What is the song "hallelujah" by leonard cohen really about?

Question

i know it sounds very somber, and tragic.

but I can't quite get it's message.

someone tell me please?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

This question gets asked quite a bit; the song one of my favorites.

Cohen weaves religious/Biblical references throughout his works.

Here he's merging his own love life with that of King David and Bathsheba. Pure, sacred love being lost by the body's physical needs.

The best explanation I've found of that song is "One Haunting Ballad Has Been the Soundtrack to Many Lives Recently. But Why?" by Bryan Appleyard, which can be found at:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/t…

More at:
http://www.webheights.net/speakingcohen/…

Answer 2

it not about any thing relly it's a song about it has story in it and try rufus wanright

Answer 3

I think it has to do with lamenting a passion, a passion or connection so deep that it was religious. The passion may fade, but the religion or faith of it echoes on.

Just a guess.

Answer 4

Well it's really up to the listener's interpretation. There are tons of biblical allusions (David refers to King David of the Bible..."saw her bathing on the roof" is part of his story- he saw Bethsheba bathing on a roof and lusted after her, which led to his downfall) but then it goes on to say "she cut your hair," which could be referring to the story of Samson and Delilah.

I think that it's about how, even after all the sins people make, they can still stand before God and be forgiven.

But then again, that's a matter of opinion.


P.S. to "Josh M," Leonard Cohen was the original talent behind "Hallelujah." Rufus Wainwright did cover it, but so did Jeff Buckley, Allison Crowe, Damien Rice, K.D. Lang, and tons of others.