Hallelujah (6:51)

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“Hallelujah” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen originally released on his 1984 studio album Various Positions. “Hallelujah” has been covered more than 120 times (counting only recorded, not live, versions) and featured in the soundtracks of numerous movies and television shows.

The original recording is noted for containing biblical references in the lyrics, alluding to David’s harp-playing used to soothe King Saul (I Sam 16:23), and his later affair with Bathsheba after watching her bathe from his roof (2 Sam 11:2). The line “she broke your throne and she cut your hair” is a reference to the source of Samson’s strength from the Book of Judges chapter 16. The third verse mentions “the name” (Tetragrammaton). In these instances, the lyrics are overtly sexual. Jeff Buckley called his own rendition of the song an homage to “the hallelujah of the orgasm”.

American singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley recorded one of the best-known covers of “Hallelujah” for his 1994 studio album, Grace. Buckley, not wholly satisfied with any one take, recorded the song more than twenty times. Grammy Award-winning music studio engineer Andy Wallace took three of these recordings to create a single track. The result is a sparse-sounding production of vocals and electric guitar, influenced by John Cale’s version.

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singer-songwriter, beautiful, rock, acoustic, cover
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Video

Added by NicoS24

Actually this is more alike Rufus Wainwright's version in Shrek...

Still it's a wonderful song written by Leonard Cohen (though I really hate his version) immortalized by the late Jeff Buckley.…

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Lyrics

(L. Cohen)
Originally contained in Leonard Cohen's Various Positions

I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
Read full lyrics…

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Albums featuring this track

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nicjazdad wrote:
yesterday morning

This is my all-time favorite song.

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polarkreis18 wrote:
Monday afternoon

awesome cover

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pfranpig wrote:
Monday afternoon

preciosa

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PauMusic wrote:
Sunday evening

amazing

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pichululita wrote:
Sunday afternoon

love it :)

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miladydoe wrote:
Sunday morning

There are so many amazing covers of this Leonard Cohen classic. This is definitely one of the best, I think, along with Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, and so many others.

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Solaign wrote:
Saturday afternoon

Maybe there is a God above But all I've ever learned from love Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you

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oxiboy911 wrote:
Saturday morning

This song is so great on so many levels. Jeff is so great,. that is correct I said is so great! We lost a great artist that cold night when the 'ol river called to him, but I know the river was calling him for a much greater voice that he was hearing that night. All good things are best when you only get a taste!

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nancykitten wrote:
Saturday morning

Leonard Cohen has more depth and sincerity in his little finger than Jeff had in his entire existence.

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swissboy76 wrote:
Friday evening

beautiful

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queenmgu wrote:
Friday morning

+1

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gskyg wrote:
Thursday evening

cry for big genius

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missnumberthree wrote:
Thursday afternoon

its perfect.

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bigfan86 wrote:
Thursday morning

RIP great one

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cyrillemassy wrote:
Thursday morning

One of the best cover ever, I might even say the best cover ever. :)

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SleazeLick wrote:
Wednesday evening

It's one of the songs, wich are much better covered than orginal version , I know that Cohen version is classic , but this one is more emotional

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CLASSICALDI wrote:
Wednesday afternoon

This is one of my favourites, I heard today that the 2008 X Factor winner will be doing a version of this track...I hope it is not the version that Diana (contestant)performed in the early stages of the show...heaven help us if it is...Jeff will turn in this grave....please X Factor, dont spoil it!!

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matildanaoko wrote:
last week

uffffffff......

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jeloumadafaca wrote:
last week

love it , is the best sooooooooong *o*

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meikun wrote:
last week

Truly heartbreaking and inspiring...weird... but I absolutely love it!

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