First We Take Manhattan Lyrics

Lyric discussion by iliadav 

Cover art for First We Take Manhattan lyrics by Leonard Cohen

I agree the song is about terrorism, but more in a way of Taxi Driver. References to Manhattan and Berlin were probably chosen not because of the cities, but because of how well names rhyme together and how they create a beautiful rhythm. I agree just mentioning those two cities invokes all sorts of theories, but in my opinion it's there for shock value and a sound.

My Interpretation