You’ve almost certainly heard the story of Pattie Boyd, the beautiful blonde who had two great talents pining for her affection. But have you heard of Marianne Ihlen?

From a quaint village in Norway, Marianne fell in love with Axel Jensen, the “Norwegian Jack Kerouac.” Together they journeyed to the Greek island of Hydra, where they were among the first of the island’s ex-pat community. Just as their marriage fell apart, who should show up on Hydra but one of the greatest songwriters of all-time: Leonard Cohen. He will write several of his greatest songs about her, including “So Long, Marianne” and “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.” Her humility and kindness influenced Leonard across geographic borders, 3 albums, and beyond. This week on the Dolls Pod, we’re bringing Marianne’s story out from the shadows that her famous lovers’ legends have cast.

Plus, Emma and Abby chat about the wonders of Peppa Pig Land, weird allergies, and post-breakup haircuts. Some things really are canon events!

“Marianne Ihlen: Bird on the Wire” is available now, wherever you stream your podcasts 🌊

(Episode starts at 5:17)

Sources:

Kari Hesthamar, “So Long, Marianne: A Love Story” Translated by Helle V. Goldman (2017)

Sylvie Simmons, “I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen” (2018 ed.)

Nick Broomfield, dir. “Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love” (2019)

“Obituary: Marianne Ihlen, Leonard Cohen’s muse” The Scotsman, 8/13/2016

Songs in this episode:

Leonard Cohen - “Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye” (1967)

Judy Collins - “Suzanne” (1966)

Leonard Cohen - “Chelsea Hotel No. 2” (1974)

Leonard Cohen - “So Long, Marianne” (1967)

Leonard Cohen - “Winter Lady” (1967)

Leonard Cohen - “The Stranger Song” (1967)

Leonard Cohen - “Sisters of Mercy” (1967)

Leonard Cohen - “Bird on the Wire” (1969)

Leonard Cohen - “Treaty” (2016)

With excerpts from “Boy On A Dolphin” (dir. Jean Negulesco, 1957)

Follow @thedollspod on Instagram for clips and photos from this episode!