Hallelujah (Lyrics)

Hallelujah is a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was originally released on his 1984 album “Various Positions.” The song has since become one of Cohen’s most famous and beloved compositions, covered by numerous artists across various genres.

Hallelujah features deeply poetic and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, spirituality, longing, and redemption. The song’s verses contain rich imagery drawn from biblical references and personal experiences.

The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Hallelujah,” adds a sense of reverence and transcendence. Cohen’s original recording of “Hallelujah” received critical acclaim, but it wasn’t until later cover versions by artists such as Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, and others that the song gained widespread recognition and popularity.

Jeff Buckley’s rendition, in particular, became highly acclaimed and is often regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of the song.

(Lyrics) Hallelujah

Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you dont really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor falls, the major lifts
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Summary)

{The lyrics you provided are from the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. The song reflects on themes of love, spirituality, and human frailty. It begins by referencing a “secret chord” played by David that pleased the Lord, suggesting a connection to biblical imagery.

The narrator acknowledges a lack of interest in music from the listener’s perspective but proceeds to describe the chord progression symbolically. The unholy baffled king composing Hallelujah” evokes a sense of struggle and searching for meaning.

The repeated refrain of “Hallelujah” expresses a mix of reverence, longing, and awe. Overall, the song delves into complex emotions and existential questions with poetic imagery and a haunting melody.}

(Lyrics)

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her
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

(Summary)

{These lyrics continue the narrative of “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. In this segment, the narrator describes a romantic encounter where the person’s faith is tested. The narrator mentions that the person’s faith was strong, but they sought proof.

They then witnessed someone bathing, presumably a lover, and were captivated by her beauty illuminated by the moonlight. This encounter led to a series of events where the person’s metaphorical throne was shattered, symbolizing a loss of power or control.

The woman then ties the person to a kitchen chair and cuts their hair, which can be interpreted as an act of dominance or transformation.

Despite these experiences, the person still finds themselves singing “Hallelujah,” suggesting a complex mix of emotions including awe, surrender, and perhaps even resignation.}

(Lyrics)

Well, maybe there’s a God above
As for me all I’ve ever learned from love
Is how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
But it’s not a crime that you’re hear tonight
It’s not some pilgrim who claims to have seen the Light
No, it’s a cold and it’s a very broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Instrumental

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Summary)

{These lyrics from “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen delve into a cynical perspective on love and spirituality. The narrator contemplates the existence of a higher power but reflects that their own experiences with love have taught them harsh lessons, including the willingness to harm others who pose a threat.

Despite this, the narrator acknowledges that the listener’s presence is not a sin or an act of false piety, but rather a recognition of the cold and broken nature of life’s realities.

The repetition of “Hallelujah” underscores the complex emotions and contradictions inherent in the human experience, blending elements of reverence, despair, and resignation.}

(Lyrics)

Well people I’ve been here before
I know this room and I’ve walked this floor
You see I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
But listen love, love is not some kind of victory march, no
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Summary)

{These lyrics from “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen depict a sense of familiarity and resignation. The narrator reflects on past experiences, expressing a sense of recognition and having walked a familiar path before encountering the listener.

The mention of seeing the listener’s flag on the marble arch suggests a symbolic victory or triumph, but the narrator emphasizes that love is not simply a celebration or conquest.

Instead, they describe love as “a cold and broken Hallelujah,” suggesting that despite any victories or triumphs, love is often accompanied by pain, loneliness, and imperfection.

The repetition of “Hallelujah” underscores the bittersweet and complex nature of love and life.}

(Lyrics)

There was a time you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And I remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove she was moving too
And every single breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Summary)

{These lyrics from “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The narrator reminisces about a past connection with the listener, where there was once a deep understanding and intimacy.

They recall a time when they were emotionally open with each other, symbolized by the reference to the “holy dove” moving alongside them, suggesting a shared spiritual experience.

The memories of their past closeness are intertwined with the repeated refrain of “Hallelujah,” indicating that even amidst the complexities and challenges of life, there were moments of profound beauty and reverence.

However, there’s a sense of lamentation in the present, as the narrator acknowledges that the depth of connection they once shared seems to have faded, leaving them longing for its return.}

(Lyrics)

Now I’ve done my best, I know it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didnt come here to London just to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand right here before the Lord of song
With nothing, nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Summary)

{These lyrics from “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen express a sense of acceptance and resignation in the face of life’s challenges. The narrator reflects on their efforts, acknowledging that they may not have been perfect but they did their best.

They admit to struggling with emotional connection, symbolized by their inability to feel and their attempts to reach out. Despite any mistakes or failures, the narrator emphasizes their honesty and sincerity, stating that they didn’t come to deceive anyone.

Even though things may have gone wrong, they declare their readiness to stand before a higher power, represented as the “Lord of song,” with nothing to offer but the word Hallelujah.

This signifies a sense of surrender, humility, and acknowledgment of the beauty and complexity of life despite its difficulties.}

Hallelujah has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its enduring appeal lies in its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and universal themes that resonate with listeners across generations.