of what we carry with us and can unload with grace.
I wore out my “Blue Raincoat” record from playing it about a hundred times or more. This woman has the voice of an angel. And, as a Catholic, this song means even more to me. Can’t say enough good things about this woman, her voice, and this unforgettable album.
Mark Mainzer. hello and greetings to ya. Well said!
Thank God for this beautiful woman with a voice that only a divine source could provide. I was simply flipping through the Smothers Bros. Vids, and this melted me so much I read and researched her for a couple hours. And the sincere gratitude coupled with such humility placed my heart in such a beautiful space tonight. With a degree in vocal performance myself, I truly hope I have the pleasure of meeting you, Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your gift!❤
This song is bringing me to tears it's so beautiful. Jennifer Warnes is so talented and I just love her. ❤
I'm not a fan of Jennifer, I have her Famous Blue Raincoat collection of songs, but it occurs to me what a beautiful voice she has. Not a note is sung without her conscious participation. This Song of Bernadette is a perfect example of this. In others hands it can be quite maudlin and precious to the point of syrupy sweet. Believe me I listened tonight to many versions by many famous singers and not one sang it with Jennifer's panache. Now I understand why the all want to sing the song! The melody and the vocal range is just so comfortable and beautiful that it is hard to resist, but it is a tricky choice. Jennifer's rendition draws yoo past the pitfalls I mentioned and into the simple narrative of the song and then into it's universal sentiments. Why she is not more widely acknowledged for the fine songstress she is completely baffles me.
And you say you are not a fan...then review her like one! Well done.
after Leonard Cohen's death today I'm reminiscing...his songs were meant to be sung by her....
And by him.
Famous Blue Raincoat is the proof!
Just so beautiful in all ways!
it is impossible to see this performance without a stirring in my soul...tears included. When she says she really wants to hold you... I'm convinced she really means it.
My favourite singer, Jennifer Warren 😂😂😂
Definitely one of the greatest voices ever.
Jennifer Warnes is one wonderful great singer...and I'm understating the case.
We mostly fall, so true and mend the damage , YES, we do.
This is what I waited for! The other one on RUclips was terrible sound and picture quality. This is heaven!
in 2015 i had so many problems and then i saw this video i felt tremendous vibrations telling me that the divine mother will take care of me so you were the divine messenger to me an angel you jennifer i bow humble with deep respect before your beautiful soul i hope once i will take you in my arms rosemary
What a wonderful lady, singer, writer. Love you Jennifer (Nashville Swing- Toronto).
Magnifique interprétation , bravo Jennifer , je suis certain que Bernadette a entendu cette chanson de Leonard Cohen's , merci à vous trois !
She is fantastic.
My grandfather named me Bernadette, despite my mother's protestations -- as the story is told, "I don't care what you call her, her name is Bernadette." My name was supposed to be monique. My grandfather named me after the movie, "The Song of Bernadette," in 1858. I was born in 1958. I can attest and witness, my life has been filled with God's power of premonitions, visions, healing, God's love, God's miracles, God's judgment in my life.
Unbelievably moving
Jennifer Warnes has one of the best female voices I've ever heard. I'm not a religious person, but this song moves me to tears.
No one asked you about your religious beliefs. It's comes from the heart . Regardless
@@oliveroneill1388 Maybe you're just too stupid to understand the English language, or perhaps you aren't familiar with the Catholic reference, but the tale of Bernadette is universally accepted as a religiously inspired telling about a real person. No one asked you comment on what I said. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernadette_Soubirous
It doesn't get any better than this.
그녀의 노래중 가장 좋아하는 곡입니다 ^^
There is a vulnerability to Jennifer's voice that is captivating. A remarkable live performance.I always get a lump in the throat when she says, " We mostly fall..." How true that is, as we blunder through our lives sometimes.
Not vulnerable. Maybe you are .
This song - and Jennifer's interpretation - is now my favorite spiritual! I love her rendition and soulful reading of this amazing song.
Beautiful voice!
This isn't just a Leonard Cohen song. It is credited to Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen and a third person, whom I can't remember right now. And what I've heard is that Jennifer Warnes wrote most of this song herself and Leonard Cohen just came in with a few tweaks at the end. Just saying.
Saint Bernadette Pray for us all and in the whole world🙏🙏🙏
amazing song... thank you, Jennifer
My favorite from Famous Blue Raincoat. Thank you so much for posting this. It's beautiful
Song of Bernadette
: My favorite musicologist/social commentator Mark Steyn just wrote a 'review' only he could have written, on the 1943 movie, SONG OF BERNADETTE, opening with these arresting thoughts:
'I recently quipped that 1943's The Song of Bernadette was "the best Catholic movie ever made by two Jews." Its admirers insist you don't have to be Catholic to appreciate this ("based on a true") story of Marian visions and miraculous healings, so maybe those unexpectedly ecumenical origins explain why.
'But I'm not sure they're right. No one can watch this (or any movie) through another's eyes. The Song of Bernadette must surely be baffling and even annoying to most Jews, Protestants, and, frankly, not a few Catholics, no?
The film was produced by David O. Selznick from the surprise 1941 bestseller by Prague-born Jewish writer-turned-refugee Franz Werfel, who explained his inspiration:
In the last days of June 1940, in flight from our mortal enemies after the collapse of France, we reached the city of Lourdes. (...)
I became acquainted with the wondrous history of the girl Bernadette Soubirous and also with the wondrous facts concerning the healings of Lourdes. One day in my great distress I made a vow. I vowed that if I escaped from this desperate situation and reached the saving shores of America, I would put off all other tasks and 'sing,' as best I could, the song of Bernadette . . ."
----
Mark brings out the writer in me and I left him this note today on Facebook:
For too many reasons to list, I'm speechless in admiration of your 'review'; just had to post a related note -- about the song of the same name:
Once every 12 years or so, my favorite Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Jennifer Warnes has a new album (it's nearly a decade since her last). My favorite of her songs is one that she wrote after being on a bus trip “near Lourdes with Leonard Cohen.” I can remember transcribing her words for a music site (Harmony Central) a decade ago, in praise of her (their) composition, SONG OF BERNADETTE.
Since the last time I checked the Wiki entry for this song, someone has included my note -- minus an opening sentence, in which I'd quoted Jennifer as “sharing notes” she'd written in childhood about her hero (Jennifer's birth name was Bernadette) - sharing with Leonard Cohen on a “bus trip near Lourdes” and that Len said to Jenn: “There's a song there!” he suggested the opening lines:
"There was a child named Bernadette
I heard the story long ago . . . "
The Wiki entry says:
"Song of Bernadette" is a song written by Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen and Bill Elliott, and first recorded on Jennifer Warnes' 1986 album Famous Blue Raincoat. The title refers to Bernadette Soubirous, a young French girl in the mid-19th century who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary on several occasions. She was canonized by the Catholic Church and proclaimed Saint Bernadette after her death.
Warnes was inspired to write the song on a bus trip near Lourdes:
I was given the name Bernadette at birth. But my siblings preferred the name "Jennifer" so my name was changed one week later. In 1979, on tour in the south of France with Leonard Cohen, I began writing a series of letters between the "Bernadette" I almost was, and "Jennifer"- two energies within me. One innocent, and the other who had fallen for the world.... So the song arose in a bus nearby Lourdes. I was...thinking about the great Saint who held her ground so well, and was not swayed from what she knew to be true. But the song is also about me longing to return to a place that was more pure, honest and true. I still long for this, and I think others do too."
----
Her live performance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour still moves me to tears: the RUclips video with more than a million “views”
Best version -- this one; thanks, "Kehlog Albran
." Celebrated this day at Sinatra Family -- Forum -- sinatrafamily.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/56-Siriusly-Sinatra
Thank you! This is a much better video. i saw this in 1988 at a difficult time. It still makes me cry.
Such an amazing song and gorgeous performance -- thanks for the HQ upload...
Oh thank you so much for this post. It is a treasure!
"the spring is not for me"
My little Bernadette you were such a brave little girl the pain you endorred for God and the universe. Love you so much! Judy
did you know why bernadette had so many problems her heart was broken indeed because her masculin twinflame broke with her agressively in one of the lifes before he raped her told her she was worthless how many times she said i am worthless she had a trauma he took every single happines and love away with the rape also she never could have children in the lifes after
TOO GREAT FOR WORDS ...SO I WILL SHUT UP
Please - this song was composed and written primarily by Jennifer. Cohen contributed the first two lines of lyrics, and Bill Elliot helped out on the melody.
I can see that being true. Cohen famously conjured up biblical references in his material. His " Hallelujah " is an example.I would like to think this was 98% Warnes.
Beautiful song Ms.Jennifer sang from Mr. L Cohen's composition...We would never hear anything like this again..The world is in a different place nowadays..Love the song and St. Bernadette.
Thanks a lot !
a heartwarming song!
I love this song so beautiful always my favourite at at end of the night X
Colin. . . (Beaker) i hope you find yourself here one day xx i always sang it for you and still do xx
Song of Bernadette - Jennifer Warnes (lyrics)
There was a child named Bernadette
I heard the story long ago
She saw the Queen of Heaven once
And kept the vision in her soul
No one believed what she had seen
No one believed what she heard
But there were sorrows to be here
And mercy, mercy in this world
So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine
Torn by what we've done and can't undo
I just wanna hold you, come on let me hold you
Like Bernadette would do
We've been around, we fall, we fly
We mostly fall, we mostly run
And every now and then we try
To mend the damage that we've done
Tonight, tonight I just can't rest
I've got this joy inside my breast
To think that I did not forget that child
That song of Bernadette
So many hearts I find, broke like yours and mine
Torn by what we've done and can't undo
I just wanna hold you, won't let me hold you
Like Bernadette would do
I just wanna hold you, come on let me hold you
Like Bernadette would do
*That there were sorrows to be healed*
❤
💓💓💓💓👏👏👏👏
👏👏👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯💯💯
Hey Smother Brother, who's Jennifer "Warren"?
That's how it's pronounced..
Perhaps a mistake by Dick in 1988. Jennifer went by Warren in the late 60’s and into the 70’s when she was a regular on the show but there was an actress by the same name at that time so she changed it to Warnes, her birth name.
She did use both variations of her last name. He just didn't keep up.
what a lousy mix..the piano is too loud and steals the sound of her voice..she has the most amazing voice..