About the song
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen is an iconic song that has captivated listeners across generations with its hauntingly beautiful melody and profound lyrics. Originally released on his 1984 album *Various Positions*, “Hallelujah” is a masterful blend of folk, gospel, and soul elements, showcasing Cohen’s distinctive deep voice and poetic prowess.
Leonard Cohen, a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, wrote “Hallelujah” over a long period, meticulously crafting each verse to convey a rich tapestry of biblical references, existential musings, and personal reflections. Despite its initial release, the song did not gain widespread popularity until it was covered by other artists, most notably Jeff Buckley in 1994. Buckley’s rendition, featured on his album *Grace*, brought “Hallelujah” into the limelight, where it has since been hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time.
Over the years, “Hallelujah” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including John Cale, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. lang, and many others. Each version adds a unique interpretation while retaining the song’s core emotional impact. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and talent competitions, further cementing its place in popular culture.
The song’s journey to becoming a classic was not straightforward. Initially, Columbia Records refused to release *Various Positions* in the United States, believing it would not be commercially successful. However, Cohen’s persistence and the song’s enduring appeal proved them wrong. “Hallelujah” has since been praised for its lyrical depth and spiritual resonance, touching on themes of love, loss, and redemption.
“Hallelujah” reached new heights of popularity when it was used in significant cultural moments and covered by a diverse array of artists. Its chart performance has been impressive over the years, with Buckley’s version re-entering charts worldwide following his untimely death and again after being featured in the film *Shrek*.
In essence, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is more than just a song; it is a profound musical experience that continues to inspire and move audiences around the world. Its legacy as a timeless piece of art is a testament to Cohen’s genius and the song’s universal appeal.
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Lyrics
Now, I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do ya?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don’t even know the name
But if I did, well really, what’s it to ya?
There’s a blaze of light in every word
It doesn’t matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool ya
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah