Inspirational Helsinki , Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah, .

[geefloyd46]

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[patrice]

1. This song undoes me EVERY time I hear it . . .

KD Laing has done it too:

[hlthe2b]

2. With all due respect to Mr. Cohen, I have always liked KD Lang's version best...

While I know the song was not meant to be a religious anthem, it certainly has the power of one, no matter ones beliefs.

[patrice]

3. I agree about KD Laing's version of this song . . .

but, though the word is hallelujah, traditionally religious, I think I have always heard this song as a celebration of human potential to grow through pain and oppression to something greater than the sum of its parts. I don't know Ms. Laing's personal philosophy or religion, but that's what I get from her take on this.

Mr. Cohen may have meant it as religion, which is fine by me too, when it's authentic as it seems to be for him, but I see this particular song from the perspective of secular humanism.

[amerikat]

4. I prefer the London 2008? version.

[amerikat]

5. The Jeff Buckley version is my second favorite version.

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[rocktivity]

6. According to Jon Bon Jovi, this is Leonard's favorite version

Mine too, for its rock and roll sensibility (everybody else approaches it as a "ballad&quot and "hallelujah" chorus.


rocktivity

[Harriety]

7. This man is one of the greats. I have heard many versions but to hear it sung by him.....beautiful..

[nolabear]

8. Here's the first, and most unusual version, I've ever heard.

I like it, though when I discovered what a gorgeous piece of music it is I came to prefer Jeff Buckley, kd, Rufus Wainwright, and the man himself. I have 11 versions, and if you look online you'll find that there are people who collect covers. A LOT of covers.

One of the great songs of all time.

[patrice]

9. LOVE this thread!! Thanks Mr. Cohen and geefloyd46!