Saturday, October 29, 2016

Hallelujah - Pentatonix

I've been a great fan of a cappella group, Pentatonix, ever since I watched them singing  - and winning - The Sing-Off in 2011. Their blend of voices is extraordinary and they have just released a Christmas album. You can hear and watch them perform Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah here.

Now I have to say that while I find this song haunting and lovely - and this rendition of it is particularly beautiful - I still struggle to understand its entire meaning. I do get the Biblical references but some of the other parts confuse me. I was relieved to find I was not the only one who was in this position when I googled 'what does Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah mean?' because literally pages of people asking the same question or trying to answer it came up. The trouble is the interpretations are as varied as those writing them so I decided to simply enjoy it and leave it to you to work out your own meaning/meanings.

It turns out that even finding a definitive version of the lyrics of Hallelujah is not easy but this link gives you a number of variations. Have fun and for some more information here is Leonard Cohen being interviewed about the song.

6 comments:

Jo said...

Not been into Christmas songs yet this year.

Just started reading Den of Wolves.

Helen V. said...

I don't think 'Hallelujah' is particularly Christmasy, Jo, but it is lovely and on their Christmas album. Enjoy 'Den of Wolves'. I did.

Jo said...

You're right Helen. I wasn't thinking, I know Hallelujah quite well. There is a version by K.D. Lang. However, I just played this version and I think it's great, thanks for drawing my attention to it. I have included it in my blog for Monday. I am not usually into acapella but I do like this. Very well done.

Jo said...

I'm well in to Den of Wolves and I suddenly remembered the little dog from the first story, Blackthorn and Grim were taking care of it. The one with the soul of the maid. Did I miss something or has Juliet Marillier forgotten it?

Helen V. said...

That little dog does turn up again, Jo, - at the Prince's court, though, no longer with Blackthorn.

Jo said...

You're right Helen, I found it, Bramble, not long after writing this. Finished the book. Good story. Enjoyed it.