Born in Chains

I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised Lord I can no longer keep this secret Blessed is the name, the name be praised I fled to the edge of a mighty sea of sorrow Pursued by the riders of a cruel and dark regime But the waters parted and my soul crossed over Out of Egypt, out of Pharaoh's dream Word of words and the measure of all measures Blessed is the name, the name be blessed Written on my heart in burning letters That's all I know, I cannot read the rest I was idled with my soul, when I heard that you could use me I followed very closely, but my life remained the same But then you showed me where you had been wounded In every atom broken is a name I was alone on the road, your love was so confusing All my teachers told me I had myself to blame But in the grip of sensual illusion The sweet unknowing unifies a name Word of words, and the measure of all measures Blessed is the name, the name be blessed Written on my heart in burning letters That's all I know, I cannot read the rest I've heard the soul unfolds in the chambers of its longing And the bitter liquor sweetens in the amber cup But all the ladders of the night have fallen Only darkness now, to lift the longing up Word of words and measure of all measures Blessed is the name, the name be blessed Written on my heart in burning letters That's all I know, I cannot read the rest --- Born in Chains - Leonard Cohen