Posted on 04/12/2014 5:04:51 PM PDT by Lorianne
I think I read that the original song had over 80 stanzas. Artists pick and choose from those, so that the lyrics are not necessarily the same from version to version.
I particularly like the Jeff Buckley version.
Thank you, Kirkwood!
Was it in Gaelic? I attended a Mass in Ireland in Gaelic and coulddn’t understand a word. It was good anyway.
Cohen’s version has mixed Old Testament allusions in it. Samson suffered the cut hair and was bound having lost his strength, but David was beguiled by what he saw on a rooftop. Anyhow Cohen framed a semi-profane message with an exquisite tune and refrain, some think he did it as a joke, but the proverbial genie can’t be kept in the bottle.
I couldn’t make it all out. One would probably have to listen several dozen times to transcribe it.
I agree the acoustics of the video were terrible, but it was probably an amateur recording on his cell phone or something. Probably sounded great live in the church.
That may be true, but this priest created his own lyrics especially for this occasion and couple. Unfortunately, the acoustics are terrible. Fortunately, Kirkwood has deciphered and transcribed them for us, in the post just above yours.
Leonard Cohen is a genius.
“Who By Fire?” blows my mind.
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See post #20, wherein Kirkwood has triumphed.
Nothing like an Irish girl, check out the bridesmaids!
Genius is a neutral thing. It can be used for evil or good. In this case though mischief was apparently on his mind, something else clicked. Evil priests in the Old Testament sometimes were yet moved enough by the Lord to pass on a message that was definitely of the Holy Spirit.
Amazing! Thank you for posting!
Go to the youtube video and expand the “About” tab. The lyrics are all transcribed there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYKwqj5QViQ
Thanks for the tip! I had scrolled down, hoping I’d find them in the Comments section, but without result—hence my general appeal, which Kirkwood answered. And now you’ve given me a new tool to use.
Thanks.
I loved it. What a memorable gift and beautiful wedding.
What a great priest. I would bet he brings lots of souls to God
The original has sexual meanings. It is an excellent song written by a talented songwriter, Leonard Cohen. But it doesn't belong in church. (BTW, it has come to be known as the Shrekellujah.)
I can't wait to hear Cohen's "I'm Your Man" sung from the altar. They could change a few words and everybody would swoon. "Oh, it brought me to tears!!!!"
"Hallelujah"--The Arden-Ohman OrchestraThe Revelers also did a great version of "Hallelujah,", and I like the version by Nat Shilkert & the Victor Orchestra, who never recorded a tune I didn't like.
The Old Testament has a lot of sex in it!
Loved it!
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