Understanding HALLELUJAH

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Hallelujah is one of the most recognizable songs ever written, and many people know it for many different reasons. Some associate it with spirituality, while others associate it with the movie, Shrek. How did this song become so well known?
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Who wrote Hallelujah?
Leonard Cohen
What did Leonard Cohen die from?
Leukemia
Was Leonard Cohen religious?
Cohen was involved with Buddhism beginning in the 1970s and was ordained a Buddhist monk in 1996; he continued to consider himself Jewish: "I'm not looking for a new religion. I'm quite happy with the old one, with Judaism."
What is the meaning behind the song Hallelujah?
The Meaning of the Song "Hallelujah," by Leonard Cohen. In Hebrew, the word hallelujah means to rejoice in praising God. However, the numerous biblical references and religious symbols in Cohen's song lead not to spiritual heights, but to Cohen's secularism. It is a bitter lament about love and loss.
- spinditty.com
Who sang Hallelujah in Shrek?
Though the version played in the movie was John Cale's cover, Rufus Wainwright is credited on the official soundtrack.
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Hallelujah has been covered by over 300 known artists in multiple languages, but it all started with Leonard Cohen. The song first appeared in 1984 on Cohen’s 7th studio album, Various Positions. He’s stated that it took him two years to finish the song, and he wrote over 80 verses in one session from a hotel room in New York. Those verses were narrowed down to 7 for the album. Cohen’s original intent with the song was to convey that Hallelujah can have many meanings, and thus, serve many purposes. It’s a word that can be used in times of relief, grieving, celebration, or remorse. Cohen delivers this message in the form of a love story. Love found, love lost, and dealing with the aftermath of those events. He uses a lot of religious symbolism throughout the song as well, referring to the story of David in the Book of Samuel, and Samson. Judging by the astronomical number of covers of the song, Cohen’s message was heard loud and clear by artists all over the world who gave Hallelujah their own meaning.
Though Bob Dylan reportedly covered the song in a few live performances, the first official cover wasn’t recorded until 6 years later when The Velvet Underground co-founder, John Cale, released a Leonard Cohen tribute album entitled, I’m Your Fan. This is the version of the song that many people would associate with Shrek. John Cale’s cover of the song features two fewer verses, and ends on a slightly different note than the original. Where Cohen finishes on a hopeful and somewhat uplifting note, Cale leaves us with this verse. [Play verse] This ends the song with a much more somber and uncertain message. He’s uncertain if there is a God, which could also be interpreted as love, and all he’s ever learned from love is how to hurt somebody who’s hurt him. While Cale’s cover may leave some listeners feeling depressed, Jeff Buckley felt inspired. After hearing the cover, he recorded what has become the most recognized and acclaimed version of Hallelujah for his one, and only studio album, Grace. Buckley’s cover shares the depressive nature of Cale’s, and even uses the same 5 verses. What sets Buckley’s rendition apart is the way in which he gradually takes the song from a softly sung melody, to a chilling crescendo. Unfortunately, Buckley would never see how impactful his cover of the song ultimately was, as he tragically passed away in 1997, only 3 years after the release of Grace. It wasn’t until 2002 Grace went certified Gold, and even then, Hallelujah didn’t chart until it was released as a single in 2006. It’s currently ranked 264th on Rolling Stones top 500 songs of all time list, and in 2013, it was inducted into the National Recording Registry alongside presidential speeches, and other historically important recordings in US history.
Since the commercial success of those first two covers, hundreds of covers have been recorded. From Christmas versions, to acapella covers, artists from all over the world have heeded Leonard Cohen’s original message, and given their own meaning to Hallelujah. Through various styles, and re-writes, the legacy of this iconic song lives on through every artist that leaves their mark on it.
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#hallelujah #leonardcohen #music
Disclaimer:
We do not own any of the video or music used to create this video.
All content is used for educational and entertainment purposes.

[@zephy5327]

Jeff Buckley's rendition is incredible. Truly moving.

[@shufflequest]

Zephy His cover is what inspired this video!

[@vevalde]

I love Jeff Buckley's version a lot, but my all time favorite rendition is from k.d. lang at the Juno awards in 2005. She is so amazing in that performance, I never get tired of it and get goose bumps every time I hear it. Whenever I feel spiritually low, I listen to her and I immediately feel better. She not only is a wonder to my ears, I also love watching her face expressions while she sings and I have great admiration for her ability to be one with the orchestra but always coming out above it. She is just perfect.

[@0102dri]

Definitely love the version sung by The Pentatonix. Absolutely beautiful.

[@cameronvandygriff7048]

The cohen end verse is so much more fitting for my initial interpretation of the song i was going through a gut wrenching breakup kind of going through the motions of love found love lost and dealing with the aftermath and "even though it all went wrong ill stand right here before the lord of song with nothing on my tongue but hallelujah" just made the song resonate so soundly

[@nancybiasatti1476]

The version I like best is Jeff Buckley's!! It moves me each time I listen to it! Simply Amazing!!!

[@TheJfluffy]

Truly a phenomenal song! I heard the Pentatonix version as my family arrived in Universal Studios Hollywood. I can still remember the moment of arriving at a place that is so amazing thanks to those first few minutes of that song

[@shufflequest]

It's amazing the way music can enhance an experience

[@andreylucass]

This deserves a lot more views.

[@shufflequest]

Andrey Lucas Glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@LeeandroMac]

for sure, knowing where this song came from made me like it a lot more, the take for the two final versers are amazing, bring a bright contrast

[@kathleenwilliams6599]

It's absolutely amazing that Leonard or the producers have allowed people to write different lyrics, I have never heard of a original song writer and performer allowing this!!! Do you know how this came about that we the people are allowed to do this? I think this is my favorite song in every version written and sung. The first time I remember hearing this song is when I watched Shrek on the silver screen and cried my eye's out. On of my favorite ever movies but Shrek the second and all the other silly versions almost ruined it for me. It is a story that had a beginning and a million dollar ending. And in my opinion, Shrek is a movie and so moving with not silly jokes like the other ones rather profound joy and later. Mixed with a moving story that is relatable to every adult in any hard situation that one Always hopes to come to pass or stay eternal in our heart and when the Hallelujah seen came on it has intense meaning to people who feel extremely deeply enough to see signs all around you to follow and help you out in the moment. I'm moved to tears of happiness every time I drive past a yeild sign and moved to sadness yet the time that you have to turn around when you drive up to a dead end sign. But I have severe PTSD and I'm working on lyrics to this music for the silence of mental illness but inside you are screaming and begging for a Hallelujah to bring you even out of one panic attack or a thought of committing suicide. The lyrics speak the entire truth from the bad to the good to the bad again. I don't care what religion you belong to but if you believe in God and Jesus Christ our savior a mentally ill person or chronically person or disabled eventually do give up but if they believe in miracles and the true grace of God and know that that higher power after trying everything else needs God's healing and an eternal Hallelujah to look forward to realizing this mortal life is just a short time to figure it out and believe the entire reason for coming to earth is to learn and learn and learn with Hallelujah's all along the way and eternal Hallelujah that is worth living through every trial til we die singing our last Hallelujah on earth and the first of what we hope for in the next life that is typically known as heaven. But this message is to long... but right now since February 24,2022 to the present in Ukraine 🇺🇦 version.

[@Stelios78910]

Here before you get bg. Hallelujah!

[@shufflequest]

SteliosSeven 🙏🙏🙏

[@bernandinocamilo1946]

One of the best songs ever made

[@scorpio11955]

Its a healing song. Have all the emotions that human being feels as you sing deep. Emotions are energies and each chakra in a human body have dufferent emotions. As you sing along you touch each of them. Its like sectrets of the universe. Not finding the words to explain it but can draw what am saying and how its related to us deeply

[@CrazyHomelessWeirdo]

The John Cale version was played as we carried my father to his grave. It was his favorite song and the closest he ever got to having an understanding of God. As a christian man that made me sad but inspite of his godless life he was such a good kind gentle caring man. I miss you pops.

[@bajiron]

My favorite is Kyle Tomlinson on AGT it was a golden buzzer. That young man put his whole heart into it!

[@MarzukShalvi]

Disturb should make a version, may be it will be worthwhile...

[@jcall22000]

My idea of the best version: k.d. lang at the Juno awards. Amazing....

[@McEDoo-fx1yn]

That one’s good but the 2010 Van Olympics is my fave.

[@irelandinez5201]

Amazing video as always! You need a million subs!

[@aal9207]

Jeff Buckley version is my favorite.

[@aal9207]

Respect to Leonard Cohen

[@traplover6357]

This that good song history shit! Historic song histories that exist in the past to today is a good series idea!

[@YuhNinja]

Why aren't you WAAAAY BIGGER! Your videos have the quality of a million+ sub channel!

[@shufflequest]

YuhNinja thanks so much!! If you want to help us out, share with a friend! 🙏

[@stephenpittman6519]

Damein Rice Nails It. That Man can Sing. He never misses a note. I’m Big Fan of many of his originals.

[@abrahamphilip6439]

Leonard Cohen's Hallajuhah is about David revealing the Biblical words "Flesh is weak but the Spirit willing" God called David a Worm for the weakness of his flesh but be called David " A man after my heart" for his Spirit A 1982 version of Hallajuhah in the Malayalam language where the song goes as aha aha aha -- Hallajuhah --- The laughter of God -- Father Son Holy Spirit,

[@shufflequest]

What's your favorite version of Hallelujah, and why? 🎵Follow Our Monthly Playlist: spoti.fi/2SvIy81

[@russeljimmies3899]

Jeff Buckley's cover is my favorite. His voice is sent straight from the heavens. It also comes right after "So Real" on the album, which is my personal favorite song from him.

[@billyharris6196]

The youtuber "The Dooo" did a beautiful cover

[@danielmoreira1965]

Ryan Tedder

[@nicasharshon8413]

Leonard Cohen's.

[@levielliott4673]

I like Rufus Wainwright's version, but I wish that first guy that recorded a cover hadn't cut out the last verse because I like it much better that way, but everyone else pretty much just followed suit.

[@user-re2ox6dx6t]

I love alleluah🎉

[@narrowgate777]

Pentatonix, but the opening guitar on Jeff Buckley's version is genius

[@machamham2556]

I like K. D. Lang ' s cover.

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

Oh hey I remember Alfo Media talking about this few months back

[@shufflequest]

Yes, he did a video on Hallelujah. Our focus with this was different though. The main point of this video is to talk about how artists have changed the meaning of hallelujah through their own variations, and how that relates back to Cohen's original message within the song.

[@verdellgarrick5578]

Piano version of hallelujah

[@trans.dental3863]

The version from Shrek! The back and forth of Shrek and Fiona, missing and wanting each other, was truly heartbreaking.

[@hilarysmythe9102]

Rufus Wainwright , classic, no frills

[@br.davidriccio5898]

Favorite version of Hallelujah is both Lenard Cohen and Rufus Wainwright!!!!!!!

[@cowpunkability]

How was Jeff Buckley so ……. Old yet so young. He knows so much and his music is still beyond anyone even now.

[@aericabison23]

I am a Christian but I don’t see this song as a religious piece at all. But when I sing it, I always like to end it with the “I did my best, it wasn’t much verse”. It’s one of my favourite songs. Also, David didn’t see Bathsheba bathing on the roof as the song says. He was actually on the roof of his house, looking down on Bathsheba as she bathed at her own house. Ancient Jewish houses had an open roof bathing area so if a creep wanted to look down onto a lady bathing, he could easily get a good view if he lived high above the town.

[@SupremacySinema]

I’ve yet to hear a version that topics Cohen’s original

[@spideydude3697]

Ikr. I myself have yet to find a cover where someone sings the song in a similar tone as Leonard Cohen's version rather than Jeff Buckley's version and the other downer versions. Everyone always sings the song with a sad tone, which can be enjoyable to listen to, but to always to hear it like that everytime is kinda repetitive and redundant. I wanna hear someone sing it with an uplifting tone like Leonard Cohen did.

[@gjbsarmeri3957]

The funniest thing about this songs is that it doesn't have anything to do with christianity. It uses christian lines as metaphors.

[@alison2862]

The Pentatonix version of this song is the best

[@scottbrumley3694]

I often try to imagine hating this song more, but it is hard. Then I hear it again because some jerk plays it thinking "everybody loves this song" and like magic, I hate it more... and more...

[@patty7791]

This most definitely was NOT a song written to be sung by children! It’s like letting them watch an 18+ movie! I find it shocking when kids sing it,,especially in church!

[@aprilmuanlal7673]

😢😢😢😢

[@thetimeisnow9236]

Shrek's version bc I use to sing it to my dog before he passed

[@onewingangel1117]

🥺🐾

[@user-bi5un7xq4b]

I did not quite get it - you did not research it? Leonard Cohen released first version of the song in 1984 on Various Positions album (and sung it live on his 1985 tour), but then in 1988 tour he performed another version (with some of discarded verses added ). This version was released on Cohen Live! album in 1994. In the meantime, after 1988 tour John Cale asked him for lyrics and Cohen faxed him verses from both versions (1985 and 1988) and Cale made his own selection of verses, for his live shows, and recorded that version for I'm Your Fan album in 1990. Jeff Buckley clearly says "I recorded John Cale's version off I'm Your Fan". So there is no single line of the song not written by Cohen; Various perfomers can choose their own selection of verses. Despite Cale and Buckley, the song remained obscure and during his 1993 tour Cohen continued to perform his second, 1988 version. Only after the Shrek movie (which used Cale version in the film but produced Rufus Wainwright version for the OST cd) Hallellujah went to become what is now. So Cohen decided to connect bot versions into combined one, for his 2008-2013 tours. So, when we speak about Cohen versions, there are three (and the original studio version is pretty much different n terms of singing and delivery than later live version and it has the choir). All covers are of Cale version via Buckley, except Bob Dylan's (he covered the original 1984 version on his 1986 tour) and Bono's (who tried to channelise Cohen's recitative style and synths) and Enrique Morente's flamenco version.

[@epicmage82]

But you can't command the consciences. I like that.

[@McEDoo-fx1yn]

kd lang Vancouver Olympics 2010

[@karenpoirier9352]

KD Lang

[@kenkre1212]

Lucy Thomas'

[@jeriheck1951]

It's a toss up for me. Rufus Wainwright, Bon Jovi and Pentatonix.

[@lukankhoma6803]

the one from shrek

[@user-bi5un7xq4b]

Which one? In movie they used John Cale's version and on the soundtrack CD they put Rufus Wainwright' version.:)

[@lovelyday2254]

Jeff Buckley👍👍👍

[@joseguevara184]

Anyway, I watched this and did not solve anything for me, still don´t understand the meaning. When you can´t defeat your enemy confuse him!!!

[@scorpio11955]

It's a strong song that brings all the emotions in a human being. I don't know if you're religious or not. But the thing is,it carries secret of the universe. It's deep

[@alishajohnson4336]

Matt McAndrew sings it best!!

[@lucylucina4253]

Tori Kelly

[@heeheeeeeeee2382]

The music theory Wordplay is genius I heard there was a secret CHORD that david PLAYED and it please the lord But you don't really care for MUSIC do ya? And it goes like this The FOURTH the FIFTH the MINOR fall and the MAJOR lift The baffled king COMPOSING HALELUJAH

[@kimbarry4674]

Buckley doesn't come close to Leonard Cohen or KD Lang

[@cowpunkability]

I still think there’s no reason to cover the song after Jeff Buckley…. Unless you know to personally cover it to be in it and feel it, but as far as covering it as a professional musician, why. Buckley just can’t do better than his version.

[@patrickbrownson1]

80 VERSES??? Christ.

[@dkhnova]

0:10 ... One of the most overrated songs ever written.

[@rowan-m8850]

"associate it with spirituality" shows a clip of people in a christian church, lmao