Alexandra Leaving

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For a more indepth study of the notebook pages,
click here.


Leonard provided over 40 pages from his notebook where he worked on the song "Alexandra Leaving" on Hydra during August and September 1999. Leonard indicates he began working on the song 1985 with numerous versions in other notebooks, in his computer and on scraps of paper.

Here are some of the discarded or early verses of "Alexandra Leaving" that are included in the 40 notebook pages we have:

And when at midnight suddenly is heard
exquisite music rising from the street
and drunken voices, each a perfect third,
as bodiless the song, as it is sweet

I could not see them but I clearly heard
the ghosts of pleasure passing in the street
Alexandra hoisted on their shoulder
Invisible, but naked to the heart

You whose path she followed for an evening
You who had the courage to be crossed
Bid farewell to Alexandra leaving
Bid farewell to Alexandra lost

Nor is this a night for useless grieving
You've not been tricked, you've not been double-crossed
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost





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