Puppets

Leonard Cohen's song 'Puppets' is a haunting exploration of human agency, or the lack thereof, in the face of historical atrocities and societal structures. The repeated use of the word 'puppet' serves as a powerful metaphor for individuals who are manipulated by larger forces, be they political, social, or existential. The song opens with a stark reference to the Holocaust, where 'German puppets burned the Jews' and 'Jewish puppets did not choose,' highlighting the tragic and horrifying events where individuals were reduced to mere instruments of a larger, malevolent design.

The song continues to explore the theme of powerlessness through various scenarios, from 'puppet presidents' who command 'puppet troops to burn the land' to 'puppet lovers' who turn away from the harsh realities of the world. Cohen's lyrics suggest that everyone, regardless of their role or identity, is subject to the same strings of fate. The imagery of 'puppet winds and puppet waves' and 'puppet sailors in their graves' extends this metaphor to the natural world, implying that even nature is not free from these controlling forces.

Cohen's use of the puppet metaphor extends to the personal level as well, with lines like 'puppet me and puppet you' and 'puppet reader shakes his head.' This suggests a universal condition of being controlled, whether by societal norms, historical events, or personal circumstances. The song's closing lines, 'Puppet night comes down to play / The after-act to puppet day,' encapsulate the cyclical nature of this control, implying that the struggle for agency and freedom is an ongoing, perhaps never-ending, battle. Through 'Puppets,' Cohen invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the forces that shape them, urging a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence.