Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q

performed by Rufus Waynwright, Jeff Buckly and
Leonard Cohen—there are several versions

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
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
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

*(Leonard Cohen’s version starts here)
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The Holy Dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there’s a God above
and all I ever learned from love
was how to shoot out someone
who outdrew you

It’s not a cry you can hear at night,
It’s not somebody who’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(Most versions end above, Leonard Cohen’s version continues below)
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

Note: 3/5/10
I’ve been obsessed with this song today. The melody completely draws me in. The lyrics are pretty. I believe the original author was Leonard Cohen; however, it’s been covered by a variety of artists and lyrics have been added or manipulated. I can’t say exactly what the original intent was with all of these lyrics. But, it’s beautiful. Clearly there is an allusion to King David, the Psalms, and Samson in the Bible. It conjures up images of a loving, albeit, strained relationship with God, mostly. But there is a carnal feeling to it, too. As I listen, I conjure up images of a sweaty run or bike-ride, a sob in the rain, raw physical affection, or falling down on one’s knees dirty and bloodied from a harrowing experience (e.g. birth, miscarriage, battle, a terrible accident). Sometimes our experience of God is so full and fresh, it’s exhilarating and palpable. And we all have those experiences where our faith wanes and we feel terribly alone. But that is a Holy place too. I think this is about those waning times—those times of longing. We can praise God in both of those places.

Hallelujah is a Hebrew word, meaning, “Praise Yaweh”. It’s primarily used in praise and thanksgiving. The author speaks of the “cold and broken Hallelujah.” I interpret the Cold, Broken Hallelujah as those time when we cry out for God but feel He is a million miles away—when we ache for His presence, but can’t seem to feel it. When we want to yell and scream. When we embrace, tearfully.
I’m curious what you think? Any different interpretations or thoughts? I’d love to hear what others come up with. Love listening to this and the various versions. Feel free to comment, if you like.