Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen Lyrics


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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 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

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" introduce the song's central concept and metaphor. When the singer mentions the "secret chord" that David played that "pleased the Lord," he's alluding to David's musicianship and his status as a revered figure in Jewish history. The chord in question represents not just a literal musical chord but the idea of a transcendent experience that comes from deep within the soul. Despite this transcendence, the singer acknowledges that "you don't really care for music, do ya?" suggesting that not everyone has access to this feeling or can appreciate the beauty that art can create.


The second verse of the song introduces another metaphor, one that centers around the story of Bathsheba and David. The singer sings about a 'you' who had faith but needed proof, and saw Bathsheba bathing on a roof, which overthrew them. Bathsheba, who was married, became David's lover, and their affair led to a series of tragic events. When the singer sings about "the holy or the broken Hallelujah," it's possible that he is also referencing the idea of "Hallelujah" as a kind of prayer or psalm that can express both joy and sorrow.


Overall, "Hallelujah" is a complex song that explores the religious and human feeling of joy and pain. It's a song about the power of music to transcend everyday life, the idea that beauty can be found even in tragic moments, and the possibility of redemption.


Line by Line Meaning

Now, I've heard there was a secret chord
I've heard that there is a certain, profound chord that only a select few have been privy to


That David played, and it pleased the Lord
David, the famous King of Israel, played this chord, and it brought great pleasure to God


But you don't really care for music, do ya?
However, it seems that you're indifferent to music, aren't you?


It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The chord sequence is this: the fourth note, then the fifth note


The minor fall, the major lift
And in terms of the notes themselves, it begins with a sad, minor fall, but then lifts up into a brighter, major sound


The baffled king composing Hallelujah
King David was perplexed as he wrote the lyrics to Hallelujah


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Your faith was strong but you needed proof
Your faith in God was firm, but you needed some kind of tangible evidence to support it


You saw her bathing on the roof
You noticed a woman bathing on a roof


Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
Her stunning beauty, complemented by the gentle, glowing moonlight, overwhelmed you


She tied you to a kitchen chair
She bound you to a chair in the kitchen


She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
She destroyed your power, and even harmed your physical appearance


And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
But despite all this, she somehow elicited a fervent expression of praise from you to God


You say I took the name in vain
You argue that I've blasphemed in some way


I don't even know the name
But in reality, I don't even know which name you're referring to


But if I did, well really, what's it to ya?
And even if I did say something blasphemous, what does it really matter to you?


There's a blaze of light in every word
Each and every word is infused with a powerful, brilliant light


It doesn't matter which you heard
It doesn't make a difference which version of the song you hear


The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Both versions of the song, the pure and the flawed, are capable of being profound expressions of praise to God


I did my best, it wasn't much
I tried as hard as I could, but it didn't result in anything particularly impressive


I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I was struggling to find a sense of emotional fulfillment, so I pursued physical intimacy instead


I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool ya
But overall, I've always been honest with you and never intended to deceive you


And even though it all went wrong
Despite the fact that everything has gone awry


I'll stand before the Lord of Song
I will still stand before God, the master of music and all creative expression


With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
And all I will be able to say is a fervent expression of praise to God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God


Hallelujah
Praising God




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Leonard Cohen

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@albertino7125

I'm leaving this comment here so that whenever someone likes it, I come to listen this song and feel him over and again!

@dougbenson7082

I will never bad about making someone revisit this beautiful piece.

@gary5481

Here's a friendly reminder then. A great way for me to come back too.

@ryanlynch290

That's a great idea ❤

@johannejell8494

Enjoy!

@florenciaferrario6772

❤❤❤

17 More Replies...

@keithsteen5013

Mr. Cohen was a tortured soul while here on Earth; suffering extreme prolonged bouts of depression. So, I sincerely say: Thank you for the beautiful music and rest in peace Leonard.

@holefuk6435

you could tell he went through a lot I his life. when he sings it's as if he's closing the book on his own life. give it one final effort.

@elenalazar5541

Haleluia

@taiwoejirebabe625

oh my God! Lifting my spirit unto God.

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