Leonard Cohen – Iodine Lyrics

This song talks about a relationship in which all Leonard’s lover does is conforting him. Iodine is used as an antiseptic, not only meaning that Leonard was hurt, but also badly hurt. Seeing his lover as iodine makes him realize he’s in a bad situation, which leads to him pitying himself, just like the lover.

The “situation” which lead the narrator to this kind of relationship can be discussed: it could be cheating on someone with this lover, or simply the lamenting state a relationship has entered in; others will say it’s about male impotence.

Iodine Lyrics by Leonard Cohen

I needed you, I knew I was in danger
Of losing what I used to think was mine
You let me love you till I was a failure
You let me love you till I was a failure
Your beauty on my bruise like iodine

I asked you if a man could be forgiven
And though I failed at love, was this a crime?
You said, “Don’t worry, don’t worry, darling,”
You said, “Don’t worry, don’t you worry, darling
There are many ways a man can serve his time”
You covered up that place I could not master
It wasn’t dark enough to shut my eyes
So I was with you, oh sweet compassion
Yes I was with you, oh sweet compassion
Compassion with the sting of iodine

Your saintly kisses reeked of iodine
Your fragrance with a fume of iodine
And pity in the room like iodine

Your sister fingers burned like iodine
And all my wanton lust was iodine
My masquerade of trust was iodine
And everywhere the flare of iodine