Poem Analysis - Different Sides

Leonard Cohen's "Different Sides" explores fundamental divisions between people, despite a possible underlying unity. The poem's tone is conversational and slightly weary, suggesting a resignation to these conflicts. A subtle shift occurs towards the end, marked by a plea for connection and a rejection of rigid ideologies. Overall, the poem is a reflection on the complexities of human disagreement and the search for common ground.

A Divided World

The poem immediately establishes a sense of division with the opening lines, "We find ourselves on different sides/ Of a line, nobody drew." This lack of a clear origin for the division suggests that these conflicts are often arbitrary or self-imposed. The contrast between the "higher eye," where all may be one, and the earthly reality of "two" highlights the limitations of human perception and understanding. This sets the stage for exploring the reasons behind these divisions and their consequences.

The Clash of Ideologies

One central theme is the conflict between different belief systems. The speaker aligns with "the meek and the mild" and claims victory through "suffering," while the other party champions "the Word" and claims to have been "never been heard." This suggests a clash between philosophies of compassion and faith versus assertion and dominance. The line "Both of us say there are laws to obey/Yeah, but frankly I don't like your tone" illustrates a fundamental problem: even when agreeing on principles, differing approaches and attitudes can create insurmountable barriers. The objection to changing "the way I make love" indicates a struggle for personal autonomy against perceived moral judgment.

Symbols of Hope and Loss

The imagery of the ocean, influenced by "the pull of the moon, the thrust of the sun," symbolizes the vastness and complexity of life, as well as the forces that shape our world. The "shadowy guest" that "kindles a light for the lost" is a particularly intriguing symbol. It could represent hope found in unexpected places, or perhaps the acceptance of the darker aspects of life as a source of illumination. The "famine" both "down in the valley" and "up on the hill" presents a stark image of inequality and suffering that persists regardless of social standing. This imagery reinforces the poem's critique of the existing order and the need for change.

The Yearning for Connection

Ultimately, the poem expresses a longing for connection amidst division. The speaker's frustration culminates in the lines, "You want to live where the suffering is/I want to get out of town." This stark contrast highlights the irreconcilable differences in their approaches to life. However, the final plea, "C'mon baby, give me a kiss/Stop writing everything down," suggests a desire to transcend ideological divides through intimacy and experience, prioritizing human connection over relentless intellectualization. This implies that perhaps the solution to division lies in embracing empathy and shared humanity.

A Final Reflection

"Different Sides" is a poignant exploration of the divisions that separate people, highlighting the clashes of ideologies, the pervasiveness of suffering, and the yearning for connection. Cohen's conversational tone and evocative imagery invite readers to reflect on their own relationships and the forces that shape their perspectives. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human conflict and to offer a glimpse of hope for overcoming these divisions through empathy, understanding, and a willingness to embrace shared humanity.