James McMurtry：Meaning of You'd A' Thought (Leonard Cohen Must Die) Songmeaning

"You'd A' Thought (Leonard Cohen Must Die)" by James McMurtry tells the story of two people who continuously make mistakes and betray each other, despite knowing better. The narrator reflects on their own deceitful actions and fears the repercussions, while also recognizing that their partner is aware of their lies. The lyrics reference the idea of keeping secrets and the consequences of doing so. The line "It's not the size that matters, it's deceit she can't abide" highlights the importance of honesty in a relationship. The chorus repeats the phrase "you'd a' thought that we'd know better by now" emphasizing the repeated mistakes made by the two people in the song. The title references Leonard Cohen, a famous musician known for his introspective and melancholy songwriting, suggesting that even someone as wise and introspective as Cohen would struggle with the same issues as the characters in the song. Overall, "You'd A' Thought (Leonard Cohen Must Die)" is a somber exploration of the human tendency to make mistakes and betray those we love, despite knowing the consequences.