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