January 2025

Alexandra Leaving by Leonard Cohen

By Jim Hendrick
Posted: 08/16/2024

 

Alexandra Leaving

by L. Cohen

This hauntingly beautiful song is based on the poem, “The god forsakes Antony” by the 20th century Greek poet, Constantine P Cavafy. His poem was itself based on a passage from Plutarch's Life of Antony, (Antony 75.3–4).

 Mr Cohen first composed a poem based on Cavafy’s poem but then later set it to music, with some small emendations.

Whether as poem or recited in song, it is exquisite and beautiful.

 

Alexandra Leaving

by L. 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 firm 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 lost

Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving

Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost

 

😷 Gary Smith read this lyric and played a recording of Leonard Cohen singing the song at A Poetry Gathering.