If It Be Your Will by Leonard Cohen (1934-)

I love how Cohen’s words make this devotional poem reach out beyond any particular religion, although it was inspired by the Kol Nidre.

If it be your will
that I speak no more,
and my voice be still
as it was before;
I will speak no more,
I shall abide until
I am spoken for,
If it be your will.

If it be your will
that a voice be true,
from this broken hill
I will sing for you.
From this broken hill
all your praises they shall ring
if it be your will
to let me sing.

If it be your will
if there is a choice,
let the rivers fill,
let the hills rejoice.
Let your mercy spill
on all those burning hearts in hell,
if it be your will
to make us well.

And draw us near
and bind us tight,
all your children here,
in their rags of light;
in our rags of light,
all dressed to kill;
and end this night
if it be your will.

Leonard Cohen