☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Who by Fire' is a reflection on the inevitability and unpredictability of death, based on the Jewish prayer 'Unetaneh Tokef'.
- The recurring question 'And who shall I say is calling?' emphasizes the mystery and diversity of causes of death.
- Different forms of death, both natural and caused by human-made disasters, are portrayed through lines like 'Who by fire, who by water, Who in the sunshine, who in the night time'
- The irony of death, which can occur even in times of joy and through slow deterioration, is highlighted with 'Who in your merry merry month of may, Who by very slow decay'
- Death by murder, suicide, oppression, or abuse of power is hinted at in the lines 'Who by his lady's command, who by his own hand' and 'Who in mortal chains, who in power'
Interpretation
The song 'Who by Fire' by
Leonard Cohen is a very poetic and metaphorical reflection on the inevitable - death. The song is based on the Jewish prayer 'Unetaneh Tokef', which is traditionally recited during the High Holidays. Both the prayer and the song reflect the unpredictability and inevitability of death and the various ways it can come.
The repetitive question 'And who shall I say is calling?' reminds us of the unknown and diversity of causes of death. It can be interpreted as a question about who death is or what triggers it.
In lines like 'Who by fire, who by water, Who in the sunshine, who in the night time', death is portrayed in different forms that can represent both natural and man-made disasters. It is made clear that death can come regardless of time and circumstances.
The lines 'Who in your merry merry month of may, Who by very slow decay' emphasize the irony that death can even occur in times of joy and celebration, and can also come through slow decay or illness.
The lines 'Who by his lady's command, who by his own hand' could suggest murder or suicide, while 'Who in mortal chains, who in power' could indicate death by oppression or abuse of power.
Overall, the song is a dark but realistic meditation on death and its inevitability. It reminds us that life is unpredictable and that death can reach anyone, regardless of circumstances.