Halleluljah
Leonard Cohen Lyrics
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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
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
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
In Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, the first verse reveals an allusion to the Bible's King David playing a special "secret chord" that pleased God. Meanwhile, the singer acknowledges the listener's apathy towards music even in the face of such a beautiful spiritual experience. Then, he proceeds to describe the chord progression of the song, "the fourth, the fifth" coupled with "the minor fall, the major lift" that sets up the powerful chorus - 'Hallelujah'.
The second verse speaks of a more personal experience, in which the listener's faith was tested by temptation. The story told of a woman bathing with whom the listener became infatuated, causing him to break his moral code. The woman, in turn, used the listener's desire to manipulate him and take control, noting the juxtaposition of classical oppression and eroticism. The chorus, again chanted, notes how from the speechless figure's lips, the words, "Hallelujah" are drawn.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
There's a specific piece of music that's both rare and special.
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
King David's music was divine and made God happy.
But you don't really care for music, do you?
You're not that interested in this type of art in general.
It goes like this the fourth, the fifth
This type of music is structured in a certain way.
The minor fall, the major lift
This music includes certain types of notes that have strong emotional connotations.
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
King David wrote a song, a masterpiece, when he was feeling bewildered.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Praise the Lord, Thanks God
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You have faith, but sometimes need tangible evidence to trust and believe.
You saw her bathing on the roof
You were struck by a beautiful woman taking a bath on a rooftop.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
This woman's beauty and the way the light hit her was ethereal.
She tied you to a kitchen chair
This woman made you feel helpless and vulnerable like being tied up to a kitchen chair.
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
This woman destroyed everything that made you feel powerful and took away your pride.
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
This woman was able to make you feel empowered, and brought out your truest and most vulnerable emotions.
You say I took the name in vain
You accused me of disrespecting sacred things.
I don't even know the name
I'm not even aware of what I did wrong.
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
Even if I had disrespected something sacred, it shouldn't matter to you.
There's a blaze of light in every word
Every word can have a powerful and profound meaning.
It doesn't matter which you heard
It doesn't matter which words were used to move and inspire you.
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
The meaning of this song can carry both sacred and flawed connotations.
I did my best, it wasn't much
I tried hard, but didn't succeed to a high degree.
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I had an emotional numbness, and attempted to feel a sentiment.
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
I shared what I honestly thought or felt, and it's not an exaggeration.
And even though it all went wrong
Even if things didn't go as planned.
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
I'll face a higher power, the judge of art and music.
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
I'll have nothing else to say except 'Praise the Lord'.
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Hallelujah
Praise the Lord
Contributed by Mackenzie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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.
@tralalalalalalalalala6361
Taiwo Adesina
@zorazorazorzzora8333
Agreed. I could always relate to him because I feel the same way...a tortured soul.... I am a very reflective person, an idealist which makes it hard for me to be in this place call life..the planet.. Years ago I watched his DVD in Tibet, must have watched it 20+ times trying to gain understanding.. I often revisit his clips on his honest dialog about living with depression ... I trust that death is easier than living... living is hard.... Hope he is resting...
@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 ❤