The harmonic structure underlying Leonard Cohen’s iconic “Who By Fire” is deceptively simple yet profoundly effective. Typically played on guitar, the song’s framework revolves around a few basic chords, often in open positions, creating a somber and meditative atmosphere. Numerous online resources provide diagrams and tablature depicting common voicings and fingerings, enabling musicians of varying skill levels to learn the song. For example, a prevalent interpretation utilizes G, C, D, and Em chords.
This harmonic simplicity contributes significantly to the song’s accessibility and enduring popularity. The ease with which the underlying structure can be learned allows musicians to focus on nuances of performance, such as dynamics, phrasing, and vocal delivery, which are crucial to conveying the song’s weighty themes of mortality and judgment. The repetitive nature of the chord progression also serves to enhance the lyrical content, creating a hypnotic and ritualistic feel. Its historical context as a setting of the Jewish liturgical poem “Unetanneh Tokef” adds another layer of depth and meaning.
