Meaning of "Don't Go Home With Your Hard-On" by Leonard Cohen

The song delves into the themes of desire, vanity, and the cyclical nature of family legacy. The protagonist is born into a world of beauty, with parents working in the beauty industry. The repeated warning not to go home with a hard-on serves as a metaphor for unchecked desire, which can lead to insanity and unfulfillment. The reference to Motown music and the rain suggests the futility of trying to escape these feelings through external distractions or superficial means. The protagonist's realization that they are following in their father's footsteps despite feeling chained to the masquerade of beauty and superficiality speaks to the idea of being trapped in a predetermined path. The song ultimately reflects on the inability to break free from destructive patterns and the overwhelming nature of desire.