Born in Chains
Unveiling Liberation: Leonard Cohen's Journey from Chains to Redemption
Lyrics
I was born in chains but I was taken out of Egypt
Feels constrained by circumstances at birth, but freed from a situation reminiscent of oppression.
I was bound to a burden, but the burden it was raised
Initially tied to a heavy burden, but the burden was eventually lifted or resolved.
Lord I can no longer keep this secret
Expresses a desire to reveal something hidden or burdensome.
Blessed is the name, the name be praised
Acknowledges and praises a divine entity or force.
I fled to the edge of a mighty sea of sorrow
Feels overwhelmed by sorrow, pursued by oppressive forces.
Pursued by the riders of a cruel and dark regime
Chased by a cruel and oppressive regime or authority figures.
But the waters parted and my soul crossed over
Experiences a moment of liberation or escape from a difficult situation.
Out of Egypt, out of Pharaoh's dream
Escaping a situation reminiscent of the biblical story of Exodus, leaving behind a tyrant's control.
Word of words and the measure of all measures
Refers to a profound truth or ultimate wisdom.
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
Reiterates praise for a divine entity or force.
Written on my heart in burning letters
Deeply ingrained knowledge or truth, though not fully comprehended.
That's all I know, I cannot read the rest
Unable to grasp or understand the complete truth.
I was idled with my soul, when I heard that you could use me
Offering oneself for service upon hearing of a need.
I followed very closely, but my life remained the same
Despite willingness, personal circumstances remain unchanged.
But then you showed me where you had been wounded
Realization of another's suffering and wounds.
In every atom broken is a name
Suggests significance and identity even in brokenness.
I was alone on the road, your love was so confusing
Confusion and struggle in understanding love.
All my teachers told me I had myself to blame
Blamed by mentors for personal struggles.
But in the grip of sensual illusion
Seduced by sensual experiences leading to a unifying realization.
The sweet unknowing unifies a name
Finds unity in the bliss of not knowing.
Word of words, and the measure of all measures
Emphasizes ultimate truth or wisdom.
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
Reiterates praise for a divine entity or force.
Written on my heart in burning letters
Deeply ingrained knowledge or truth, though not fully comprehended.
That's all I know, I cannot read the rest
Unable to grasp or understand the complete truth.
I've heard the soul unfolds in the chambers of its longing
Suggests the soul's growth through longing.
And the bitter liquor sweetens in the amber cup
Metaphorically describes the sweetness found in life's struggles.
But all the ladders of the night have fallen
Metaphorically implies the collapse of pathways to enlightenment.
Only darkness now, to lift the longing up
Current state of darkness and inability to elevate desires or longings.
Word of words and measure of all measures
Emphasizes ultimate truth or wisdom.
Blessed is the name, the name be blessed
Reiterates praise for a divine entity or force.
Written on my heart in burning letters
Deeply ingrained knowledge or truth, though not fully comprehended.
That's all I know, I cannot read the rest
Unable to grasp or understand the complete truth.
Comment