Poem Analysis - Why Dont You Try

An Overview of Independence and Interdependence

Leonard Cohen's "Why Don't You Try" is a complex exploration of dependence, independence, and the societal pressures surrounding relationships. The poem begins with a direct and somewhat challenging tone, questioning a woman's reliance on a man. As it progresses, the poem shifts towards a more cynical and unsettling atmosphere, hinting at the potential for both freedom and a darker, almost ritualistic, view of commitment. The poem's mood transitions from direct questioning to a contemplative and slightly disturbing reflection on love and societal expectations.

Challenging the Chains of Dependency

One central theme in the poem is the questioning of dependence in relationships. The initial stanzas directly challenge a woman's reliance on a man for various aspects of her life – "passion," "throne," "labor," and even her sense of identity. The poem uses rhetorical questions to force the reader (and the woman being addressed) to confront the nature of this dependence. The imagery of "his hands for your passion" and "his heart for your throne" suggests that she is allowing him to dictate not only her physical desires but also her sense of power and worth. By asking "Do you need to hold a leash to be a lady?", Cohen directly challenges societal expectations of women and their reliance on men for validation and status.

The Illusion of Freedom and its Discontents

While the poem initially champions independence, it also subtly explores the potential emptiness of a life devoid of meaningful connection. The second stanza, with lines like "Many satisfying one-night stands," hints at a superficial freedom that may not be fulfilling. The question "Do you want to be the ditch around a tower? / Do you want to be the moonlight in his cave?" offers a stark contrast between serving a man's ego and a seemingly more self-directed, if fleeting, existence. The "sweet companions" are contrasted with the image of the "ditch around a tower" suggesting the emptiness of a life lived in isolation.

Rituals of Commitment and Their Disturbing Undertones

The latter half of the poem introduces a disturbing element, hinting at the sacrificial nature of commitment. The mention of "Jack and Jill, they're gotta join their misery" and "it's time for everyone to pray" suggests a ritualistic or even forced union. The imagery becomes darker, implying that marriage or commitment is not a natural expression of love but rather a societal obligation that requires submission ("They're willing, yeah they're willing to obey"). The line "So let nobody put a loophole, a loophole in their way" is particularly unsettling, indicating a rigid and unforgiving system that prevents individuals from escaping their vows, no matter how miserable they may be. The mention of the father's grave in the line "As he goes whistlin' past his daddy, past his daddy's grave?" gives a visual of moving past the older patriarchal figures, while still bound by the same ritualistic societal obligations of the past, suggesting a cyclical pattern of oppression or unhappiness.

Final Thoughts: A Question of Balance

"Why Don't You Try" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that challenges the traditional dynamics of relationships. It questions the necessity of dependence while simultaneously hinting at the potential emptiness of absolute freedom. The poem's shift in tone, from direct questioning to a more cynical and ritualistic view of commitment, underscores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the search for individual agency within a relationship. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader pondering the balance between independence and interdependence, and the potential pitfalls of both extremes. It highlights the need to critically examine the societal narratives surrounding relationships and to define one's own path, free from both oppressive dependence and isolating independence.