Seven Feet Of Snow Lyrics

Decoding the Enigma: A Deep Dive into the Lyrics of "Seven Feet of Snow"

The haunting melody and cryptic lyrics of Leonard Cohen's "Seven Feet of Snow" have captivated listeners for decades. This song, often cited as one of his most enigmatic and emotionally resonant works, transcends simple storytelling, delving into themes of loss, longing, memory, and the passage of time. This article aims to dissect the lyrics, exploring their possible interpretations and uncovering the layers of meaning hidden within Cohen's poetic genius. Understanding "Seven Feet of Snow" requires a willingness to embrace ambiguity, to wander through the snowdrifts of memory and emotion alongside the narrator.

Introduction: A Landscape of Loss

"Seven Feet of Snow" is not a song that readily gives up its secrets. It’s a landscape of emotional desolation, painted with evocative imagery and cloaked in a melancholic atmosphere. The titular "seven feet of snow" acts as a powerful metaphor, suggesting a profound depth of grief or isolation, a burden that weighs heavily on the narrator. The song's power lies not in providing straightforward answers but in inviting the listener to participate in the process of interpretation, to fill in the blanks with their own experiences and understanding of loss. The keywords associated with this song often include Leonard Cohen, lyrics analysis, poetic interpretation, metaphor, loss, and grief.

Verse by Verse: Unraveling the Narrative

Let's dissect the lyrics verse by verse, exploring the potential meanings behind Cohen's carefully chosen words:

Verse 1:

“Seven feet of snow are falling down, A blanket of white on this forgotten town.”

This opening sets the bleak tone. The “seven feet of snow” immediately establishes a sense of overwhelming isolation and the burying of something – perhaps memories, relationships, or even the narrator's own self. The "forgotten town" further emphasizes this sense of abandonment and the passage of time, suggesting a place left behind, a past that is fading into oblivion.

Verse 2:

“The wind blows hard, the windows moan, And I sit here alone, making my own.”

Here, the external environment mirrors the narrator's internal state. The harsh wind and groaning windows represent the emotional turmoil within. The line “making my own” is open to multiple interpretations. Is the narrator creating his own misery, or is he finding solace in solitude, perhaps creating art or simply enduring the pain in his own way? The ambiguity is intentional, allowing for personal connection.

Verse 3:

“My mother’s gone, my father’s dead, And the ones I loved are gone ahead.”

This verse clarifies the source of the narrator’s desolation. The stark acknowledgement of loss – of parents and loved ones – provides a concrete basis for the overwhelming sense of snow and isolation. The phrase "gone ahead" suggests not only death but also a sense of progression, a journey completed that the narrator is left behind to confront. This signifies the passage of time and the enduring weight of absence.

Verse 4:

“There’s nothing left but memories, Like photographs that fade and freeze.”

The focus shifts to the nature of what remains: memories. These memories, however, are not static; they are fading, likened to photographs losing their vibrancy. The imagery evokes the transient nature of memory and the difficulty of preserving the past amidst the relentless march of time. This section is crucial in understanding the overall theme of fleeting moments and inevitable loss.

Verse 5:

“Seven feet of snow, a heavy load, Underneath the weight, a heart of wood.”

The "seven feet of snow" returns, emphasizing the continued burden of grief. The "heart of wood" is a striking image, portraying the narrator's emotional numbness, his inability to feel or express his pain in a healthy way. The heart is metaphorically frozen, hardened by loss.

Verse 6:

“The silence screams, the darkness sings, And I’m here alone, with broken wings.”

The sensory details intensify. Silence isn't just quiet; it screams, a painful testament to the absence of connection and communication. Darkness sings, hinting at a morbid beauty, a perverse comfort in the gloom. The "broken wings" symbolize the narrator's inability to escape his emotional predicament, his helplessness in the face of such overwhelming sorrow.

Verse 7:

“Seven feet of snow are falling still, Covering everything upon the hill.”

The final verse mirrors the opening, but with a sense of finality. The snow continues to fall, an unstoppable force representing the unrelenting nature of grief and the endlessness of time's passage. "Covering everything upon the hill" suggests a complete engulfment, a total surrender to the weight of the past.

The Power of Metaphor: Snow as a Symbol

The recurring image of "seven feet of snow" is the song's central metaphor. It's not simply about literal snowfall; it represents:

• The overwhelming weight of grief: The depth of the snow mirrors the depth of the narrator's sorrow.
• Isolation and loneliness: The snow isolates the town and the narrator, reflecting his emotional detachment from the world.
• The passage of time: The unrelenting snowfall signifies the inexorable progression of time, something the narrator feels powerless against.
• Oblivion and forgetting: The snow covers everything, suggesting the possibility of being buried alive by memory and sorrow, or of simply fading away, unnoticed.

Musical Context and Emotional Impact

The song's melancholic melody, slow tempo, and Cohen's distinctive baritone voice greatly enhance the lyrical content. The music itself mirrors the emotional landscape created by the lyrics, amplifying the feelings of isolation, despair, and the relentless weight of loss. The sparse instrumentation further emphasizes the starkness of the situation, leaving the listener to fully immerse themselves in the bleakness and quiet intensity of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is "Seven Feet of Snow" autobiographical?

A: While Cohen often drew inspiration from personal experiences, the extent to which this song reflects his own life is debatable. It's more likely a powerful exploration of universal themes of loss and grief, accessible to anyone who has experienced deep sorrow.

Q: What is the meaning of "a heart of wood"?

A: The "heart of wood" signifies emotional numbness and an inability to feel or express the pain caused by loss. It suggests a hardened heart, incapable of experiencing the full range of human emotion.

Q: What is the significance of the recurring image of snow?

A: The snow is a potent metaphor representing the overwhelming weight of grief, isolation, the passage of time, and the possibility of being buried under the weight of the past.

Q: Can the song be interpreted in different ways?

A: Absolutely. The beauty and power of "Seven Feet of Snow" lie in its ambiguity. The open-ended nature of the lyrics allows listeners to interpret the song through their own experiences and understanding of loss and grief.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Melancholy

"Seven Feet of Snow" is more than just a song; it's a poetic exploration of the human condition. It confronts the universal experience of loss, revealing the profound depths of grief and the enduring power of memory. Cohen's masterful use of metaphor and evocative imagery creates a lasting impression, leaving the listener to contemplate the weight of the past and the ongoing process of coming to terms with sorrow. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, allowing them to find solace and resonance in the shared experience of human suffering and the complexities of memory. The “seven feet of snow” remains a powerful symbol, a testament to the enduring nature of loss and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to confront the overwhelming weight of grief.