Poem Analysis - If It Be Your Will

A Plea for Divine Intervention

Leonard Cohen's "If It Be Your Will" is a deeply spiritual poem, characterized by its humble tone and its posture of submission. The poem reads as a prayer, a heartfelt plea to a higher power for mercy and healing. While the initial verses express a willingness to silence oneself, the poem gradually builds towards a fervent desire for divine intervention, marked by both suffering and a yearning for redemption. This creates a feeling of hopeful resignation, acknowledging both hardship and the possibility of grace.

Echoes of Faith and Acceptance

While not explicitly tied to a specific historical event, Cohen's background as a Jew with strong interests in other spiritual traditions like Buddhism provides a compelling lens through which to view the poem. The language and tone evoke religious devotion, reminiscent of biblical psalms and hymns. The poem's persistent questioning "If it be your will" suggests a faith that acknowledges a divine plan, yet simultaneously expresses a human need for understanding and relief from suffering. This blend of acceptance and supplication is central to the poem's power.

Thematic Tapestry of Submission, Suffering, and Hope

One of the poem's core themes is submission to a higher power. The opening lines, "If it be your will / That I speak no more," demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice personal expression for divine purpose. This act of surrender sets the stage for the entire poem. Another prevalent theme is that of suffering, subtly implied through phrases like "broken hill," "burning hearts in hell," and "rags of light." These images paint a picture of a world marked by hardship and pain. Yet, the overarching theme is ultimately one of hope. The repeated plea for mercy and the vision of rivers filling and hills rejoicing suggest a belief in the possibility of redemption and healing through divine intervention.

Symbolic Imagery of Light, Darkness, and Transformation

The poem employs several powerful symbols. The "broken hill" can be interpreted as a symbol of brokenness, both individual and collective, representing the flawed nature of humanity and the world. The "burning hearts in hell" vividly convey intense suffering and spiritual torment. However, the most striking image is that of "rags of light." This oxymoron suggests that even in moments of despair and poverty (the "rags"), there is still a glimmer of hope and inherent divinity (the "light"). The image of "rivers fill[ing]" and "hills rejoic[ing]" acts as a symbol of transformation and renewal, suggesting a potential for rebirth and restoration after suffering.

A Night's End and the Dawn of Redemption

Cohen's "If It Be Your Will" is a poignant exploration of faith, suffering, and the hope for divine grace. The poem's power lies in its humble tone, its vivid imagery, and its unwavering belief in the possibility of redemption, even amidst hardship. The final lines, "And end this night / If it be your will," encapsulate the poem's central plea: a yearning for an end to suffering and a dawn of healing. The poem ultimately leaves the reader contemplating the complexities of faith and the enduring human desire for solace in the face of adversity.