Meaning of "One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong" by Leonard Cohen

"One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong" is a song that captures the complex and turbulent emotions experienced within a relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who is filled with both desire and resentment towards their lover. The use of symbolic acts, like lighting a green candle to make the lover jealous, illustrates the narrator's desperate attempts to gain attention and ignite passion. However, these actions only result in the unleashing of negative forces, represented by the presence of mosquitos. This suggests that jealousy and manipulation can backfire, causing harm not only to others but also to oneself.

The narrator's confession of torturing the dress their lover wore reveals a dark side to their actions. It implies a desire to control and possess the lover, rather than cherishing their independence and individuality. The doctor's prescription with the lover's name mentioned hints at the fallout of the narrator's actions, causing the lover emotional distress and affecting their well-being. The doctor's descent into ruin mirrors the deteriorating state of the narrator's own emotional and mental state.

The reference to the saint who loved the lover introduces conflicting teachings on love and duty. The saint believed that lovers should tarnish the "golden rule," suggesting a belief in the destructive nature of love and the inevitable pain it can bring. The saint's drowning represents the tragic consequences of this belief, highlighting a theme of self-sacrifice and martyrdom in love.

The Eskimo's movie of the lover portrays them in a cold, distant, and unattainable light. The narrator's longing to be part of the storm, despite it bringing discomfort and hardship, reflects the profound desire for connection and intimacy they feel, even in the face of adversity. This final plea encapsulates the essential theme of the song, which is the longing for love and belonging, no matter the sacrifices or difficulties that come with it.

In essence, "One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong" delves into the complexities of love, jealousy, obsession, and the desire for emotional connection. It explores the destructive nature of jealousy and manipulation, the impact of our actions on others, and the desperate longing for love, even in the face of hardship and pain.