It was SUCH a RELIEF to hear you talk about the most important, profound, holy, wrenching, and triumphant verses Cohen brought forth and how most pop singers instead of comprehending those verses trim them off and reduce this song into a mere romantic complaint.
Leoanard Cohen. The most wonderful singer, songwriter, poet, and deeply religious fantastic gentleman. We who loved you, miss you always sir. My favorite singer of all of his songs..
There’s a story about Lenny and Bob Dylan talking about the difficulty they had writing songs. Lenny asked Bob “how long did it take you to write Masters Of War? Bob said it took him about two weeks. Bob asked him how ling it took him to write Hallelujah, a song he loved. Miserably, Lenny admitted it took him two YEARS. Later, Lenny admitted, while telling this story that it actually took him THREE years.
Hallelujah is more popular in this decade than earlier. Young people especially love it, that tells you the world needs more of it. Thanks Lenard and John!
I agree. I think that is because many were not raised with Christian guilt and learned to hear words like Hallelujah without bing triggered or associating it with Christianity o or religion
As a Montrealer, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is always popular. Still covered by so many different artists, must admit that the Shrek Soundtrack really did give the song a second wind.
Thank you so kuch for sharing this story, the more i know now! Half the things you were talking, explaining about i didn't even know! Can you maybe do a full story on pop,singer, country star artist Bailey Zimmerman & his album Religiously & his EP Leave The Light On,thru his music , etc.
KDLang at the Olympic opening ceremony transported the song into a moment for the world. Her command of the lyrics and melody was a master class, and what the production team did with the lighting in the stadium was inspired.
Give me Leonard Cohen every night, that tranquil beauty of delight.... that profound feeling, I require for survival. His luminous words that burn within, his sexy voice capturing every sin...his love that complicated new arrivals. There are no words to fill his void, there are no symptoms left to cure, because when Leonard Cohen died, so did...a legendary idol. - P
He sings Hallelujah with a very soulful tone and K D Lang approaches it with a lot of angst! It’s hard to choose who sings it better it’s like someone’ asks you who the s your favorite child!! I guess it depends on what mood I’m in! Love them both!! 🤷🏻♀️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌟❤️❤️🫶🏻🙋🏻♀️
I totally agree, he knew what every word was, the feel of each word and the connection they made with each other when he heard the song in his head. Then only he could deliver that to the audience as he intended and then change it as the song matured.
Thank you for the most respectful & respectable coverage of any artist that I have ever heard. In memory of LC, I wish you a long, healthy life of joy. ~
What cracks me up, given the lyrics, how many videos are on youtube by Christian Fundamentalists. And yes, KD and Pentatonix made very impressive tribute versions... and KD does convey much of the song's emotional kick, only Leonard delivers the level of irony and sadness that can only come from real life experiences.
I was also very moved by Leonard Cohens poems. Very powerful. Hallelujah is my favorite song but they are all good. As a child of the 60’s, he influenced so many artists.
As the music manager for my local church I was tasked with arranging the music for my best friend's funeral. His family asked me to include Hallelujah for Mass. I'd know the tune but never paid much attention to the lyrics and was kind of appalled that they'd be sung during a Catholic Mass. His daughter told me that every time my friend heard it on the radio he'd say that he wanted it for his memorial service. I got together with the singer and family and we decided on which verses would be most appropriate for this event; When I heard my organist sing and play it on the church piano I was amazed and appreciated its power and effect on everyone. I now look for all the other verses in search of what can tell a concise yet complete, spiritual story. The ones you read I believe are its key elements.
The lyrics are only a challenge if you insist on adhering to the political aspects of Christianity. The faith expressed is fundamentally Jewish. "You say I took His name in vain, but I don't even know *The Name* ". In Hebrew that last is Ha Shem, one of the expressions used to avoid vocalizing YHWH.
It's one of those rare songs that transcends. My son played this at a huge Spring Show by individuals and bands in Austin high schools. Lots of great kids! But my sweet boy , and of course the song!, brought plenty of tears for a few special minutes. Such a beautifully rich song
I saw him in Sligo Ireland a few years before he passed away. It was open air on the grounds of Lissadell house on a fabulously May evening with a view of Benbulbin in the background. Lissadell house had historic connections to W. B Yeats. Leonard incorporated some of Yates poetry into one of his songs. What an evening.
Sounds excellent. I would love to have seen Cohen's take on Yeats, especially his Cohenesque epitaph: Cast a cold eye On life, on death Horseman, pass by
Hi Lady Roots. This was such an informative and inspirational Video on Sir Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. As a Composer your Video struck a cord within. Also a reminder that it is never too late for a Song birthed to soar into maturity thus becoming a blessing to many! Thanks very much again. One love & many blessings to you, your Family, Loved Ones and all who concerns you perpetually.
I first heard Hallelujah as a background song in the movie Shrek. Even THAT was amazing; it really caught my ear. I also heard a priest sing it in a Catholic church--with his own words--for a wedding. It was very sweet, funny, and spiritual.
Music is what I avoid. When i heard this song, it was the exception. I listened to a few renditions, and quickly preferred Leonard Cohen's version. It's an incredibly beautiful music and lyrical composition. I played it for my step-father's last rites. He would have loved it. It is a powerful melody. Thank you for the background story. The song should be eternal. Hope there are many recordings and it never dies.
A critical event in Leonard’s life was the theft of his fortune and many of his copyrights, by his agent, whom he had entrusted with his affairs while in the monastery. This prompted him to go on what became a world tour to recapture his livelihood and ended up showing him how widely loved he was. Lemonade, indeed.
I would add the performance of Hallelujah at the Olympics, and she has done it at other concerts as well. This is a powerful song and her rendition is exceptional. Thanks for this.
I listened to music on the radio, but usually am not aware of the artist. I love Hallelujah, so watched this video. Thank you-this was fascinating. I’m sure I’ll be back to learn more.
Dominique Issermann, one of Leonard's loves was a French photographer. She shot the video for the song, 'Dance Me To The End Of Love.' Simply exquisite.
I saw a Canadian Documentary that was made about Leonard Cohen before he was a musician. Did you know he was Poet Laureate of Canada at one point in the early 60's? I saw him live a couple times in the 70's. One of my favorite parts of the show was him do very funny poems over a beatnik style jazz rhythm. He was so hysterical and such a dry wit and the poems were pretty prosaic and profound. so much wonderful memories.
This was such a beautiful informative and interesting peace on the song hallelujah! Thank you so much I am so happy that I have discovered you and can listen to more documentaries on your channel.
My favourite song of Leonard Cohen is 'If it be your will', though the first song I heard in South Africa in a hotel in the 70 s, was 'So long, Marianne'. L.C. influenced my life tremendously. ❤
I first heard a portion of Hallelujah in a movie, I have yet to hear a version that wasn't moving. I didn't know Leonard Cohen wrote it, nor did I know he wrote so many verses. The algorithm put this in for me to watch today. You did a great job describing Mr. Cohen, my wife may be a bit upset ŵhen she sees the charge for a tier 3 membership, I need to hear all of those beautiful verses.
My very favourite version of this song is that of an Irish group of men known as Celtic Thunder! Their version thrills me all of the time that I heard them in live concerts and when I watch them on my DVDs . I love love this group! 6:5 when I
Leonard Cohen's first book, 'The Favorite Game', is amazing. But his second book, 'Beautiful Losers', is his true masterpiece. I first read it over 50 years ago. And it totally blew me away. I'd never read anything even remotely like it. And still, today, it's one of my favorite books. It's more than a novel. It's a stunningly beautiful prose poem. I recommend you read it. Especially if you love Cohen's songs and poetry. For most people, the novel is a little strange when you first start to read it. And that puts a lot of people off. That's likely because it's simply unlike anything you've ever read before. But stick with it. It'll amaze you with it's depth of feeling, and Cohen's unique insights into the human condition.
She totally owns this song & apparently Leonard Cohen thought so too---supposedly when he heard her sing it at a concert he turned to someone & said, I guess we've heard the definitive version now, or words to that effect.
I really love your perspective on Leonard Cohen. You have told many things I didn’t know about the man, but His enticement to women was more through poetry than the guitar. The only thing I can think of is your persistence of the guitar theme. Is your own personal infatuation with guitarist. Which is kind of weird because Leonard Cohen while being a good guitarist was not a great guitarist. His greatness lies in his lyrical composition of his songs.
Yes, but something is off on the timeline. I knew about Leonard Cohen in the 1970s. If you lived in California back then, esp. SF, you knew about his poetry. The music, maybe not, but definitely his poetry. City Lights Bookstore had his work and that of a lot of other wonderful poets from that era early on,.The thing about bios is that you can never be sure of the facts especially when it is an online presentation that was probably dependent on references and maybe even stories that were not original sources. I'd like to see someone do a book on him with all the references listed. Unfortunately, many of the people who knew personally him are probably not around anymore.
Just stumbled across this post on youtube. Didn’t think it would be up to much but gave it a go and it turned out to be a fascinating documentary, really well researched, put together and presented. Thankyou. I’ll be checking out your other posts as they are all about artists I like. Great TH-cam find!
I’ve mostly heard locally performed special versions of Hallelujah. One was performed by members of our police department. In any case, I’ve never heard a version that didn’t give me goosebumps.
What's really beautiful is that Leonard could stand before the Lord, "even though it all went wrong" with nothing on his tongue but "Hallelujah." What a wonderful way to make the big transition from whatever this life is to . . . whatever the Lord has for us in all eternity! I hope to speak with Leonard about it when I get up there. Thank you, Jesus!
Too me, nothing will ever compare to Jeff Buckley's version. I loved Jeff Buckley...sad that he died so young 😢 I've been listening to Leonard Cohen since the 60s. Thanks for this great video👍
Thank you. You have a gift and it shows in your knowledge and presentation. I'll follow you and learn more about the many generational talents we know and love, and their stories. You have a gift of story telling. Well done.
I haven't watched any of her other videos, but I plan on doing so. She has a great delivery and voice for doing these types of videos. Perhaps she could slow her speaking down just a tiny bit and it would sound even better. Anyway, I do look forward to watching anything she's produced about The Eagles. Here comes some constructive criticism that I'm certain she will never read and others will consider me attacking the storyteller. Her "knowledge" isn't quite as fantastic as you think it is and I only know this because I'm a total L. Cohen fanboi, nerd, geek. For instance, she is correct that Leonard disappeared for a while and was living among Zen Buddhist monks. Leonard was paired with an 89 year old monk named Roshi. Leonard attended to his needs, somewhat like a servant, but more like a student/teacher relationship that does seem a little weird to us Westerners. Cohen, himself, was ordained a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monks in 1996. The host of this video first stated Cohen was outside of the country for this spiritual journey. Though she quickly corrected herself she still didn't know that Leonard wasn't very far from his home in Los Angeles, CA. His location was the monastery atop Mt. Baldy, CA. This story has a tragic ending for multiple reasons, but the first was the fact that while Leonard was trying to better himself atop Mt. Baldy, his Longterm business manager Kelley Lynch embezzled over $5,000,000 from Cohen's bank accounts and even sold some of his publishing rights. That was the vast majority of Leonard's wealth. His retirement fund! It is pretty much a certainty that Leonard began his insanely long worldwide touring in order to earn some sort of a nest egg. I don't think Leonard could have known that he was more popular than at any point in his career and instead of performing in small concert halls he was selling out theaters with multiple night shows and co-headline famous music festivals. The crowds packed with as many 20-somethings as 60-somethings. There are a handful of other mistakes made, but I can't believe the tangent my writing took...boring flight! LOL I think she might be well served to find herself an editor or fact checker so pedantic twits like me don't bloviate in her comments section. LOL
@@alb639 I love it. I honestly can't remember where I read all the above earlier. From a book, no doubt. I'll try to reprise it as I find Cohen's life fascinating. Thanks for clarifying these facts. I was born in L.A. and spent my childhood there and in San Diego; lived in Quebec for a number of years and spent some time on Hydra as well; also spent 2 years in an ashram so it really helped to visualize Cohen's life.
My personal favorite: You say I took the name in vain, but I don't even know the name; and, if I did, well really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word. It doesn't matter which you heard, the holy or the broken, hallelujah.
Interesting piece. There are a few corrections: 1. You introduce John Cale without the context that he was one of the original founders of The Velvet Underground, and that Cale's version used in Shrek really made it go mainstream 2. The church is St Ann's, not St. Mary's. It's in Brooklyn Heights. Tim Buckley "wasn't available" because HE DIED in 1975 when Jeff was only 9 years old so they certainly weren't trying to get him to play and then settled for Jeff who, while playing music in California was not yet known as a "singer". Jeff made his public singing debut at a tribute concert sponsored by St Ann's on April 26, 1991. I was there and it was transcendent! He was accompanied by Gary Lucas. 3. Jeff then joined Lucas' band, Gods and Monsters, for a short spell and then began performing solo at various clubs and cafes in lower Manhattan, primarily with a residency at Sin-é on St Marks in the East Village where I saw him many times. (Sinead O'Connor also played there a few times) 4. And no, he did not leave America to join a monastery. He was in California at the Mt Baldy Zen Center. I think it's important to realize that while he never gave up his Judaism, he was a practicing Zen monk from 1994 to 1999 or so.
Appreciate your additional info! Leonard Cohen did an extensive interview about his time in the monastery - worth listening to. Think it was aired on CBC.
My favorite version of this song is from Jeff Buckley. I just heard it at the right time in my life. I had known this song from before but when I was 16 years old Jeff Buckley released his album and it floored me. Still does. But Hallelujah knocked me over for months. I feel like Jeff took that song and make it his own.
First view of your presentations: good job! You’re clear and great to listen to!!! LOVE Leonard Cohen. Where can I get more of his lyrics to Hallelujah?
This has always been one of my favorite songs since first released most only know of it because of Shrek. Even in Shrek it gives a clue about what it's about when it starts playing consider what Shrek is doing at time,sitting at kitchen table alone feeling sad and thinking about Fiona the love he lost. I find it fascinating how a song with rather dark overtones somehow gets turned into this joyous celebration. Lyrics are completely ignored almost every verse is negative in nature, just because presented and sung in positive manor doesn't change their meaning. Religious folks grab onto the Hallelujahs and references to bible characters and hear nothing but the melody and hallelujahs afterwards, but they take it out of context. He is actually mocking religious beliefs The bible characters referenced, David, Bathsheba, Sampson, King Harrod, are used as a metaphor, and the Hallelujahs basically saying Hell Yeah! The phrase about her not caring for music, The BAFFLED KING COMPOSING HALLELUJAH represents an unshared interest, He has a passion for music and is trying to write the perfect song to win her affection hence the SECRET CORD that nobody has used, unfortunately she doesn't care for music which leaves him baffled, so basically they have nothing in common. The part where, YOU SAW HER BATHING ON THE ROOF AND HER BEAUTY IN THE MOONLIGHT OVERTHREW YOU,reference to Bathsheba This represents LUST, he saw her and just had to have her. SHE STRAPPED YOU TO A KITCHEN CHAIR, you have now been domesticated, MARRIED. Well now you have her But, SHE BROKE THRONE AND CUT YOUR HAIR,references Sampson, This means You are no longer in charge she has taken your power and makes you submit to her by DRAWING FROM YOUR BREATH A HALLELUJAH, As If this wasn't bad enough she then cuts you off from the best Sex you ever had, THERE WAS A TIME YOU USED TO LET ME KNOW WHATS REALLY GOING ON BELOW, BUT NOW NEVER SHOW IT TO ME DO YOU, Basically saying no sex for you. ALL HE EVER LEARNED FROM LOVE WAS HOW TO SHOOT SOMEONE WHO OUTDREW YOU meaning is, How to win argument even when wrong by using words that will hurt. I KNOW THIS ROOM AND WALK THESE FLOORS I USED TO LIVE ALONE BEFORE I KNEW YOU, Meaning although it's still the same place he has always known, it no longer feels the same something is wrong. LOVE IS NOT A VICTORY MARCH, ITS NOT A CRY THAT YOU HEAR AT NIGHT, ITS NOT SOMEBODY THATS SEEN THE LIGHT, BUT A COLD AND BROKEN HALLELUJAH meaning, Walking down the isle and being married is not working out,and even though they are together feels alone, should of known better from the start. YOU SAY I TOOK THE NAME IN VAIN,I DON'T EVEN KNOW THE NAME, BUT IF I DID, WELL REALLY WHATS IT TO YOU? He is saying it right here,it not about religion, how can he take the name in vain when he doesn't know the name, doesn't believe in the name and doesn't care if you do. There's a few more versus but this is enough to get what the song is really about, LUST, SEX, POWER, UNSHARED INTEREST, FAILED MARRIAGE, BUT ALTHOUGH IN THE END DID NOT WORK OUT, WOULD STILL DO IT ALL AGAIN.
Thank you! I think people have a longing for God… The God-shaped vacuum in the human heart… (itsjustme.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/the-correct-quote-of-blaise-pascal/ ) so they respond as if drawn to God… but it is most certainly NOT a worshipful song. G.K. Chesterton “Every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God.”
Remarkable. I never listened closely to the song so never really understood those references in the lyrics. The hallelujahs in the song are intended as sarcasm?
Thanks for outlining this. I get so frustrated when people go on about this deeply religious song, when it's cynical, despairing, angry and, as you say, hallelujah equates to hell yeah! I've loved Leonard Cohen since I was a teenager - my first boyfriend introduced me to LC via 'The Sisters of Mercy', which is, of course, about prostitutes! Cohen was a very complex character which is reflected in his lyrics.
This is a terrific story well told. You clearly thorough research and enjoy your work. Im new to this site, and was fascinated by Leonard Cohens story. My introduction to him was “bird on a wire” and I bought the album (a record)! Love love “Dance me till the end of Love” and Hallelujah. I knew none of his story (except that there were hundreds of verses). I loved this. Thank you!! ❤
If you have not listened to the entire movie, and its soundtrack by Leonard Cohen, "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" is the most meaningful track to ever TELL such a Big Screen story by song. Golden globe and Academy awards. Read the story of its making before watching it, you won't be able to not watch it. Location and Period costuming with absolutely stunning antiquity recreated. Even the blizzard was epic and real.
I find the music itself to be very moving. I heard a couple of mariachi band members playing it with a accordion and guitar in a shopping center parking lot and was moved to tears.
Very interesting video....thank you. I am confused ( and upset) that the sheet music you showed ( 28:11) says : music and lyrics by Leonard Cohen.... no credit to John Lissaur. Do you know why that is?
Thanks for your exposition. Leonard was amazing! Thanks for your historical and interpretive guide. I know it's hard to give a history as so many things seem to overlap, but you do cover a lot of complexity in your narrative, thanks.
I love the song, have no idea who Buckley was, and a huge Suzanne lover. That album was the first one I ever purchased as a teen. I am so glad I clicked on this, I actually thought that another artist wrote it, but am glad to hear the real meaning of the song and Cohen connection. That explains the biblical expression. I am glad it was meant to be a song, to and about God. I also still have a book of Cohen poems, I am going to find it and read them again. I will be delighted to see some of the other people you write about.
Leonard Cohen wrote many volumes of poetry, each as mind-opening as the next. He was a poet first, and Suzanne happened to conveniently fit into a wonderful song. He starting concerts for support, but felt he was a poet first. He also wrote 4 novels and a couple of books of mystical philosophy. Start a collection! My husband and I have most of them.
I was in grade 8 music class in 1969 or 1970 and our teacher, Mr. Grant played a documentary movie of Leonard Cohen. My guess is the movie was made by CBC. Likely it is on You Tube somewhere. Imagine if I had not seen that film.
Until I watched this video I really loved Brett Youngs cover. I knew he left out a few verses but I had no idea this song had originally several verses and so many left out! I loved learning this and I went back and heard so many other covers including Leonard Cohens and I don't think I can listen to this again without the full lyrics! Loved it! I am a subcriber!
Thank you for sharing this background on the song and the composer. "Hallelujah," is precious to me. I think the Wikipedia article says Leonard Cohen wrote 80 verses: I'm accepting your report that it's more like 120 verses. I imagined Cohen engrossed in the, "conversation," moved by the Spirit to express his walk with God. So, I developed my own, "cover," of eight verses that I sing to myself from time to time. The fifth verse goes like this: I know there is a God above And I've learned so much more from Love Than how to shoot at someone who outdrew you It's in the cry we hear at night It's from someone who's seen the light It's a cold and it's a broken, "Hallelujah...." The song is a gift - and it belongs to all of us now. I recognized that there are secular and spiritual aspects early on. I hadn't thought of it as Cohen conversing with God: I saw Cohen as being David. I could go on - but let me just thank you again for sharing this meditation on one of the most powerful songs ever written. And yes, the melody is a perfect match.
Many people don’t realize that Hallelujah means, “Praise Jah” (Jah being a shortened form of Jehovah). 🙏🏽 I love the words and music of this song. Beautiful❣️
@@logicrealitytruth-Just seeing your comment: that’s why the song means so much to me. Of course, I grasped the secular aspect of the song at first. Indeed, I was offended that the praise of God and His name was being thrown around thoughtlessly (in my mind). Just another popular song that would have its season in public consciousness. Yet, the secular and spiritual aspects are intertwined - as Cohen intended. When my mother mentioned Leonard Cohen’s passing, I was spurred to examine his life and the background of this song - and it’s been a journey for me. A journey complementing the journey I’ve had learning the depths of Yah’s name. I don’t call Him, “Yah” - but I’m grateful for the mighty Root of His name that He gave us. Awhile back, I realized that whatever denomination or persuasion we may be, whatever Name we use to address the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He planted the Root of His name in the interjection we all use. Let me add one more thing that I haven’t shared with anyone yet. Last week, I was preparing for work and I was thinking about the phrase that many who appreciate the song key on - the, “cold and broken Hallelujah.” I don’t know where your faith is - and I’m not here to question it. My faith is in Jesus Christ - and I strive to find Him in all aspects of my life. It occurred to me that Jesus is that, “cold and broken Hallelujah.” I know Leonard Cohen was Jewish, and perhaps he never made this connection - yet, I really feel that the Holy Spirit was working on him to write and perform this song and share it with us all. And if Cohen had any inclination toward Gospel music, how can I say that he wasn’t used to praise God and His Son?
I graduated from high school in 1969. Yup…. Leonard Cohen…. Check out Jeff Gutt singing “Hallelujah” on The X Factor! Spoiler alert: He’s now been the lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots since 2017.
First time seeing you and listening to you. I don’t know your name but I enjoyed your presentation. I have no idea how I did not know anything about Leonard Cohen and his music. Thank you for enlightening me. I guess I can call you “A great teller of Tales.” Brava!!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
I can understand John's reason for quitting. I'm on my late wife's channel here... just now putting the tracks up that we worked on for 16 years. She was the most amazing singer, person and writer to write with. I had told her this for years, but she had this deep rooted insecurity that her mother put into her. She often said I saved her life. And I told her the same. I recorded songs with her constantly, but she resisted the urge to put them out. I think our songs were too personal for her, sometimes. That to release them would be making them less sincere... like the song Fortress of Walls (save me from myself) she didn't even show to me, because I would see it as a cry for help, when it wasn't. It was just an answer to a question that I hadn't asked yet. Because she was still alive. She didn't take her own life, but she felt it would end someday early... and I felt it too, though I never said as much. But I had been producing artists and I had her help me with a few. And a writer wanted me to help him make good demos of his songs, and I asked her to help. We did about 15 songs, and he sent them to labels to try to get a job as a staff writer, but Paramount sent him back a contract to release them as is. They liked the production and the performances... that being her and I... he politely declined, but steered them our way. She talked to the A&R guy a few times. I decided it would have to be her choice. We got about a year into it and she was gone. I wrote a few songs since then, but nothing like the output we had. But i'm finishing up our stuff. I don't know if Paramount even will know who I am when I call, or if I even will find a number... but I wrote a thousand pages of our story. I know it will mean something to a lot of ppl, if it gets out. I know music... and I'm ruthless to my own projects...I just hope it gets to the right ear. I think we were the world's smallest orchestra. Lol. Writing music was as easy as breathing. And now breathing is so much harder.
I also have known unrequited sharing and the need to share can be strong for some and not others, but the work is cathartic nonetheless and you need not worry, your work will be known by many someday. I also know what it means for it to be hard to breath, my whole breathing\ sinus rhythm has changed since she is gone. I find myself holding my breath a lot, even still, and it's been almost 20 years, but it does get easier brother, best not to isolate yourself, be as happy as you can, she would probably have wanted that.
Not only the words of Hallelujah, it's the melody that is outstanding.
That is what horrifies me. All this fuss about everybody except the genius who wrote the music. Latter day rockers just don't get it.
Amen
They say there is a secret chord!
Please tell me again how we can support your astounding service to music lovers of all ages ( I am 78)
Please tell me again how we can support your astounding service to music lovers of all ages ( I am 78)
It was SUCH a RELIEF to hear you talk about the most important, profound, holy, wrenching, and triumphant verses Cohen brought forth and how most pop singers instead of comprehending those verses trim them off and reduce this song into a mere romantic complaint.
Bri in bed already. Celebrating Kim's birthday etc. A long 3 weeks Jane
I don,t like the tied to the hair thing. Delilah did not gave to tie the guy .
Leoanard Cohen. The most wonderful singer, songwriter, poet, and deeply religious fantastic gentleman. We who loved you, miss you always sir. My favorite singer of all of his songs..
I totally agree with you - a very talented guy indeed!
I love the way you tell a story.
You remind me of my Niece, Raelene Ostberg, a Family Education Specialist at Thriving Together LLC.
There’s a story about Lenny and Bob Dylan talking about the difficulty they had writing songs. Lenny asked Bob “how long did it take you to write Masters Of War? Bob said it took him about two weeks. Bob asked him how ling it took him to write Hallelujah, a song he loved. Miserably, Lenny admitted it took him two YEARS. Later, Lenny admitted, while telling this story that it actually took him THREE years.
Hallelujah is more popular in this decade than earlier. Young people especially love it, that tells you the world needs more of it. Thanks Lenard and John!
I agree. I think that is because many were not raised with Christian guilt and learned to hear words like Hallelujah without bing triggered or associating it with Christianity o or religion
I love the way bon Jovi does it
The music not the lyrics so much bring out the souls longing for something big, great, spirit filled, love…
Nobody does it like Jeff did
As a Montrealer, Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is always popular. Still covered by so many different artists, must admit that the Shrek Soundtrack really did give the song a second wind.
Thank you so kuch for sharing this story, the more i know now! Half the things you were talking, explaining about i didn't even know!
Can you maybe do a full story on pop,singer, country star artist Bailey Zimmerman & his album Religiously & his EP Leave The Light On,thru his music , etc.
Thank you Leanard Cohen
One of the many gifts Canada has given to the world, the amazing Mr. Cohen. 🇺🇸❤️🇨🇦
And the divine voice of K D Lang.
I love the way they both sung it. No one else can adequately sing such an important song with such heart.
My intro was with Pentatonics. I've heard many versions but my intro still stands as No.1. Thank you, Leonard, your song will live forever.
They are my favorite too !
Leonard said Pentatonics version was his favorite 😊
I loved their version too.
KDLang at the Olympic opening ceremony transported the song into a moment for the world. Her command of the lyrics and melody was a master class, and what the production team did with the lighting in the stadium was inspired.
Give me Leonard Cohen every night, that tranquil beauty of delight.... that profound feeling, I require for survival. His luminous words that burn within, his sexy voice capturing every sin...his love that complicated new arrivals. There are no words to fill his void, there are no symptoms left to cure, because when Leonard Cohen died, so did...a legendary idol.
- P
No-one can sing Hallelujah like Leonard Cohen❤❤❤❤
He sings Hallelujah with a very soulful tone and K D Lang approaches it with a lot of angst! It’s hard to choose who sings it better it’s like someone’ asks you who the s your favorite child!! I guess it depends on what mood I’m in!
Love them both!! 🤷🏻♀️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌟❤️❤️🫶🏻🙋🏻♀️
Hallelujah plz by LC
Jeff Buckley!
@@LindaBrown-bp4yx Cohen said in an interview that KD Lang's version was the definite version
I totally agree, he knew what every word was, the feel of each word and the connection they made with each other when he heard the song in his head. Then only he could deliver that to the audience as he intended and then change it as the song matured.
Thank you for the most respectful & respectable coverage of any artist that I have ever heard. In memory of LC, I wish you a long, healthy life of joy. ~
I miss you, Leonard. Bless you for the decades of joy your music has brought me.
Leonard Cohen: one of the greatest!
I miss him too
kd lang and Pentatonix have done amazing covers of Hallelujah.
What cracks me up, given the lyrics, how many videos are on youtube by Christian Fundamentalists. And yes, KD and Pentatonix made very impressive tribute versions... and KD does convey much of the song's emotional kick, only Leonard delivers the level of irony and sadness that can only come from real life experiences.
God, your voice is irritating!
Totally🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️❤️
I was also very moved by Leonard Cohens poems. Very powerful. Hallelujah is my favorite song but they are all good. As a child of the 60’s, he influenced so many artists.
I am an evangelist and Gospel Singer here in South Africa. I love HalleluYAH and the feedback I get from everyone is awesome.
Great story. Thanks for sharing it.
I'm also a South African Gospel music songwriter. 😊
This is not a gospel song. You need to really listen to the words
This is NOT a gospel song. You must listen to the words!
Yes the melody is nice but if you think it's a religious piece, you're wrong.
As the music manager for my local church I was tasked with arranging the music for my best friend's funeral. His family asked me to include Hallelujah for Mass. I'd know the tune but never paid much attention to the lyrics and was kind of appalled that they'd be sung during a Catholic Mass. His daughter told me that every time my friend heard it on the radio he'd say that he wanted it for his memorial service. I got together with the singer and family and we decided on which verses would be most appropriate for this event; When I heard my organist sing and play it on the church piano I was amazed and appreciated its power and effect on everyone. I now look for all the other verses in search of what can tell a concise yet complete, spiritual story. The ones you read I believe are its key elements.
The lyrics are only a challenge if you insist on adhering to the political aspects of Christianity. The faith expressed is fundamentally Jewish. "You say I took His name in vain, but I don't even know *The Name* ". In Hebrew that last is Ha Shem, one of the expressions used to avoid vocalizing YHWH.
You are an encyclopedia with a gift for telling stories. Thank you for this history lesson.
My first time on your channel. I am very impressed with you and your content. I can only imagine the research and work involved on making your videos.
Bon Jovi does an amazing job of singing it...
Leonard is fabulous live! Especially singing Hallelujah! Fabulous artist! 🥰
It's one of those rare songs that transcends. My son played this at a huge Spring Show by individuals and bands in Austin high schools. Lots of great kids! But my sweet boy , and of course the song!, brought plenty of tears for a few special minutes. Such a beautifully rich song
Leonard Cohen
.... What a genius... I love the complexities ... Thanks. ❤
I saw him in Sligo Ireland a few years before he passed away. It was open air on the grounds of Lissadell house on a fabulously May evening with a view of Benbulbin in the background. Lissadell house had historic connections to W. B Yeats. Leonard incorporated some of Yates poetry into one of his songs. What an evening.
Sounds excellent. I would love to have seen Cohen's take on Yeats, especially his Cohenesque epitaph:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death
Horseman, pass by
what a fascinating story - so well told! I really enjoyed this richness! thank you so much
Hi Lady Roots.
This was such an informative and inspirational Video on Sir Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. As a Composer your Video struck a cord within. Also a reminder that it is never too late for a Song birthed to soar into maturity thus becoming a blessing to many! Thanks very much again. One love & many blessings to you, your Family, Loved Ones and all who concerns you perpetually.
Wonderful review history of hallelujah
I first heard Hallelujah as a background song in the movie Shrek. Even THAT was amazing; it really caught my ear. I also heard a priest sing it in a Catholic church--with his own words--for a wedding. It was very sweet, funny, and spiritual.
Well how amazing ; I didn’t know that!
Music is what I avoid. When i heard this song, it was the exception. I listened to a few renditions, and quickly preferred Leonard Cohen's version. It's an incredibly beautiful music and lyrical composition. I played it for my step-father's last rites. He would have loved it. It is a powerful melody. Thank you for the background story. The song should be eternal. Hope there are many recordings and it never dies.
This history is GOLD. THANK YOU!!!!
My favorite version is by KD Lang. such a beautiful voice.
Check out The X Factor Jeff Gutt! Spoiler alert: He’s now been the lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots since 2017.
Jeff Buckley
I agree. KD all the way.
A critical event in Leonard’s life was the theft of his fortune and many of his copyrights, by his agent, whom he had entrusted with his affairs while in the monastery. This prompted him to go on what became a world tour to recapture his livelihood and ended up showing him how widely loved he was. Lemonade, indeed.
I'm going to check her version out! Thanks for the suggestion.
I would add the performance of Hallelujah at the Olympics, and she has done it at other concerts as well. This is a powerful song and her rendition is exceptional. Thanks for this.
I love k. d. Lang’s version of Alleluia at the Canada Olympics
I listened to music on the radio, but usually am not aware of the artist. I love Hallelujah, so watched this video. Thank you-this was fascinating. I’m sure I’ll be back to learn more.
Dominique Issermann, one of Leonard's loves was a French photographer. She shot the video for the song, 'Dance Me To The End Of Love.' Simply exquisite.
Best video EVER!
@@cyndyfredrickson855 I agree. I love it so much.
And my favourite too. Best song ever.
Leonard Cohen teared up when KD Lange. Very moving
I saw a Canadian Documentary that was made about Leonard Cohen before he was a musician. Did you know he was Poet Laureate of Canada at one point in the early 60's? I saw him live a couple times in the 70's. One of my favorite parts of the show was him do very funny poems over a beatnik style jazz rhythm. He was so hysterical and such a dry wit and the poems were pretty prosaic and profound. so much wonderful memories.
Is this the same documentary where there’s a scene with Leonard is naked in a bathtub and written on the wall is “ buyer beware”?
This was such a beautiful informative and interesting peace on the song hallelujah! Thank you so much I am so happy that I have discovered you and can listen to more documentaries on your channel.
My favourite song of Leonard Cohen is 'If it be your will', though the first song I heard in South Africa in a hotel in the 70 s, was 'So long, Marianne'. L.C. influenced my life tremendously. ❤
Marianne was a lady he did meet in Greece and did she got mentioned in this video?
Marianne was a love of his live...... many is claiming.
First Aid Kit has a remarkable version of So long Maryanne as does his son Adam Cohen
I first heard a portion of Hallelujah in a movie, I have yet to hear a version that wasn't moving. I didn't know Leonard Cohen wrote it, nor did I know he wrote so many verses. The algorithm put this in for me to watch today. You did a great job describing Mr. Cohen, my wife may be a bit upset ŵhen she sees the charge for a tier 3 membership, I need to hear all of those beautiful verses.
I had to listen to this a second time. The first time, I just sat there watching your eyes.
My very favourite version of this song is that of an Irish group of men known as Celtic Thunder! Their version thrills me all of the time that I heard them in live concerts and when I watch them on my DVDs . I love love this group! 6:5 when I
Interesting, will have to look them up.
Leonard Cohen's first book, 'The Favorite Game', is amazing.
But his second book, 'Beautiful Losers', is his true masterpiece. I first read it over 50 years ago. And it totally blew me away. I'd never read anything even remotely like it. And still, today, it's one of my favorite books. It's more than a novel. It's a stunningly beautiful prose poem. I recommend you read it. Especially if you love Cohen's songs and poetry.
For most people, the novel is a little strange when you first start to read it. And that puts a lot of people off. That's likely because it's simply unlike anything you've ever read before. But stick with it. It'll amaze you with it's depth of feeling, and Cohen's unique insights into the human condition.
Thank for this excellent video. Loved it 🌞
Just fabulous! Thank you for your non-judgemental facts and history.
k.D.Lang sang it at the Vancouver Olympics and it was amazing
K.D. Lang singing this song was the first time I heard this song.
She totally owns this song & apparently Leonard Cohen thought so too---supposedly when he heard her sing it at a concert he turned to someone & said, I guess we've heard the definitive version now, or words to that effect.
Yes it was absolutely amazing! It left me in Awe
I really love your perspective on Leonard Cohen. You have told many things I didn’t know about the man, but His enticement to women was more through poetry than the guitar. The only thing I can think of is your persistence of the guitar theme. Is your own personal infatuation with guitarist. Which is kind of weird because Leonard Cohen while being a good guitarist was not a great guitarist. His greatness lies in his lyrical composition of his songs.
That was Leonard Cohen's favorite cover also. Her version is great.
Judy Collins' version of Suzanne is haunting. It will never leave you.
Yes I love it!
Thanks for the suggestion. Just checked it out.
Psalm 150 - Hallelujah! (Praise the Lord!)
I saw Leonard Cohn do this song in London Ontario. No one does it better but KD Lang’s outstanding.
Everything KD Lang does, she does well. She just has a wonderful voice and a deep feeling for the words.
However much time you spent on researching for this was time well-spent-thank you!
Yes, but something is off on the timeline. I knew about Leonard Cohen in the 1970s. If you lived in California back then, esp. SF, you knew about his poetry. The music, maybe not, but definitely his poetry. City Lights Bookstore had his work and that of a lot of other wonderful poets from that era early on,.The thing about bios is that you can never be sure of the facts especially when it is an online presentation that was probably dependent on references and maybe even stories that were not original sources. I'd like to see someone do a book on him with all the references listed. Unfortunately, many of the people who knew personally him are probably not around anymore.
@@joyharmon1110 sad thing is... we can't believe what people write in books as truth either.
Fantastic episode. Thank you!
Just stumbled across this post on youtube. Didn’t think it would be up to much but gave it a go and it turned out to be a fascinating documentary, really well researched, put together and presented. Thankyou. I’ll be checking out your other posts as they are all about artists I like. Great TH-cam find!
I’ve mostly heard locally performed special versions of Hallelujah. One was performed by members of our police department. In any case, I’ve never heard a version that didn’t give me goosebumps.
What's really beautiful is that Leonard could stand before the Lord, "even though it all went wrong" with nothing on his tongue but "Hallelujah." What a wonderful way to make the big transition from whatever this life is to . . . whatever the Lord has for us in all eternity! I hope to speak with Leonard about it when I get up there. Thank you, Jesus!
I love the way you tell the story and hallelujah is one of my favourite song. From New Zealand
Thanks!
Too me, nothing will ever compare to Jeff Buckley's version. I loved Jeff Buckley...sad that he died so young 😢 I've been listening to Leonard Cohen since the 60s. Thanks for this great video👍
You are a fantastic storyteller. Keep on keeping on young lady.
THANK YOU! It's extremely interesting and you did a tremendous job ❤
Thank you for sharing this part of history
Thank you. You have a gift and it shows in your knowledge and presentation. I'll follow you and learn more about the many generational talents we know and love, and their stories. You have a gift of story telling. Well done.
I haven't watched any of her other videos, but I plan on doing so. She has a great delivery and voice for doing these types of videos. Perhaps she could slow her speaking down just a tiny bit and it would sound even better. Anyway, I do look forward to watching anything she's produced about The Eagles.
Here comes some constructive criticism that I'm certain she will never read and others will consider me attacking the storyteller. Her "knowledge" isn't quite as fantastic as you think it is and I only know this because I'm a total L. Cohen fanboi, nerd, geek. For instance, she is correct that Leonard disappeared for a while and was living among Zen Buddhist monks. Leonard was paired with an 89 year old monk named Roshi. Leonard attended to his needs, somewhat like a servant, but more like a student/teacher relationship that does seem a little weird to us Westerners. Cohen, himself, was ordained a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monks in 1996. The host of this video first stated Cohen was outside of the country for this spiritual journey. Though she quickly corrected herself she still didn't know that Leonard wasn't very far from his home in Los Angeles, CA. His location was the monastery atop Mt. Baldy, CA. This story has a tragic ending for multiple reasons, but the first was the fact that while Leonard was trying to better himself atop Mt. Baldy, his Longterm business manager Kelley Lynch embezzled over $5,000,000 from Cohen's bank accounts and even sold some of his publishing rights. That was the vast majority of Leonard's wealth. His retirement fund! It is pretty much a certainty that Leonard began his insanely long worldwide touring in order to earn some sort of a nest egg. I don't think Leonard could have known that he was more popular than at any point in his career and instead of performing in small concert halls he was selling out theaters with multiple night shows and co-headline famous music festivals. The crowds packed with as many 20-somethings as 60-somethings.
There are a handful of other mistakes made, but I can't believe the tangent my writing took...boring flight! LOL I think she might be well served to find herself an editor or fact checker so pedantic twits like me don't bloviate in her comments section. LOL
@@alb639
Thank you for writing!
Oh yes… I think I’ll hit the ⚙️ icon on the upper right & SLOW the playback speed. 😘✌🏽
@@alb639 I love it. I honestly can't remember where I read all the above earlier. From a book, no doubt. I'll try to reprise it as I find Cohen's life fascinating. Thanks for clarifying these facts. I was born in L.A. and spent my childhood there and in San Diego; lived in Quebec for a number of years and spent some time on Hydra as well; also spent 2 years in an ashram so it really helped to visualize Cohen's life.
I was so blessed to have seen Leonard in Los Angeles on his last tour. What a beautiful artist!
Old Man Tour!
My personal favorite: You say I took the name in vain, but I don't even know the name; and, if I did, well really, what's it to ya? There's a blaze of light in every word. It doesn't matter which you heard, the holy or the broken, hallelujah.
That’s my favorite part too ❤️❤️❤️
Love your program, beyond interesting!
What a fabulous story! Thank you for telling this tale.
Love it❤I'm going to listen to all of them😊
So… loved this vid. Stumbled onto it and Subscribed! How do I become a ‘level 3’ member and see the vid with ALL the verses LC wrote?
Excellent biography. Thank you.
Interesting piece. There are a few corrections:
1. You introduce John Cale without the context that he was one of the original founders of The Velvet Underground, and that Cale's version used in Shrek really made it go mainstream
2. The church is St Ann's, not St. Mary's. It's in Brooklyn Heights. Tim Buckley "wasn't available" because HE DIED in 1975 when Jeff was only 9 years old so they certainly weren't trying to get him to play and then settled for Jeff who, while playing music in California was not yet known as a "singer". Jeff made his public singing debut at a tribute concert sponsored by St Ann's on April 26, 1991. I was there and it was transcendent! He was accompanied by Gary Lucas.
3. Jeff then joined Lucas' band, Gods and Monsters, for a short spell and then began performing solo at various clubs and cafes in lower Manhattan, primarily with a residency at Sin-é on St Marks in the East Village where I saw him many times. (Sinead O'Connor also played there a few times)
4. And no, he did not leave America to join a monastery. He was in California at the Mt Baldy Zen Center. I think it's important to realize that while he never gave up his Judaism, he was a practicing Zen monk from 1994 to 1999 or so.
Appreciate your additional info! Leonard Cohen did an extensive interview about his time in the monastery - worth listening to. Think it was aired on CBC.
You did such a great job sharing this story with the details of Leonard's life, I have much gratitude for you!
My favorite version of this song is from Jeff Buckley. I just heard it at the right time in my life. I had known this song from before but when I was 16 years old Jeff Buckley released his album and it floored me. Still does. But Hallelujah knocked me over for months. I feel like Jeff took that song and make it his own.
I clicked into this video as a mega fan of Leonard Cohen. I expected to find it shallow and dislike it but you did a fantastic job, bravo
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG EVER WRITTEN ! THINK YOU FOR WRITING THIS MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG FOR ALL TO KNOW GOD! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!❤️👍🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow,first time watching your show. I am beyond impressed. Great job!!!
Did John Lissauer ever receive payment or royalties for this beautiful song?
First view of your presentations: good job! You’re clear and great to listen to!!!
LOVE Leonard Cohen. Where can I get more of his lyrics to Hallelujah?
Awesome!! Loved this!! Love Leonard Cohen and Hallelujah by anyone is my favorite❤️
Thank you for your great knowledge of the song by Hallelujah. Bless you keep going presenting such good pod casts.
Thank you so much for this amazing story. Love love Leonard Cohen
Great job telling the story! I was completely mesmerized!
This has always been one of my favorite songs since first released most only know of it because of Shrek.
Even in Shrek it gives a clue about what it's about when it starts playing consider what Shrek is doing at time,sitting at kitchen table alone feeling sad and thinking about Fiona the love he lost.
I find it fascinating how a song with rather dark overtones somehow gets turned into this joyous celebration.
Lyrics are completely ignored almost every verse is negative in nature, just because presented and sung in positive manor doesn't change their meaning.
Religious folks grab onto the Hallelujahs and references to bible characters and hear nothing but the melody and hallelujahs afterwards, but they take it out of context.
He is actually mocking religious beliefs
The bible characters referenced,
David, Bathsheba, Sampson, King Harrod, are used as a metaphor, and the Hallelujahs basically saying Hell Yeah!
The phrase about her not caring for music,
The BAFFLED KING COMPOSING
HALLELUJAH
represents an unshared interest,
He has a passion for music and is trying to write the perfect song to win her affection hence the SECRET CORD that nobody has used, unfortunately she doesn't care for music which leaves him baffled, so basically they have nothing in common.
The part where, YOU SAW HER BATHING ON THE ROOF AND HER BEAUTY IN THE MOONLIGHT OVERTHREW YOU,reference to Bathsheba
This represents LUST, he saw her and just had to have her.
SHE STRAPPED YOU TO A KITCHEN CHAIR,
you have now been domesticated, MARRIED.
Well now you have her But,
SHE BROKE THRONE AND CUT YOUR HAIR,references Sampson,
This means You are no longer in charge she has taken your power and makes you submit to her by DRAWING FROM YOUR BREATH A HALLELUJAH,
As If this wasn't bad enough she then cuts you off from the best Sex you ever had,
THERE WAS A TIME YOU USED TO LET ME KNOW WHATS REALLY GOING ON BELOW, BUT NOW NEVER SHOW IT TO ME DO YOU,
Basically saying no sex for you.
ALL HE EVER LEARNED FROM LOVE WAS HOW TO SHOOT SOMEONE WHO OUTDREW YOU
meaning is,
How to win argument even when wrong by using words that will hurt.
I KNOW THIS ROOM AND WALK THESE FLOORS I USED TO LIVE ALONE BEFORE I KNEW YOU,
Meaning although it's still the same place he has always known, it no longer feels the same something is wrong.
LOVE IS NOT A VICTORY MARCH, ITS NOT A CRY THAT YOU HEAR AT NIGHT, ITS NOT SOMEBODY THATS SEEN THE LIGHT, BUT A COLD AND BROKEN HALLELUJAH
meaning, Walking down the isle and being married is not working out,and even though they are together feels alone, should of known better from the start.
YOU SAY I TOOK THE NAME IN VAIN,I DON'T EVEN KNOW THE NAME, BUT IF I DID, WELL REALLY WHATS IT TO YOU?
He is saying it right here,it not about religion, how can he take the name in vain when he doesn't know the name, doesn't believe in the name and doesn't care if you do.
There's a few more versus but this is enough to get what the song is really about,
LUST,
SEX,
POWER,
UNSHARED INTEREST,
FAILED MARRIAGE,
BUT ALTHOUGH IN THE END DID NOT WORK OUT, WOULD
STILL DO IT ALL AGAIN.
Thank you! I think people have a longing for God… The God-shaped vacuum in the human heart… (itsjustme.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/the-correct-quote-of-blaise-pascal/ ) so they respond as if drawn to God… but it is most certainly NOT a worshipful song.
G.K. Chesterton “Every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God.”
Remarkable. I never listened closely to the song so never really understood those references in the lyrics. The hallelujahs in the song are intended as sarcasm?
(Not quite the correct country lyrics) I'd have missed the pain, but then I'd have missed the dance.
Thanks for outlining this. I get so frustrated when people go on about this deeply religious song, when it's cynical, despairing, angry and, as you say, hallelujah equates to hell yeah! I've loved Leonard Cohen since I was a teenager - my first boyfriend introduced me to LC via 'The Sisters of Mercy', which is, of course, about prostitutes! Cohen was a very complex character which is reflected in his lyrics.
Those explanations make sense to me.Whenever I heard the lyrics to this song I was confused and wondering how the song is about religion.
This is a terrific story well told. You clearly thorough research and enjoy your work. Im new to this site, and was fascinated by Leonard Cohens story. My introduction to him was “bird on a wire” and I bought the album (a record)! Love love “Dance me till the end of Love” and Hallelujah. I knew none of his story (except that there were hundreds of verses). I loved this. Thank you!! ❤
Wow you’re an awesome channel! Just what I needed at the Perfect Time. 🙏❣️🐈
Oh my gosh! My heart is full. ❤️ Welcome to the music history family!
If you have not listened to the entire movie, and its soundtrack by Leonard Cohen, "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" is the most meaningful track to ever TELL such a Big Screen story by song. Golden globe and Academy awards. Read the story of its making before watching it, you won't be able to not watch it. Location and Period costuming with absolutely stunning antiquity recreated. Even the blizzard was epic and real.
I find the music itself to be very moving. I heard a couple of mariachi band members playing it with a accordion and guitar in a shopping center parking lot and was moved to tears.
Loved every minute of this! Thank you!
Very interesting video....thank you. I am confused ( and upset) that the sheet music you showed
( 28:11) says : music and lyrics by Leonard Cohen.... no credit to John Lissaur. Do you know why that is?
Thanks for your exposition. Leonard was amazing! Thanks for your historical and interpretive guide. I know it's hard to give a history as so many things seem to overlap, but you do cover a lot of complexity in your narrative, thanks.
Thank you so much. I loved this expose'❤
I love the song, have no idea who Buckley was, and a huge Suzanne lover. That album was the first one I ever purchased as a teen. I am so glad I clicked on this, I actually thought that another artist wrote it, but am glad to hear the real meaning of the song and Cohen connection. That explains the biblical expression. I am glad it was meant to be a song, to and about God. I also still have a book of Cohen poems, I am going to find it and read them again. I will be delighted to see some of the other people you write about.
Leonard Cohen wrote many volumes of poetry, each as mind-opening as the next. He was a poet first, and Suzanne happened to conveniently fit into a wonderful song. He starting concerts for support, but felt he was a poet first. He also wrote 4 novels and a couple of books of mystical philosophy. Start a collection! My husband and I have most of them.
I was in grade 8 music class in 1969 or 1970 and our teacher, Mr. Grant played a documentary movie of Leonard Cohen. My guess is the movie was made by CBC. Likely it is on You Tube somewhere. Imagine if I had not seen that film.
Such good info on Cohen & "Hallelujah" ... want to know more!!! 🎉🎉
Good job...
Until I watched this video I really loved Brett Youngs cover. I knew he left out a few verses but I had no idea this song had originally several verses and so many left out! I loved learning this and I went back and heard so many other covers including Leonard Cohens and I don't think I can listen to this again without the full lyrics! Loved it! I am a subcriber!
Thank you for sharing this background on the song and the composer.
"Hallelujah," is precious to me. I think the Wikipedia article says Leonard Cohen wrote 80 verses: I'm accepting your report that it's more like 120 verses. I imagined Cohen engrossed in the, "conversation," moved by the Spirit to express his walk with God.
So, I developed my own, "cover," of eight verses that I sing to myself from time to time. The fifth verse goes like this:
I know there is a God above
And I've learned so much more from Love
Than how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It's in the cry we hear at night
It's from someone who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken, "Hallelujah...."
The song is a gift - and it belongs to all of us now. I recognized that there are secular and spiritual aspects early on. I hadn't thought of it as Cohen conversing with God: I saw Cohen as being David.
I could go on - but let me just thank you again for sharing this meditation on one of the most powerful songs ever written. And yes, the melody is a perfect match.
Many people don’t realize that Hallelujah means, “Praise Jah” (Jah being a shortened form of Jehovah). 🙏🏽
Many people don’t realize that Hallelujah means, “Praise Jah” (Jah being a shortened form of Jehovah). 🙏🏽 I love the words and music of this song. Beautiful❣️
@@logicrealitytruth-Just seeing your comment: that’s why the song means so much to me.
Of course, I grasped the secular aspect of the song at first. Indeed, I was offended that the praise of God and His name was being thrown around thoughtlessly (in my mind). Just another popular song that would have its season in public consciousness.
Yet, the secular and spiritual aspects are intertwined - as Cohen intended. When my mother mentioned Leonard Cohen’s passing, I was spurred to examine his life and the background of this song - and it’s been a journey for me. A journey complementing the journey I’ve had learning the depths of Yah’s name. I don’t call Him, “Yah” - but I’m grateful for the mighty Root of His name that He gave us. Awhile back, I realized that whatever denomination or persuasion we may be, whatever Name we use to address the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He planted the Root of His name in the interjection we all use.
Let me add one more thing that I haven’t shared with anyone yet. Last week, I was preparing for work and I was thinking about the phrase that many who appreciate the song key on - the, “cold and broken Hallelujah.” I don’t know where your faith is - and I’m not here to question it. My faith is in Jesus Christ - and I strive to find Him in all aspects of my life. It occurred to me that Jesus is that, “cold and broken Hallelujah.”
I know Leonard Cohen was Jewish, and perhaps he never made this connection - yet, I really feel that the Holy Spirit was working on him to write and perform this song and share it with us all. And if Cohen had any inclination toward Gospel music, how can I say that he wasn’t used to praise God and His Son?
Thankyou for the background information. I found it very interesting.
I graduated from high school in 1969. Yup…. Leonard Cohen…. Check out Jeff Gutt singing “Hallelujah” on The X Factor! Spoiler alert: He’s now been the lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots since 2017.
Loved the Leonard Cohen story and love love love Leonard Cohen, thank you.😊❤
You are a great storyteller. Keep researching.👏
First time seeing you and listening to you. I don’t know your name but I enjoyed your presentation. I have no idea how I did not know anything about Leonard Cohen and his music. Thank you for enlightening me. I guess I can call you “A great teller of Tales.” Brava!!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
I can understand John's reason for quitting. I'm on my late wife's channel here... just now putting the tracks up that we worked on for 16 years. She was the most amazing singer, person and writer to write with. I had told her this for years, but she had this deep rooted insecurity that her mother put into her. She often said I saved her life. And I told her the same. I recorded songs with her constantly, but she resisted the urge to put them out. I think our songs were too personal for her, sometimes. That to release them would be making them less sincere... like the song Fortress of Walls (save me from myself) she didn't even show to me, because I would see it as a cry for help, when it wasn't. It was just an answer to a question that I hadn't asked yet. Because she was still alive. She didn't take her own life, but she felt it would end someday early... and I felt it too, though I never said as much.
But I had been producing artists and I had her help me with a few. And a writer wanted me to help him make good demos of his songs, and I asked her to help. We did about 15 songs, and he sent them to labels to try to get a job as a staff writer, but Paramount sent him back a contract to release them as is. They liked the production and the performances... that being her and I... he politely declined, but steered them our way. She talked to the A&R guy a few times. I decided it would have to be her choice. We got about a year into it and she was gone. I wrote a few songs since then, but nothing like the output we had. But i'm finishing up our stuff. I don't know if Paramount even will know who I am when I call, or if I even will find a number... but I wrote a thousand pages of our story. I know it will mean something to a lot of ppl, if it gets out. I know music... and I'm ruthless to my own projects...I just hope it gets to the right ear. I think we were the world's smallest orchestra. Lol. Writing music was as easy as breathing. And now breathing is so much harder.
I also have known unrequited sharing and the need to share can be strong for some and not others, but the work is cathartic nonetheless and you need not worry, your work will be known by many someday. I also know what it means for it to be hard to breath, my whole breathing\ sinus rhythm has changed since she is gone. I find myself holding my breath a lot, even still, and it's been almost 20 years, but it does get easier brother, best not to isolate yourself, be as happy as you can, she would probably have wanted that.
I would love to hear your music and read your words. I hope I get the chance. Thanks for sharing your story here.
@@sgarcatayes I hope it will happen once it is decided it will manifest
I love leonard, he slowly grew on me.
He was a songwriting genius.