Who's behind the notes? Discover Leonard Cohen: The Poet Who Wrote Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah" is one of his most famous and enduring works. Here are some interesting facts about Leonard Cohen and the song "Hallelujah":
Multiple Versions: Leonard Cohen wrote "Hallelujah" in 1984, and it has since been covered by over 300 artists in various languages. Some of the most notable covers include those by Jeff Buckley, John Cale, Rufus Wainwright, and k.d. lang.
Cohen's Struggle with the Song: Leonard Cohen initially wrote around 80 verses for "Hallelujah" and spent years fine-tuning the lyrics. He once said, "I filled two notebooks, about 60 pages, of the song. In the end, I just wrote the song, because it was too much torture to do it any other way."
Influence from Biblical References: The song's lyrics are rich with biblical references, drawing from the stories of King David and Bathsheba, Samson and Delilah, and various religious themes. It uses the word "Hallelujah," which means "Praise the Lord" in Hebrew, to convey a mix of religious and secular sentiments.
Initial Commercial Reception: Despite its eventual popularity, "Hallelujah" did not achieve commercial success upon its initial release on Cohen's album "Various Positions" in 1984. In fact, the album was not well-received by his record label, and they did not release it in the United States.
Jeff Buckley's Cover: Perhaps the most famous version of "Hallelujah" is Jeff Buckley's rendition, released on his 1994 album "Grace." Buckley's emotional and haunting interpretation helped introduce the song to a new generation and is often regarded as one of the greatest cover versions ever recorded.
Movie and TV Appearances: "Hallelujah" has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, further cementing its status as a classic. It notably appeared in the soundtrack of the 2001 animated film "Shrek" during a pivotal scene, introducing the song to an even wider audience.
Cultural Impact: The song has become an anthem of hope, despair, and redemption for many listeners. It has been played at major events such as funerals, weddings, and political rallies, and it continues to resonate with people around the world.
Recognition and Awards: Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2008, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and it has been covered by countless artists who pay tribute to Cohen's enduring musical legacy.
Cohen's Humble Take: Despite the song's immense popularity, Leonard Cohen remained humble about its success. He once said, "I think it's a good song, but I think too many people sing it."
Legacy: Leonard Cohen passed away on November 7, 2016, but his music and "Hallelujah" continue to be celebrated and remembered as enduring contributions to the world of music and songwriting.
"Hallelujah" is a timeless masterpiece that has touched the hearts of countless people worldwide, and Leonard Cohen's poetic talent and dedication to his craft shine through in this iconic song.