alexandra leaving – leonard cohen

C Am
suddenly the night has grown colder .

G F G C
the god of love preparing to depart .

C Am
alexandra hoisted on his shoulder ,

F F G C
they slip between the sentries of the heart .

Em F
upheld by the simplicities of pleasure

Dm F
they gain the light , they formlessly entwine .
C Am
and radiant beyond your widest measure
F F G C
they fall among the voices and the wine .

F G Am
it’s not a trick , your senses all deceiving ,
F Dm G
a fitful dream , the morning will exhaust .
C G Am G F
say goodbye to alexandra leaving .
Dm G C F C F
then say goodbye to alexandra lost .

C Am
even though she sleeps upon your satin ,
G F G C
even though she wakes you with a kiss .
C Am
do not say the moment was imagined ,
G F G C
do not stoop to strategies like this .

Em F
as someone long prepared for this to happen ,
Dm G
go firmly to the window , drink it in .

C Am
exquisite music , alexandra laughing ,
F F G C
your first commitments tangible again .

F G Am
and you who had the honor of her evening
F Dm G
and by that honor had your own restored ,

C G Am G F
say goodbye to alexandra leaving ,
Dm G C
alexandra leaving with her lord .

C Am
as someone long prepared for the occasion ,
G F G C
in full command of every plan you wrecked ,
C Am
do not choose a coward’s explanation ,
G F G C
that hides behind the cause and the effect .

F G Am
and you who were bewildered by a meaning ,
Dm F G
whose code was broken , crucifix uncrossed ,
C G Am G F
say goodbye to alexandra leaving .
Dm G C
then say goodbye to alexandra lost .

( repeat last two lines )