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Unread 09-20-2017, 09:39 PM
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Daniel Kemper Daniel Kemper is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: California
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So much to choose from in Tom Waits.
"colder than a ticket taker's smile"
"...why are the wicked so strong/ how do the angels get to sleep/the devil leaves his porch-light on"
"...shorty found a punk/don't you know there ain't no devil/there's just god when he's drunk"
"...The shadow boys are breaking all the laws
And you're east of East St. Louis <---exquisite!!
And the wind is making speeches
And the rain sounds like a round of applause..."

And on. And on. And on. Love 'I'm.

Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson's "Alexandra Leaving" is next to "To Autumn" for perfection in my book.


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 the 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

Songwriters: Leonard Cohen / Sharon Robinson
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