HALLELUJAH

 

Several weeks ago I received a link to what appeared to be a beautiful song performed by three young ladies. The chorus of the song absolutely drew me in and found myself singing along to the wonderful melody. Being moved by what I heard and without listening to the entirety of the piece, I forwarded the link to my friend, and brother in Christ. Uncharacteristically I had not done my due diligence, and my friend advised me to take a closer look. I immediately sourced and read the lyrics, shaking my head and reminding myself of just how subtle Satan can be. 

It would seem obvious that this song was never intended to be a Christian song, though many who have covered this song, hold it up to be so. The song first appeared on Cohen’s 1984 studio album Various Positions, hell-o! The lyrics of “Hallelujah” reference, a few biblical examples. David playing for King Saul and later in the song, King David’s indiscretion with Bathsheba as well as Samson’s ultimate downfall by way of Delilah trimming his locks. The theme here is failed relationships and the hopelessness that often results from them. Allowing oneself to be swept away in a sea of emotion singing hallelujah, hallelujah, seems to result in a temporary case of self hypnosis.

 I’m not criticizing Mr. Cohen. He is a world re-known artist after all. Lyrics can mean different things to different people, and this song is a perfect example of how powerful media can be. Tapping into our emotional core and deceiving us into believing what a wonderful experience we are having. The fact is this is how we as Christians get caught up into accepting ideas and notions that have no biblical backing and then we begin the slippery slope of toleration and ultimately we unintentionally separate ourselves from the Truth.

 One thing to note is that the word hallelujah to most Christians is a joyful word of praise to God. It can also be used informally as an expression of happiness when something hoped for happens. Here are the lyrics as Mr. Cohen originally penned them. 

 “HALLELUJAH” by Leonard Cohen

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well, really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
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

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah