Meaning of "Tonight Will Be Fine" by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's "Tonight Will Be Fine" is a bittersweet reflection on lost love and the power of hope. The lyrics depict a relationship that has faced challenges, possibly including infidelity or the narrator's own emotional absence. The phrase, "But I know from your eyes, And I know from your smile, That tonight will be fine," highlights the narrator's belief that despite the difficulties, the night they are spending with their lover will be enjoyable, at least for a while.

The emotions conveyed are complex, as the narrator acknowledges their own responsibility for the demise of the relationship. The line, "You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast," suggests the narrator's recognition of their own detachment and the disparity in their love. The choice of words, "too thin" and "too vast," further emphasize this imbalance and the physical toll it has taken on the narrator.

The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's loneliness and yearning for their lover's return. The line, "I listen all night for your step on the stair," highlights their anticipation and longing, indicating that they are waiting patiently for the arrival of their lover. This image evokes a sense of intense longing and desire for companionship.

The vivid imagery in the song is particularly powerful when the narrator describes seeing their lover undress before them. This intimate moment represents the physical and emotional vulnerability shared between them. The line, "If I've got to remember, that's a fine memory," suggests that the memory of their lover undressing is a treasured one, a reminder of the love and connection they once shared.

Overall, "Tonight Will Be Fine" delves into the complicated emotions that can arise after a relationship has reached its breaking point. Leonard Cohen's lyrics capture the longing, remorse, and hope that coexist within the narrator's psyche. It explores the capacity for love to endure, even in the face of past mistakes and the uncertainty of the future.