The song "Hallelujah" has become extremely popular. The melody is really nice and, notwithstanding its simplicity, evokes grand emotions. As a Christian, however, I can't enjoy Leonard Cohen's original lyrics. Even though he has Scriptural references (David and Bathsheba, Samson and Delilah), the original poem is certainly not biblical (casting doubt on the existence of God, etc.).
It's true that the original poem is ambiguous, and Cohen himself has never explained clearly its meaning — but I've always thought that "Hallelujah" deserved God-exalting lyrics (after all, the word means "Praise God").
In 2013 I wrote a little poem in Portuguese which can be sung to this tune. Recently a group of friends presented me with their version of my poem, which I uploaded to Youtube. And last night, on the suggestion of an old friend from N Ireland, I decided to try and translate it into English.
And here you are (for what it's worth, and with a bonus verse):
It's true that the original poem is ambiguous, and Cohen himself has never explained clearly its meaning — but I've always thought that "Hallelujah" deserved God-exalting lyrics (after all, the word means "Praise God").
In 2013 I wrote a little poem in Portuguese which can be sung to this tune. Recently a group of friends presented me with their version of my poem, which I uploaded to Youtube. And last night, on the suggestion of an old friend from N Ireland, I decided to try and translate it into English.
And here you are (for what it's worth, and with a bonus verse):
Hallelujah
When nights are bright as brightest day,
When clouds are smiling o'er my way,
And the gentle breeze is humming in my ears ...
I bow my head and bend my knee,
My heart lifts up its voice to Thee
And offers up a grateful hallelujah.
When skies are grey and overcast,
When clouds are weeping hard, and fast,
And the wailing wind awakens sleeping tears ...
I look beyond my foolish fears,
I trust to Thee the coming years,
And humbly sing to Thee my hallelujah.
When storms are breaking in my heart,
When tender dreams are torn apart,
And the raging wind adds terror to my fears ...
My spirit still looks up to Thee,
With aching heart I bend my knee,
And whisper through my tears: "Lord, hallelujah!"
--------------------------------
I know not how to read the skies,
I know not why the storms arise,
And I know not why the pain still lingers on ...
But Thou hast whispered in my ear:
"Just trust in Me. Oh, do not fear!"
And trusting, still I sing my hallelujah.
© 2015
And the gentle breeze is humming in my ears ...
I bow my head and bend my knee,
My heart lifts up its voice to Thee
And offers up a grateful hallelujah.
When skies are grey and overcast,
When clouds are weeping hard, and fast,
And the wailing wind awakens sleeping tears ...
I look beyond my foolish fears,
I trust to Thee the coming years,
And humbly sing to Thee my hallelujah.
When storms are breaking in my heart,
When tender dreams are torn apart,
And the raging wind adds terror to my fears ...
My spirit still looks up to Thee,
With aching heart I bend my knee,
And whisper through my tears: "Lord, hallelujah!"
--------------------------------
I know not how to read the skies,
I know not why the storms arise,
And I know not why the pain still lingers on ...
But Thou hast whispered in my ear:
"Just trust in Me. Oh, do not fear!"
And trusting, still I sing my hallelujah.
© 2015
