Meaning of "On the Level" by Leonard Cohen

"On the Level" explores the struggle between desire and reason within a romantic relationship. The narrator acknowledges the wrongness of their actions, highlighting their awareness of the moral implications involved. However, the intensity of their attraction makes it difficult to resist. The line "My lost, my lost was saying found, my don't was saying do" encapsulates this inner conflict. The narrator realizes that giving in to temptation goes against their usual nature ("A man like me don't like to see temptation caving in"), but the allure is too strong to ignore.

The song also touches on the concept of societal expectations and conformity. The lyrics reference living in a temple where others dictate one's actions, suggesting a loss of personal autonomy. This could be interpreted as both a metaphor for being in a restrictive relationship and a commentary on the constraints imposed by society. The narrator reflects on settling for a different point of view, implying a compromise of their own beliefs for the sake of societal acceptance.

Overall, the song's underlying message seems to celebrate the narrator's choice to let go of the intense desire and walk away from the relationship. By turning their back on both the devil and the angel, they assert their independence and reclaim their own agency. The repeated phrase "They oughta give my heart a medal for letting go of you" reflects a sense of pride and self-acknowledgment for making the difficult but necessary decision. In a way, it suggests that sometimes, letting go and choosing the path that aligns with our core values can be its own form of victory.