Leonard Cohen on "Hallelujah"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มี.ค. 2010
- Leonard taught me how to write and how to smile. This is a short clip from a much longer interview. Here he talks about arguably his most famous song. EDIT 20/11/12 I just had a crack at my own version of Hallelujah. Hope you like it! • Hallelujah (Mr C)
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"Nobody seemed to recognize the song at the time but Bob Dylan". Makes sense.
Cohen describes it as being about "the broken hallelujah." It's about wounded faith in God, in love, in life, and the redemption and beauty that grows out of pain. The man is a true poet. He captures the tortured grace of love without being sappy or heavy handed.
When the lyrics talk about cutting his hair, i think of Samson and D... when she cut his hair. Thoughts anyone??
We can all relate to that song that's why it's so popular. It's almost a getting on your knees in pain. Wanting G-D to help the broken but not sure if G-D is there to help yet still believing in a higher power. It's a conflict
Thank you for your explanation.... I’m still trying to figure out the meaning to me personally 🙏
Fair point and well presented.
It sounds like futility in love to me. Almost sarcastic as a love song.
The beauty of "Hallelujah" is that it allows room for us to bring our own joy, pain, celebration, etc. to it. Thank you, Mr. Cohen. Rest in Glory...
What a humble man. Leonard Cohen is one in seven billion.
Kevin Murphy Jesus Christ , I just got chills!!!! At 4:45 he states he would love to hear himself at 82!!!!!! By God Mr. Cohen,You Did It!!!! Gotta go crying like a baby!
we all are?
So are you pal
what a worderfull man
We all are dip shit
Never tire of Leonard Cohen and his songs...sadly missed...
Saw him in concert , a friend talked me Into it.suprized me! Great show.spmethimg different
A poetic end to his career, dead at 82. I'm glad you got your wish Leonard. Rest in Peace
What is poetic about falling and hitting your head and then dying in your sleep after a long and very painful illness? But yes, he was definitely a poet to the bitter end ❤
@@moondancer9066 Faith ❤️
"Like everything else, you put in your best effort, but you can't command the consequences." Leonard Cohen - 2010
1:00 "..but Sony didn't care for music..did they?" RIP Leonard Cohen. You'll be remembered forever. Thank you for the awesome music!
Figures that Dylan was the first to recognize the song. I heard Leonard wrote over 30 verses for Hallelujah, one of his very best! RIP L. Cohen.
Leonard Cohen is in My opinion the biggest poet of all time no other manages to touch my Soul like he does with his words.
❤⚘❤⚘❤⚘❤⚘❤⚘
Poet laureate to the world.
Totally agree, more than Bob Dylan... Too many people said dylan is the greatest poet singer, but Leonard was and still is the number One...
@Esteban Ramos Jimenez I have to say im one of those people that agree that bob dylan is more so a "better" poet, his way of intertwining words and how many songs there are that he has wrote. He has wrote some of the biggest songs there is, try sit down and name bob songs they keep coming and coming and there all stories within themselves and bob dylan on his own is on his own amazing and truly misunderstood yet understood
"A certain sense of revenge that rose in my heart..." Every word he says is poetry.
My God! Who the heck are you? Finally an interviewer that know his subject, his works, contemporaries and influences. You pulled up quotes from previous interviews and used them as relevant springboards for new questions, AND you knew who Alberta Hunter was. Your knowledge and enthusiasm obviously put Mr. Cohen at ease and made for an interview that was a PLEASURE to watch. Thank you
I don't know who he is but some woman called him a rapist under a different interview. Probably something to do with that ridiculous #metoo movement.
@@moondancer9066 And you are the exact opposit of the interviewer. While he is well informed, you feel the need to display your ignorance and worthless opinion WHILE announcing that you know nothing about the subject matter. I mean seriously, why would anyone do that?
I feel exactly as he did about the song insofar as it's kind of done to death because everybody sings it but you can't be too cynical because they are just reveling in the beautiful thing he created. it's brought me to tears more than once. I'm touched by his empathetic, kind and wise nature. We have truly lost a great human of a rare breed. Rest forever in peace Leonard. You gave us something indescribable.
He's being so modest here. The song took 2 years to write and he agonized over ever finishing it. He knows why it's popular - it has a haunting melody and incredible lyrics. It's one of the best songs ever written. But of course he won't say that in an interview.
5 years
"Over the decades, Dylan and Cohen saw each other from time to time. In the early eighties, Cohen went to see Dylan perform in Paris, and the next morning in a café they talked about their latest work. Dylan was especially interested in “Hallelujah.” Even before three hundred other performers made “Hallelujah” famous with their cover versions, long before the song was included on the soundtrack for “Shrek” and as a staple on “American Idol,” Dylan recognized the beauty of its marriage of the sacred and the profane. He asked Cohen how long it took him to write.
“Two years,” Cohen lied.
Actually, “Hallelujah” had taken him five years. He drafted dozens of verses and then it was years more before he settled on a final version. In several writing sessions, he found himself in his underwear, banging his head against a hotel-room floor.
Cohen told Dylan, “I really like ‘I and I,’ ” a song that appeared on Dylan’s album “Infidels.” “How long did it take you to write that?”
“About fifteen minutes,” Dylan said."
A very famous (true) story . Quote from article by Ed of the New Yorker 2016
October 17, 2016 Issue
Leonard Cohen Makes It Darker
Yes, he says it in the lyrics
" The baffled King composing"
(From India with admiration)
" Let's go on, we might get something interesting" ha ha . This man was never less than interesting and more than often truly profound. I have been reading his novels and poetry and listening to his music for the past 50 years or so, and feel blessed to have been on this planet at the same time as him. RIP mr Cohen x
@multical100 Yeah the chords match. When he says "it goes like this: the fourth, ( he plays F which is the fourth) the fifth (plays G which is the fifth) the minor fall (plays A minor) the major lift (plays F major) I always thought that was one of the most genius parts of the song :)
It's a great anticipation moment
Fact of the matter is that the lyrics speaks about a broken people who have been at the Pinnacle only to fall. But at the height of their fall, it's always still hallelujah! No matter the situation... hallelujah! Not matter the setback.. hallelujah! You were mighty.. hallelujah! You fell... hallelujah! Hallelujah never changes, inspite of our changes!
Hallelujah is an incredible song. I think it really struck a cord (literally) in the UK is because we still sing the word "Hallelujah" in hymns in school. We are not so religious but the chorus automatically takes us back to childhood and to an uplifting religious feeling.
'Did we get something interesting? Because if we didn't let's go on we might get something interesting' Yes Sir Leonard Cohen we did get something interesting which will last with us forever and ever. Lovely 😊 lovely man rest in peace Sir.
As an American I can tell you you’re truly the Shakespeare of song...absolutely enchanted by anything you’ve written. We’re so blessed to have had you here. I’m sure you met the lord of song with Hallelujah. Peace to you Leonard.
Hallelujah is one of my favourite songs by Leonard Cohen.
The actual word "hallelujah" is so powerful. I would have loved to hear Leonard's inspiration for the choice of the word. This song has meaning for singers and audiences because of his primal use of the word in both good and bad situations. People really seem to connect with that.
@I come in peace it means PRAISE my God. Or 'hallow' or worship/revere 'my God'.
Such a sweet and charming man. R I P Leonard Cohen.
Born in Montreal and a person who writes lyrcs, I will forever be indebted to Leonard Cohen for all that I have learned from him, even though I have never met him. He's amazing. Period.
my heart is saddened at the loss of such a musical genius! heaven gained a bass singer in its choir. Thank-you you are amazing
He is so very subtle, and genuine, this is always undervalued in our society.
I'm glad he got to see his record soar before he went, after working so hard on it
Love this man's art.
undeniably one of the best songs ever written
One reason "Hallelujah" has such power is that it has become simply a sound, a complex sound that can convey a great deal of energy, without any baggage. It can be translated as "praise ye the Lord" or "praise the Lord," and it can also be felt as exaltation without any specific religious context. The vowel sounds in the word help open one to the flow of breath and energy that feed this experience. As such, it almost doesn't matter what the other lyrics are and there don't even need to be other lyrics - only the "Hallelujah" really matters. And, of course, a good, singable melody is important, too, to work with the natural vibrations in the sounds of the spoken word. "Hallelujah" is a word that has been spoken and sung for a long time by countless voices that have given the sounds in it meaning beyond translation and beyond any specific language because it has transcended its Hebrew origins and been embraced by many, even beyond any specific religious contexts.
He is the Prince of Thought, the King of Kindness.
I'm late watching this interview but wow, what a humble down to earth guy. Love this song. I've only heard his and pentatonix arrangements. This song has entered at the top of my favorite songs. RIP
I hope with all that is,that one day when I leave this plane of existence,i might sit down with Leonard and talk to him and listen to him sing.He has such a gift from God not only of his voice but the messages he conveys thru his music
I LOVE him -- Leonard Cohen was one of the dearest men ever. What a treasure.
I'm sure Leonard Cohen has unknowingly taught a lot of people many things! Salute the legend!
“There was a mild sense of revenge that arose in my heart” Man, leonard was it.
Lol no doubt
What a good interview. Cohen always keeps it real.
What made Leonard Cohen's music so truly amazing was every song was a journey. He spoke from the heart, gave words to the feelings your heart could not express. Let us all know we weren't alone because his heart felt as yours had. Even the melodies within his music were emotional waves, changing and churning. Just look at Famous blue raincoat and the changes in tempo as he reconciles his emotions for the 2 other characters and the events that took place when he goes into "I see you there with a rose in your teeth...One more thin Gypsy Thief.
L.C. has been my favourite artist since the mid-70's but I didn't get 2 hear "Halleluiah" until the mid 90's & now it's my favourite track: I am also one of those strange creatures, an atheist with an interest in Spiritual matters such as Love & Compassion. Humanity needs more artists like him in order to realize that all in all, All are connected via Love, & when all hearts are one heart, war & other ego problems will cease & there really will be peace on Earth, & people won't need religion or politics any more!
Modest, honest, real, and so full of talent that he strikes me down, L Cohen is a genius. I love him for being such an amazing man.
He lived to be 82 exactly. It's almost as if he knew. RIP to the master of song.
The song will live on forever.
What is it about Hallelujah that makes it so special?
Seems to me it presents a connection that we all share on a higher level, regardless of age, gender or musical orientation. We may have difficulty recognizing that initially, but with this song it suddenly makes sense.
I've long felt a deeper side to Leonard and Hellelujah is proof of it. Love it and appreciate it.
… I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah…
this song is so beautiful .I cry everytime I listen to it.god bless america...
it's got nothin to do with america lady
The best version I've ever heard of this is one that I recorded, but really had nothing to do with. I told the singer to really feel the song, and to use the words to express things that he had been going through.
He sang the first verse and chorus more like Leonard than most. The second verse (and from your lips she drew the hallelujah") he added the emotion from things in his head followed by angry chorus. The third verse ("you say I took the name in vain") he sang as if his entire life was falling apart (which it was). The pain, the hurt, the anguish.... everything was right there as he built the crescendo to where he was begging for relief, or death, or whatever came. He told a breath and sang the chorus softly with a sense of acceptance, as if a man was finally recognizing the life he knew was over. The fourth verse and chorus were a rebuilding and a celebration.
By the time he was done, there was not a person the the studio who wasn't in tears.
He got it one take.
I would like to think Leonard would have approved.
Is there anywhere I can hear this version?
@@domcusco360 Not as I know of. I don't even have a copy... actually, I don't have any of my old studio efforts, going back to the 80's.....
We'll chalk this one up to the evil wonder that is an ex-wife
@@thecollective1584 ah right okay I see mate, no worries :)
Poetic that he did in fact make it to 82 years old, though only a few months beyond that. RIP Leonard xx
RIP Mr. Cohen. May your music live on forever.
I love to hear Leonard's thoughts. How can he still be so humble?
Because he's deep.
He's so natural.
All you say is true, but in addition, he has a terrific sense of humor. Just a cool guy all the way around.
Leonard I thought this was interesting. We learned how humble you are and how you down play yourself. You're for real. Many people have explained Hallelujah but it was hard for you to describe the meaning. It's you not being a show off and I love you for that.
my heart stopped when I heard we had lost you . Your music has spoken to me for years . A sad loss to never see a live concert again but I have treasured memories
I love him and miss him. A extremely gifted and humble man.
The last verse of Hallelujah speaks to my soul, and I am sure to may others. We don't come to redemption and wisdom through Pollyanna-ish means, but through living through life, with all its pain and disillusionment. Cohen sees this as just a song, but it is actually a benediction and a hymn from a wounded soul to God. It is how we really get there.
For all the loyal Fans of the Great man..on my estimation a True Lyrical Genius..The 1970 Isle of white Fest..where he sings "Tonight will be fine"..is sumthing to behold...The Concert was being played with a lot of problems going in the background and Leonard came out and done the business..and pretty much blew everyone way..
Rest in Peace Leonard its closin time
Mr. Cohen states here that he doesn't understand what the appeal of this song is. I think this song speaks to the broken heart people experience when the love they thought would last forever gradually goes wrong. There's also a deeply spiritual feel to it, which touches something deep in people's souls and hearts. I found Mr. Cohen's version after I'd heard Jeff Buckley's version, and frankly, I have difficulty choosing between them, because of their similarities and because of their differences. Wonderful song, and Mr. Cohen is a wonderful artist!
He was 82 when he passed. He sounded as fine as he ever did.
I believe the magic of the song is the fact the verses are so easily interchangeable. The song seems to sound beautiful no matter how many versions there are. Lovely.
I loved this man, and his songs. He bared his soul on many of his songs and made you feel the turmoil, grief, and struggle for life, they sometimes were downright dark but they were real, everybody knows speaks to me like life , the dice are loaded, there is such much raw sometimes filthy passion in, the future, and dance me to the end of love reminds me of my love and passion, some people may do better covers of his work but no one could ever take this song poet's place.
he has such class and charm, and talent, one of the best songwriters of all time...
K.D. Lang owns that song........the Ultimate ..the Best rendition...........they're all good but she seems to wrench those words from her soul ..and gut.....not to mention her heart...........Leonard Cohen is a Musical Genius.....
Completely agree!
For me, nobody comes close to k.d. lang's rendition and never will. Beautiful.
hes so flipping humble, i love him, it was the best concert ive ever been too,and well worth any price of the tickets..
every song he mentions that was on the record not released i love!!
The songs you wrote were magical. To be so great and yet so humble is also magical. I miss you but I know you were ready to leave. RIP Leonard Cohen. You will never be forgotten.
Hallelujah has been my second favorite Leonard Cohen song since Various Positions (best album EVER) came out. Can't knock Suzanne out of number one. Nothing can!
If It Be Your Will and Dance Me to the End of Love: Also amazing. Thanks for posting this
Great submission. Thanks for posting. All fantastic. I do like at the end, when the crew is breaking down the set, Leonard asks the producer, "Did we get anything interesting? We can go back and do some more..."
The crew laughs, as everyone knows they just recorded a real gem. I agree.
He made it to 82! :)
Everything dies overtime except music. I hope to write at least one song in my life that carries on. This is my goal because of people who have inspired me like Leonard.
EVERY time I hear him sing it I feel full of grace and love from God. Reming me of all my trips down "the Rabbit hole" this song brings me back to God.
HIS PASSION,
ITS A COLD AND ITS A BROKEN HALLELUJAH. Rock Bottom
What's the magic? How about the goose bumps that instantaneously jump out when you hear it! It's just one of those transcending songs that touches everyone.
Yes we sure did get something interesting. Rest In Peace.
I love this anthem. Love from Japan.
This is such a haunting melody and lends itself to so many different occasions or events in our lives. The Priest just had it as a wedding song and with his words
was transformed. Now in my early 80's it would be a grand soft and gentle song to say goodby when someone leaves for the next life. With appropriate words it would what a wonderful way to say I love you and always will to friends and family. Thank you for you inspiration those years ago!
When I'm happy I listen to Leonard Cohen sing. His songs make me HAPPIEST.
What a great person. Thank you for this, changes the song for me now.
Wow and he died at 82... gives you chills after this...
There are so many people who comment on this song who just don't get it. You get it. Thank you.
Jeff Buckley's version is one of my favorite renditions of any song. I feel like each singer suffuses their own meaning in the tempo and the tone they use, Buckley's is strikingly different than the original, seems torn between hope and despair, passion and apathy, warmth and cynicism. I think its the inherent struggle of it's duality that echoes our own lives and makes it so hauntingly beautiful.
In short, I think Buckley did more than just cover it, he gave it it's soul and I don't think it's a coincidence it didn't catch on strong until after that.
***** I agree, in fact I think Jeff Buckley does the song INJUSTICE. The best version (other than Leonard's) is by Jon Bonjovi. But that's just my opinion.
You just took the words out of my mouth! But unfortunately I can't express myself as eloquently as you so I'm going to have to write this down so I can use it to explain to my friends why jeff buckleys version is magnificent(in my personal opinion) lol hope you don't mind(:
Roenazarrek
"He gave it its soul?"
It had plenty of soul the moment Leonard Cohen wrote it.
I don't think Jeff understood the nuances of the song's meaning.
Of course he sang well. Big deal.
Leonard Cohen sang his own lyrics better than anyone.
Daughter of Jerusalem I agree
Well said. Buckley was also blessed with a once in a lifetime voice. I don’t think he could really do any wrong when it came to singing.
You are the best songwriter of all times Leonard Cohen, and you created some of the best songs that will ever exist, the fucked up society might not listen anymore to your music but I am not surprised because idiocy is trending in this society of hypocrites
Leonard Cohen, connected with the Holy Spirit. And when God’s involved, it’s always right on time!!!!!!
God Bless You
At 82 he stil sounds amazing ;)
Although not like Alberta Hunter
It is an utter rarity to find songs that are written from the soul, especially in these evil times we live in. The best songs come from the soul, just read psalms. Hallelujah happens to be one of those songs...
I adore this man. His humility and grace are touching, and his music and lyrics transport me to some other magical place. Someone said he's like fine wine that just gets richer, deeper and better and better with age.
Magic? Haunting, beautiful melody. Amazing words. Lenny's version is the best
The magic of this song is not the words to it! The magic is the music itself. Hearing a Master Violin artist play this with a Master Piano player or a full orchestra is extremely moving. Now the lyrics are interesting but the actual instrument version without the lyrics is a fantastic piece of Music. I have several recordings of different instrumental-only versions that I play often. In fact, when I pass I want this played at my funeral.
Have you heard Chris Botti and Caroline Campbell do “hallelujah“? Horn and violin.
I loved how at the end he said "Did we get anything interesting?..
Mr Cohen..I could listen to you read the Yellow Pages and I would find it interesting! :)
I love it so much and I wish I can see Leonard Cohen in my live real. I love him so much. Olivia from Germany
I could listen to these two guys talk all day. What pleasant voices
lenard cohen is such a great siniger and more so such a gentleman in
everything he does..the world can learn from such a great man with a great heart. thank you lenard for all you have done for us.
What he says at the end is every interviewer's dream.
I like this interview 👍
I like the song Hallelujah 😍
The magic of this song is that the vibration it produces when singing "Hallellujah" creates a direct conduit to the metaphysical, our true home. Adonai
What a beautiful voice he has ... ❤️
Isn't it funny that Cohen says he believes the song is overused and the interviewer totally ignored him hahahaha. So of course - he came back and was a bit more clear - more blunt
This would have been a much more interesting interview to me anyway if they had talked to him about the song itself and not his opinion of other artists singing it - I think he felt the same way
love this man and all he sings ..great interview ..love the movie watchman too ...thanks for sharing
This Music has been my music since a long time ago
Amazing man and an amazing voice....
I'm re-discovering this song tonight--and found this interview. My compliments to the writer & composer of this wonderful piece--redemptive, yes. I have some ideas about this music and what it represents. The use of language, symbol, the musical idiom, the blend of pop and traditional motiffs. Oh my gosh, what am i saying? I love it. Love you, Leonard. Thanks...
Most moving performance. Recognition will be eternal.
Profound. Thoughtful as Always.
The rest of the story. Thank you Leonard.
"Did we get anything that was interesting?".... Always, Leonard.. always when you spoke, did we get something interesting.
wow