Poem Analysis - Is This What You Wanted

A Bitter Reflection on Love's Disparities

Leonard Cohen's "Is This What You Wanted" is a melancholic and cynical exploration of a relationship characterized by imbalance and disillusionment. The poem's tone is initially accusatory, highlighting the differences between the speaker and his partner, before shifting to a more resigned and regretful mood. The recurring question, "Is this what you wanted," underscores the sense of disappointment and the lingering presence of the past within their present reality. The poem paints a portrait of a love soured by unmet expectations and inherent inequalities.

Clash of Archetypes: Power Imbalance in Relationships

One of the poem's central themes is the power imbalance within relationships. Cohen achieves this by presenting a series of contrasting pairs that depict the speaker and his partner as occupying vastly different positions of influence and agency. She is the "promise at dawn," full of potential and hope, while he is the "morning after," suggesting a state of exhaustion and disillusionment. This theme is further emphasized through religious and cultural allusions: she is "Jesus Christ, my Lord," representing ultimate authority and purity, while he is the "money lender," associated with greed and exploitation. The use of "Marlon Brando" versus "Steve McQueen" evokes different types of fame and masculinity, with Brando representing a more iconic and powerful figure, further underscoring the speaker's perceived inferiority. These contrasting images highlight the unequal dynamic that permeates their relationship, suggesting a source of tension and eventual decay.

Haunted by the Past: Memory and Regret

The motif of being "haunted" by the past is another significant theme. The recurring question "Is this what you wanted / To live in a house that is haunted / By the ghost of you and me?" implies that their current existence is overshadowed by the memories of their relationship. This haunting suggests that the past is not easily escaped and that the choices they made continue to affect them. The "house" itself can be interpreted as a metaphor for their shared life, now filled with the lingering presence of what once was. The "ghost of you and me" represents the idealized versions of themselves that they once were, forever reminding them of the gap between aspiration and reality. The repetition of this refrain emphasizes the inescapable nature of their regret and the weight of their shared history.

The Ironic Dance of Time and Desire

The poem delves into the theme of time's passage and its effect on desire. The stark contrast between "You got old and wrinkled / I stayed seventeen" is a powerful and ironic statement. While aging is a natural process, the speaker's claim of remaining seventeen highlights a potential emotional or developmental stagnation. This could suggest a refusal to mature or accept the changing dynamics of the relationship. Furthermore, the lines "You lusted after so many / I lay here with one" expose differing approaches to desire and fidelity. Her multiple infatuations contrast sharply with his singular focus, implying a potential source of conflict and resentment. The final lines in that stanza, detailing her denial of love and his reaction of undressing her, presents a complex tableau of power and vulnerability, further emphasizing the discordant nature of their relationship.

Final Thoughts: Disenchantment and the Price of Love

In conclusion, "Is This What You Wanted" is a poignant exploration of disillusionment within a relationship marked by power imbalances, unmet expectations, and the inescapable weight of the past. The poem uses vivid imagery and stark contrasts to depict the speaker's sense of regret and the lingering presence of what once was. The recurring question serves as a haunting reminder of the choices that led to their current state. The poem ultimately suggests that love, when burdened by inequality and unfulfilled desires, can leave behind a legacy of bitterness and a perpetual sense of being haunted by the ghosts of what might have been.