Page: http://www.debbiehennessey.com Debbie Hennessey Award Winning Singer Songwriter
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Debbie Hennessey: Music

Hallelujah

(Debbie Hennessey)
March 17, 2010
written by Leonard Cohen, c 1984 Bad Monk Publishing, Sony Music Publishing


So, here's my story and I'm sticking to it...because it's true! Apparently, I've been living under a rock for the last 30 years because I had never heard this song until I saw kd lang sing it at the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I know that may be hard to believe but it's true. Considering the tens of thousands of songs I've heard over the years it is possible that it crossed my path but if so, it didn't make any kind of a mark. When I heard kd sing the song I was just floored, by the song and by her performance. I thought it was one of the most beautiful songs I'd ever heard. I wanted to record it. Of course, I immediately jumped on the web to find out more about it and was shocked and bummed to find out it had been recorded over 200 times.

Ok, so not one of my most original ideas. I really wanted to record it but was concerned that the "industry" types that I deal with would dismiss it, and me as an unoriginal hack. Then one of my best buddies suggested that I just record it for myself and that if I liked how it came out then my fans would like it too. So I did just that and I am so happy I did. I wish everyone could feel the way I feel when I sing this song. It feels as if it is coming from my soul. I hope that comes through when you hear it and that you enjoy it.

Once again, I am thrilled to have worked with producer Rye Randa, who also produced my cd's Good As Gone and Rustic Heart.


Hallelujah

written by Leonard Cohen, c 1984 Bad Monk Publishing, Sony Music Publishing


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

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah


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, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah


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

Our love is not a victory march

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah


Maybe there's a God above

But all I've ever learned from love

Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you

And it's not a cry that you hear at night

It's not someone who's seen the light

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah…etc.


written by Leonard Cohen, c 1984 Bad Monk Publishing, Sony Music Publishing; c2010 Debbie Hennessey/Rustic Heart Records