Treaty
Treaty - meaning Summary
Love as Unresolved Truce
Cohen’s poem frames a failing relationship as a stalled peace process. The speaker longs for a "treaty" to reconcile two mismatched loves, admitting exhaustion, anger, and guilt. Repeated images—Jubilee dances, a baffled snake, and shifting identities—underscore betrayal, self-sacrifice, and the speaker’s sense of being the only real partner. The poem ends unresolved, emphasizing emotional stalemate rather than resolution.
Read Complete AnalysesI've seen you change the water into wine I've seen you change it back to water, too I sit at your table every night I try but I just don't get high with you I wish there was a treaty we could sign I do not care who takes this bloody hill I'm angry and I'm tired all the time I wish there was a treaty, I wish there was a treaty Between your love and mine Ah, they're dancing in the street—it's Jubilee We sold ourselves for love but now we're free I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be Only one of us was real and that was me I haven't said a word since you been gone That any liar couldn't say as well I just can't believe the static coming on You were my ground, my safe and sound You were my aerial Ah, the fields are crying out—it's Jubilee We sold ourselves for love but now we're free I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be Only one of us was real and that was me I heard the snake was baffled by his sin He shed his scales to find the snake within But born again is born without a skin The poison enters into everything And I wish there was a treaty we could sign I do not care who takes this bloody hill I'm angry and I'm tired all the time I wish there was a treaty, I wish there was a treaty Between your love and mine
Feel free to be first to leave comment.