Did I Ever Love You

Leonard Cohen's 'Did I Ever Love You' is a haunting exploration of love, memory, and the passage of time. The song is characterized by its repetitive questioning, which serves to underscore the uncertainty and complexity of romantic relationships. Cohen's deep, gravelly voice adds a layer of gravitas to the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of each question he poses. The recurring inquiries—'Did I ever love you?' and 'Did I ever need you?'—suggest a deep introspection, as if Cohen is sifting through the fragments of a past relationship, trying to make sense of it all.

The imagery in the song is both vivid and melancholic. References to 'lemon trees blossom' and 'almond trees whither' evoke the cyclical nature of life and love, where moments of beauty and growth are inevitably followed by decay and loss. The line 'And is it still raining back in November?' adds a layer of nostalgia and longing, as if Cohen is reminiscing about a specific time and place that holds emotional significance. This blend of natural imagery and personal reflection creates a poignant atmosphere, making the listener feel as though they are part of Cohen's introspective journey.

Cohen's use of the old table as a recurring motif is particularly striking. It symbolizes a place of connection and intimacy, a shared space where memories were made. The question 'Are we still leaning across the old table?' suggests a longing for that lost connection, a desire to return to a simpler, more intimate time. This motif, combined with the song's repetitive structure, creates a sense of timelessness, as if the questions Cohen is asking are eternal and unanswerable. The song leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved tension, mirroring the complexities and ambiguities of love itself.