Leonard Cohen
"Alexandra Leaving" lyrics

Alexandra Leaving

Suddenly the night has grown colder
The god of love preparing to depart
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder
They slip between
The sentries of the heart

Upheld by the simplicities of pleasure
They gain the light
They formlessly entwine
And radiant beyond your widest measure
They fall among
The voices and the wine

It's not a trick
Your senses all deceiving
A fitful dream
The morning will exhaust
Say goodbye
To Alexandra leaving
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost

Even though she sleeps upon your satin
Even though she wakes you with a kiss
Do not say the moment was imagined
Do not stoop
To strategies like this

As someone long prepared for this to happen
Go firmly to the window
Drink it in
Exquisite music
Alexandra laughing
Your first commitments
Tangible again

And you who had
The honor of her evening
And by that honor
Had your own restored
Say goodbye
To Alexandra leaving
Alexandra leaving with her lord

Even though she sleeps upon your satin
Even though she wakes you with a kiss
Do not say the moment was imagined
Do not stoop to strategies like this

As someone long prepared for the occasion
In full command
Of every plan you wrecked
Do not choose a coward's explanation
That hides behind
The cause and the effect

And you who were
Bewildered by a meaning
Whose code was broken
Crucifix uncrossed
Say goodbye
To Alexandra leaving
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost

Say goodbye
To Alexandra leaving
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost