Leonard Cohen - Alexandra Leaving (Official Audio)

Leonard Cohen - Alexandra Leaving (Official Audio)
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Facebook: / leonardcohen
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Official Website: www.leonardcohen.com
Lyrics:
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

[@alexandraskoura]

As a Greek woman whose name is Alexandra and loves Cavafy, this song is for me

[@andrasmoldovan7757]

I saw him in Vienna, shotly before he stopped concerting. Next day in the morning he breakfasted next table to me in the Bristol. I thanked him for the magic, he thanked me for being there. Will never forget him, his style, songs. Thank you Mr Cohen.

[@Thomi50]

I remember the time when this song saved my life.

[@Guds777]

When i was a kid, i'm 44 now. I got a cassette with Various position. I played the cassette on repeat for many years. When i listen to those songs today, i can smell the same smell from when i was a kid, i can feel the exact feelings from when i was a kid listening to those songs. Strange how big of an impact music can have on us. I love it...

[@chinekevantil628]

🔯Memories linger on, the meaning or interpretation of the song might change though❣️

[@jennywren8937]

@@chinekevantil628 I just thought this, and forwarding to someone wishing them peace.

[@evesunshine3419]

I’m going out to 3 didn’t LC☺️ miss him everyday walking among us. Luckily left us so much☺️ . RIP peace 😔

[@psychonaut689]

Someone played Chelsea Hotel in a bar a few years ago and I thanked the guy for bringing him back

[@theronwolf3296]

In my mind that song belongs to a incredible woman who wandered into my life about 8 years ago when I was in my mid 60s. She changed my life, then disappeared during the pandemic. Wherever you are, Leslie, this song is for you.

[@juanca9915]

Leslie walks by your side without being notice by you, the eyes of her hands wonder the fruit of your dreams, somewhere, perhaps you will find each other one day if light breaks the darkness...

[@alexamorgan0214]

I didnt heard this song for about 15 years. I searched for it so much. I love this song. My name is Alexandra,my father used to play this song when I was a child,'cause this song is about my name. Im in love again with this song. Rest in peace legend Leonard Cohen. You sing with angels 🙏🕊️🤍

[@SashaLipskaia]

I feel so connected to this. Alexandrs is my name too- and it feels eerie as if She is coming in stronger now- in a soul-song.

[@danielperugini19]

Do not say the moment was imagined, do not stoop to strategies like this

[@manuelantoniocortesballest6006]

C. P. Kavafis + LEONARD COHEN + Sharon Robinson = Divine song, Immortal song...

[@charlesgray2567]

When you hear the words, "A beautiful song," you know that this is what is meant.

[@mfphonepics]

The quality of the poetry in this poem/song soars way above the sea of mundane lyrics in other songs. It puts my soul in a headlock every time

[@Sulashua]

I don't see it mentioned in the comments elsewhere so here goes: The lyrics of this masterpiece are based on a poem by the Greek poet Konstantinos Kavafis. The poem is called "The god abandons Anthony", look it up.

[@C8C8DR1L0]

i came to bring that up And know read The bandage shoulder. My favorite kavafis poem

[@molocious]

One masterpiece begets another. I love Cavafy!. But, you know, Cohen spent much time as a young man in Greece, although, of course, Cavafy lived in Alexandria well before Cohen's time.

[@Sulashua]

@@molocious Indeed but not only as a young man. He went to Greece for vacations each summer until recently. He even had a house in Hydra island.

[@Starward-]

None of the comments that I have read here (and I have not read all of them, admittedly) bother to acknowledge the great poet, Constantine Cavafy, whose spectacular poem, "The God Abandons Antony" is the basis for this song. But where, for Cavafy, the god was the city of Alexandria, this song makes Alexandria a capricious, but vivacious, woman. Although I believe the poem is superior, this song is still a marvelous homage to Cavafy.

[@christophercaldwell192]

I looked this song up because I read about it Cavafy's Wikipedia page!

[@molocious]

Yup, and Cavafy was gay! Many of his poems are homoerotic masterpieces. But the Anthony poem is of his other genre: subtle, historical, political irony.

[@metaphysician9]

I don't believe it it's original and furthermore the meanings clear!

[@maryoconnor9360]

And this is what. Chills me to the bone about this song .....

[@Lazariuk]

You’re missing the mark. Alexandra is as Dylan mentions someone who was stolen from her mother when she was 3 days old in song Angelina.

[@josephcavanagh4339]

Sharon Robinson has never to be forgotten for her singing and beautiful lyrics with leanord.

[@ghoztwolve2486]

The refrain is superb, clearly going beyond Cavafy's poetic interpretation of history to describe the experience of a human love affair. "Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving; Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost." First say goodbye to the one you love, then say goodbye to your grieving and move on.

[@opensourcepants]

That's one possible interpretation

[@marilkapsim.1992]

Cavafy's poem is not an interpretation of history (indeed this is not one of his so called "historical" poems- both marc antony and alexandria are symbolic). to me cohens adaptation of it is very eloquent because it crystalizes the essence of cavafy's poem: the difficulty of letting go of the past without feeling bitter and resentful, but happy that it existed.

[@rockinblue978]

No words of explanation or praise needed for this perfect love song.

[@MortenGrueSrensen]

Just leaving another salut on the memory of a giant.

[@germanshepherd5314]

Found this CD in Salvation Army of all places a year and a half ago and it has not left the CD player in my car. This song is probably my favorite on the album.

[@scurvdog84]

This song of Leonard’s never fails to make me cry, but in a good way. Thank you 🙏 Leonard

[@underated17]

This song was soo beautiful live in Kingston 2013 when I saw him. It's a really beautiful, touching song. One of my favourite songs by Leonard and one of my favourite songs period.

[@MsSteelphoenix]

This is the first time I've heard this song, and it made me cry. Beautiful and sad and very real.

[@robertdahm6503]

We are burying one of my best friends today. I dedicate these exquisite stanzas to him. Goodbye, David Leaving❤

[@AngelinaJordan_private.account]

May he rest in peace.❤✝️

[@apex11177]

❤

[@rezlogan4787]

Respect to Sharon Robinson for these incredible arrangements. They are the perfect foundation for Cohen’s poetry.

[@Starward-]

More accurately, the foundation of this song is not Cohen's poetry, but a far more remarkable Poet's work---Constantine Cavafy's poem, "The God Abandons Antony."

[@ghoztwolve2486]

@@Starward- Read Plutarch. Marc Anthony's fall was a long time coming. Cavafy dramatized it as if it happened suddenly, after an alleged dream.

[@sylviasmelt5161]

Alexandra leaving……………. heartbreaking and so beautiful.

[@maryoconnor9360]

No matter how many times ...I hear this Song........ The fact that this is a Tribute to the Great Poet Constantine Cavafy...this Song warmly chills my Soul as it takes me back to his time and leaves me there in a hauntingly beautiful altered state of mind , body and soul.......- and that is EVERY time I hear this song. I thank all three of you for this wonderful Gift.,t.... I will keep this close to me for the rest of my life.

[@paulharrop5879]

Never get sick of listening to Leonard . Fed up last night ,watched a couple of his videos went to bed content . Not many artists can do that .

[@nadyatsel7103]

It's the very wonderful and elegant song ❤ Every Alexandra should be aware of the existence of this beautiful song! 💕

[@maryoconnor9360]

The music , the tone , the tempo , the harmony , the lyrics , their meaning - it all comes together as pure Leonard Cohen. sharing his amazing gift with all of us. I love you Leonard.... one more time !

[@davidgeorge3625]

Not a evening goes by without listening to this great gift. As long as I am breathing and can still hear, Leonard will always alive. Night after Night.

[@soijustlistenedto...]

For those who want more, Laura Marling wrote a sort of response to this song asking where did Alexandra go. It's called Alexandra (my 9th best song of 2020), from one of the best albums that year called Song for Our Daughter. Check it out. It's awesome music.

[@normanbaines6754]

'The old poet of the city' - Lawrence Durrell, The Alexandria Quartet

[@charialvarezgarcia9839]

unforgetable memories and bittersweet melancholia. I love this theme and this artist.

[@sakariasakaria6224]

Healthy music , it makes all my problems go …

[@capriceroyal4670]

It's in my Sound Track as I walk around and can't get tired of listening to it...again and again..and every time it's like the first

[@tompowers6134]

This amazing song is actually a "deep cut" to those that may only know 20-30 of this guy's masterpieces.....chew on that! Haha

[@C8C8DR1L0]

The god forsakes Antony When suddenly, at midnight, you hear an invisible procession going by with exquisite music, voices, don�t mourn your luck that�s failing now, work gone wrong, your plans all proving deceptive�don�t mourn them uselessly. As one long prepared, and graced with courage, say goodbye to her, the Alexandria that is leaving. Above all, don�t fool yourself, don�t say it was a dream, your ears deceived you: don�t degrade yourself with empty hopes like these. As one long prepared, and graced with courage, as is right for you who were given this kind of city, go firmly to the window and listen with deep emotion, but not with the whining, the pleas of a coward; listen�your final delectation�to the voices, to the exquisite music of that strange procession, and say goodbye to her, to the Alexandria you are losing. - Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)

[@brightermedia]

💚

[@littlefootsgrandma]

Beautiful

[@marliesyanke4580]

All his music moves me.

[@edwardmirza]

A very unique style.

[@josephcavanagh4339]

Haunting,beautiful,stupendous.

[@judithbeylen6445]

So beautiful ❤️

[@dabber1]

I just love this and all of "Ten New Songs" which has to be my favourite Leonard Cohen album (and I like them all). Sharon Robinson combines with Leonard just perfectly. Really beautiful.

[@lieblingskatzel9798]

Dieses Album läuft bei mir jeden Morgen. Und besonders Alexandra Leaving- ich liebe diesen Song 🐈

[@marliesyanke4580]

Er ist der Beste.

[@brigittebauer6791]

Es läuft bei mir oft nachts.Mr. Cohens Lyrik schon über 40 Jahre.Alexandra leaving natürlich erst später.Alle songs sind große Phoetik und Philosophie

[@geralynmacvittie2785]

I adore this song!

[@rainmom2004]

He is incredible.

[@dushuren]

All time favorite!

[@darkokradoff7541]

Incredible song !!!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

It's nice to hear these wonderful compositions. Cheers! ✌️🇨🇦

[@bessoceros]

Thank you for leaving this for us

[@theresecase7367]

Leonard cohen hallelujah

[@apriltaylor9160]

beautiful

[@chinekevantil628]

🙏🏿Someone made me listen to this song🙏🏻 🌻Sometimes I think I know her❣️ 😷🕉️☮️☮️☮️🐞

[@alaspitiuc9566]

Vă mulțumesc mult, mult pentru clipele frumoase!!

[@martinhasson4942]

Mentally Stunning♥️🔨 G E N I U S

[@user-hw5mq5pu1t]

БРАВО. Лучшее.

[@marieclairecarpinelli6456]

Cette chanson.me.donne.la.chair.de.poule.parmi.tant.d.autres.de.Leonard.COHEN

[@ghjgxchj6301]

Fabuleux

[@billhdowne2382]

Leonard pays tribute in a live performance. KZbin it.

[@alep.5302]

Fiona, non te l'ho mai detto ma Alexandra eri tu, la mia Alexandra. La storia è la nostra. E ora che sono passati più di quindici anni te lo scrivo qui, sicuro che non lo leggerai mai. E anche se lo leggessi tanto l'italiano non lo capisci... ma stanotte mi manchi, non so perché.

[@ih1550]

👑

[@yuriylenev4884]

Such a voice is born once every two centuries at least... Magnificent!

[@creusaleonardo7603]

💯👏👏👏

[@elenaflorea4494]

🌹

[@Koshirozation]

♥️

[@molocious]

I can't believe this is an "official" version of this song. That goddam clicking in the rhythm section in the beginning is aesthetically revolting. I don't remember that irritation when I listened to this song a couple of years ago.

[@memelord5366]

I love you Allie ~Grace

[@formicidae6710]

Whats with the 12 dislikes? This should have 0 dislike

[@chinekevantil628]

¿WHY?

[@abigailgc9723]

Estoy aquí x Guadalupe nettel que logro sumergirme en la escena de una madre despidiéndose de su pequeña hija que perdería al nacer, con esta canción.

[@user-lr4zk9it4y]

inspired by Cavafy's poetry...

[@shinjisato9391]

Laura Marling brought me here.

[@prurido]

where did alexandra go?

[@nurgulcetin6683]

[@hip2511]

:)

[@GioTube.]

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 . . Just devastating.

[@evesunshine3419]

🤗

[@davidrossel1489]

no.me.olvides..te.pido.hacy.estes.mas.lejos.de.la.luna?;&✍👻💏😴8😱?linda.cancion

[@RichardJagg-tr2pv]

RAF We Only know Where the bomb holes Were

[@mimojimi]

Fuck this shit, my Alexandra isn't leaving! >>>:O!!!!!!!

[@cardiganbay2652]

Real classy, man.

[@lailalivsdatter6660]

❤