Sometimes knowing the backstory makes all the difference!

The song was inspired by Marianne Jensen, born Marianne Ihlen, whom Cohen met on the Greek island of Hydra in 1960. She had recently been left by her husband, the Norwegian writer Axel Jensen, leaving her and their six-month-old son alone on the island. The two hit it off, and Cohen ultimately took her from Hydra back to her home in Oslo, Norway. He later invited her and her son to live with him in Montreal, an offer which she accepted. The two lived together throughout the 1960s, traveling between New York, Montreal, and Hydra.

Marianne Ihlen died in hospital in Oslo on July 28, 2016, aged 81. Cohen wrote to her shortly before her death, saying: "I'm just a little behind you, close enough to take your hand. I've never forgotten your love and your beauty. But you know that. Safe travels old friend. See you down the road. Love and gratitude." He died just over three months later, on November 7.