John Cale - Hallelujah (Lyrics) (best version)

[pjmonroe]

This version makes me melt. It is amazingly sensual.

[sacredforest4228]

Leonard did sing the original. I really appreciate his writing abilities, but not necessarily his singing abilities. I like k.d. lang's version best, but because the song is so beautiful, there are a lot of other good renditions out there.

[aceswild2131]

Who sang the original??? Was it Leonard Cohen ???

[miniTeatime]

How did this take me 15 minutes to find?!

[micky99Y]

i love this song i mean im pagan and its still so beautiful to me i know every word by heart and have sung it on stage before ( its kind of hard in the higher octives)

[LYRIXSOUL]

emotional song ...

[Nkieffer000]

Hallelujah! The best version finally

[PrincessLunaFTW]

Also, everyone stafoo about religious or not. The lyrics clearly say, "It's not a cry you can hear at night, it's not somebody who's seen the light, it's a cold and it's a broken hallujah". Not religious. Now please, can I listen to the damn song now?

[PrincessLunaFTW]

@evony24 David* not God.

[MegaNiceguy321]

Damn, i'm an atheist, but this song is beatiful

[GameLord1212]

Pannenkoeken! Pannekoeken! Pannenkoeken!

[1Bohimyme]

You know so many people comment on whether or not its spiritual, or biblical without even reading there bible and honing in on David to see that he was a man of God, and did have a failure with Adultery. It cost him dearly when he realized what he had done. AND GOD here’s all Hallelujah's read before you comment so you really understand the lines in the song.

[lindsaybob99]

@Fantabulous10121 Exactly!! Thank you :)

[lindsaybob99]

Love it best version all the others play it sooooo SLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW

[BEAUSCOTTFIXED]

THUMBS UP SCRUBS FANS

[backdraft1348]

great song

[Fantabulous10121]

You know, the name 'Bon Jovi' makes me think of 'Anchovies' O.o

[Wilpowerxl]

this song isnt cristian it says i know there is a god but no believe is true xD

[Fantabulous10121]

@Wilpowerxl Technically, while some may think that the song itself if not a Christian song, the contents within it is. Such as, 'she tied you to a kitchen chair, she broke your throne, she cut you hair' portrays to Samson and Delilah. The word 'Hallelujah' means, Praise the Lord, or Praise Jah. There are a lot more references, but those are a few :)

[D4rknb3h0ld3r]

people are damn stupid, if they do not see the blaspheme of this song. Just cause he says "hallelujah" doesn't make it christian, f-ing morons read the lyrics better.

[SoNickPick]

@D4rknb3h0ld3r What's so blasphemous about it? The fact that carnal love and spirituality are intertwined? The fact that he speaks of love using biblical imagery? Methinks you should get that righteous stick up your ass surgically removed

[khatool]

@D4rknb3h0ld3r I completely agree. People are damn stupid. Like those morons who think that their imaginary friend is going to get angry because the book written about him is used for beauty rather than destruction and terror.

[fmlforwin]

@D4rknb3h0ld3r idiot it is religious. hell he's trying to point out that religion is love whether physical, mental, or spiritual. the fact that religion has a taboo on carnal love is f-ing stupid.

[micky99Y]

@D4rknb3h0ld3r blaspheme what what what its not a bad thing like SoNickPick said get that righteous stick up your ass removed but i would prefer if it was more painful for you so get it pulled out of your ass by a burley prison guard.

[Darthbrandon]

As much as I love this version, I still think the Original by Leonard Cohen is the best.

[DieBankRocker]

i think this is the best version of the song ;)

[Johnny573159]

@DieBankRocker me too^^

[yaoiluver4life19]

Yes! This is the version I've been looking for! :D

Too perfect for words...

<3

[CoolerJunge23]

Scrubs!!!!

[FuBarracuda]

@CoolerJunge23 whoa what a random coincidence haha. Season 1?

[harrypotterlol1]

awsome SHREK,but i still like bobby andonov's version better

[LeahAC7]

There are no doubt many good versions of this beautiful song but this one is so beautiful my eyes well up with tears and I honestly feel a little pain listening to it.

[urHOTyup28]

this is the shrek one!!! :)

i love it

[FreakyXMinecraft]

well, its´s good, but after 4 hours it´s a little bit boring :D

Thump up if you think the same!

[Kadajliger100]

@FreakyXMinecraft i wont thumb you up. and now i shall go back to Hallelujah.

[DjMxerss]

Hmm to do a cover of this song or not (; be the first one i have ever done too.

[Billy62289]

most beautiful recording of the most beautiful song ever written.

[evony24]

This song couldn't sound better if it were performed by a choir of angels, conducted by God.

[philipmarie1854]

@evony24 I think it would sound better if the Blessed Virgin Mary sung it you know. She is God's creation and I'm certainly using this song if a film were to ever be made for my book which is based around Her.

[evony24]

@philipmarie1854 wow well I wish you the best on ur book :)

[ve6ne]

Please correct the word "watching" at the end.

[Belgariad87]

yay scrubs brought me here

[MrPancakesRus]

@Belgariad87 noone care how you got here..

[123tyler1231]

This is what i call DEEP LYRICS!!!

[russellP03]

Haha "Thanks for wathcing"

[deadmanwwe95]

Vmapyre5131999: where can I find The original songes lyrics?

[xelloschick]

Thank you! This is my favorite version!

[vmapyre5131999]

if u read the original song's lyrics it's not appropriate for church.

[rdmcd1891]

You should check out Jeff Buckley's version. This one is good, no doubt, but Jeff's carries a certain soul rarely attained by musicians

[Lysernaii]

@rdmcd1891 I agree with you, Jeff Buckley's version is AMAZING. God I love his music.

[ForARide]

@rdmcd1891 @rdmcd1891 Buckley was inspired by Cale´s version, and to be honest I find Buckley´s version to whiny and the guy totally overrated

[kellycol1000]

it's a lovely song this song is meant to have meaning as well as religion its love.

[kellycol1000]

'She tied u to her kitchen chair' Bondage!!!!

[Texfield91]

83 people outdrew someone and then got shot

[MoonLitfever]

Wow..sick people. This song Is good. Maybe you should not thinkof it that way. You must be Some REAL perverts..

[epicenur]

@MoonLitfever this was originally a psalm from the book of psalms. When it said "When you saw her bathing on the roof her beauty and moonlight overthrew you" it was literally David watching a women bathing. jus sayin

[Azrrael98]

GOD is good in many ways

[Texfield91]

@Azrrael98 Amen, brotha

[Athens561987]

1st impression: "STUPID overrated American song >_<"

December 2010 Broke with GF and ALONE in the house: "listens to this song day & night" :'(

[LMluvsEP]

83 dislikes:O oh no......

[thepotatomancan2]

I enjoyed wathcing this video

[minespatch]

Why isn't this on the Shrek soundtrack?! Did Dreamworks not think we could tell the difference? :|

[rabramz]

@minespatch according to IMDB this is the one they used in the movie... ahaha thats how i found this song.

[malangthon]

@minespatch Re: soundtrack. Yea I noticed that quite sometime ago. Always wondered why they did not include Cale. Who is it Wainwright?

[slapshot68]

@malangthon yeh i kno, john cale did the original 1 in the movie

[iso2000zoe2006]

@malangthon Yes, it's Rufus Wainwright, who I like, but he sounds like he's on a swing, bad version.

[foopetsgirl1]

@minespatch Cale's version was featured in the 2001 animated film Shrek. Rufus Wainwright covered the song as well, and his version appears on the film's soundtrack album rather than Cale's. This is apparently because Wainwright is signed with Dreamworks SKG and Cale is not[citation needed]. The score for Shrek features similarities to the music of "Hallelujah", indicating it could have been influenced by the song.

[WolfKayleee]

He has such a gorgeous voice.

[TaynRach1625]

ummm am i the only one who gets the sexual innuendos in this?? "I remeber when i moved in you..." WTF???

[Angelwithhorns96]

@TaynRach1625 Yeah. It's rumored that this whole song is about having an orgasm. I understand why too. Listen to the whole thing again and think perverted the whole time. Think about it. "She tied you to a kitchen. She broke you thrown. She cut your hair. And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah." Sounds raunchy to me.

[TaynRach1625]

@Angelwithhorns96 good god your right!!!!! D:

[gotVEVO]

@Angelwithhorns96 lol. Its easy to think that just by hearing the words. But, I'm sure the story may sound familiar to you. But, that verse was about Samson and Delilah, and her finding the truth to Samsons strength (his hair). The verse before that was about David and Bathsheba. Not a bible scholar, but that's the bit I can recall. Really awesome song.

[TheMiimaster]

@Angelwithhorns96 I always thought her "Drawing the Hallelujah" meant a kiss on the lips. And if it is about having an orgasm, what is "It's not a cry you can hear at night, it's not somebody who's seen the light, it's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah"

[Angelwithhorns96]

@TheMiimaster I honestly am not sure. I'm just passing on what I heard. But if you're thinking really perverted, that line could be about masterbation. Just think about it. It sounds far fetched to me, but that's just what I'm told and it does kinda make since.

[TheMiimaster]

@Angelwithhorns96 Well, It's understandable if it sounds sexual, perhaps some of the song is meant to be sexual,and the rest is about love. I am really perverted, but I never thought any of the words sexual, except for "There was a time you let me know..." I'm assuming this is all just a bunch of rumors made by perverts.

[crenshaw189]

I love this song!!!!

[vandirgracheki]

83 people were tied on the Chair.

[ronborne1]

In - fucking - credible. Mucho thanko for posting this bad boy.

[xboxfreaky123]

This is the best song i Have ever listen two Evaaa!!!!!!!!!

[natilda1999]

LOve this song!I don't no why ...but I LOVE IT

[iceburg54321]

This is th one thats on shrek..john cale

[Derfonic]

I personally think this is a great rendition. His voice is old and that of experience, which suites the lyrics so much better than Wainwright's version imo. I don't think i've heard a rendition that I don't like so far but Cale's and Buckley's are my favourite.

[wweevolutionfan101]

lee dewyze is the best

[Micah2706]

@wweevolutionfan101 no its not his voice cracks and it doesnt have the same expirence

[supeerlokaa]

woooooooooowwww !!! this is music !!! wanted in youtube "la meva terra laxn busto"

[breastlady]

Please pardon me. Now that I've listened to Leonard Cohen's version, I would like to retract the second part of my last post. There is no sexual innuendo in the original version. I should have done more homework before I commented.

[breastlady]

It's really a beautiful and heart breaking song, isn't it? I'm in awe of Mr. Cohen's gift with words and music. I'm also a little surprised he got away with the mingling of sexual innuendo & biblical worship at the time he wrote it. Though, it isn't salacious or trashy. It's heart felt sadness. It's true art. He also didn't have a crazy internet style world media that reported every stupid thing any idiot says as if it mattered. He didn't have to worry about who he might offend & it going viral.

[thatuglyguy1]

THUMBS UP if your listening to this in 237 B.C on your iStone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Leftunloved]

@thatuglyguy1 Apple came along in the 20th century, so please, find a new joke.

[philkrautter]

@thatuglyguy1 I'll thumbs up for originality, that was pretty funny.

[qu33nzkart3l]

@thatuglyguy1 i had a stone tablet homie

[jonny321hohoho]

jeff buckley version is a million times better. this sucks

[Derfonic]

@jonny321hohoho Go and make a version as good as this then come back and insult another artist's work you arrogant moron.

[petitdragibus1]

@laloka1405 No, the version which was used in Shrek was by Rufus Wrainwright .

[Shotgun93Steve]

@petitdragibus1 I just watched Shrek because it's been so long.

It's this version that's in the movie.

[Derfonic]

@petitdragibus1 No, this was actually used in the movie. Rufus Wainwright was just on the shrek soundtrack.

[laloka1405]

is this the cover that was use in shrek??

[Shotgun93Steve]

@laloka1405 yeah.

[marioyluigijugete]

TRIBUTO A LA SAGA GAMER XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD­DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD­DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD­DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD­DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[paramilena116]

John Cale, Jeff Buckley and... shame on you. Only Cohen sings as it should be. Don't add sugar. And i like them, but really, what a disappointment

[gmkelley11]

love it <)

[DanielaMaria023]

All the covers of this song lost the true pain, and depth, of the original. They seem like some sort of church music.

[DanielaMaria023]

Lyrics AND music BY Leonard Cohen, if you please.

[SportzgirlRH]

i've been looking for this version of the song FOREVER all the other versions don't even compare to this......BEST VERSION OF THIS SONG

[flagwatch]

Thumbs up if you're listening to this in 2013!

[razzle121994]

@DisneyLover4567 Yes, yes, you are the ONLY one that remembers this song from "Sherk "... -.- ....

[DisneyLover4567]

Am I the only one that remembers that this song and singing is off of Sherk 1?

[TheDarkness2487]

@DisneyLover4567 i also remember it being played in lord of war when they were gathering evidence to bring him down

[hawkwho]

@DisneyLover4567 He was doing this live in the early 90s. Shrek and Scrubs just put it on their soundtracks years later.

[palominox64]

@DisneyLover4567 I think everyone calls it 'the shrek song'. I could ask; am I the only one that remebers John Cale covered it in 1991 and knows that this song is off of "Basquiat'? Love to you, DL, much. I just like noting john cale's interpretation and it's storied history.

[gotVEVO]

@palominox64 Right on! you're not alone. 1st heard this song on "Basquiat" wasn't that an awesome movie?

[chicarelli1983]

@gotVEVO love that movie..anytime I mention it to someone they look at me like im nuts.I try to explain who he was and that they made a movie on him but none of my friends are into art or artist or good music..infact all my friends lack taste sometimes

[gotVEVO]

@chicarelli1983 Yeah man I grew up in a box too. Not sure if it was a box or mask? Sadly had to appreciate this sort of stuff in secret. Eventually grew up and was able to expose "thugs" into some culture. And, its good to know there's some young people out there who can appreciate good music and art. You never know, they're probably too ashamed to admit it. Rock on Chicrelli1983!! Be well :)

[OmgZomgRoflmao]

@DisneyLover4567 sherk is my favorite movie.

[madamimadamimadam]

@DisneyLover4567 This song is a lot older than Shrek 1. It came out in 1984.

[Fragem420]

Which version was used in the watchmen? That is the version Im trying to hear

[Starsky5O]

@Fragem420 The original version my Leonard Cohen

[USObituariesOnline]

I look for tunes that set the mood and the right message for funeral services. I recommend Hallelujah.

[LikeTightMike]

HOLY !

[jacob123206]

THUMBS UP if american idol made you wont to look this up

[Azrrael98]

praise the lord

[6KingCooper6]

I find this and Rufus' version far different from each other. This one kind of strenghtens me. Wainwrit's version (especially the second verse) makes a mess of me.

[baabp1]

I didn't know this was on shrek till like 2 weeks ago. Lol I'm soo behind on life

[baabp1]

I didn't know this was on slee

[OsMsBOY13]

i really hope someone is still listening to this in 1000 years

[TheMrdogoman]

love this song to spite the religion spin that some take on it ........... he is singing of the love of his woman ... and the affects of that love ... how many of us have been there ........ life is nothing with out that

[janefisher013]

Way too antiseptic,,no emotion AT ALL. IT SUCKS..JEFF PLEASE

[EDONKULATE]

@janefisher013 ummm, what?

[sasuke2136]

spamed the Hallelujah repeat button

[Staciegwen]

this is the best version

[janemba97]

I have lost my girlfriend.. ç_ç

[PcmRox182]

this is one of the lyrically sexiest songs ever

[Shadowgirl4541]

I'm actually in love with this song!

[Smiley1996JoJo]

240 p We meat again ... Dammed

[gingavitus8505]

@Smiley1996JoJo If the 240p affects your visibility of these words, contacts maybe? Other than that, your complaint is unneeded.

[MlleTheTaulu]

HAAAALLELUJAAAAAAAAH !

[Shadowgirl4541]

Okay, thankyou!

[TheMrdogoman]

@Shadowgirl4541 religion has nothing to do with it ....... it is about love ........love is louder ! religion is the part of learning to out shoot someone ......... love rules religion of all kinds is make believe

[edva05171]

exc! song!!!

[kimmett2]

imo, Jeff Buckely's version is the perfect one.

[DECAFtodeath]

oh shit. I burned my chicken kiev listening to this. oh well. it was worth it

[UkLuvsDisneyLyrics]

I remember singing this song since I was like 5 in primary school, had no clue what it meant, we just sung it as a regular song on a hymn morning on thursdays, glad i found it again :)

[Shadowgirl4541]

Thankyou for explaining:)

[netherth]

Watchmen brought me here.

[NintendoSegaSonyGuy]

Other than being released on the Shrek soundtrack, which John Cale album does this song originally come from?

[jayjayxoxo1000]

THUMBS UP if your listening to this in 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[BFH2591]

@jayjayxoxo1000 who the fuck keeps thumbing up comments so stupid like yours

[Raleighkleeb1]

@jayjayxoxo1000 Im listening to this in 2021

[mylifebchic]

@jayjayxoxo1000 i cant give you a thumbs up because im listening to this in 2009. -_-

[AlienCreatureThing]

@jayjayxoxo1000 thats a dislike because im in 1900 B.C. so yeah...just letting you know

[arebecca2355]

@jayjayxoxo1000 Nope I'm listening to this in 1300 B.C on my iStone.

[iLoveNinjasAndTurtle]

@arebecca2355 no offense, but this istone and B.C. shit is also getting as annoying as thumbs up if you listening to this in 2012. think of a new joke(:

[meisawesomeish]

@jayjayxoxo1000 No, Im listening to this in the year 1700 B.C. on my IRock... Damn, My T-Rex just ate my leg...

[swfan91]

@jayjayxoxo1000 Why?

[Shadowgirl4541]

I love this song, but i find it hard to understand what it's about, I am Buddhist not Christian, but I don't mind what religious point it's from (if that makes sense!) please explain!:)

[LegolasFarsight]

@Shadowgirl4541 well david (the king) saw a woman bathing on the roof she was pleasing in his eyes. daved sent for her and she was with him. but alas she was married and after that night she was with child so david got uriah the hitite and tried to get him to lay with his wife but he did not when uriah wwent to war david sent him to the front and he died so david took her as his wife hod was angry and killed thier first child. and the song is speaking to god about hardships

[silvierarosestarr13]

@LegolasFarsight Thanks for eplaining this song. Until I heard the full song, I thought it was just about sad/hard love. When I heard the whole song, I thought it was about sex and a relationship that went wrong. So kind've got it right, but not really. So thanks.

[africankiwi1]

@Shadowgirl4541 im christian some of it sounds like a part of davids life in the bible

Hope this helps :-)

[gingavitus8505]

@africankiwi1 The verse about cuutting your hair seems to me like it's referring to Samson...if you're familiar with him.

[africankiwi1]

@gingavitus8505 to true it does

[sasuke2136]

@gingavitus8505 i agree

[amberdw09]

@gingavitus8505

Thats exactly what it is, I think the entire song is spiritual. Not being sarcastic, I mean he does say Hallelujah a thousand times.

[TheMrdogoman]

@gingavitus8505 no way ya thin k....actually it is refuring to what power and affect a woman can have on a man that is in love with her