Alexandra Leaving

[Verse 1]

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

[Chorus]

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

[Verse 2]

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

[Chorus]

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

[Verse 3]

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

[Chorus]

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