'Democracy' by Leonard Cohen
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
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.
Sail on, sail on
o mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
past the Reefs of Greed
through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on
It's coming to America first,
the cradle of the best and the worst.
It's here they got the range
and the machinery for change
and it's here they got the spiritual thirst.
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:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
It's coming from the women and the men.
O baby, we'll be making love again.
We'll be going down so deep
that the river's going to weep,
and the mountain's going to shout Amen!
It's coming to the tidal flood
beneath the lunar sway,
imperial, mysterious
in amorous array:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Sail on, sail on
o mighty Ship of State!
To the Shores of Need
past the Reefs of Greed
through the Squalls of Hate
Sail on, sail on
I'm sentimental if you know what I mean:
I love the country but I can't stand the scene.
And I'm neither left or right
I'm just staying home tonight,
getting lost in that hopeless little screen.
But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags
that Time cannot decay,
I'm junk but I'm still holding up
this little wild bouquet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Democracy: An Exploration of Freedom and Politics
Leonard Cohen's Democracy is a poem that captures the essence of the political system and society with a profound and thought-provoking insight. The poem offers an interpretation of democracy as a means of achieving freedom and equality for all people, while also highlighting the flaws and challenges of the system. With its vivid imagery and lyrical language, Democracy is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to inspire and engage readers around the world.
The Poem
The poem begins with a seemingly simple and straightforward statement: "It's coming through a hole in the air." This line captures the sense of anticipation and expectation that surrounds the arrival of democracy. The image of democracy "coming through a hole in the air" suggests that it is something that has been long-awaited and anticipated, and that it is finally arriving.
The poem then moves on to describe democracy in more detail, using a series of striking and evocative images. "From those nights in Tiananmen Square / It's coming from the feel / That this ain't exactly real / Or it's real, but it ain't exactly there." These lines suggest that democracy is a force that emerges from social and political struggle, and that it is something that is not quite tangible or fully formed. The reference to Tiananmen Square, with its iconic image of the lone protester facing down a tank, reinforces this sense of democracy as a force that emerges from conflict and resistance.
The poem then goes on to explore the challenges and contradictions of democracy. "From the wars against disorder / From the sirens night and day / From the fires of the homeless / From the ashes of the gay." These lines suggest that democracy is a system that is constantly under threat, and that it must be fought for and defended against those who seek to undermine it. The reference to the "ashes of the gay" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the struggles of marginalized and oppressed groups in society.
Despite these challenges, the poem ultimately celebrates democracy as a powerful force for good. "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." These lines suggest that democracy is a force that can overcome even the greatest obstacles, and that it is rooted in the fundamental values of freedom, equality, and justice.
Interpretation
Democracy is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. At its core, however, the poem is an exploration of freedom and politics, and the ways in which these two concepts intersect and conflict with one another.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that democracy is a force that emerges from struggle and conflict. The reference to Tiananmen Square is particularly significant in this regard, as it highlights the fact that democracy is often born out of political dissent and resistance. The poem also suggests that democracy is a system that is constantly under threat, and that it must be defended against those who seek to undermine it.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea that democracy is a flawed and imperfect system. The references to the wars against disorder and the struggles of marginalized groups highlight the fact that democracy is not always able to live up to its ideals. However, despite these flaws, the poem ultimately celebrates democracy as a powerful force for good that can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
Literary Criticism
Leonard Cohen's Democracy has been acclaimed as one of the greatest poems of the modern era, and has received widespread critical acclaim for its lyrical language and evocative imagery. The poem has been praised for its ability to capture the complex and multifaceted nature of democracy, and for its exploration of the tensions and contradictions that exist within the political system.
One of the key strengths of the poem is its vivid and evocative use of imagery. The references to Tiananmen Square, the wars against disorder, and the struggles of marginalized groups all serve to create a powerful and emotive picture of the world in which democracy operates. The poem's use of metaphor and symbolism is also particularly effective, with images such as "a crack in the wall" and "a visionary flood of alcohol" serving to capture the sense of anticipation and hope that surrounds the arrival of democracy.
Another strength of the poem is its ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of democracy. The poem does not shy away from the challenges and flaws of the political system, but instead confronts them head-on, highlighting the ways in which democracy can be both a force for good and a source of conflict and oppression.
Conclusion
Democracy is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the complex and multifaceted nature of freedom and politics. With its vivid imagery, lyrical language, and profound insight, the poem offers a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the challenges and contradictions of democracy. Despite its flaws and imperfections, however, the poem ultimately celebrates democracy as a force for good that can overcome even the greatest obstacles, and that is rooted in the fundamental values of freedom, equality, and justice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Democracy, the classic poem written by Leonard Cohen, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the complexities of democracy and its impact on society. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and motifs that Cohen employs in this poem, and how they contribute to the overall message of the poem.
The poem begins with a powerful opening line, "It's coming through a hole in the air, from those nights in Tiananmen Square." This line immediately sets the tone for the poem, as it references the 1989 protests in China, which were brutally suppressed by the government. The line suggests that democracy is a force that cannot be contained, and that it will always find a way to break through even the most oppressive regimes.
The poem then goes on to describe the various forms of democracy that exist in the world, from the "businessmen free to kill" in America to the "fascist chauvinist" in Russia. Cohen's use of these extreme examples highlights the fact that democracy is not a perfect system, and that it can be corrupted and abused by those in power.
However, despite its flaws, democracy remains a powerful force for change. As Cohen writes, "Democracy is coming to the USA." This line suggests that even in a country like America, where democracy is often taken for granted, there is still a need for change and progress. It also suggests that democracy is not a static concept, but rather a constantly evolving one that must adapt to the changing needs of society.
Throughout the poem, Cohen employs a number of motifs and symbols to convey his message. One of the most prominent of these is the image of the "black man with a cross." This image represents the struggle for civil rights and equality, and serves as a reminder that democracy is not just about political power, but also about social justice and human rights.
Another important motif in the poem is the idea of "the dove with the broken wing." This image represents the fragility of democracy, and the fact that it can be easily damaged or destroyed if not protected and nurtured. It also suggests that democracy is not a given, but rather something that must be fought for and defended.
Cohen also employs a number of literary devices in the poem, such as repetition and alliteration. For example, the repeated use of the phrase "It's coming" creates a sense of urgency and inevitability, while the alliteration in lines such as "the jackals at the embassy" adds to the poem's musicality and rhythm.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony and satire. Cohen's descriptions of the various forms of democracy around the world are often exaggerated and absurd, highlighting the fact that democracy is often far from perfect. For example, he describes the "businessmen free to kill" in America, a reference to the country's lax gun laws and the influence of corporate interests on politics.
Similarly, his description of the "fascist chauvinist" in Russia is a clear reference to the country's authoritarian government and its aggressive foreign policy. By using these extreme examples, Cohen is able to critique the flaws of democracy without dismissing it altogether.
In conclusion, Democracy is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of democracy and its impact on society. Through his use of motifs, symbols, and literary devices, Cohen is able to convey a message that is both urgent and timeless. While democracy may be flawed, it remains a powerful force for change and progress, and it is up to us to protect and nurture it for future generations.
Editor Recommended Sites
Declarative: Declaratively manage your infrastructure as codeKotlin Systems: Programming in kotlin tutorial, guides and best practice
Tactical Roleplaying Games: Find more tactical roleplaying games like final fantasy tactics, wakfu, ffbe wotv
GPT Prompt Masterclass: Masterclass on prompt engineering
Data Governance - Best cloud data governance practices & AWS and GCP Data Governance solutions: Learn cloud data governance and find the best highest rated resources
Recommended Similar Analysis
Incident Of The French Camp by Robert Browning analysisPrologue , The by Anne Bradstreet analysis
The Poplar Field by William Cowper analysis
Peter Bell, A Tale by William Wordsworth analysis
The Municipal Gallery Revisited by William Butler Yeats analysis
The Barrel-Organ by Alfred Noyes analysis
Songs Of Experience: Introduction by William Blake analysis
Schoolroom On A Wet Afternoon by Vernon Scannell analysis
Euthansia by Robert Service analysis
Parisian Beggar Women by Langston Hughes analysis