December 1984 Album: Various Positions

Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen

About Hallelujah

Read More Collapse “Hallelujah” is Leonard Cohen’s most iconic song, first released in 1984 on the album Various Positions. Though initially overlooked, the song later gained legendary status through numerous covers by artists like Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright.

The Hallelujah lyrics weave together religious motifs and intimate reflections on broken relationships, spiritual longing, and emotional surrender. With each verse, Cohen reinterprets the meaning of “Hallelujah,” shifting between reverence and lament.

Now regarded as a modern hymn, the song’s universal themes and poetic ambiguity have made it a staple in film, television, and live tributes. “Hallelujah” stands as a quiet masterpiece of lyrical depth and melancholic beauty.

Hallelujah Lyrics

[Verse 1]

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 ya?

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing "Hallelujah"

[Chorus]

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Verse 2]

Your faith was strong, but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya

She tied you to a kitchen chair

She broke your throne and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

[Chorus]

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Verse 3]

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 ya?

There's a blaze of light in every word

It doesn't matter which you heard

The holy or the broken Hallelujah

[Chorus]

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Verse 4]

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 ya

And even though it all went wrong

I'll stand before the lord of song

With nothing on my tongue but hallelujah

[Chorus]

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Outro]

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

[Additional Lyrics]

Baby, I've been here before

I know this room, I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew ya

And 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

[Additional Lyrics]

There was a time you let me know

What's really going on below

But now you never show it to me, do ya?

And remember when I moved in you

The holy dove was moving too

And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

[Additional Lyrics]

Maybe there's a God above

But all I've ever learned from love

Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew ya

And it's not a cry that you hear at night

It's not somebody who's seen the light

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

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Lyric Video of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Line-by-Line Breakdown of Hallelujah Lyrics

The Hallelujah lyrics weave biblical imagery and personal reflections into a poetic narrative. Verses explore themes of love, loss, faith, and redemption with rich metaphors and emotional depth. The repeated chorus “Hallelujah” serves as both praise and lament, capturing complex human emotions. Each stanza reveals new layers of vulnerability, spirituality, and bittersweet beauty.

Vocal Parts in the Hallelujah Lyrics

Leonard Cohen delivers the song with deep, resonant vocals conveying solemnity and introspection.
Vocal Style: Warm, narrative tone with a steady, contemplative pace.
Production Note: The original sparse arrangement features acoustic guitar and subtle keyboards, highlighting the lyrics and vocal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of "Hallelujah"?

“Hallelujah” means “praise the Lord,” but the song expresses a complex mix of spirituality and human imperfection.

When was "Hallelujah" released?

It was released in 1984 on Leonard Cohen’s album Various Positions.

Who are some notable artists that covered "Hallelujah"?

Jeff Buckley, John Cale, and many others have made famous covers, each with unique interpretations.

What genre is "Hallelujah"?

It belongs to folk rock and contemporary folk genres, blending poetic lyrics with acoustic instrumentation.

What inspired Leonard Cohen to write "Hallelujah"?

Inspired by biblical stories and personal reflections on love, faith, and doubt, Cohen crafted layered verses full of depth.