Primarily based on a romantic relationship. Interpreting of the tune, in which he is specifically paying homage to “the hallelujah of the pinnacle ofīedroom pleasure”. Usage as a religious term. And this sort of leads us to Buckley’s own Is used in different applications throughout the song, outside of its general
Specific part of the song which points to the idea that the word “hallelujah” I've told the truth, I didn't come all this way to fool ya.First is that he omits Cohen’s fifth verse. That is the No it's a cold and it's a very lonely Hallelujah. It's not the laughter of someone who claims to have seen the light Yeah but it's not a complaint that you hear tonight,
Is how to shoot at someone who outdrew ya. Yes every single breath that we drew was Hallelujah.Īs for me, all I've ever seemed to learn from love Yeah but I remember, yeah when I moved in you, No it's a cold and it's a very broken Hallelujah.Īh but now you never show it to me, do ya? Yeah I've seen your flag on the marble arch,īut listen, love is not some kind of victory march,
I know this room, I've walked this floor. I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool youĬhorus Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah (1988, released on Cohen Live, 1994) She broke your throne, and she cut your hairĪnd from your lips she drew the Hallelujahīut if I did, well really, what's it to you? Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you Your faith was strong but you needed proof That David played, and it pleased the Lordīut you don't really care for music, do you? I'll stand before the Lord of Song with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah." Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah (1984, Various Positions) However, as Cohen sings to end both versions of his song: The deeper these relationships go, the more they have the capacity to enrich our lives, or to hurt us profoundly. To me, this song reflects the reality that as humans we are drawn into relationships, whether with God or one another. For many, sex should never be totally separated from procreation, and the question 'Should I have sex with him/her?' should really read 'Do I want to make a family with him/her?'. When we have sex, we are acknowledging something divine, sacred or holy in each other.įor Christians, Jews and Muslims, God's first command was to find a partner, have sex and start a family. We may get the impression that sex has become casual or hedonistic, but in truth, for most of us, sex involves us at a spiritual level. The continued popularity of this song shows that it still strikes a chord with people of all ages. Many Christians, particularly in the Anglican Church (the Church of England or the Episcopal Church) include a variation of the following in their wedding vows: It is important to understand this in a religious context. Most commentators see this as a more secular song, identifying with the way in which lovers worship one another. It's purifying."Ĭohen's second version of the song leaves out the Biblical references. Rufus Wainwright said "The melody is almost liturgical and conjures up religious feelings.