Going Home

Leonard Cohen's 'Going Home' is a profound exploration of the artist's internal dialogue and spiritual journey. The song opens with a conversation between Cohen and a higher power or inner voice, which refers to Cohen in the third person. This voice describes Cohen as a 'sportsman and a shepherd,' highlighting his multifaceted nature, but also calls him a 'lazy bastard living in a suit,' suggesting a sense of self-deprecation and the mundane reality of his existence. The voice asserts control over Cohen, indicating that he lacks the freedom to refuse its commands, which can be interpreted as the artist's struggle with his own creative process and the demands placed upon him by his inner muse or higher calling.

The recurring theme of 'going home' serves as a metaphor for spiritual liberation and the shedding of earthly burdens. The lyrics express a longing to return to a place 'better than before,' free from sorrow, burdens, and the 'costume' of his public persona. This desire to go 'behind the curtain' suggests a yearning for authenticity and a return to a more genuine, unencumbered state of being. The repetition of this theme throughout the song underscores the deep-seated need for peace and resolution in Cohen's life.

Cohen's inner voice also speaks of his aspirations to create meaningful art, such as a 'love song,' an 'anthem of forgiving,' and a 'manual for living with defeat.' However, this voice dismisses these ambitions, emphasizing instead the importance of obedience and the relinquishment of personal vision. This conflict between artistic aspiration and the demands of the inner voice reflects the broader human struggle between individual desires and the acceptance of a higher purpose or destiny. Ultimately, 'Going Home' is a meditation on the search for inner peace, the reconciliation of one's public and private selves, and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.