Anthem

by Leonard Cohen
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Lyrics

The birds, they (C)sang

at the break of day.

‘‘Start a gain,’’

I heard them (C)say.

Don’t

(E)dwell

on what has (Am)passed a way,

Or what is (Gsus4)yet to be.

Yeah, the (C)wars,

they will be (C)fought a gain,

the ho ly (G)dove,

she will be (C)caught a gain,

Bought

and (E7)sold

and (Am)bought a gain,

The (Am)dove is

nev er free.

Ring the (F)bells

that (Bb)still

can (F)ring.

For (F)get

your (Bb)per fect of fer (F)ing.

There is a (C)crack,

a (Bb)crack

in (F)ev ’ry thing.

That’s how the (Dm7)light gets in.

We asked for (C)signs,

signs were sent,

the birth be

the marr iage (C)spent.

Yeah, the wi dow hood

of ev ’ry (Am)gov ern ment,

signs for all

see.

I can’t run no (C)more.

with that law less crowd,

while the kill (G)ers in high pla ces

say their pray (C)ers out loud,

but they’ve (E)sum moned,

they’ve (E7)sum moned, up a (Am)thun der cloud,

(Am)They’re gon na (Gsus4)hear from me.

Ring the (F)bells

that (Bb)still

can (F)ring.

For (F)get

your (Bb)per fect of fer (F)ing.

There is a (C)crack,

a (Bb)crack

in (F)ev ’ry thing.

That’s how the (Dm7)light gets in.

We asked for

You can add up the (C)parts,

you won’t have the (C)sum.

You can strike up the (G)march,

there is no (C)drum.

Ev ’ry (E)heart,

ev ’ry heart to (Am)love will come,

(Am)but like a (Gsus4)ref u gee.

(Ring,

ring,

ring,)

Ring the (Dm7)light gets in,

that’s how the light gets in,

that’s how the light gets in.

Anthem — Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)

Classic piano notation for "Anthem" by Leonard Cohen as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in Gb — sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 64 BPM. Click any note to jump there.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (Gb) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range — the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About “Anthem

Is the engraved accompaniment score for "Anthem" suitable for a pianist?
Yes — both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key Gb, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
What key is the piano accompaniment for "Anthem" by Leonard Cohen in?
The backing track is in Gb at 64 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones — the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "Anthem" with this accompaniment?
Yes — that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "Anthem"?
Effectively yes — it's the piano-only backing for "Anthem", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Anthem" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work — the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "Anthem"?
Yes — registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Anthem"?
"Anthem" was originally performed by Leonard Cohen. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by Leonard Cohen are available?
Other accompaniments by Leonard Cohen: "Almost Like The Blues", "Bird On A Wire", "Closing Time". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode — both hands, classic piano notation, key of Gb, real chord symbols — but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "Anthem" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
Yes — treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.

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