The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
A bunch of lonesome and very quarrelsome heroes
Were smoking out along the open road
The night was very dark and thick between them
Each man beneath his ordinary load
"I'd like to tell my story"
Said one of them so young and bold
"I'd like to tell my story
Before I turn into gold"
But no one really could hear him
The night so dark and thick and green
Well, I guess that these heroes must always live there
Where you and I have only been
Put out your cigarette, my love
You've been alone too long
And some of us are, are very hungry now
To hear what it is you've done that was so wrong
I sing this for the crickets
I sing this for the army
I sing this for your children
And for all who do not need me
"I'd like to tell my story"
Said one of them so bold
"Oh, yes, I'd like to tell my story
'Cause you know I feel I'm turning into gold"
Were smoking out along the open road
The night was very dark and thick between them
Each man beneath his ordinary load
"I'd like to tell my story"
Said one of them so young and bold
"I'd like to tell my story
Before I turn into gold"
But no one really could hear him
The night so dark and thick and green
Well, I guess that these heroes must always live there
Where you and I have only been
Put out your cigarette, my love
You've been alone too long
And some of us are, are very hungry now
To hear what it is you've done that was so wrong
I sing this for the crickets
I sing this for the army
I sing this for your children
And for all who do not need me
"I'd like to tell my story"
Said one of them so bold
"Oh, yes, I'd like to tell my story
'Cause you know I feel I'm turning into gold"
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As always there could be many levels of interpretation, known or unkown to the author. The author may write with an idea of meaning in mind, but he also may be an instrument of something happening in his unconscious. Or even the same words could have different meanings for different people, since texts are made of symbols that are interpreted through the glass of experience.
For me these could be all ourselves for example, the part of ourselves (these heroes must always live there where you and I have only been) unrealized which feels the sacrifice of being but cannot exploit our full potential and be recognized.
I like the idea of idols when talking about turning into gold. The jewish influence of Cohen may come with its rejection of idols in this song. When you turn into gold you are not you anymore. You may be recognized, for something you don't really feel you are.
"And some of us are very hungry now to hear what it is you've done that was so wrong": And no one of us knows the real reason why we cannot be what we want to be. Which could be the original sin.
This talks about everyone, every creature on earth: "I sing this for the crickets, I sing this for the army, I sing this for your children and for all who do not need me."
to me the song speaks to the tendency to first idolize then demonize our heroes neither of which would necessarily be close to the truth, thus the frustration/want to be able to tell ones own story then as cohen loves to do, he takes his grand philosophy and cooks it down to a pedestrian relationship here the woman has been idolized by the man, even though (or b/c) she had been aloof, and she is telling him "there's more/less to me than your idolized version of me" and why? maybe there is too much burden (and dehumanization) to be revered in such a way (i wouldn't knowbut that's my guess)