The song "Hallelujah Rufus Wainwright" is really a good one, but what does the song's name mean???

Question

I heard the song as an episode in a cartoon, i found it really affecting.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The Song is Halleljuah... the artist performing it is Rufus Wainwright. The song compares falling in love to submission to God. Instead of it being a source of strength, Cohen depicts it as the only possible choice for one's salvation... that you surrender to love, even while you embrace it.

The song Halleljuah was written and recorded by Leonard Cohen. But the most well-known and revered version was done by Jeff Buckley, an American musician, on his debut album, "Grace". Buckley died ten years ago, and the song's mourning tone tends to be associated with him.

Rufus Wainwright happens to be a big fan of Jeff Buckley (having composed to songs about his life), and this is one of his favorite songs. As a fan of Wainwright's (stuff he writes is brilliant-- see "Vibrate" as an example), I can attest that this is actually a pretty limp version. It was recorded for the movie "Shrek", and as that's been on TBS lately, you've probably heard it there.

Please look at the attached links. First up is the Wikipedia page for Hallelujah which explains in better detail what I've just told you. Next up is Cohen's version. Buckley never made a music video for Hallelujah, but I found footage of a live performance of it he did, and you gotta hear it. And finally, Rufus' version, and after that, his far superior "Vibrate". Enjoy!

Answer 2

It makes reference to the story of David and Bathsheba, and possibly Samson and Delilah as well. Here is a quote from Leonard Cohen; who I believe is the one responsible for writing the lyrics... "Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which means "Glory to the Lord." The song explains that many kinds of Hallelujahs do exist. I say : "All the perfect and broken Hallelujahs have an equal value ." It's, as I say, a desire to affirm my faith in life, not in some formal religious way but with enthusiasm, with emotion.... It's a rather joyous song. I like very much the last verse. I remember singin' it to Bob Dylan after his last concert in Paris. The morning after, I was having coffee with him and we traded lyrics. Dylan especially liked this last verse, "And even though it all went wrong, I stand before the Lord of song with nothing on my lips but Hallelujah."

Answer 3

The song is a cover that was written by and originally performed by Leonard Cohen for his 1984 album Various Positions. It has been covered by such artists as John Cale (used in the movie Shrek), Rufus Wainwright (on the Shrek soundtrack, and most notably, Jeff Buckley (which seems to be the most popular version & has been used in many tv shows such as The O.C., House, Cold Case.....etc)

Jeff Buckley was actually inspired to cover this from listening to the John Cale version at a tribute concert for Cohen. During his career this song became a staple at his shows....usually being the last song performed. Out of all the many many versions I've heard, Buckley's is my favorite.

Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which means 'Glory to the Lord'


The song is about love which has soured and gone stale. Cohen used a lot of religious imagery, including references to some of the more notorious women in the bible. Here's some lyrical analysis:
"You saw her bathing on the roof, her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you" - Bathsheba, who tempted the king to kill her husband so he could have her.
"She tied you to her kitchen chair, she broke your throne and she cut your hair" - Delilah, who cut off Sampson's locks that held his superhuman strength.
"But remember when I moved in you and the holy dove was moving too" - This could be a reference to the divine conception and Mary.
The lines referring to the immaculate conception can also be interpreted as having a sexual connotation: "And every breath we drew was hallelujah."

Answer 4

I think it's a cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" done by Rufus Wainwright. Don't quote me on it though, my brain ain't what it used to be.