Meaning and Lyrics of the Song Hallelujah

meaning of song hallelujah

Leonard Cohen was a famous Canadian singer, songwriter, and poet born in 1934 in Montreal. He loved writing from a young age and started with poetry before becoming a musician.

His songs are known for deep, thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies. Cohen’s work often discusses love, faith, and life’s struggles.

He inspired many people around the world with his unique voice and honest words. Throughout his life, he kept creating music and writing until he passed away in 2016.

About the Song

Hallelujah is about finding hope and beauty even in pain and brokenness. It mixes feelings of love, loss, and faith, showing how life can be both difficult and wonderful at the same time.

The song reminds us to keep believing and praising, no matter what happens. Over the years, many artists have sung it, helping the song become known across the world.

Details Information
Released December 11, 1984
Album The Essential Leonard Cohen (2002)
Writers Leonard Cohen
Producers John Lissauer

Meaning of the Hallelujah Song

It is about the ups and downs of life and love, and talks about feeling joy and sadness together. The word Hallelujah means “praise the Lord,” but in the song, it shows how people can find hope even when things are hard. 

The song tells stories from the Bible and mixes them with personal feelings. It shows that love can be beautiful but also painful. Even when people feel broken or lost, they can still find reasons to be thankful. 

It is about accepting both the good and bad parts of life. It reminds us that faith and hope can stay strong through struggles. Overall, Hallelujah is a song of deep emotions and human experience. It encourages us to keep going and find meaning in every moment.

Hallelujah Lyrics by Leonard Cohen

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
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
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
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
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
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

Live Performance of Hallelujah

Similar Songs Like Hallelujah

If you enjoyed Hallelujah, you may also like these songs by the same artist. Each one shares the deep feelings, calm sound, and thoughtful words that make his music special.

  • Suzanne: This gentle song tells a story about a woman and deep feelings. It mixes love, faith, and calm music in a beautiful way.
  • Bird On the Wire: A soft and honest song about freedom, mistakes, and trying to be better. Its slow tune and true words touch the heart.
  • Famous Blue Raincoat: Told like a letter to a friend, this song talks about loss, pain, and memories. It feels sad but kind at the same time.
  • If It Be Your Will: It speaks of giving up control and trusting something bigger with calm and peaceful words.

Similar Artists Like Leonard Cohen

These artists also use deep words, quiet music, and soft voices to share strong feelings and life thoughts.

  • Nick Drake
    Genre: Folk, Acoustic
    Top Albums: Five Leaves Left (1969), Bryter Layter (1971), Pink Moon (1972)
  • Bob Dylan
    Genre: Folk, Rock
    Top Albums: The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963), Highway 61 Revisited (1965), Blood on the Tracks (1975)
  • Tom Waits
    Genre: Folk, Jazz, Rock
    Top Albums: Closing Time (1973), Rain Dogs (1985), Mule Variations (1999)
  • Paul Simon
    Genre: Folk, Pop
    Top Albums: Graceland (1986), Still Crazy After All These Years (1975), There Goes Rhymin’ Simon (1973)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an Official Lyrics Video for Hallelujah?

Yes, you can find many official and fan-made lyrics videos on YouTube and music platforms.

Why do Some People Play Hallelujah at Weddings and Funerals?

The song’s message about love and loss fits both happy and sad moments in life.

What Bible Stories are Mentioned in the Lyrics of Hallelujah?

The song talks about King David and Bathsheba, and Samson and Delilah from the Bible.

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