Common questions

Who is the original singer of the song Hallelujah?

Who is the original singer of the song Hallelujah?

About Hallelujah “Hallelujah” is a song written by Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, originally released on his album Various Positions (1984). Achieving little initial success, the song found greater popular acclaim through a recording by John Cale, which inspired a recording by Jeff Buckley. It has been viewed as a “baseline” for secular hymns.

Who was the composer of the song Nanniwan?

In 1943 Nanniwan was heralded a success, and a propagandist song was commissioned. The lyrics, written by He Jingzhi, were set to a traditional folk melody of northern Shaanxi. The song rose during the last years of the Second Sino-Japanese War and continued to be popular after the Communist victory in 1949.

Who is the protagonist in the song Hallelujah?

The lyrics start with David, king of Israel, who, by playing the harp, can calm the evil soul of Saul, his predecessor. “The baffled king composing hallelujah.” David is always the protagonist of this phrase and his perplexity comes from the fact that, despite being chosen by the Lord, he could not help but follow his own human nature.

How many different versions of Hallelujah are there?

Thanks to Miss perfect, emma, Dave, Gregory, jwat777 for correcting these lyrics. More than 300 versions of the song exist. The lyrics of versions differ from the original ones most of the times, including those ones sung by Leonard Cohen himself during live performances.

Who is the baffled king in Hallelujah?

“The baffled king composing hallelujah.” David is always the protagonist of this phrase and his perplexity comes from the fact that, despite being chosen by the Lord, he could not help but follow his own human nature. In fact, he became the lover of Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite, committing adultery.

What is the last verse of Hallelujah about?

The final verse is again King David talking to God basically admitting he was wrong, and he even standing behind the dark love is entirely wrong. However, by standing in front of the lord of song and only proclaiming his dark Hallelujah proves that it was worth it all to King David.

Is there a blaze of light in Hallelujah?

With that stand point, even the dark Hallelujah has a “blaze of light” like the holy Hallelujah. The final verse is again King David talking to God basically admitting he was wrong, and he even standing behind the dark love is entirely wrong.


Where does the second verse of Hallelujah come from?

The second verse was partially inspired by the 2 Samuel Chapter 11-12 from the Bible, about King David and Bathsheba, his commander’s wife. Another source of inspiration comes from the story of Samson and Delilah.

How many versions of Hallelujah have there been?

It has been viewed as a “baseline” for secular hymns. Following its increased popularity after being featured in the film Shrek (2001), many other arrangements have been performed in recordings and in concert, with over 300 versions known.

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Ruth Doyle