Poem Analysis - Master Song

Introduction: A Song of Betrayal and Possession

Leonard Cohen's "Master Song" is a haunting exploration of love, power, and betrayal. The poem unfolds as a dramatic monologue, delivered by a speaker grappling with the loss of a lover to another, more dominant figure – the "master." The tone is initially melancholic and resigned, shifting to moments of bitterness, resentment, and ultimately, a chilling sense of control. The poem explores not only the pain of lost love but also the complexities of desire, manipulation, and the struggle for dominance within relationships.

The Master's Influence: Dominance and Control

One of the central themes is the exercise of power and control within relationships. The "master" figure is depicted as someone who exerts a significant influence over the speaker's former lover. This is evident in lines such as "Your master took you travelling/Well at least that's what you said," suggesting a veiled skepticism about the nature of the relationship. The master's influence is further emphasized through the image of the "German Shepherd to walk/With a collar of leather and nails," a symbolic representation of control and ownership. The lack of explanation or discussion of "the little details" points to a relationship built on unquestioning obedience rather than genuine connection.

Love and Loss: A Twisted Lament

The poem grapples intensely with the theme of lost love and the bitterness that accompanies it. The speaker is clearly wounded by the lover's departure, lamenting the time "we polished so long ago." The description of the lover's eyes as "wild" and knuckles as "red" suggests inner turmoil and potentially a sense of regret or conflict. The speaker's memories of their past intimacy are juxtaposed with the lover's current devotion to the "master," creating a sense of profound loss and betrayal. Phrases like "Your thighs are a ruin, you want too much" express a raw and hurtful observation, portraying the speaker's pain and disillusionment.

The Artist's Ego: Mastery and Creation

Another crucial theme revolves around artistic creation and the artist's ego. The speaker claims, "Now I loved your master perfectly/I taught him all that he knew." This assertion implies that the speaker sees himself as the true source of the "master's" power and influence. He positions himself as the creator, the one who initiated the relationship between the lover and the master, sending the lover as a "guarantee" that he could "teach him something new." This can be interpreted as a reflection on the artist's desire to control and shape the world around them, even at the cost of personal relationships. The underlying hubris is palpable, as the speaker believes he can orchestrate the emotions and desires of others.

Recurring Symbols: Unveiling Hidden Meanings

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "German Shepherd" symbolizes control and ownership, as mentioned earlier. The "apple core" represents a discarded remnant of a past intimacy, handed down after the "master" has taken his fill. The "aeroplane" that the master flies "without any hands" could symbolize a reckless, unrestrained approach to life and love, as well as a potentially dangerous sense of self-reliance. The image of the "golden string" from which the lover's body hangs suggests a dependency and power dynamic that reduces the lover to a mere object or possession of the "master". A haunting image is that of "an ape with angel glands," a grotesque figure that erases pain "with the music of rubber bands." This could represent the brutal, almost primal nature of the master's influence, masking the pain with a superficial and ultimately unsatisfying pleasure.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Manipulation

"Master Song" is a complex and unsettling poem that delves into the darker aspects of love, power, and artistic ego. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and recurring symbols, Cohen paints a portrait of a relationship dominated by control and manipulation. The speaker's bitterness and claims of superiority ultimately reveal his own vulnerabilities and the pain of being replaced. The poem's ending, echoing the beginning, reinforces the cyclical nature of these dynamics and leaves the reader with a lingering sense of unease about the human capacity for both love and cruelty. The poem serves as a powerful exploration of the destructive potential of unchecked power and the lasting scars of betrayal.