Now That The Magic Has Gone

Joe Cocker's song 'Now That The Magic Has Gone' delves into the emotional aftermath of a relationship that has lost its spark. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has experienced a lifetime of sorrow, heartache, and pain. He describes being burned by the sunshine and drowned in the pouring rain, metaphors that illustrate the highs and lows of his life. Despite having many lovers, he feels a lack of true love, and he has faced unjust accusations and imprisonment. The arrival of his partner brought a sense of freedom and hope, making the eventual loss of their 'magic' even more poignant.

The chorus emphasizes the finality of the relationship's end. The 'magic' that once existed between the couple has dissipated, leaving nothing left to say or hold onto. This sense of inevitability and resignation is a common theme in Cocker's music, which often explores the complexities of love and loss. The lyrics suggest that love can be both tender and cruel, capturing and haunting individuals until they are forced to surrender. The imagery of love smiling like an angel while treating someone like a fool highlights the duality of romantic relationships.

As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges the futility of trying to hold onto something that is no longer there. He recognizes that love can be a game with stacked odds, where only the winner takes the prize, and the loser is left with nothing. This cynical view of love as a curse rather than a blessing underscores the deep sense of disillusionment and heartbreak. The song's melancholic tone and soulful delivery by Joe Cocker resonate with anyone who has experienced the painful end of a once-magical relationship.