Alexandra Leaving

Leonard Cohen's 'Alexandra Leaving' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into themes of loss, acceptance, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a poignant farewell, where the protagonist must come to terms with the departure of Alexandra, a figure who symbolizes love, beauty, and perhaps a deeper spiritual connection. The night growing colder and the God of love preparing to depart set a somber tone, indicating an inevitable end to a cherished relationship or phase in life.

The imagery of Alexandra being hoisted on the shoulder of the God of love and slipping between the sentries of the heart suggests a departure that is both gentle and inevitable. This departure is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, as they gain the light and fall among the voices and the wine. The song emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the reality of the moment, urging the listener not to dismiss it as a mere trick of the senses or a fitful dream. Instead, it calls for a dignified acceptance of the loss, as someone long prepared for this to happen.

Cohen's lyrics also explore the idea of honor and restoration through the experience of love and loss. The protagonist is reminded of the honor of having shared an evening with Alexandra and how this honor has restored their own sense of self. The repeated refrain to say goodbye to Alexandra leaving and then to Alexandra lost underscores the dual nature of the farewell – both a physical departure and an emotional letting go. The song ultimately serves as a meditation on the transient nature of life and love, and the strength required to face such inevitable goodbyes with grace and acceptance.