Tori Amos - Famous Blue Raincoat Best Version Ever (Live Official Release) 1998

Tori Amos performing Leonard Cohen's Famous Blue Raincoat, Live during her Plugged '98 Tour (Santa Barbara CA, Sep 20th 1998). This version was officially released on the Concertina single. I honestly think this haunting performance is the best version of this wonderful song, by ANY artist, and the piano arrangement is gorgeous.

A fan review of the show explains her quirky comment in the intro:
"I just wanted to add that before Tori sang Famous Blue Raincoat she mentioned that she hadn't played it on the tour yet and she lifted her left hand where she had all the lyrics to the song written on it, and she said something about her hands not being very big so if she forgets some of the lyrics than she wanted us to yell them out to her. Tori hands are actually rather long so she had no problem with the song."

Lyrics (transcribed, different from the original lyrics):
Intro:
The guys go off now and we do a couple of songs. I haven't done this one on the whole tour so, hmm, it could be a disaster so, you know, if I forget the words just scream 'em. Okay. I know how you feel lads, I need bigger hands, that's tough.

Song:
It's four in the morning, the end of December
I'm writing you now to see if you're better
New York was cold, but I like where I'm living
There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening

I hear that you're building your little house deep in the desert
You're living for nothing now, I hope you're keeping some kind of record

Yes, and Jane came by with a lock of your hair
She said that you gave it to her
On the night that you planned to go clear
Did you ever go clear?

Last time I saw you, you looked so much older
Your famous blue raincoat torn at the shoulder
Been to the station to meet every train
You came home alone without Lilly Marlene

You treated my woman to a flake of your life
And when she came back she was nobody's wife

Well I see you there with a rose in your teeth
Just one more thin gypsy thief
I see Jane's awake now
She sends her regards

What can I tell you my brother, my killer
What can I possibly say?
I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you
I'm glad you stood in my way

If you ever come by here, for Jane or for me
Well your enemy is sleeping now and her woman is free

Well thanks for the trouble you took from her eyes
I thought it was there for good so I never tried

And Jane came by with a lock of your hair
She said that you gave it to her
On that night that you planned to go clear

Sincerely, L. Cohen

Видео Tori Amos - Famous Blue Raincoat Best Version Ever (Live Official Release) 1998 канала OrenLovesTori