Poem Analysis - Going Home

Introduction: The Paradox of Self

Leonard Cohen's "Going Home" is a deeply introspective poem, exploring the complex relationship between the artist and his persona. The poem oscillates between self-deprecation and a yearning for liberation, creating a bittersweet and contemplative mood. The speaker, seemingly both Cohen himself and a detached observer of "Leonard," examines the burden of artistic creation and the desire to shed the constructed identity associated with it. There is a palpable sense of weariness, coupled with hope for a return to a more authentic and peaceful state. The overall tone is one of resigned acceptance tinged with longing.

The Burden of Identity and Performance

A central theme in "Going Home" is the burden of identity, specifically the identity of the artist as a performer. The poem opens by describing "Leonard" in contradictory terms: "a sportsman and a shepherd," but also "a lazy bastard living in a suit." This immediately establishes a sense of artifice and a gap between the perceived image and the underlying reality. The "suit" symbolizes the public persona, the costume that must be worn. The idea that "he does say what I tell him," reinforces the idea that the artistic voice is to some degree compelled and lacks true freedom, emphasizing the disconnect between the artist and the art produced.

The Yearning for Authentic Release

The repeated phrase "Going home" signifies a profound yearning for release and authenticity. "Home" is not a physical place, but a state of being, characterized by the absence of sorrow, burden, and the "costume" of performance. The line "Going home behind the curtain" suggests a retreat from the public stage, a desire to escape the expectations and demands placed upon the artist. It is a return to a space where one can exist without the weight of self-consciousness or the need to perform. The poem subtly suggests that this idealized "home" represents a state of inner peace and genuine self-acceptance.

The Tube: A Symbol of Confinement and Creativity

The image of "the brief elaboration of a tube" is a potent symbol of confinement and the limitations of the physical body. The "tube" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human form, a vessel through which creativity flows, but also a restrictive and temporary container. It underscores the speaker’s awareness of his own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. This image also questions the nature of artistic creation. Is "Leonard" truly a "sage, a man of vision," or simply a conduit, an instrument through which words are channeled? This ambiguity invites the reader to consider the source of inspiration and the role of the artist as both creator and medium.

The Unfulfilled Desire for Resolution

The section describing "Leonard's" desire to write "a love song," "an anthem of forgiving," and "a manual for living with defeat" highlights a longing for catharsis and meaningful expression. However, this desire remains unfulfilled because "that isn't what I need him to complete." This reinforces the controlling aspect of the speaker, potentially a deeper, more authentic self, or perhaps a muse. The final repetition of the initial verses serves to emphasize the cyclical nature of this internal struggle, highlighting the seemingly endless cycle of creating, performing, and yearning for escape. The poem ultimately concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of artistic identity and the elusive quest for inner peace.