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.[1]
Following its increased popularity after being featured in the film Shrek (2001),[2][3] many other arrangements have been performed in recordings and in concert, with over 300 versions known.[4] 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.[5]
lyrics
HALLELUJAH
Well 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?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah
Well 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 her kitchen chair
And she broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah
But baby I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor
You know, I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
And my love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken lonely Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah
Well there was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me, now do ya
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah
Maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah
credits
from Cam Giles D A R K E R The Songs of Leonard Cohen,
released September 21, 2020
I wanted to say a special thanks to the band for putting in a massive effort and being so supportive and an inspiring mob to hang with. It has been a joy to record these songs with you all.
From Left To Right, Damon Grant : saxophone and electric horns, Lance Sua : guitar,
Cam Giles : vocals, piano, keys,Gavin Pearce : bass,Ryan Menezes : drums and percussion.
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