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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