The Evolution of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah
If a group of people were asked what Hallelujah meant, there would be many different answers. The same concept has happened to Leonard Cohen’s original 1964 poem. He explained, "Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which means 'Glory to the Lord.'"[1] The evolution of the song demonstrates that many definitions of Hallelujah exist.
He originally recorded it on the album Various Positions that the Canadian record label released, but was ignored by his American record label. With his talking/singing style, the biblical references of David playing music and making God happy as well as Samson getting his hair cut and losing his strength, makes it sound like a Rabbi leading a discussion in a Synagogue with the members responding.
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah (original studio version)
(The links will open in a new window.)
One of the Canadian albums made its way to where Jeff Buckley was cat sitting in Manhattan in 1991. (Did one of the cats insist he play it?) Jeff incorporated it into his repertoire with the interpretation of it being a sexual orgasmic exclamation. He developed it into a 1994 recording and performed it on tours around that time. Many listeners thought he had written it.
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah - Live In Chicago 1995
John Cale of the Velvet Underground heard Leonard perform it, but wanted the songwriter’s permission before making the changes needed to match his own definition of Hallelujah. Leonard faxed him fifteen pages that contained the seventy to eighty verses he had started with. Cale recorded it as part of the tribute album I’m Your Fan: The Songs of Leonard Cohen that was released in 1991. With a steady beat and clear lyrics, it falls closer to the pop sound the American record executives may have been looking for from Leonard back in 1964. This is the version that is in the movie Shrek whereas it is the version by Rufus Wainright that is on the soundtrack CD.
John Cale - Hallelujah (Lyrics)
No longer available.
Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah (Shrek)
With the Buckley version modifying the music and style, and then Cale introducing new lyrics, it opened the door for others to do their versions. For financial reasons, Cohen was encouraged to allow these covers to be produced even though he was losing creative control over it. By 2006, there were over fifty versions floating around, many making him cringe when he heard them.
In 2006, during the ceremony when Leonard Cohen was being inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, kd lang performed (not just sang but performed) Hallelujah. His partner, Anjani Thomas said, “well, I think we can lay that song to rest now … ultimate blissful state of perfection.” [2]
kd lang's vocal strength and spiritual rather than religious expression of the text, has moved the piece towards a secular setting that is more inclusive.
kd lang "Hallelujah" CSHF 2006
She was later featured at the Vancouver Opening Ceremonies
Talent Competitions
The numerous talent shows that started around this time had severe time restrictions (90 to 120 seconds) which were perfect matches to the flexible structure of the original Hallelujah. Performers could do part or all of the first verse, display their musical virtuosity during the chorus, and a finale of the verse that matched their definition of Hallelujah for a complete song in under two minutes. If they became a finalist and were allowed more time to perform, they often returned with a four or five verse version, leading to a recording contract.
Alexandra Burke won the 2008 X-Factor in the United Kingdom and recorded Hallelujah. It went to the number one spot on the billboard chart. Her innocent and angelic rendition of the biblical passages has made this version the one played in many churches as well as being part of numerous secular ceremonies.
X Factor 2008 FINAL: Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah
The publicity of that win also resulted in renewed interest in the Jeff Buckley version and it ended up at number two on the chart at the same time. Even Leonard’s original version made it to number thirty-six in that week for over a million copies sold between the three performers. [3, 4]
Although the original was Old Testament and Jewish based, many feel that Hallelujah speaks of their New Testament Christian beliefs and the framework has allowed other poets to tell the Christmas Story in a meaningful way.
Lyrics
The video is not available but the words are here.
Easter is also significant to Christians so, after getting permission from Mr. Cohen, Kelley Mooney has created her version of the Crucifixion and Resurrection story, something that is definitely not Jewish.
Church Choir
I thought this one was down but the link is live again.
Kelley Mooney Album "Tomorrow"
A minister changed the words and surprised a couple by performing a special version for Leah and Chris at their wedding. (Advance to the 1:00 mark for the start of the song.)
Leah and Chris Wedding Song
Even Leonard Cohen has evolved. Maybe it is because his partner is a singer, but his performance at the 2008 Montreal Jazz Festival has moved from a Rabbinical discussion towards the musical end of the continuum.
Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah (live at the Montreal Jazz Festival 2008)
There is estimated to be over four hundred recorded versions of Hallelujah. Some have been used to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief while others help rock a baby to sleep. Leonard Cohen did more than write a poem. He created an inspiration, a spark that has many looking within themselves. Like a Rabbi, he has not preached an answer, but asked the question for everyone to find their own answer of what Hallelujah means to them.
Letters To Leonard Cohen
July 29, 2015
In celebration of Leonard's 80th birthday, letters were collected to form a book. One letter was put on facebook as an example of how Hallelujah affected Jinji Willingham.
https://www.facebook.com/leonardcohen/posts/10153520152534644:0
No longer available.
Workes Cited
[1] Jeff Buckey
[2] Anjani Thomas quote
[3] Talent Shows
[4] Alexandra Burke Success
This web page was produced as an assignemnt for
Canadian Poetry
Brandon University
Dr. D. Brandt
February 2015
by Kathryn Giesbrecht