Early life
Leith was raised in Milltown, County Kerry, Ireland. His father travelled as part of his work as an engineer, and their family lived in countries including Libya and Botswana.
As a child he formed a family band, Leaf, with his sister Aine and brothers Paul and Darren. Leaf recorded in New York and then again later under the new name Releaf, which made an appearance in the Irish Top 100.
Since moving to Sydney, he has played in a number of high profile venues across Sydney, as the front man for the band Revelate. His first Australian performance was at The Basement in Sydney's Circular Quay.
He worked as a chemist prior to auditioning for Australian Idol.
Australian Idol
Leith was selected by the judges as one of the final 24 contestants, and was the first person voted into the competition's top twelve as the result of a viewer vote. He was praised by the show's judges for his falsetto technique, which he used regularly in performances.
Despite comments from judges Mark Holden and Kyle Sandilands in relation to Leith's unconventional appearance, and a performance of Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" which drew ridicule from Holden, the judges assessments of Leith's performances were usually positive. His renditions of Roy Orbison's "Crying", Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" each earned Leith a "touchdown" from Mark Holden, a gesture which has come to be regarded as Holden's ultimate accolade for an excellent performance. Sandilands also stated that the family of Roy Orbison had contacted the Australian Idol producers requesting a copy of Leith's performance of "Crying".
Leith was the last contestant in the 2006 season to be in the bottom three, until the top five verdict on October 30. On Sunday, November 26, during a live broadcast from the Sydney Opera House, Leith was announced the winner, over runner-up Jessica Mauboy. His debut single, "Night of My Life", was released as a paid digital download from Bigpondmusic soon after the conclusion of the grand final, with an official CD release on November 28. It has been stated that his debut album will be released in early 2007.
Australian Idol Performances
* Sydney Auditions - "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice
* Theatre Round (Day Three) - "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
* Top 24: Group 1 - "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
* Top 12: Contestant's Choice - "With or Without You" by U2
* Top 11: Rock - "Creep" by Radiohead
* Top 10: No. 1 Hits - "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks
* Top 9: Contestant's Year of Birth - "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" by Elton John
* Top 8: Disco - "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang
* Top 7: Contestant's Choice: Acoustic - "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak
* Up Close And Personal Night - "Sky" (original) by Damien Leith
* Top 6: Rock Swings: "High & Dry" by Radiohead
* Top 5: ARIA Hall of Fame: "Message to My Girl" by Split Enz
* Top 4: Viewer's Choice: "Crying" by Roy Orbison
* Top 4: Viewer's Choice: "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
* Top 3: Judge's Choice: "Nessun Dorma" by Giacomo Puccini
* Top 3: Judge's Choice: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
* Top 2: Contestant's Choice: "Never Meant to Fail" by Alex Lloyd
* Top 2: Contestant's Choice: "Waiting On an Angel" by Ben Harper
* Top 2: Grand Final Performance: "Nessun Dorma" by Giacomo Puccini
* Top 2: Winner's Single: "Night of My Life"
Hallelujah
Damien Leith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That david played and it pleased the lord
But you don't really care for music do ya
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
I don't Know is there's a god above
But all i've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not someone who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Damien Leith's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is a powerful and emotional interpretation of the classic song. The song begins with the idea that there is a secret chord that David played which pleased the Lord. The lyrics suggest that this chord is something special, something that is different and rare, which is what makes it so pleasing to God. However, the following line suggests that the listener doesn't really care for music, which could imply a lack of understanding or appreciation for the deeper meaning behind the song.
The next few lines describe the musical progression of the song itself, with the lyrics referencing the fourth, fifth, minor fall, and major lift. This is a reference to the musical intervals present in the song, which create an emotional and dynamic sound. The song tells the story of a "baffled king" who is struggling to compose a hallelujah in the face of hardship and adversity.
The next verse is perhaps the most poignant and reflective of the song, with the singer admitting that they don't know if there is a god above. However, they have learned from love how to shoot somebody who outdrew them, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges that life throws at us. The cry that is heard at night is not a cry of joy or triumph, but rather a cry of pain and suffering. Despite this, the singer still offers a hallelujah, albeit a "cold and broken" one.
Overall, Damien Leith's version of "Hallelujah" offers a powerful and moving reflection on life, love, and the struggles we all face. The song's haunting melodies and poignant lyrics have touched the hearts of many listeners over the years, making it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
Line by Line Meaning
I heard there was a secret chord
There's a mysterious note that David played that fascinated God.
That david played and it pleased the lord
David was able to create music that delighted God.
But you don't really care for music do ya
But somehow, you are not a fan of music.
Well it goes like this the fourth the fifth
The song is structured with a series of notes – fourth and fifth.
The minor fall and the major lift
The song includes a succession of notes that signify optimism and pessimism.
The baffled king composing hallelujah
The king who's puzzled is writing a song of gratitude toward God despite his concerns.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Repeatedly saying hallelujah suggests a call to everyone to worship and rejoice in God.
I don't Know is there's a god above
The writer doesn't know whether or not there's a God above.
But all i've ever learned from love
All the experience the writer has had with love has taught him to be brave.
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
The writer has learned to be ready to face deadly challenges.
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
The writer is saying the sadness is so immense that they can't imagine it being a simple cry.
It's not someone who's seen the light
It's not someone who has found hope in a better future.
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
The writer has been so hurt that they can only offer a cold and broken praise to God.
Writer(s): Peter Wentz, Patrick Stump, Andrew Hurley, Leonard Cohen, Joseph Trohman Copyright: Chicago X Softcore Songs, Bad Monk Publishing, Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Contributed by Leo E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rowplaya
He has a really great voice :) God bless.
Tony Beaver
Great voice, such texture and emotion.
Staylicht
Outstanding. The amount of feeling, when combined with such an amazing talent... While I've heard quite a few good ones, I think it suffices to say I'm more impressed with his version of this my favourite song, than I am with any of the countless other versions I've heard, - except for, perhaps, Jeff Buckley's.
Derril Polion
love life dreams happiness everything word that says something good comes up in you with this song and his voice
Hubert Waber
Very well sang Damien, nice voice !! Greaaat !
terianne42
Also worth a mention is Allison Crowe's live performance. Breathtaking!
jilleemillee
I've heard you sing this in concert Damien and your voice live is brilliant, much better than anyone else I have ever heard. You make all the other people who have sung this song sound very ordinary.
raj lippy
i've heard all of the versions discussed here and hands down, no question,the best or shall i say most moving for me was Allison Crowe's live. but so so many of these are wonderful
Chris Diorio
what a beautiful song and a great inspiring singer. He has really touched my heart with his heart rendering version
publicjlw
Awesome Bard!!!! Wow!!! Love his rendition of this song!!!!