The Cryptic Note Bob Dylan Passed To Leonard Cohen During A Backstage Conversation

April 1, 2025

The backstage buzz was electric as artists and musicians mingled, waiting for their turn in the spotlight. It was the summer of 1988, and the infamous “Tower of Song” concert was in full swing in Toronto, Canada. Bob Dylan, the legendary bard of rock and folk music, had just finished his set. He was known for his powerful lyrics and mysterious ways, often leaving audiences questioning the deeper meanings behind his songs. On that particular night, he had a special conversation in the quiet corner of the backstage area, one that would leave a lasting impact on another iconic musician—Leonard Cohen.

Leonard Cohen, with his deep voice and haunting melodies, had been inspired by Dylan for years. He stood by, soaking in the atmosphere, his heart racing with excitement. As he and Dylan exchanged pleasantries, they spoke about the struggles of being a musician, the weight of expectations, and the quest for authenticity in their art. Dylan, with his wild hair and glimmering eyes, leaned in closer, and with a sly smile, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper. “Here,” he said, handing it to Cohen. “Keep this close. It’s a reminder.”

Cohen, curious yet cautious, unfolded the note. Scribbled in Dylan’s hurried handwriting were the words: “Stay true to the chaos inside you.” At first, Cohen was taken aback. The words struck a chord deep within him. He had spent years battling self-doubt and the pressures of success. In his pursuit of meaningful music, he often felt overwhelmed by the expectations of the world. What Dylan had given him was not just a note; it was a challenge to embrace the complexities of his own emotions rather than shy away from them.

That cryptic note became Cohen’s guiding light. Over the following years, he poured his heart into his work, creating albums that resonated with raw honesty and poetic depth. Each time he felt uncertain, he would take out that simple piece of paper, reminded of Dylan’s profound message. Cohen’s music matured, and he began to explore themes of love, spirituality, and the struggles of the human condition with fearless authenticity. He recognized that the chaos within him was not something to be tamed, but rather a source of inspiration.

In the years that followed, Leonard Cohen’s career flourished in ways he never imagined. His album “You Want It Darker” even received critical acclaim shortly before his passing in 2016, showcasing the resilience he had developed over the years. In interviews, he often spoke about the importance of staying true to oneself and the courage it takes to embrace one’s inner struggles. Bob Dylan’s small, cryptic note had planted a seed of bravery in him, reminding him that authenticity in art often comes from understanding and accepting the chaos of life.

That encounter backstage, marked by a simple exchange, remains a story of inspiration and courage that resonates with artists everywhere. Bob Dylan’s note reminded Leonard Cohen, and countless others, that music is not just about the melodies or the fame—it’s about the truth that lies within each moment of creation. As people continue to listen to their music, both Dylan and Cohen leave behind legacies filled with passion, resilience, and the understanding that embracing one’s chaos can lead to the most beautiful forms of art.