Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen

About Hallelujah

"Hallelujah" is a song written by Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, originally released on his album Various Positions (1984). Achieving little initial success, the song found greater popular acclaim through a recording by John Cale, which inspired a recording by Jeff Buckley. It has been viewed as a "baseline" for secular hymns. Following its increased popularity after being featured in the film Shrek (2001), many other arrangements have been performed in recordings and in concert, with over 300 versions known. The song has been used in film and television soundtracks and televised talent contests. "Hallelujah" experienced renewed interest following Cohen's death in November 2016 and appeared on many international singles charts, including entering the American Billboard Hot 100 for the first time. 


Year:
2002
4:37
2,279,042 
#1,878

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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 you?
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 you?
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 you
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

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Leonard Cohen

Leonard Norman Cohen, (September 21, 1934- November 7, 2016) CC GOQ, was a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, and novelist. His work often explored religion, isolation, sexuality, and interpersonal relationships. Cohen was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honour. In 2011 Cohen received Prince of Asturias Award for literature. more »

30 fans

Written by: Leonard Cohen

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


3 facts about this song

Leonard Cohen Version
1. Origin: Leonard Cohen wrote "Hallelujah," which was first released on his 1984 album "Various Positions." 2. Lyrics: Cohen reportedly wrote around 80 draft verses for "Hallelujah," with a writing process that took several years. 3. Reception: Initially, the song received little attention and Cohen's album was rejected by his label, Columbia Records. 4. Popularity: The song gained popularity after being covered by various artists, years after its original release.
John Cale Version
1. Interpretation: John Cale covered "Hallelujah" in 1991 on a Leonard Cohen tribute album. His version is more stripped down compared to Cohen's original. 2. Lyrics: Cale's version includes a combination of Cohen's original verses and some rarely heard verses, providing a distinct interpretation. 3. Influence: His cover inspired numerous other artists, including Jeff Buckley, to cover the song.
Jeff Buckley Version
1. Cover: Jeff Buckley covered "Hallelujah" in 1994 on his album "Grace". He based his version on John Cale's interpretation. 2. Impression: Buckley's version is often considered the most definitive interpretation of the song, earning widespread critical acclaim. 3. Posthumous Recognition: The song failed to chart when it was initially released, but after Buckley's untimely death in 1997, the track gained significant recognition. 4. Highest Ranking: In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" as #259 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 5. Legacy: It has since become a staple in popular culture, often featured in television shows, movies, and performed on singing competition shows.

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    Hallelujah

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2016

    Billboard #59


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