Leonard Cohen's estate slams RNC for playing 'Hallelujah' twice after denying Republican's request to use the song and considers legal action for the 'brazen attempt to politicize and exploit' it

UK Daily Mail ^ | August 29 2020 | REUTERS and MARLENE LENTHANG

[knighthawk]

The estate of Leonard Cohen said on Friday it was considering legal action over the use of the Canadian singer’s 'Hallelujah' at the Republican National Convention, calling it a brazen attempt to politicize the song.

A recording of 'Hallelujah' by Tori Kelly was first played during a fireworks display on Thursday night that followed President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech for the Republican nomination.

A second, more operatic version, was performed on camera by American tenor Christopher Macchio, before singing Ave Maria.

[MayflowerMadam]

Thanks for that! I’ll take a listen later today.

[Tax-chick]

As I mentioned above, there are non-creepy lyrics available, at least in Spanish and Portuguese. (Don’t know how that works with the copyright issue, though.)

I like “How Great Thou Art,” myself.

[Theophilus]

I loathe that song! It’s an ablmination. Bible references don’t make a christian song.

[SamAdams76]

I don't think Cohen ever claimed it to be a religious song. I play it once in a while, usually around Christmas time as it fits well into my Christmas playlists. A lot of the Christmas songs I play are of secular nature but I have many traditional Christmas songs in the collection as well.

I think it's a nice song. But Jeff Buckley does a version that is even better. Willie Nelson has a version too that's pretty good.

[MayflowerMadam]

“It’s an ablmination. Bible references don’t make a christian song.”

You’re so right. Just sticking in the word, “Hallelujah”, doesn’t legitimize it. We won’t even go to a church where contemporary “Christian” music is sung. Give me a “Great Hymns Of The Faith” hymnal and I’m happy.

[Maris Crane]

I really dislike that gloomy, drab piece of music called...oxymoronically...Halleluia, which indicates a celebration, but is anything but.

[Maris Crane]

I heartily agree. It’s morose.

[SisterK]

one hauntingly beautiful version
simple but powerful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zEqWw4IQWA

[SisterK]

someone posted that it’s very Christian, but I don’t see it.

It expands the David and Bathsheba story.
Not exactly a high point in his career.
God forgives dirtbags too. And even uses them.
Someone rewrote the lyrics. Totally. And those are about Jesus.

[SisterK]

Here is a Christian re-write
Sang by children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmx—WjeN7o

[dfwgator]

You knew that was coming.

[View from the Cheap Seats]

Leonard Cohen must be laughing in his grave at the stupidity of these people mindlessly singing, “Hallelujah, hallelujah!” thinking that it is something so sweet and wonderful. Of course, he had no problem making royalties from the Disney idiots who paid him untold thousands to misinterpret his masterwork.

[ottbmare]

I don’t understand why the campaign wanted to use this particular song.

[MayflowerMadam]

That’s really pretty. Thanks for sharing!

[MayflowerMadam]

Very beautiful — and the Theology is accurate, too. The harmony with the choir is gorgeous.

[bagster]

That was very good.

Thanks.

[bagster]

Oh, yea. I've seen that. I love it.

Thanks.

[bagster]

Tell me this line isn't 'religous'.

"I used to live alone until I knew ya".

Sometimes people need to think.

(not you)

[Lazamataz]

Sex? What's not religious about sex?

I know, right? How many times do I call out God's name when so engaged?

[Ignatz]

Correct.
Beautiful music, banal lyrics.
My favorite version is Lindsey Stirling’s instrumental.