First time hearing JEFF BUCKLEY - HALLELUJAH REACTION

[@NYSeaNile]

Harry, I've known this song for all my life. (26 yrs old) Never thought to look up reactions till now. You're the first one i've seen to understand the bibles stories from this song. Hits harder. Good Bless brother enjoyed your reaction.

[@taniaPBear]

Of course it's Leonard Cohen's song and I don't want to detract from his original masterpiece, but it's Jeff Buckley's version that moves my soul in a way nothing else can. Can't lie.

[@DGYSAM]

Agreed...the original is a masterpiece if only for the fact it inspired Jeff Buckley to cover it. This rendition brings a tear to my eye every single time I hear it. So much passion and pain in his voice.

[@scotthess8709]

Just as Trent Reznor gave "Hurt" to Johnny Cash, Mr. Cohen should give "Hallelujah" to Jeff Buckley. It is sooooo much better.

[@jiwi736]

@@scotthess8709exactly

[@ct5625]

This came about because Leonard Cohen saw Buckley perform at his father's funeral and was shocked by his voice. When Buckley asked if he could cover Hallelujah Cohen agreed. Buckley was actually embarrassed about the prospect of Cohen hearing this version. He intentionally leaves out two verses of the original because he wanted to shift the meaning toward the more sexual connotations in the song (as you pointed out). In the end he didn't need to worry because Cohen said it's the most beautiful version of the song he'd ever heard. It's like someone started a masterpiece of a painting but then someone else comes along and does it a little differently and gets something just perfectly, inexplicably right. Dolly Parton says a similar thing about Whitney Houston's version of I Will Always Love You. I think she's said several times that it's her favourite version of the song because Houston just brought so much emotion and power with her vocals. Dolly never expected it to be what it became and I think she's admitted that it was just a sad song about lost love when she sang it, but when Houston did it it knocked her socks off :) I think this is by far the best version of this song and I cannot imagine that anyone is ever going to beat it. I don't think anyone should try, to be honest. It would be like trying to paint the Mona Lisa better.

[@stephanielane1821]

Probably best version ever

[@mikeg5018]

There is only one jeff buckley. What a voice.

[@Katehowe3010]

Have you heard his father, because that's where that voice comes from!

[@TheArchangel911]

Jeff Buckley is one of my favorite male voices. His Grace album is nonstop spine tingling music.

[@debrasteed6470]

The last stanza makes me cry every time I hear this version.

[@flutesong5527]

The best covers of this wonderful song are the ones that are simply sung without a lot of theatrics. The song can carry itself. Buckley's is one of the good ones.

[@rickjend6667]

Love your reaction Hari! We played this on my brother's deathbed so he could hear the voice of an angel on earth before he passed and saw the real ones. Amazing song!

[@bemused9522]

Jeff Buckley did for this song what Johnny Cash did for NIN "Hurt". Hardcore Cohen fans, just like NIN fans will always love the original, but have deep and abiding respect for these covers. I personally consider both as different songs than the original. Love both versions. RIP Buckley and Cohen.

[@duffelbag1127]

Whenever you hear a modern cover of “hallelujah“ it isn’t a cover of the original Leonard Cohen, it’s a cover of the Jeff Buckley version IMO.

[@kristimarriner7673]

Watching Jeff singing this brilliant song is even more touching. The pain in his facial expressions combined with the pain in his voice combine for a perfect performance💜💜 Great reaction 💜

[@minkhollow]

Grace is a phenomenal album from start to finish. The title track and "Last Goodbye" are strong follow-ups to this.

[@hrfdude4234]

Cohens lyrics with Buckleys voice was just a match made in heaven!

[@ashleydixon4613]

So glad to finally hear someone react to this song and actually acknowledge that they “got” the references to both David and Bathsheba (that’s the name you were looking for), and Sampson and Delilah.

[@danielmesery2904]

This is fine music... K. D. LANG on this song has brought tears and a standing ovation, from the audience. ☮️✡️Thanks HARRI.. H.N.YEAR

[@breckrichardson390]

Probably the best version I've heard.

[@love-vy1ry]

Sometimes you have those artists you WANT to see & hear, damn Jeff was such an icon.....

[@rmac8008]

That’s the genius of Leonard Cohen Jeff does a beautiful version

[@samuelmregister]

can't go wrong with Jeff Buckley. Here's hoping for more.

[@Katehowe3010]

You can go less wrong with Buckley Snr!

[@blackbird8900]

Truly one of the most brilliantly composed songs of all time. I think you are the only reactor I’ve seen to grasp the lyrics, beautiful reaction. Leonard Cohen is a genius and a true poet, another Canadian legend. Besides Cohen’s version my two other favourites are KD Lang’s and this one by Jeff Buckley. It is a haunting version, more haunting given his tragic death not long after he recorded it. I think if he had lived he had the potential to be a star.

[@Yankeeprepperasshat]

I highly recommend you stop doing what you’re doing and watch pentatonix’s version of this song. The outdoor version is the best. It’s the most powerful and moving masterpiece I’ve ever heard in my life. If you wear earphones, it can invoke a religious experience to just about any soul on earth..

[@simonlucas5213]

Also John Cale's version. Austere, almost.

[@Pho_King_A]

@@Yankeeprepperasshat I like Pentatonix, it's a beautiful a capella version. But it's a bit sterile. Buckley's version is by far the most personal, emotionally raw version I've ever heard.

[@grumpysocks]

​@@Yankeeprepperasshat it's a good one, but nowhere near Jeff's version, not even close. In my personal opinion of course.

[@keymack2477]

Thank you Harri for reacting to this magnificent song from the great Leonard Cohen, RIP. This version by Jeff is one of my favourites, but you really owe it to yourself to also react to Leonard Cohen's own version, as well as the version as sung by the brilliant kd lang! Keep up the great work on your channel!!

[@JerisEve]

I read somewhere that Leonard Cohen wrote over 80 verses to this song. Most of us will never hear most of those if it's true. This is the humblest, simplest vocal presentation of this song ever, and it's my favorite. Most singers tend to oversing it. This is Jeff B. letting the song speak for itself. His death was such a loss.

[@michaelpeterson279]

A song about the absolute power and divinity of the feminine. The same feminine that brought Samson and David to their knees in humility, brings men to their knees now. A feminine that clearly Leonard Cohen was quite familiar with. What a masterpiece of a lyric.

[@go234ko96ts5]

Such a talented artist, singer and writer and he did justice to this version of Hallelujah. He had a lot to give but his accidental drowning death at the age of 30 ended his great future but fortunately he left us with such great music and memories. Another great song, one of many is "Last Goodbye".

[@iche50]

This is absolute the best cover of this song... I.M.O. R.I.P. Jeff (TIP: Look for this life version....)

[@justpassingthrough6550]

Brilliant.

[@topcat2069]

Pure magic. There are many versions of this song, they're are all magic but Jeff's version is the wizard's crown. All versions can make me cry, but this version makes me hold my breath.

[@dsusan17]

Samsons hair was cut by Delilah. David saw Bathsheba bathing on the roof. My favorite version is by K.D. Lang with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. This is a beautiful haunting song.

[@dalesouders4136]

KD’s version is AMAZING 🤩

[@janicekyzer5770]

Get into some more Leonard Cohen. It is so beautiful. Especially when he sings in that dark, deep voice. Wonderful reaction Harri. You’re the best. You GET it!💕

[@Athena621]

Thank you for a thoughtful and lovely reaction. Often reactors leave me flabbergasted by their restricted use of language which rarely stretches beyond 'wow, amazing and awsome' and which in turn makes me think whether they got the song at all. 🙏

[@sfbayareagirl]

Absolutely sublime. This is the only version that means anything to me. If you can find the live version from his Chicago show, you can see him do this live and if anything is possibly better than this, it’s that.

[@WojMoj]

My favorite voice. Would have put out so much great music if his life wasn’t cut so short. Do yourself a favor and check out what he was able to record and his live performances.

[@TheAndersox]

YES! So much remarkable music in such a short life, but never enough to make up for what could have been.

[@TheAndersox]

If you're looking for more Jeff Buckley, "Morning Theft," "Last Goodbye," and "Lilac Wine" are phenomenal.

[@manbearpig8012]

100% some of his stuff on live at sin-e are masterpieces

[@Katehowe3010]

Seems like none of you know his father! Tut tut.

[@TheAndersox]

@@Katehowe3010 No, I definitely do.

[@franceshaas8255]

Lovely, lovely song. New to me. Thanks.

[@MaybeitsclusterB]

Finally! A person who gets the lyrics ❤ thank you ❤ Cohen was a genius and I loved how from the jump you noticed how Buckley and his guitar are companions/harmony

[@bengilbert7655]

This has always been my favorite version of the song.

[@davidarchbold5018]

This is the first time you've heard Jeff Buckley. Although his life was cut short, he was one of the greatest song writers, guitarists and vocalists of all time. Even the greatest guitarists on this planet Jimmy Page were impressed with him.

[@lisahillis8973]

More Jeff Buckley!!! One of the all time greats. So talented. Lover you should have come over (lyric version) or Mojo Pin (live version) are my suggestions 🤗

[@jonthebeloved6094]

Cohen wielded a mighty pen. Buckley's performance was simply brilliant. Nice reaction, sir.

[@999pudge]

Wonderful reaction. I've heard this song many times by various artists. Your reaction helped me appreciate it even more. Thank you.

[@mikeyates7931]

Yes ! Thank You ! ! You're the first person I've heard that understands the biblical meanings ! ! !

[@drboris01]

Its 2:20 in the morning and I have just listened to Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah, a song which always brings a tear to my eye. Thanks mate, likely going to cry myself to sleep now.

[@karenmikalofsky5287]

This is my favorite version of this song ❤️

[@DaddyKratosOfTheShire]

It is haunting......But Beautiful. May God rest his soul.

[@marielaveau5321]

My very favorite version of this song. Jeff's gorgeous voice and raw emotion just take it over the top. 💜💚💛✌️

[@ivanalaff5346]

I first heard this song at the end of the TV show House….that started my journey to find the person ( Cohen )who banged his head on the floor for years while struggling to finish this astonishing anthem to 💕 LOVE! Thank you, Hari

[@jeffcobb2734]

There have been some great covers of this song. This is one of my favorite, along with Rufus Wainwright Jr.

[@QueenMegaera]

Rufus Wainwright (who also famously recorded this) has a beautiful song called "Memphis Skyline" about wishing he could walk like Orpheus into Hades and bring back Jeff Buckley. He's so unique and so moving in the way he sings. 💔

[@debbiechang5781]

This beautiful song from the late great Leonard Cohen always gets me. KD Lang does a stunning version. Nice pick Harri 🌺✌️

[@johnflynn5044]

So glad you chose this version.. I say it sets the standard. A masterpiece,, Did you notice the engineer saying WOW at the end

[@rmac8008]

That’s the genius of a Leonard Cohen song Beautiful version

[@susanpatterson5412]

Utterly beautiful

[@annakermode6646]

Jeff is INTENSE 😂 the Leonard cohen original was insanely long, he wrote something like 100 verses!

[@joejoesguitarinventions]

this story will be told for many a decade 🎸💯💥

[@thirday44]

If you get a chance, go and watch the official video where it's just him and his guitar. It's very moving. You can see his emotion. Thank you for another wonderful reaction.

[@karensimons6885]

I have read that Cohen's composition had many MANY verses...100??? It would be lovely to hear them!😊❤️

[@nickfiorenza5930]

WOW - PRAISE THE LORD!! SING HIM HIS PRAISE! AMEN!!!

[@MelanieMoroz]

This has nothing to do with Jesus - the original writer was Jewish and referring to the Torah.

[@dannford-premiersothebysin9057]

Oh, Jeff Buckley, gone way to early but he left a mark. This is my favorite version of this song.

[@rebeccastarovich6079]

Loved your reaction. I feel the same... it's mesmerizing.

[@foxandscout]

My favorite version of Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece will always be his. One of his live versions has the complete lyrics. My second favorite is Jeff Buckley’s and my third is k.d. lang’s. I’ve been a fan of all three from the beginning (with Leonard, from early on) of their careers. Saw Jeff live many times (because I saw his first appearance, at a tribute for his father [in my hood], who I had a teenage crush on. Jeff played often in tiny clubs and coffeehouses in NYC ; saw Leonard once a decade for a handful of decades including his last tour, when he was 80. Only got to see Tim Buckley twice. Both his and his son’s deaths were tragedies. I still have a hard time listening to Jeff without tears welling up. John Cale’s version is excellent, as is Rufus Wainwright’s. Pentatonix is a favorite of so many. Who hasn’t covered this iconic song?

[@ashleydixon4613]

After Jeff’s very untimely death in 97, his mom - Who controls Jeff’s estate-and his bandmates put out a studio album of unfinished material that Jeff had been working on to record his second studio album. Although of course it’s not as well known to anyone besides those of us who are blessed enough to be JB fans, but there’s some incredible material on there. If you want one that really puts the feels on you like this, listen to Morning Theft. To hear him go a totally different way, listen to Everybody Here Wants You (for which he was posthumously nominated for a Grammy, and definitely one of the “sexiest” songs ever), or The Sky Is A Landfill, where he goes pretty heavy. Such a shame he never got to even record his second studio album during his lifetime. He literally died while his bandmates were on the flight from NY to Memphis to meet up with him and start recording. He just did a stupid and careless thing-wading into the waters of the Mississippi River -but it cost him his life.

[@alloralou4722]

I remember when Jeff Buckley came out with this song when I was young and I love it. It’s sad that he died so young. I think he would have been a great singer. And Leonard Cohen was a poet genius. Edit-you were so right that his voice and the guitar blend so beautifully.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Thank you for the good reaction, Jeff Buckley was a great artist. I'd like to suggest to listen to the cover version live made by italian singer-songwriter ELISA !.....very emotional !!

[@iviciaable]

Jeff is a guitarist on this live version also, and to play finger-picking guitar (and excellently also) and to hold a voice note for 20 seconds at same time without taking a breath..is crazy

[@19HurdyGurdyMan46]

Harri, I've just seen a lovely video of Stevie Wonder, and funnily enough it made me think of you. I'm sure you'll appreciate it. It's titled something like 'Stevie Wonder Cries During Tribute to John Lennon's Imagine'. It made me think, John Lennon Stevie Wonder One Heart. It's from a concert Stevie did only a few years back in Canada.

[@rvs_musher6868]

I love your intelligent breakdown of the song

[@julieb.5860]

Talent can be inherited. Check out "Sweet Surrender" by his father Tim. You won't be sorry. Both died tragically young. Bright lights.

[@dianedavies8291]

Please react to more Jeff Buckley a good start “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” or “Grace”. ✌️♥️🎶

[@pauljs.438]

God bless you brother 🙏

[@kathleenkarsten5739]

Such a beautiful voice. Love JEFF Buckley. Happy New Year Harri! Wishing you a year of love and all that is good! 🥰

[@barbarawayland2424]

K D Lang had several different versions of this and as she aged it just got better and so full of emotion and very moving....

[@jamesbassett1484]

A further comment on the author: Leonard Chen was a Canadian poet, novelist, singer, songwriter from Canada, originally of Russian/Jewish extraction. The song was composed with MANY more verses. It details the struggles of an erotic/amorous relationship through Old Testament/Torah references used as allegories.

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

The amazing thing is how Leonard Cohen, (Original Writer) tells this story in so few words. 11 or 12 couplets. Every word is specific and symbolic. You're there. You're lost in it. Then Buckley sings and plays to break your heart.

[@cathysorge8433]

You need to see him singing this song. My favorite cover of this song.

[@Laura-rm6us]

Anything byJeff Buckley is a religious experience.

[@heydayma10513]

Tennessee Whiskey Band..I like it, too!

[@pretzelberger2125]

Glad you enjoyed it, mate. An epiphany.

[@Elixear]

Grace est universel. Il touche toutes celles et ceux qui l'écoutent dès la première fois. Et il a enregistré tellement d'autres choses que cet album unique. Il y a des mois et des mois de visionnage et d'écoute disponibles sur la toile, c'est quasi sans fin. Trente ans que je l'écoute et je l'ai vu une fois sur scène de son vivant, et je continue à découvrir de nouveaux enregistrements. Le dernier date de cette semaine. Jeff Buckley est une drogue, mais sans aucun effet indésirable ni overdose. Et même si cette réaction est répandue, en voir une nouvelle, sur un nouveau visage, dans une nouvelle âme, c'est toujours un pur plaisir d'en être témoin. Merci pour ça. Pour précision, il y a des dizaines de versions d'Hallelujah par Jeff Buckley. Il chante à chaque fois les mêmes paroles, mais pas une de ces versions ne ressemble à l'autre, la part qu'il laisse à l'improvisation est énorme, et vous n'entendrez jamais deux fois cette chanson interprétée de la même manière par lui.

[@enochancient9931]

Great reaction

[@thegoatchild3545]

"I give this 100 out of 10." Your mark is spot on, sir. Thanks for explaining the Bible references in this. I learned something here. New sub!👍

[@heidiv5488]

You absolutely must listen to kd lang singing this song. No one else comes close. My favourite is at the Juno awards in Winnipeg in 2005, but the 2010 Olympic performance is also great.

[@14gilbertst]

The first time I heard this song was at the end of the movie, Basquiat, and I had to wait for the endnotes to find the soundtrack, and then wait for the scroll to come to the last song. I recognized the voice as that of John Cale, of Velvet Underground fame, but I'd never heard the stunning song. Life changing performance. Watch the movie too if you haven't seen it!!

[@ifcatshadthumbs...664]

Leonard Cohens original writer and singer. Jeff Buckley's version with all the lyrics absolutely the best. All these others, while musically beautiful to the ear have been cleaned up and sanitized to the point of losing the down and dirty, brutally honest, truth of the song. Jeff delivers it with full force, moves you heart and soul and never fails to bring me to tears with an honest revelation of what it feels to be human, with our need to love and be loved and with our brokenness. Toss the sanitized stuff, and give me the grit any day!

[@heydayma10513]

Thanks Harri

[@TokiDoki-jt3of]

You are awesome

[@rhiahlMT]

Pentatonix does a great cover on this. There is a great Veteran's version out there too.

[@pauldover1403]

Here are the words that Leonard Cohen wrote in 2016 to one of the women who he had loved and betrayed, but never forgotten, Marianne Ihlen as she lay dying of leukaemia: "Dearest Marianne, I’m just a little behind you, close enough to take your hand. This old body has given up, just as yours has too, and the eviction notice is on its way any day now. I’ve never forgotten your love and your beauty. But you know that. I don’t have to say any more. Safe travels old friend. See you down the road. Love and gratitude. Leonard" He died himself later that year at the age of 82 after recording the album, "You Want It Darker" three weeks before his death. "There's a lover in the story But the story's still the same There's a lullaby for suffering And a paradox to blame But it's written in the scriptures And it's not some idol claim You want it darker We kill the flame" By the way, the first woman's name in the second verse is Bathsheba whose husband's death was carried out at David's command..

[@User_gin_927untileternity]

Thank you for doing lyrics Harri ! The dove part floored me (lol). I enjoyed Leonard Cohen's version, but this was great ! Gin 🙏

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

May I recommend the Jeff Buckley album Grace from which this is excerpted. Its a great album. Yes Harri when you get a luric with a bit of "meat on.the bone ' you bring out the meanings expertly

[@kathyshaw3253]

K.D. Lang version a must. Watch live version

[@khoohockleong7585]

The dove is a symbol of lovr (7th house), peace (12th house) and fertility (5th house) in Hinduism. Notice from thr 7th house of copulation hou count SIX (expansion) and you reach the 12th house of bed pleasures and if you count SIX again you reach the 5th house of children. A lot of Hindus thought Jesus visited India and absorb a lot of teachings from there including the art of levitation.

[@CthulhuWaitsDreaming]

There were different lyrical versions performed by Leonard Cohen at different times. Jeff Buckley pulled together the verses that spoke to him. You should listen to his song Dream Brother.

[@davidsimon9303]

Very good example of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_painting 'It goes like this the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift,' exactly as the music goes

[@TheSerubbaabel]

You get it

[@marcoferrikito]

Jeff was really great, his voice was very good, but the voice of his father Tim was from another planet

[@rigavitch]

Loved your reaction. check out his father Tim Buckley-Sweet surrender!!!!

[@AnthonyL0401]

The first line of the song is so good... it conveys how hard it is to please some people. "I heard there was a secret chord that David played and it pleased the Lord... but you don't really care for music, do you?" David could find a way to please almighty God but the singer of this song can't even reach whoever he is singing to

[@suemontague3151]

Of course I'm subscribed harri 😉❤

[@khoohockleong7585]

Do you know that Venus represents the lady that is the natural ruler of the 2nd and 7th house, the 1st two houses in terms of ranking that cause death? Mars is the natural ruler of the 1st house (the best house that gives you life) and the 8th house the spine (once the man or warrior sleeps, he is at his most vulnerable). However Venus has a hold on the Sanjivini (life rejuvenating) mantra, so Mars keeps visiting her home. The hair represents Saturn and Mars is exalted in Capricorn ruled by Saturn which is his lesser sign (not the Moolatrikona sign Aquarius). The warrior is at his best when he is fighting in an enemy's abode but which is not too powerful once Deliah cuts Samson's hair, it means the warrior gets trapped in the enemy's place (Aquarius the symbol of man the thinking creature takes over - a man has less hair than an animal) and he is no more the fighting warrior that he was.

[@NathanVeenstra]

I am usually pretty late with (mostly) rock and alternative artists. Jeff Buckley is one of them, along with Muse, and even ELO (yeah, I know; sorry! ;-) ). The flip side though, is that I can buy albums cheaper than when they were just released and even that there are now expanded versions that I can buy now, which I wouldn't have bought if I already owned another version of the album. At least I wouldn't from most artists, as I'd be happy enough owning the regular version, although now I have the option, I might go for the expanded version. Fans are sc***ed to be fair, as they are forced to buy yet another version of an album and they will as true fans, actually being (kind of) punished being the first ones to buy the original releases when they came out. Buckley was pretty underrated in his life, most of the recognition came after his untimely death.

[@jeanleveau7904]

I prefer the studio version from Grace but still beautiful