'Hallelujah': The True Meaning of a Beautiful Song

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First things first. You probably didn’t know who actually wrote “Hallelujah” before you watched this video, but you likely recognize it from Shrek or any number of shows that needed a sad song quickly.

Well, here’s the thing: those guys may not really understand the meaning of “Hallelujah.” The original writer, Leonard Cohen actually considers it “a very joyous song” and cites the last verse where he sings, “And even though / It all went wrong / I’ll stand before the Lord of Song / With nothing on my lips but Hallelujah.”

Disclaimer: The content of this educational video is covered by fair use. My explanations are transformative and add interpretation and analysis to the original work much as happens when I teach poetry in a university classroom. When I explain songs, I use only the lyrics or short clips of the original song or music video and thus have not hurt this song’s salability or provided a market substitute. All copyright claims will be disputed and appealed. Please see me as your ally in my attempt to use a literary perspective to enable fans to better understand and enjoy your wonderful and interesting piece of music.

[souljahroch]

I think what I love most about this song, and that you TOTALLY missed, is that it teaches the listener how to play the song in the first verse:
It goes like this,
The 4th, the 5th,
The minor fall,
And the major lift,
The baffled King composing Hallelujah.
The secret chord is C, btw.
🦁✌

[Bearinc]

To me it’s such of powerful song of love, loss, and the struggle we call the human experience. It touches the soul.

[carldombek]

What I find particularly intriguing -- and that a lot of people miss -- is that this song is about praising the Lord (i.e., singing "Hallelujah") -- not BECAUSE of one's circumstances but IN SPITE of them. It is really the embodiment of what Job articulated when he said, "Though the Lord slay me, yet will I praise him." And that's really the deeper faith, as anyone can say, "Praise the Lord" when things are going well.

Just look at the first couple of verses: When David played music, it was to soothe Saul, who ultimately tried to kill him. Not a great outcome.

David is the one who saw Bathsheba bathing in the moonlight, had to have her, and got her pregnant. Then, because he couldn't convince her husband (Uriah the Hittite) to go home and sleep with her so he'd think it was his child, he positioned Uriah so he'd be killed in battle. THEN, the child David and Bathsheba conceived ... died.

Samson, whose hair was cut and who was deprived of strength, had his eyes put out. But as his hair started to grow back, his strength started to return, and he was asked to be placed between the columns of the temple "to steady himself." Instead, he praised the Lord DESPITE his circumstances, pushed the columns so that the temple would fall down and kill his oppressors -- and him.

Praise the Lord ANYWAY is the message I take from this song. Well done, Leonard!

[sarijackson]

that's a song giving testimony to Victory through Higher Power, thus King David realized his weakness in the presence of very ominous enemies and many of them encamped around him impostering his loved ones and fellow man (wolves in sheep's clothes), King David found Victory in trusting God more than what he saw before him. Samson believed his strength came from keeping long hair, it gave superpowers, but when Delilah tricked him and cut his hair in an attempt to annihilate him, Samson found Victory through trust in God to deliver him from the enemy. this song is about victory and strength to withstand storms when we stand in our faith. thanks for the points you made!!!

[michellelankford]

So powerful, it moves me to tears every time I listen.

[karenk]

In the most cold and broken time of my life, I just surrendered to God in Hallelujah. I love the last verse.

[oldcaylane]

I love this song so much. I just heard it for the first time tonight. Wow...I want that played at my funeral non-stop I want everyone to start singing

[gabriellagonzalez]

I love the Pentatonix version of it. It makes me cry every time. My favourite verse is the one about love not being easy. I had to learn that the hard way.

[rickroden]

When I first heard it, I knew I had found a song that really fit my own situation, past and present. Ive hit the wall so many times, but never gave up on Gods grace and love. I've slammed the wall hard at times. but God was always with me. at my present age, 73, I have crashed the wall. Botched bone surgery due to very hard work when I was younger, has left me "broken" and in many ways helpless. But praise God, He is still my king and my savior.

[tomshemanski]

Really appreciated this explanation. I usually don't like the idea of finding the TRUE meaning since part of the beauty of art is how it speaks to each of us differently - but I thought you did a great job giving a general sense of the songs essence here without over speculating about meaning in the details. Also really liked that it was done in 2 takes...

[abigailknott]

I have to sing this for a memorial for my aunt because the words were a little strange . She died of cancer and now I'm convinced it's the perfect song to sing!

[TheWildheartmuse]

Cohen was a remarkable writer, poet, and singer. His voice is such a turn on.

[deborahonoge]

Powerful illustrations about David and Samson. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the lyrics, melody and all!!!

[kennethhummel]

I cleared the chapel of mourners to sing this to an audience of one, my departed wife. It seemed appropriate. A song of life, love, happiness and pain…hallelujah.

[carolthorne]

Whatever the composer meant doesn't take away the origin of the word Hallelujah which means praise God, specifically the divine name of God, Jehovah. Ps 83:18, which some translations have shamefully deleted. The name Jah which is found at the end of the word hallelujah is a shortened version of the name Jehovah, a name that his true followers would never be ashamed to use and glorify.

[karinlarsen]

Since Jesus died, the Jewish Nation - and we all are spiritually blind. Through Jesus we receive Holy Spirit specticals. Let's strive to see through HIS eyes. HE came to fulfill the LAW . Throughout life we each suffer. We must sing Hallelujah to our Mighty God Yahweh/ Jehovah - HE is our hope. Let's pray for those who are lost

[zerozilchnada]

I agree you don't have to necessarily be religious to love and understand the lyrics . There is so much more to this song.
I wish certain people would stop trying to claim it.
Just respect it and let it be what it is for you!

[debpicard]

Let's rejoice for everything in this life, even the painful things that bring us down. It's all part of being alive. That's how I summarize it.

[irajayrosen]

Thank you. I'd like to add that, like many of his songs, such as "May it be your will", the song is a reflection of Leonard's Jewish roots.
And EIGHTY VERSES?
Where can I find them?

[MsBarberGirl]

My son played his guitar/sang this song at his Grandpa's celebration of life. And did a beautiful job!