Hallelujah (Lyrics)

Hallelujah is a powerful and emotional song written by Leonard Cohen. Its lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and faith, blending poetic storytelling with deep emotions. Over the years, many artists have covered the song, making it even more popular.

The word Hallelujah itself means “praise the Lord,” and the song combines both spiritual and secular elements. Each verse tells a different story, sometimes about biblical figures and sometimes about human relationships.

With its haunting melody and soulful meaning, the song continues to touch hearts worldwide.

Hallelujah (Lyrics)

Song credits for Hallelujah:

Credit	Details
Song Title	Hallelujah
Artist	Leonard Cohen
Album	Various Positions
Released	1984
Genre	Folk, Rock
Songwriter	Leonard Cohen
Producer	John Lissauer
Label	Columbia Records

Lyrics

Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you dont really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor falls, the major lifts
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 her
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

Well, maybe there’s a God above
As for me all I’ve ever learned from love
Is how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
But it’s not a crime that you’re hear tonight
It’s not some pilgrim who claims to have seen the Light
No, it’s a cold and it’s a very broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Instrumental

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Well people I’ve been here before
I know this room and I’ve walked this floor
You see I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
But listen love, love is not some kind of victory march, no
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 I remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove she was moving too
And every single breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Now I’ve done my best, I know it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didnt come here to London just to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand right here before the Lord of song
With nothing, nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

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

Summary

The song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen blends biblical references with deep emotions. It begins with King David, who played a secret chord that pleased God, symbolizing faith and music. The lyrics then shift to themes of love and betrayal, referencing Bathsheba and Samson, showing the power and pain of relationships.

The song later questions faith, suggesting that love can be cold and broken, rather than a glorious victory. It reflects on loss, longing, and redemption, emphasizing personal struggles. The repeated Hallelujah expresses both sorrow and praise, making the song deeply spiritual and emotional.

Conclusion

“Hallelujah” is a deeply emotional song that explores themes of faith, love, loss, and redemption. Through poetic and symbolic lyrics, it portrays both the beauty and pain of human experiences.

The song’s repeated Hallelujah serves as a powerful expression of both sorrow and praise, making it universally relatable. With its haunting melody and profound meaning, it continues to touch hearts and remains one of the most iconic and timeless songs ever written.