Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah"
Apparently has taken both #1 and #2 spots in the UK top ten. One version by Leonard Cohen and the other by Buckley. I first heard it (Cohen’s version) on CBC radio 1 (think =Canadian NPR) and was immediately mesmerized; transfixed. It was a ghostly haunting song – beautiful. And for some reason it so embodies Christmas. Do ya think? What’s on your Christmas playlist?
Well I heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do ya?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Well Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
And she broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Well baby I’ve been here before
I’ve seen this room and I’ve walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew ya
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
Well there was a time when you let me know
What’s really going on below
But now you never show that to me do you?
And remember when I moved in you?
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Well maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who’d OUT DREW YA
And it’s not a cry that you hear at night
It’s not somebody who’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
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All versions are Cohen’s, as he wrote it – but I know what you mean!!!
#1 Alexandra Burke (X-Factor winner) has released an over powerful version with key changes and orchestral/choir backing. About as subtle as having Toronto jump on your foot..
#2 Buckley with his ultimate version – One of the Rolling Stones top 500 songs of all time. A subtle version that leaves me speechless (and many other people).
And in 38th place in the UK charts….. Leonard Cohen with his own version!!!
Yes… 1 song in the chart three times. The Original, the Ultimate and the crappy over hyped media driven X-Factor cover.
http://tiny.pl/s2sq