'Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye' by Leonard Cohen


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I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm,

your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm,

yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new,

in city and in forest they smiled like me and you,

but now it's come to distances and both of us must try,

your eyes are soft with sorrow,

Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.


I'm not looking for another as I wander in my time,

walk me to the corner, our steps will always rhyme

you know my love goes with you as your love stays with me,

it's just the way it changes, like the shoreline and the sea,


but let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't
untie,

your eyes are soft with sorrow,

Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.


I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm,

your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm,

yes many loved before us, I know that we are not new,

in city and in forest they smiled like me and you,

but let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't
untie,

your eyes are soft with sorrow,

Hey, that's no way to say goodbye.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye: An In-Depth Analysis

Leonard Cohen is one of the most influential and renowned poets of the 20th century. His works have inspired generations of artists and musicians, and his legacy continues to live on even after his passing. One of his most famous poems is "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," which has become a classic and is loved by many. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the poem's themes, literary devices, and its significance in the context of Cohen's body of work.

Overview of the Poem

"Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" was first published in 1966 as part of Cohen's book of poetry, "The Spice-Box of Earth." The poem is a simple and straightforward expression of a relationship that has come to an end. The speaker is saying goodbye to their lover, and they are having a difficult time letting go. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem is written in free-verse.

Analysis of the Poem

Theme

The central theme of "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is the pain of separation and the difficulty in letting go. The speaker is struggling to come to terms with the end of their relationship, and they are finding it hard to say goodbye. The poem is a poignant exploration of the emotions that come with heartbreak, and it captures the universal experience of loss and grief.

Literary Devices

Cohen employs several literary devices in "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions. One of the most prominent devices is imagery, which is used to create a vivid and evocative picture of the speaker's feelings. For example, the line "I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm" paints a powerful picture of the speaker's love for their partner. The use of the word "deep" and "warm" creates a sensory experience for the reader, making them feel the intensity of the speaker's emotions.

Another literary device that Cohen uses is repetition. The phrase "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is repeated throughout the poem, and it serves to emphasize the speaker's frustration and sadness. The repetition of this phrase also creates a sense of urgency, as if the speaker is pleading with their partner to reconsider their decision.

Finally, the poem also employs a metaphor, comparing the speaker's relationship to a ship that has sailed. This metaphor creates a sense of finality and inevitability, as if the speaker has come to terms with the fact that their relationship is over, and they must move on.

Significance in Context

"Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is a significant poem in the context of Cohen's body of work. It is a poignant expression of the themes that dominate much of his poetry, such as love, loss, and mortality. The poem is also significant because it showcases Cohen's talents as a songwriter. In 1967, the song version of the poem was released on his album "Songs of Leonard Cohen," and it became an instant classic. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Jeff Buckley, who created a haunting and beautiful rendition that has become one of the most famous covers of the song.

The poem is also significant because it reflects Cohen's personal experiences with love and loss. Cohen was known for his tumultuous love life, and he often wrote about his relationships in his poetry. "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is believed to have been written about Marianne Ihlen, one of Cohen's great loves who he met while living on the Greek island of Hydra. The poem is a testament to the depth of Cohen's feelings for Ihlen and the pain he experienced when their relationship came to an end.

Conclusion

"Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the pain of separation and the difficulty in letting go. Cohen's use of imagery, repetition, and metaphor creates a powerful and evocative picture of the speaker's emotions, and the poem is a testament to Cohen's talents as a songwriter and poet. The significance of the poem in the context of Cohen's body of work cannot be overstated, and it continues to inspire and move people to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye: A Masterpiece of Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, is one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. His works have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. One of his most iconic works is the poem "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye," which was first published in his 1966 collection "The Spice-Box of Earth." In this article, we will analyze and explain this masterpiece of Cohen's poetry, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary techniques.

The poem begins with a simple and direct statement: "I loved you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on a past relationship that has ended. The speaker is looking back on the moments of intimacy and tenderness that he shared with his lover, remembering the warmth and depth of their connection. The use of the past tense in this line suggests that the relationship is over, and the speaker is now looking back on it with a sense of nostalgia and longing.

The second stanza of the poem introduces a new element: the idea of departure. The speaker says, "your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm," which suggests that his lover is sleeping beside him. However, the next line reveals that she is about to leave: "Many loved before us, I know that we are not new." This line acknowledges the fact that their relationship is not unique, that others have loved and lost before them. It also suggests that the speaker is aware of the impermanence of love, that all relationships eventually come to an end.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful and poignant. The speaker says, "I love you in the morning, our kisses deep and warm. Your hair upon the pillow like a sleepy golden storm. Yes, many loved before us, I know that we are not new. In city and in forest they smiled like me and you. But now it's come to distances and both of us must try, your eyes are soft with sorrow, Hey, that's no way to say goodbye." This stanza encapsulates the central theme of the poem: the pain of separation and the difficulty of saying goodbye. The speaker acknowledges that their love was not unique, that others have loved and lost before them. However, he also recognizes the depth of their connection, the intimacy and tenderness that they shared. The use of the phrase "distances" suggests that the separation between the speaker and his lover is not just physical but emotional as well. The final line of the stanza, "Hey, that's no way to say goodbye," is a powerful and emotional plea, a cry of pain and longing.

The fourth stanza of the poem continues the theme of separation and distance. The speaker says, "I'm not looking for another as I wander in my time, walk me to the corner, our steps will always rhyme." This line suggests that the speaker is not interested in finding a new lover, that he is content to wander alone. However, he also acknowledges the importance of his past relationship, the fact that it will always be a part of him. The use of the phrase "our steps will always rhyme" suggests that the speaker and his lover were in sync, that they shared a deep connection that cannot be replicated.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the theme of separation to a close. The speaker says, "You know my love goes with you as your love stays with me, it's just the way it changes, like the shoreline and the sea." This line suggests that the speaker and his lover will always be connected, that their love will endure even though they are no longer together. The use of the metaphor of the shoreline and the sea suggests that their love is like the ebb and flow of the tide, constantly changing but always present.

In terms of literary techniques, "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is a masterclass in poetic imagery and metaphor. The use of the metaphor of the shoreline and the sea is particularly effective, as it captures the fluidity and impermanence of love. The use of repetition, particularly in the first and third stanzas, creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is characteristic of Cohen's work. The use of direct address, particularly in the final stanza, creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and his lover.

In conclusion, "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is a masterpiece of Leonard Cohen's poetry, a powerful and poignant reflection on the pain of separation and the difficulty of saying goodbye. Through its use of imagery, metaphor, and repetition, the poem captures the depth and complexity of human emotions, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

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