A live recording from the light show on the walls of the Old City celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, this video features a collaboration of some of Israel’s most famous artists singing an emotive cover of the late Leonard Cohen’s iconic song, « Hallelujah. » The artists, who sang the song in both Hebrew and English, include Eviatar Banai, David D’or and Sarit Hadad. One of the most popular and beloved songs in Israel, « Hallelujah » is often associated with Jerusalem, as it references the biblical story of King David and Batsheba, which took place in Jerusalem. For a comprehensive analysis of the English lyrics, provided below, click here.
Hallelujah
Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing « Hallelujah »
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 2]
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 a kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 3]
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I’ve walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah