Moving On

Leonard Cohen's 'Moving On' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complex emotions that accompany the end of a relationship. The song's lyrics reflect a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, as Cohen reminisces about the physical and emotional attributes of a past lover. He vividly describes his affection for her face, hair, and even her moods, which, despite their volatility, captivated him. This detailed recollection underscores the intensity of his feelings and the significant impact she had on his life.

The recurring line, 'And now you're gone, now you're gone,' highlights the finality of the separation and the void left in its wake. Cohen's use of the phrase 'as if there ever was a you' suggests a sense of disbelief and perhaps a questioning of the reality of the relationship. This line, coupled with 'Who's moving on, who's kidding who,' indicates a struggle to come to terms with the end of the relationship and the difficulty in moving forward. The repetition of these lines throughout the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief and the challenge of letting go.

Cohen's reference to 'the world, the job, the war' that he abandoned to love more deeply speaks to the sacrifices made in the name of love. However, the song also hints at the realization that these sacrifices may have been in vain, as the relationship ultimately did not endure. The mention of 'Queen of lilac, queen of blue' adds a poetic touch, symbolizing the beauty and melancholy associated with the lost love. Overall, 'Moving On' is a deeply emotional and introspective song that captures the essence of love's impermanence and the heartache of moving on from a cherished relationship.