The speaker expresses their admiration and fascination with Queen Victoria, comparing themselves to her in various ways. They long for a love that seems unattainable, feeling cold and lonely in the modern world. They seek a connection with Queen Victoria's sorrow and memories, seeing themselves as severe giants of the Twentieth Century who are destined to be lonely together, impacting the world with their sense of loss.

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Meaning of "Queen Victoria" by Leonard Cohen


The lyrics of "Queen Victoria" by Leonard Cohen delve into themes of loneliness, longing, and a yearning for a connection to something greater. The speaker idealizes Queen Victoria as a symbol of power, purity, and elegance, contrasting her with their own mundane and unfulfilling existence. The references to modern love and the desire for ornaments and purity suggest a sense of disillusionment with contemporary relationships, as well as a longing for something deeper and more enduring. The speaker's plea for Queen Victoria to come into their life with her sorrow and memories reflects a desire for a connection to the past and a search for meaning in a world that feels empty and cold. Ultimately, the lyrics paint a picture of two lonely souls in the vastness of the Twentieth Century, finding solace in their shared sense of loss and alienation.