Crazy To Love You

Leonard Cohen's 'Crazy To Love You' is a poignant exploration of the tumultuous and often irrational nature of love. The song delves into the emotional extremes one might endure in the pursuit of a love that is ultimately unattainable. Cohen's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has descended into madness, symbolized by phrases like 'down to the pit' and 'do time in the tower,' to capture the essence of his obsessive love. This descent into madness is not just a metaphor for emotional turmoil but also a reflection of the lengths to which people will go when driven by intense feelings of love and desire.

The song also touches on the theme of unrequited love, as Cohen sings about loving someone who 'was never the one.' This unfulfilled longing is further emphasized by the imagery of 'souvenir heartache' and the detailed description of the object of his affection, with 'her braids and her blouse all undone.' These lines suggest a sense of nostalgia and regret, as the protagonist reflects on a love that was never fully realized. The repeated attempts to escape this emotional turmoil, symbolized by 'heading for the highway,' highlight the cyclical nature of his struggle.

Cohen's lyrics also explore the concept of identity and self-destruction in the name of love. He speaks of 'being people I hated' and 'being no one at all,' indicating the loss of self that can occur when one is consumed by love. The line 'I'm tired of choosing desire' suggests a weariness with the constant pursuit of passion, and 'saved by a blessed fatigue' implies a sense of relief in finally letting go. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, acknowledging the deep, hidden places where 'crazy' resides, deeper than any goodbye, signifying the enduring impact of this unfulfilled love.