Flickers of Impermanence | Who By Fire | Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's "Who By Fire" is a song that has been interpreted in many ways over the years, but at its core, it is a powerful exploration of mortality and the human experience.

The song's lyrics are drawn from a poem by Kaddish, a Jewish prayer for the dead. The poem asks who will light the fire to guide the soul to the afterlife, and Cohen's song takes this idea as its central theme. He sings about the passing of time, the fleeting nature of life, and the inevitability of death.

Throughout the song, Cohen uses imagery and metaphor to convey the intensity of his emotions. He speaks of "who by fire" - a phrase that has been interpreted in many ways, but is often seen as a reference to the flames that are said to guide the soul to the afterlife. The lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of natural phenomena - "the rivers are swollen," "the desert is swelling," and "the mountains are burning" - which serve as a backdrop for Cohen's reflections on mortality.

One of the most striking aspects of "Who By Fire" is its use of repetition. The song features several repeated phrases, including the refrain "who by fire?" which becomes increasingly insistent throughout the song. This repetition serves to underscore the theme of mortality, emphasizing the inevitability and universality of death.

Cohen's delivery is also noteworthy, his voice soaring on the chorus as he repeats the phrase "who by fire?" It's a performance that is both powerful and haunting, conveying the sense of loss and longing that permeates the song.

Ultimately, "Who By Fire" is a song about the human experience - our fear of death, our desire for transcendence, and our search for meaning in the face of mortality. It's a deeply personal and introspective work, one that has resonated with listeners around the world.