The autumn moved across your skin
Got something in my eye
A light that doesn't need to live
And doesn't need to die
A riddle in the book of love
Obscure and obsolete
To witness tear and time and blood
A thousand kisses deep
And I'm still working with the wine
Still dancing cheek to cheek
The band is playing Auld Lang Syne
But the heart will not retreat
I ran with Dez, I sang with Ray
I never had their sweep
But once or twice they let me play
A thousand kisses deep
Leonard Cohen never sang with Ray but he admired him: 
 I love Ray Charles. He’s who the people have been hunting for, who people have always been worshiped – mot because of his faith but because he reaches their thoughts and hearts, and that is exactly the kind of singer I would like to be. 
 From ”En tunne vanhenevani lainkaan” – Leonard Cohen Soundissa 1976
A Thousand Kisses Deep - Recitation w/ N.L. Live in London