The song suggests that while we try to "beat the odds," eventual loss (of youth, lovers, or life) is certain. "A thousand kisses deep" refers to the depth at which love continues to exist even after these losses.
The work underwent significant transformation over several years : A Thousand Kisses Deep
At its core, the piece explores the "invincible defeat" of aging and the shift from hot, youthful passion to a more seasoned, profound awareness of love and mortality . The song suggests that while we try to
Features a subset of the poem's many verses, set to a minimalist electronic track produced by Robinson. Features a subset of the poem's many verses,
The printed poem is dedicated to Sandra Merriman , a friend and artist who passed away in 1998.
Contains many more "darker" or more explicit verses (e.g., "you handled me like meat") that Cohen preferred to recite live rather than sing.
A recurring Cohen metaphor for the ordinary world of commerce, desire, and survival where one must "turn tricks" and get their "fix". It represents the gritty, daily hustle that contrasts with the "Masterpiece"—a higher state of peace or transcendental understanding .