The Story of Hallelujah 

NEVER go swimming in cold water in your clothing! We had to learn this as little kids in Minneapolis. Your clothes get waterlogged and the cold acts as a paralytic, you can and will go under real fast. Shame it happened to Jeff.

Cohen said K D Lang's version was the best he'd heard and it brought him to tears.

Bob Dylan was the first to notice its greatness and cover it live in 1988.

It's even crazier that Jeff Buckley's dad Tim Buckley was also a musician who died young...

The first version I had ever heard was Leonard Cohen's original and it may be the fact that its the first time I heard it but I think Cohen's heavy, deep voice brings a gravity to the song that Buckley's or most others just don't

The song is so great that I don’t think I have ever heard a bad cover of it.

k.d. lang doing it live at the Olympics, I don't think it gets better but thanks to Buckley helping it get noticed, beautiful version too

Shrek

rufus Wainwright's version is my favorite. it's the first version I ever heard, and theres for sure other amazing covers/versions out there but I prefer Wainwright's slower understated version than any others. and yes. it was the first version I had heard of it and it was from shrek. sue me.

I still prefer cohen's version. I feel like everyone treats It like an overly weepy song. When it's supposed to be this beautiful song with a powerful optimist message. It's noticeable when they avoid the most important verses: And even tough It all went wrong I'll stand before the lord of song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah. Sorry everyone else Is just too damn angsty and It feels like they just don't get It

Great video. Perfect format. Keep this up mate. Very much enjoying it.

the things we lost in the fire

I already loved Cohen, but I am one of the few, I guess, who owns I’m Your Fan, and that is when the song really hit me.

rufus wainwright was the first one i heard and it’s my favorite

Leonard Cohen will be missed

The fact we ever heard this song was a hallelujah.

I lie awake at night thinking about this stuff all the time. If the stars aligned in just such a way to bring us all the masterpieces that we cannot imagine not being part of history and our lives now, then just how many masterpieces and geniuses have we lost or will never know of or recognise because they didn't get their big break, or they had an idea for a tune in their head but never wrote it down, performed it or recorded it etc? Even just thinking about all the talented musicians, artists and other content creators on RU-vid I've never seen or heard of out there throws me through a loop. I am also so grateful for the works that we do have, because they could so easily have never come to be. You expressed my thoughts perfectly. It truly is scary to think about!

I bought I'm Your Fan here in Brazil. It's was the first time I heard Hallelujah. The John Cale version. Thank you for the history of this amazing song.

Jeff Buckley's version of hallelujah is the greatest cover I've ever listened to.

I had the album "I'm Your Fan". It was awesome. Wish I still had it.

An important part of the story is missing. BOB DYLAN heard the song and covered it himself, even before John Cale.

What has been exposed to me from our creator.... is Psalms 68:4 clearly explains.... HalleluYah... (Yah) is our Fathers name ! When I say HalleluYah.. I am praising my creator. Yah .... took me 4 years to understand ! Bless you... there is a Veteran version that is truly amazing.... thank u for sharing...!

I get the terror feeling. I had that same feeling in relation to a song that got it's just due and became popular 50 years after it was released as a single. it blows my mind that people could have heard it in 1968 and not thought it was amazing back then. Even back then Bob Dylan, being interviewed by the Rolling Stone magazine, said that that single was the best record he'd heard in years and he was in awe of it. How, in the universe that follows fundamental laws, does that even make sense at all? The most famous musician in the world mentioned in the most famous rock and roll magazine in the world a song that he considers to be the best new music being made at that moment. The song being talked about itself is one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard . It was ahead of its time definitely, but it's not avant-garde or anything. It's incredibly accessible actually-infectiously catchy. Simple chord progressions. And several hooks. It's almost formulaic in it's pop sensibilities. I heard it outsde off any context with my headphones on, no hype, no nothing. Casually listening to a RU-vid radio channel. I was digging it hard--It's the type of song that when you hear it for the first time, you think you had already heard it some time in the past. I thought that anyway. It somehow sounds iconic without having any musical legacy to speak of. I look at the info that RU-vid had about the song on that channel I was playing it on and iuu saw that it came out in 1968. The terror first showed up at that precise moment. And i still smell the lingering residue of that terror in every shadow i cast, to this very day. I had to come up with a theory to explain it all. I still kind of half-ass believe the theory too--that this entire story I just laid out for yall is really just the most elaborate prank in history being pulled on me by a time traveler from the future Earth. As improbable as that may seem, to me that makes more sense and it's more likely to be true than what history currently says--that this song wasn't the biggest song of 1968...the terror.

Hey Alfo, great video, really enjoyed to hear the story behind the song. I also really enjoy your blend of showing your face on camera and showing relevant footage for your commentary. It gives the video a personal touch, while pofiding visuals for the story you are telling. I don't know if you are happy to hear about music suggestions or if you get so many, that it is getting annoying, but I want to recommend the german newcomer band Giant Rooks to you, just thought you might like them because I enjoy about 95% mentioned in your videos. I love the bands sound, but can't quite put my finger on what makes it stand out.

Thank you, a good history of a powerful song. Jeff Buckley's father, Tim Buckley, a well known folk singer, as well as other styles, also died early, age 28.

Awesome video, alot was added to my knowledge thanks to it

Aha I've literally just been listening to this, great video man

Thanks for discussing. First heard it 24 or 25 years ago at a listening station at Borders Books in Overland Park, Kansas. The melody stuck with me. Great tune. Great tune to cover, too. Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

Perfect format

Thank you for making this, sir

With my limited experience and knowledge, I would have to say Safetysuit's version of Hallelujah is the absolute best and most creative I have ever heard.

Don't forget that the band Bon Jovi who is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also made this song famous who has played it. In a crazy way....this song and it's story are sooo perfectly aligned.. it's about intense struggle and failure again and again and then the universe finally aligns in a miraculous way.... Nothing short of a miracle.. to get to your Hallelujah! Very much like a Hail Mary Moment! I absolutely love love love this song! Thank you for sharing the story!

i dont get it why this video just have 9k views.... it was the best story about a song that i have ever heard!

well done video, man! well done.

The word itself has infatuated me for years, the song embodies that same infatuation and I thank you. 👍✌️🙏

Interesting sidetrack to your story: In 1994 Jeff Buckley got lots of airplay where I lived (Lansing/East Lansing) with Grace. Last Goodbye was the song that was played like crazy on the radio. Hallelujah was not played at that time. I think it started showing up in 1997-1998, towards the end of my tenure in Lansing/East Lansing.

Hey man you should listen to RKS (Rainbow Kitten Surprise) if you haven’t already. New stuff and old. I think you would like them they are really sick

A video about Lenoard Cohen? YES. This was extremely interesting tbh

As far as I knew, the version Buckley heard was in an obscure free magazine. Either way, and epic cover and the story only accentuates it. A classic

All that really matters is that it made it and one of my all time favorites ty for sharing its history. 💖

Jeff Buckley owns the track. But Leonard Cohen " The Man With The Golden Voice " penned it. Cohen lived long enough to become deeply appreciated. Jeff died after only 1 proper album. 2 great talents.

buckley and cohen played major roles in my childhood. you’ve reminded me how much they both mean to me, as well as ”hallelujah”. thank you, thank you, thank you for this

To me, the most recognizable song ever is we will rock you because of that simple drumpattern and due to the use in all sports. In never time it might be seven nation army (The White stripes) or even despacito (as much as it hurts me to say it, gangnam style is up there as well)

When I saw Leonard Cohen Sing this song he definitely said the Battle King, not the Baffled King. David was the "Warrior King".

Didn't know James from Sugar Pine 7 had a music channel.

RIP Cohen (KING)

I remember growing up listening to Cohen's version, so the slow bass voice always does it for me. Then the cover by Zach Snyder for the Watchmen is what I think of now. I find it very soothing to listen to when I'm stressed out.

And now, zack made it again, and more!!

That's so cool that you were inspired by Maxwell Gladwell and RH.. I only very recently discovered him (the YT algorithm gods were most bountiful that morn'), but he's definitely a sensational storyteller. Good to know kindred spirits do still exist..even in the bowels of social media debauchery.

i think a very telling quote from leonard cohen that shows a lot about himself is this one, that he said “I don't consider myself a pessimist. I think of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin.” it’s very telling of how he felt and how he thought.

John Cale's version is my favorite

Forget about the fire analogy thing he used for just a second if you would. There's music that exists right now, unburnt, released decades ago to an underwhelmed public that didn't appreciate it's brilliance at the time that I considered to be unknown transcendent gems. Unrealized masterpieces of modern music. No exaggeration. Like, there's a genre defying song that exists out there from the late 60s that I consider to be one of the best songs ever written. Not only was it never popular around the time of its release, as far as I can tell, I'm the only one who has recognized it for its lightyears ahead of it's time sheer brilliance and it has never been popular. I'm slightly biased in this particular case, because the song title is actually a parody on my all-time favorite song's title--Bob Dylans' Its Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding). The song itself is poking fun at Dylan a little bit, but its really directed at the people who viewed Dylan as some kind of Unerring Savior. Beyond the lyrics, the music sounds like proto punk mixed with folk mixed with Fleetwood Mac. Check it. One of the best ever, Fairport Convention's "Its Alright Ma, It's Only Witchraft."

I was asking myself who wrote this song and wow I'm am pleasantly surprised I ask and you answered

All of Grace is fantastic.

You know I didn’t even know who Jeff Buckley was, and I love Leonard cohen but I didn’t know that he was the original creator. I just so happen to stumble across this video and appreciate you making this

dude I fn love Malcolm Gladwell omg he was all I read when I was in high school. HIm + Chuck Klosterman

Ok this is interesting

I personally like the Rufas Wainwright version the best.

Hey ur cool this is good

Listen to the Il Divo version. Great voices and it's wild hearing it in Italian!

Some people call it Fate, I call it Causality. What makes you flip a coin, do you catch it and flip it or do you let it hit the floor? When you roll the dice do you how many times do to shake them in your hands before letting go? Do you go for an open area or do you want the dice to bounce off something like a wall?

Rufus Wainwright does my favorite version, but I'd love to hear Tom Waits cover the song as well.

jeff buckley did it best. possibly the greatest male singer of all time. what a true musical prodigy

Malcolm Gladwell is the freaking man

you guys should hear the original Cohen version...

For me this is leonards song and always will be.

Brrrrrrr goosebumps...

Have you heard of the band skegss? I found them fairly recently and they're great. You may not like them but I'd really like to see a video about them if that's something you'd like to do. Another great video man, keep it up.

Great song but I think that Leonard Cohen and Jeff Buckley's respective masterpieces are Bird On A Wire & Lover You Should've Come Over. It sucks that both of them tragically met the fate of being mostly looked at purely under that song's shadow. There's a lot of great stuff to be found with a little digging.

Something pretty interesting that you didn't mention is that Bon Jovi got to know Hallelujah because of Jeff Buckley. He heard him play it in 1991 at a bar in Asbury Park in Jersey and told his friend that the song would be a hit lol. He fell in love with it and later on did one of the most beautiful covers of Hallelujah out there. Small world.

Great vid, good stuff

AYO I LOVE THAT BEANIE ON YOU MY DUDE! Great video man!

I feel like the small town girl song is universal

I’ve never seen your face man, excellent!! Another Interesting video ayeeeeeeee.

I always thought it was from earlier times like the 60s/70s.

❤️

When this song first came out back in the 70's, nobody really liked it. I firmly believe Cohen was high on some kind of drugs as many pop singers of the time used them. LSD and the like.... Hallelujah. Means "Praise the Lord" this song does everything BUT Praise the Lord. Now, if you change the lyrics like other countries have done, then it sounds beautiful and they really do praise the Lord with their wordings

classic musiq story fr fr

I prefer Cohen's version. Honestly, it is the only version I've ever heard, and it is sung so gut wrenchingly pulled out in his voice. The only thing I can even compare with his Hallelujah is Taylor Swift's Anti-Hero where she's singing "everybody agrees..." heart breaking.

I know this has nothing to with this video but can u please talk about quasimoto and madlib. Thanks

Hi Alfo Media! Please do a review on Gloomy Sunday!~ They called it the suicidal song

It's a fascinating story, especially if you think that Cohen was famous by then. Just, his most famous song wasn't. And there are lot's of powerful songs out there for which the stars won't align (die anybody ever listen to Helloween's "Golden Times"? No? Go. Do it!).

Hey, I really liked this video from you! This story is very interesting! Oh by the way, can you do another video on twenty one pilots? I think that would be interesting to see and seeing that you have covered them before on yiu channel, I wonder what you could pull off.

Various Positions was very successful in Israel upon its release in 1984.

Wow...

this is one of the most misinterpreted songs I have ever heard. SO many people cover it and try to infuse it with an uplifting, reverent, and hymnal style and feel to it. it is a story of loss, pain, and regret. this was a masterpiece of heartache. I do think Jeff Buckley held the closest to the intent, did a magnificent job. but I still feel closest to Lenard Cohen's 1984 version.

The time (dirty time) by BEP's is also timeless. IMO, feel free to respectfully disagree.

You’re such I good story tell I deadass believed you both times smh

Weird, I heard the John Cale and original version before I heard Buckley’s. Also OP’s wild. Cohen’s version is better then Buckley’s

I guess the libs did not like the references to the Bible too much.... I would love to listen to the earlier versions of Hallelujah. Cohen was a Virgo, a perfectionist; that's why I think he worked so much on a perfect song. And it is PERFECT. IN MY OPINION.

Shit, what a story!

not to be that person but did you just say 'buyed' at 8:09?

WOW I wasn't aware of how Hallelujah came to be known. For some reason I've always thought they sang this song IN the biblical days so thank you so much. The way you presented this is easy to understand and it makes me love the song even more now.. Thanks again

Someone please tell me is the song really from 1984? I thought Elvis sang this he died before 1984 so how was this released in 84? Isn’t this a real old folk song?

Leonard Coen made the song, which gives me huge respect for him. But Buckley gave life to the song that no one else could. Coen should be happy that Buckley covered it because it would have gotten forgotten (which would have been a shame). Buckley transformed the song and that alone, makes him the best.

This was interesting as fuck

That footage of Freddy Mercury

Idubbbz alfo doesn't exist he can't hurt you Idubbbz alfo:

hellll ye

From Watchmen