Meaning of "Ain't No Cure for Love" by Leonard Cohen

Cohen's lyrics in "Ain't No Cure for Love" delve into the profound and relentless power of love, exploring its ability to persist in the face of adversity. The speaker acknowledges that their love has endured for a long time and remains steadfast, regardless of how things may have gone wrong in the past. This love is portrayed as genuine and unchanging, unaffected by time or circumstances. The repeated line "there ain't no cure for love" emphasizes the speaker's belief that no remedy or solution exists to heal the wounds caused by love. It conveys a sense of resignation, as if the speaker has come to accept that the pain and longing associated with love are an integral part of the experience.

The lyrics also hint at a deep yearning and desire for intimacy with the loved one. The lines "I need to see you naked, in your body and your thought" suggest a desire for complete and unguarded vulnerability, both physically and emotionally. The reference to seeing the person in various settings, such as on the subway or waking up in bed, emphasizes the extent to which they consume the speaker's thoughts and imagination. The speaker longs for a deeper connection and attempts to reach out, but there is a sense of frustration and inadequacy, as they feel that their calls are not soft enough to truly reach the other person.

The mention of the empty church and the voice whispering to the speaker's soul alludes to a spiritual aspect of love. The speaker feels that their love is not something to be forgiven, but rather something sacred and written in the scriptures or divine plan. This hints at a belief that love is a higher power or force beyond human control or understanding. The notion of angels declaring the love from above adds to this transcendent quality, suggesting that love is beyond the realm of mortal comprehension.

Overall, "Ain't No Cure for Love" delves into the complexity and depth of love, portraying it as an unyielding force that defies all attempts to find a remedy or escape its grip. It explores the pain, longing, and desire associated with love, as well as its spiritual and transcendent nature.