'Democracy' by Leonard Cohen

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It's coming through a hole in the air,
from those nights in Tiananmen Square.
It's coming from the feel
that it ain't exactly real,
or it's real, but it ain't exactly there.
From the wars against disorder,
from the sirens night and day,
from the fires of the homeless,
from the ashes of the gay:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming through a crack in the wall,
on a visionary flood of alcohol;
from the staggering account
of the Sermon on the Mount
which I don't pretend to understand at all.
It's coming from the silence
on the dock of the bay,
from the brave, the bold, the battered
heart of Chevrolet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

It's coming from the sorrow on the street
the holy places where the races meet;
from the homicidal bitchin'
that goes down in every kitchen
to determine who will serve and who will eat.
From the wells of disappointment
where the women kneel to pray
for the grace of G-d in the desert here
and the desert far away:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Leonard Cohen's "Poetry, Democracy": A Masterpiece of Art and Politics

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian poet and musician, wrote "Poetry, Democracy" in 1995, a powerful and prophetic piece that captures the essence of democracy and the role of poetry in shaping our collective destiny. In this essay, I will explore the literary and political dimensions of Cohen's poem and offer an interpretation that highlights its relevance today.

The Power of Poetry

Cohen opens the poem by invoking poetry as a force that transcends time and space, as well as language and nationality. He writes, "Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash." This metaphorical image suggests that poetry is not an abstraction or a luxury, but a natural byproduct of our existence, a residue of our experiences, thoughts, and emotions.

Cohen then goes on to describe the inherent power of poetry to transform reality, to challenge the status quo, and to inspire action. He writes, "Poetry is not a civilizer, rather the reverse, for great poetry appeals to the most primitive instincts." This statement reflects Cohen's belief that poetry is not a complacent or conservative art form, but a radical and subversive one that exposes the contradictions and injustices of society and gives voice to the marginalized and oppressed.

The Democracy of Poetry

But what does poetry have to do with democracy? Cohen argues that poetry and democracy share a common goal, which is to empower individuals and communities to express themselves freely and to participate in the decision-making process that affects their lives. He writes, "Democracy is coming to the USA. It's coming through a hole in the air, from those nights in Tiananmen Square."

Here, Cohen alludes to the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing, China, which were brutally suppressed by the government. He sees the struggle for democracy as a universal one that transcends borders and ideologies, and as a continuous process that requires vigilance, courage, and solidarity.

Cohen also highlights the potential of poetry to bridge the gap between the individual and the collective, between the personal and the political. He writes, "Poetry is the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. It's the way you get through the fire." This image suggests that poetry can serve as a therapeutic and transformative tool that helps us to cope with the challenges and traumas of life, and to connect with others who share our struggles and hopes.

The Politics of Poetry

Cohen's poem is also deeply political, in the sense that it addresses the power dynamics and contradictions of our society, and offers a vision of social justice and equality. He writes, "It's coming from the sorrow on the street, the holy places where the races meet." This line points to the racial and ethnic tensions and conflicts that exist in our cities and towns, and argues that poetry can be a vehicle for healing and reconciliation.

Cohen also critiques the elitism and commercialism of contemporary culture, and suggests that poetry can counteract these tendencies by creating alternative spaces for creativity and dialogue. He writes, "It's coming to America first, the cradle of the best and the worst." This line reflects Cohen's ambivalent relationship with the United States, his adopted homeland, which he sees as a land of contradictions and opportunities.

Finally, Cohen ends the poem with a call to action, a message of hope and renewal that encourages us to imagine a better future and to work towards it. He writes, "Democracy is coming to the USA. Sail on, sail on, O mighty ship of state! To the shores of need, past the reefs of greed, through the squalls of hate." This powerful image suggests that democracy is not a fixed or static concept, but a dynamic and evolving one that requires constant struggle and sacrifice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leonard Cohen's "Poetry, Democracy" is a masterful and timely work of art that combines poetry and politics in a powerful and provocative way. Cohen's vision of poetry as a force for democracy and social change resonates with the challenges and opportunities of our times, and provides us with a roadmap for a more just and equitable society. As Cohen writes, "Democracy is coming to the USA. It's coming from the bottom up, like a tidal wave." Let us rise up and ride that wave, with poetry as our guide and our inspiration.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Democracy: An Ode to the Power of Words

Leonard Cohen's "Poetry Democracy" is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the transformative power of poetry and its ability to inspire change in society. Written in the 1960s, during a time of political and social upheaval, the poem speaks to the universal human desire for freedom, justice, and equality.

At its core, "Poetry Democracy" is a call to action, urging readers to embrace the power of their own voices and to use poetry as a tool for social change. The poem begins with the lines, "It's coming through a hole in the air / from those nights in Tiananmen Square." Here, Cohen is referencing the student-led protests that took place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989, which were brutally suppressed by the Chinese government. By invoking this powerful image of resistance and defiance, Cohen sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a rallying cry for all those who seek to challenge the status quo.

Throughout the poem, Cohen uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the power of poetry. He writes, "It's coming from the feel / that this ain't exactly real / or it's real, but it ain't exactly there." Here, he is suggesting that poetry has the ability to transcend the limitations of our physical reality and to tap into something deeper and more profound. Poetry, in other words, is a way of accessing the intangible, the ineffable, the spiritual.

Cohen also uses the metaphor of a "bird on fire" to describe the power of poetry. He writes, "It's coming from the sorrow in the street / the holy places where the races meet / from the homicidal bitchin' / that goes down in every kitchen / to determine who will serve and who will eat." The image of a bird on fire is a powerful one, suggesting both the beauty and the danger of poetry. Like a bird on fire, poetry has the ability to soar to great heights, but it can also be destructive and dangerous.

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry Democracy" is its emphasis on the democratic nature of poetry. Cohen writes, "It's coming to America first / the cradle of the best and of the worst / it's here they got the range / and the machinery for change / and it's here they got the spiritual thirst." Here, he is suggesting that poetry is not the exclusive domain of the elite or the educated, but rather something that belongs to everyone. Poetry, in other words, is a form of democracy, a way of giving voice to the voiceless and empowering the powerless.

Cohen also emphasizes the role of poetry in creating a sense of community and connection. He writes, "It's here the family's broken / and it's here the lonely say / that the heart has got to open / in a fundamental way." Here, he is suggesting that poetry has the ability to bring people together, to create a sense of shared experience and empathy. In a world that is increasingly fragmented and divided, poetry has the power to bridge the gaps between us and to remind us of our common humanity.

Ultimately, "Poetry Democracy" is a celebration of the power of words and their ability to inspire change. Cohen writes, "It's coming from the silence / on the dock of the bay, / from the brave, the bold, the battered / heart of Chevrolet." Here, he is suggesting that poetry can come from anywhere, from the most unexpected places and the most unlikely sources. Poetry, in other words, is a way of giving voice to the voiceless and empowering the powerless.

In conclusion, "Poetry Democracy" is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the universal human desire for freedom, justice, and equality. Through vivid imagery, metaphor, and a powerful call to action, Cohen celebrates the transformative power of poetry and its ability to inspire change in society. In a world that is increasingly fragmented and divided, "Poetry Democracy" is a reminder of the power of words to bring us together and to create a better world.

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