Meaning of "Stories of the Street" by Leonard Cohen

In "Stories of the Street," Leonard Cohen delves into the complexities and contradictions of life. The narrator first establishes a personal connection with the stories of the street, suggesting that he is intimately familiar with the challenges and dynamics of urban life. The presence of Spanish voices and Cadillacs that "go creeping down" highlights a sense of mystery and intrigue. There is also a hint of danger with the mention of poison gas.

The narrator is situated in an old hotel, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the choices made within it. He confesses to having one hand on his own potential demise, symbolized by the reference to suicide, and one hand on the rose, symbolizing love and vitality. This juxtaposition suggests the struggle between darkness and light that each individual faces.

The song then explores themes of war and its impact on society. The narrator questions whether these hunters, symbolic of those perpetuating conflict, truly represent the people. There is a sense of disillusionment with the idea of war, portrayed through the broken cities and the disappearance of middlemen.

The lyrics also touch upon the concept of freedom, questioning where the highways lead now that freedom has supposedly been achieved. The repetition of the line "Why are the armies marching still" suggests a disconnect between their purpose and the narrator's expectation of their return. The mention of a lady with fine legs and a stranger at the wheel further emphasizes the dual nature of pleasure and suffering, as they are locked in their cycles.

The song continues to explore themes of birth and innocence, with the infant being compared to a kite. The reference to one eye filled with blueprints and one eye filled with night highlights the complexity of navigating life and the constant battle between reason and darkness.

Cohen ultimately offers a glimpse of hope in the form of a farm, representing a simple and idyllic life away from the chaos of the world. However, even in this idyll, there is an acknowledgment that suffering and death are inevitable. The reference to the slaughterhouse suggests a willingness to confront death and the cycle of life.

The song concludes with the narrator balancing between two worlds - one hand on a hexagram, a symbol of divine guidance, and one hand on a girl, symbolizing human connection. This balancing act alludes to the struggle of finding meaning and purpose in a world that can often feel overwhelming. The final lines express the narrator's desire to be seen and acknowledged amidst the crowds of the subway, highlighting the universal longing for connection.