Meaning of "That Don't Make It Junk" by Leonard Cohen

"That Don't Make It Junk" delves into the themes of addiction, forgiveness, and the complexities of love. The song begins with the narrator acknowledging his battle against alcoholism, stating that he fought against the bottle, yet acknowledges his inability to completely resist its allure. He then mentions pawning a diamond, symbolizing a prized possession lost to sustain his addiction, but emphasizes that even though he gets rid of it, it doesn't diminish the fact that it holds sentimental value and significance to him.

The lyrics then shift to the narrator's struggle with forgiveness and self-doubt. He confesses that he is grateful for being forgiven, but questions how he knows this and admits his lack of trust in his inner feelings, as they are constantly changing. This internal conflict reflects the complexities of remorse and the difficulty of truly letting go of past mistakes.

The narrator then addresses a certain person, questioning why they called him to be with them that night and why they bother with his heart at all. This individual seems to have raised him up in grace, suggesting they once provided him with love and affection. However, they have also put him in a place where he is destined to fall, possibly alluding to their role in his addiction or emotional turmoil.

In the second verse, the narrator acknowledges the impossibility of fixing another drink, signifying a turning point in his struggle with addiction. The lights are fading, representing the bleakness and finality of this decision. He listens to the darkness sing, indicating his acceptance of his current circumstances and finding solace in his own pain and understanding.

The song concludes with the narrator realizing that he tried to love this person in his own way, but ultimately failed to make it last. He metaphorically closes the "Book of Longing," a reference to his own desires and aspirations, and submits to doing what he is told. This line suggests a surrender to societal expectations and the path chosen by others, possibly as a consequence of his past actions and the need for redemption.

In essence, "That Don't Make It Junk" explores the complexities of addiction, inner turmoil, and the challenges of forgiveness and self-acceptance. It delves into the loneliness and despair associated with addiction, the strained nature of relationships, and the difficulty of reconciling with one's past mistakes.