Alexandra Leaving Cifras

#This version is as performed by the songs co-writer Sharon Robinson, during Cohen's final tour. Capo on 1st
 
G                             Em      D
Suddenly the night has grown colder.
      D           C       D   G
The God of love preparing to depart.
G                         Em         D
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder,
 D                     C       D       G
They slip between the sentries of the heart.
 
 
Bm                            C
Upheld by the simplicities of pleasure,
Am                                     D       Dsus4  D
They gain the light, they formlessly entwine;
G                              Em
And radiant beyond your widest measure
Am                   C     D       G
They fall among the voices and the wine.
 
 
            C            D         Em
It's not a trick, your senses all deceiving,
           C          Am           D      Dsus4 D
A fitful dream, the morning will exhaust
       G         D        C
Say goodbye to alexandra leaving.
     Am             D          G
Then say goodbye to alexandra lost.
 
 
 G                                Em      D
Even though she sleeps upon your satin;
D                C         D       G
Even though she wakes you with a kiss.
G                           Em          D
Do not say the moment was imagined;
D                C     D        G
Do not stoop to strategies like this.
 
 
Bm                                   C
As someone long prepared for this to happen,
Am                                D       Dsus4 D
Go firmly to the window. Drink it in.
          G                    Em
Exquisite music. Alexandra laughing.
     Am               C     D   G
Your firm commitments tangible again.
 
      C              D             Em
And you who had the honor of her evening,
            C             Am      D     Dsus4  D
And by the honor had your own restored 
        G       D           C
Say goodbye to alexandra leaving;
 Am       D                 G
Alexandra leaving with her lord.
 
                 C        D       Em
Even though she sleeps upon your satin;
                 C         D       G
Even though she wakes you with a kiss.
                C          D    Em
Do not say the moment was imagined;
                C                D     Dsus4 D
Do not stoop to strategies like this.
 
 
G                                 Em        D
As someone long prepared for the occasion;
D                   C      D       G
In full command of every plan you wrecked
G                             Em       D
Do not choose a coward's explanation
D                      C         D     G
That hides behind the cause and the effect.
 
 
      C             D              Em
And you who were bewildered by a meaning;
                C        Am         D      Dsus4 D
Whose code was broken, crucifix uncrossed 
        G          D         C
Say goodbye to alexandra leaving.
      Am             D         G
Then say goodbye to alexandra lost.
 
        G          D        C
Say goodbye to alexandra leaving.
     Am              D         G
Then say goodbye to alexandra lost.
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