The phrase "where the light gets in" appears in several contexts:
- It is famously from Leonard Cohen's song "Anthem," where the lyric goes, "There is a crack, a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in," symbolizing how imperfections allow hope and enlightenment to enter
- "Where The Light Gets In" is also the name of a Michelin Green Star restaurant in Stockport, UK, known for its contemporary British dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a focus on sustainability. The restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with an open kitchen and a menu that evolves daily based on natural harvests
- Additionally, "Where The Light Gets In" is the title of a book by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, which shares her personal journey through her mother's illness with grace and truth
- The phrase is used as a title in music and film, such as Ben Barnes' album trailer and a 2025 short film about a deaf mother's struggles
Thus, "where the light gets in" can refer to a poetic metaphor from Leonard Cohen's song, a restaurant in Stockport, a book, or artistic works bearing that title. The most iconic and widely recognized usage is from Cohen's song, expressing the idea that flaws and cracks are where healing and insight enter