Poem Analysis - Always

A Song of Undying Devotion

Leonard Cohen's "Always" is a deceptively simple poem, a declaration of unwavering love and support set against the backdrop of life's inevitable hardships. The poem's tone is initially instructional, almost conversational, shifting into a sincere and heartfelt promise. This promise is punctuated by conversational interjections, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. These interruptions, instead of detracting from the message, enhance its authenticity, implying a lived-in, enduring love. The poem ultimately conveys a profound commitment that transcends fleeting moments and embraces the entirety of a relationship.

Unconditional Love: A Steadfast Theme

The central theme of "Always" is, unsurprisingly, unconditional love. This is developed through the consistent repetition of the word "always" itself. The speaker pledges to be present and understanding regardless of circumstances. The lines "I'll be loving you always / With a love that's true, always" establish this foundation. Furthermore, the promise of support "When the thing you've planned / Needs my helping hand / I will understand, always, always" reinforces the idea that this love isn't contingent on success or ease; it's a constant, unwavering presence.

Facing Hardship Together

The poem acknowledges that life isn't always easy, introducing the theme of resilience in the face of adversity. The lines "Days may not be fair, always / Yeah but that's when I'll be there, always" directly address the inevitable difficulties that relationships encounter. Cohen doesn't shy away from the reality of "unfair" days; instead, he positions himself as a source of strength during those times. This commitment to being present during hardship elevates the love from a simple declaration to a profound partnership.

The Fleeting Nature of Time

Another subtle but important theme is the transcendence of time. The poem contrasts the speaker's unwavering "always" with temporary commitments: "Not for just an hour / Not for just a day / Not for just a year, but always." This contrast underscores the depth and longevity of the speaker's love. The increasingly specific and even humorous examples of short-term commitments – "Not for just a second, or a minute, or an hour / Not for just a weekend and a shake down in the shower / Not for just the summer and the winter going sour" – further emphasize the enduring quality of the promised "always." The escalating absurdity of the examples highlights the contrast between fleeting moments and the promise of everlasting love.

The Symbolism of "Always"

The word "always" functions as the primary symbol in the poem. It represents not just the duration of the speaker's love, but also its quality. "Always" signifies constancy, reliability, and unwavering support. It moves beyond a simple temporal marker and becomes a symbol of commitment. Furthermore, the repetition of "always" creates a mantra-like effect, reinforcing the depth of the pledge. The repeated use of the term is so strong as to almost seem comical, it could be that the term "always" is used ironically and in its overuse comes across as the love might be fleeting as it has to be stated as being "always". This is an open-ended question of the poem, is the love actually forever or not?

A Lasting Impression of Forever

In conclusion, "Always" by Leonard Cohen is a powerful and touching declaration of unwavering love. Through the repetition of the central symbol, "always," and the acknowledgement of life's inevitable hardships, the poem conveys a profound sense of commitment and resilience. The conversational interjections and increasingly absurd examples of fleeting commitments further enhance the poem's authenticity and depth. Ultimately, "Always" is a testament to the enduring power of love that transcends time and circumstance, even with the possibility of that love being an illusion.