| Leonard Cohen – The Stranger Song Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I think "woodshadow" strains too much in order to lend a far-feched religious/spiritual meaning. "Sublimechump"(looking at the descriptiuon of the "player" in the relationship) and "keithroy 73" finding that the attitude of the lady is also relevant make valid points. Just a stunninng commentary on relationship politics. |
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| Joni Mitchell – Cactus Tree Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I really think this is one of the best poems to come out of popular music. I suspect this song was inspired by the newfound sexual and general freedom experienced by women in the USA from the early 60's through effective contraception becoming available and onset of more liberal attitudes. This young woman now has the freedom to experience multiple relationships without being tied down to marriage "for eternity". The poor guys did not get it: they long for a more permanent (posessive?) relationship, and they suffer. This dichotomy of expectations make this lyric so haunting and emotive. The conclusive metaphor of her heart being "full and hollow like the cactus tree" can be interpreted variously: e.g. (1) (positively) she had a full social/sexual life, but not static; in fact fluid and mobile (2) (negative) her life seems full, but ultimately without substance. |
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