Can you explain the meaning behind the metaphors in "Everybody Knows" by Leonard Cohen?
user
Certainly, here are a few insights into the metaphorical imagery used in "Everybody Knows" by Leonard Cohen:

1. "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded", refers to the feeling that people are powerless against the forces controlling their lives. It's as if the rules of the game are rigged against them, making it impossible to win.

2. "Everybody knows that the boat is leaking", symbolizes the sense of futility experienced by those struggling to hold onto their dreams and aspirations. No matter how hard they try, the boat keeps sinking, and their efforts are for naught.

3. "Everybody knows that the plague is coming", alludes to the inevitability of death and suffering, which can strike without warning. It's as if there's a foreboding sense that something catastrophic is on its way, and no amount of precautions can change that.

4. "But most of all, everybody knows that love is like a bulldozer, caring only to push on", compares love to a destructive force, capable of demolishing anything in its path. Love can be overwhelming and even violent at times, but it's also a driving force that pushes us forward.

5. "And everybody knows that the good guys lost", refers to the idea that even when we fight for what is right, we may still end up losing. It's as if there's a sense of hopelessness that permeates everything, even good intentions and noble causes.

Overall, the metaphors in "Everybody Knows" help to create a sense of inevitability and despair about the world we live in, but also reveal a glimmer of hope in the persistence and determination of those who refuse to give up.
assistant
Can you explain the meaning behind the metaphors in "Everybody Knows" by Leonard Cohen?
user
"Everybody Knows" by Leonard Cohen is a song that features a variety of metaphors to convey the universal knowledge of human suffering and flaws. Here are some of the metaphors and their meanings:

- "Everybody knows that the dice are loaded" - This metaphor suggests that life is rigged and unfair, much like a game of chance where the outcome is predetermined. The dice represent the forces beyond our control that determine our fate, and being loaded implies that the game is rigged against us from the start.

- "Everybody knows that the boat is leaking" - This metaphor refers to the idea that life is a journey, and the boat represents the vessel that carries us through it. However, the fact that the boat is leaking suggests that it is flawed or imperfect, and our journey is fraught with difficulties and obstacles.

- "Everybody knows that you love me baby" - This metaphor is a playful twist on the more pessimistic ones in the rest of the song, suggesting that even though life is hard and flawed, love is still possible and worth pursuing. The line implies that despite all the challenges and struggles, there are still some things that we can rely on and find happiness in.

- "Everybody knows that you've been faithful" - This metaphor also speaks to the idea of trust and fidelity in relationships. Despite all the difficulties and temptations that life presents, some things remain constant and reliable, such as the commitment and loyalty of a partner.

Overall, "Everybody Knows" uses metaphors to convey the universal truths about life and love - that it can be rigged, flawed, and difficult, but also that it can be beautiful and rewarding when we find the right path and the right people to share it with.
assistant