The narrator is writing a letter to someone at four in the morning. They mention that they heard the recipient is building a house in the desert and hopes they are keeping a record of their experiences. The narrator mentions that someone named Jane came by with a lock of the recipient's hair and talks about a previous encounter where the recipient looked older and their blue raincoat was torn at the shoulder. The narrator reflects on how the recipient treated their woman, and mentions seeing them with a rose in their teeth and Jane being awake. The narrator addresses the recipient as their brother and killer, expressing how they miss and forgive them, and are glad they stood in their way. The letter ends with the narrator acknowledging that if the recipient ever returns, their enemy is sleeping and his woman is free, and thanks them for taking away the trouble from their woman's eyes.

Meaning of "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen

The lyrics of "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen are written as a letter from the narrator to an old friend, addressing themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy as the narrator reflects on their relationship with the recipient, who seems to have taken a different path in life. The mention of the recipient building a house in the desert suggests a desire for solitude and escape, while the images of a torn raincoat and aging indicate the passage of time and the toll it takes on the recipient. The mention of the lock of hair given to Jane alludes to a love affair or betrayal, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship. The narrator expresses mixed emotions towards the recipient, oscillating between missing and forgiving them while also acknowledging their role as both a brother and a killer. The final lines of the letter convey a message of closure, with the narrator acknowledging that if the recipient ever returns, their previous conflicts no longer hold power and their woman is now free. Overall, "Famous Blue Raincoat" explores the complexities of relationships, the passage of time, and the power of forgiveness.