Night Comes On

Leonard Cohen's 'Night Comes On' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of life's profound moments, interwoven with themes of loss, longing, and the search for meaning. The song opens with a poignant scene where the narrator visits his mother's grave, seeking comfort and guidance amidst life's storms. The imagery of 'marble and snow' evokes a sense of cold permanence, contrasting with the warmth of his mother's reassuring presence. Her advice to 'go back to the World' suggests a push to continue living despite the overwhelming desire to retreat into the calm of the night.

The narrative then shifts to a wartime memory, where the narrator's father is fatally wounded. This section highlights the brutal reality of conflict and the burden of legacy. The father's dying words, urging his son to carry on and remember the deceit of those in power, underscore a generational transmission of wisdom and pain. The calmness of the night serves as a stark contrast to the chaos of war, offering a momentary escape from harsh truths.

In the third verse, the narrator reflects on his own struggles with faith, family, and personal desires. The imagery of his children pulling him back to play signifies the grounding force of familial love amidst existential questioning. The recurring motif of the night being 'very calm' suggests a yearning for peace and resolution, which remains elusive. The final verses bring a sense of acceptance and resignation, as the narrator contemplates his own mortality and the fleeting nature of human connections. The song closes with a bittersweet acknowledgment of the few who forgive and the even fewer who remain indifferent, encapsulating the complex interplay of human relationships and the enduring quest for solace.