Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Being Beautiful

This song is simply beautiful.



hallelujah

heard there was a secret chord
that david played and it pleased the lord
but you don't really care for music, do you
well it goes like this the fourth, the fifth
the minor fall and the major lift
the baffled king composing hallelujah

hallelujah...

well your faith was strong but you needed proof
you saw her bathing on the roof
her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
she tied you to her kitchen chair
she broke your throne and she cut your hair
and from your lips she drew the hallelujah

hallelujah...

baby i've been here before
i've seen this room and i've walked this floor
i used to live alone before i knew you
i've seen your flag on the marble arch
but love is not a victory march
it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

hallelujah...

well there was a time when you let me know
what's really going on below
but now you never show that to me do you
but remember when i moved in you
and the holy dove was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah

well, maybe there's a god above
but all i've ever learned from love
was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
it's not a cry that you hear at night
it's not somebody who's seen the light
it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

hallelujah...

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

OMG,
one of my faves - sent it to someone yesterday. I like the Rufus Wainwright rendition, though Buckley sounds good. Have you heard the new cover by that Girl...dont remember her name right now, but she is pretty good as well.

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, Meena, this song is AWESOME! I also like the Rufus Wainwright version. I love the vocal harmonies here. Haven't heard the other, but I'll check it out. Thanks!

rebecca said...

My husband and I were having this discussion the other day about when we hear a song - do we hear the music or the lyrics first. He makes note of the music arrangement first whereas I'm taken in by the lyrics initially. No more so than this song. One of my favorites. The music is haunting, Buckley's voice accompanies it very well but it's the lyrics to this particular song that are so deep and full of meaning that makes the song for me. Leonard Cohen wrote these lyrics didn't he? It's one of the songs I have on my playlist. Simply genius all around.

Marion said...

Oh, Judith, I cried all the way through this song and played it twice. I'd never heard it before and it really touched me. Thank you so much for sharing it. Love & Blessings!

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, Rebecca, Leonard Cohen wrote the lyrics. I think I am drawn by the music first, but the lyrics come closely behind. There is such an incredible completeness to this song, a silence, that is arresting.

There wasn't for me which came first the music or lyrics here. Just think of the refrain: Hallelujah. The song tells a wonderful story. There is a heavenly and earthly quality here that's gripping.

Judith Ellis said...

Marion - I also cried when I first heard this song. It's beautiful, eh? I'm happy to have shared it with you. Blessings too!

The Write Girl said...

Beautiful song Judith...I love how you lay out the lyrics in your post.

Judith Ellis said...

I'm happy to post this song, The Write Girl. I love words and I know you do too.

septembermom said...

This song grabs hold of me. I thank you, dear Judith, for elevating these few moments for me. So beautiful!

Judith Ellis said...

Kelly, my sister, my friend - It is my pleasure.

Opaque said...

I have been looking for this song's artist since years now. And, here is where I find it. Perhaps, my googling skills are hopeless! Thanks Judith! Yes, this is a very beautiful song!

Judith Ellis said...

My pleasure, Ajey, my thoughtful young talented friend.