The speaker is searching for his Gypsy wife, hearing rumors of her infidelity. He witnesses her dancing intimately with another, feeling overwhelmed by the betrayal and darkness surrounding him.

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Meaning of "The Gypsy's Wife" by Leonard Cohen


The lyrics of "The Gypsy's Wife" by Leonard Cohen explore themes of betrayal, suspicion, and doubt within a romantic relationship. The speaker is consumed by questions about the fidelity of his Gypsy wife, symbolizing a sense of longing and loss. The reference to a threshing floor and bridal negligee evoke a sense of ritual and ceremony, highlighting the weight of the relationship and its impending demise. The imagery of silver knives flashing and a ghost in a bridal negligee adds a haunting quality to the song, reflecting the turmoil" style="color:inherit; font-weight:900; background-color: #ebfbd3;">emotional turmoil of the speaker. The final lines suggest a sense of impending judgment and finality, as the speaker grapples with the darkness and flood of emotions within the troubled relationship.