My favorite Cohen

Part of the reason "Alexandra Leaving" is my favorite Leonard Cohen song is because of the way I was first introduced to it: Under the spreading leaves of oak trees on an autumn night in Topanga Canyon while Michelle Shocked and another woman held hands and sang it to each other with only acoustic accompaniment. That breathtaking moment was part of an amazing Cohen tribute concert hosted by Inara George.

While a web-savvy friend once said it's lame to post lyrics online, I disagree. If I hadn't posted the lyrics to Rosie Thomas's "Wedding Day" years back, I never would've met the wonderfully warm and witty Dave of Denver who Google'd the song and stumbled upon my blog.

Another reason it's my favorite Cohen song is that it reminds me of a couple of ex-boyfriends who tended to self-sabotage when it came to love. It's what the marketers call "relateable."

Don't let the fact that it was written in the '90s dissuade you. The pain in his wizened poet's wisdom is pure and potent.

"Alexandra Leaving"
by Leonard Cohen

Suddenly the night has grown colder.
Some deity preparing to depart.
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder,
they slip between the sentries of your 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.

lt'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.

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.

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,

You who were bewildered by a meaning,
whose code was broken, crucifix uncrossed---
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving.
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost.

Lyrics found on Leonard Cohen Files.