Alexandra Leaving Lyrics - The Essential Leonard Cohen - Leonard Cohen

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 the 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