“Who By Fire” is a Leonard Cohen song that often goes under the radar, but in my opinion, it deserves a spot in his top five. The lyrics are relatable in a haunting way, making it an unforgettable tune. It’s one of my personal favorites and I think it’s time for it to get the recognition it deserves.
Leonard Cohen wrote Who By Fire during the Yom Kippur War. He performed it at a concert for the soldiers who were going off to battle in the Sinai desert. Author Matti Friedman has written a book about the history of this song. It’s mentioned in the video link above.