This
classically simple, somber, yet extraordinary work of songwriting by
Leonard Cohen is sung gently and beautifully by young Rufus Wainwright.
While Wainwright's version might not be as dynamic, dramatic or as clearly
beautiful and emotional as versions which I've heard since then, this
was the first that I heard. I am brought to my knees at the wordplay,
wit and cutting irony cloaked in holy robes as the song weaves its spell
upon the listener. This version shows the lyrics to the many verses in
this profoundly sad passion play of the experience of love's violation
and the bitter disillusionment which invariably follows. I dedicate this
to all of the fans of Your Uncle DAZZ at
RadioDAZZ(dot)blogspot(dot)com, and mostly to Elizabeth, who taught me
that pure, uncontrollable, uncontainable love, as a power unto itself,
can truly exist in this world. And to know it once, that unbelievable
closeness as I did, and to have to let it go, as I did, taught me the
meaning of bittersweet. Thank you for loving the man who you thought I
was, and for making me want to be that man. Now, the world is grey
again... with spots of light when I let myself think about us.
Hallelujah.
This song, "Hallelujah," has gotten a tremendous amount of airplay, and has been performed by numerous artists, including Leonard Cohen, who wrote the lyrics. It is somber to the point of liturgical music....like a prayer. The lyrics are rich in biblical allegory and real-world casual conversation, adding a magical element of profound irony and conflict to the song.
This particular version (Rufus Wainright performs live at the Fillmore) is the most sacred version ever to capture my attention. Rufus' voice captures the full depth of sorrow associated with experiencing heart-wrenching disillusionment and loss. I hope that you truly enjoy this version -- it is a beautifully poetic song, sung by a very sensitive young man with a great burden of his own to bear. He could not have sung this song so perfectly if he had not known suffering. The caged bird sings -- unforgettably.
A special thanks to my daughter Leslie, who introduced me to this song in the 1990s while I was driving her to a friend's home. She said, "Dad, you'll LOVE this song. It's incredible." And so it was, my beautiful daughter.
This is an unusually serious RadioDAZZ selection, but I believe that it should be experienced by every Human Soul whom has ever drawn a long sigh. Enjoy this treasure by either clicking on the link or the video player. If we're lucky, I might have the lyrics further down in this post...
I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
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
There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Note: I dedicate this song, the lyrics above, and this post to anyone whom has ever endured the misfortune of loving me (or truly believing so) either because of, or despite of whom I was (or I am), and did not have that love warmly reciprocated by me because of my callousness, my self-centeredness or my childish obliviousness. I ask your forgiveness, and for my release.
With Love, and In The Hope And Spirit Of Redemption, Dazz -- Speaking for
