Leonard Cohen was not just a songwriter; he was a craftsman, a poet who poured his soul into every syllable.
And nowhere is this more evident than in “Hallelujah,” a song that has carved out its own place in music history.
But how did Cohen’s approach to songwriting—meticulous, almost obsessive—shape not only this iconic track but the broader landscape of modern music?
Let’s dive into the artistry and legacy of one of the most influential songwriters of our time.
The Long Journey to ‘Hallelujah’
If you want a deep dive into ‘Hallelujah,’ check out our article on Unveiling the Hidden Meanings: A Deep Dive into Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
As Cohen once said, “It’s a song that gradually came to life,” reflecting the arduous process behind it.
We think of “Hallelujah” as a timeless classic now, but Cohen’s journey to writing it was anything but smooth.
It took him five years, 80 verses, and, reportedly, a few breakdowns on a hotel floor.
Cohen wasn’t trying to write just any song—he was on a mission to create something transcendent.
He revised the lyrics over and over, composing in C major and layering verses that explored themes of love, spirituality, and human struggle.
In fact, his album Various Positions, which included “Hallelujah,” was initially rejected by his record label.
Imagine spending years creating something, pouring yourself into it, only for the label to shrug and say, “Nah, we’ll pass.”
But Cohen, ever the poet, just kept on. He believed in the song, even if no one else did—at least at first.
Poetry Meets Songwriting
For a broader look at Leonard Cohen’s career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
Cohen’s background as a poet heavily influenced his songwriting. He was known to say, “There is nothing throwaway in Cohen’s lyrics; instead, every single word appears considered.”
Leonard Cohen wasn’t just a songwriter—he was a poet before anything else.
This foundation in poetry shaped his approach to lyrics, and it’s part of what makes “Hallelujah” so enduring.
Cohen took his time with each word, crafting lines with the kind of meticulous care that other artists might reserve for an entire album.
He blurred the lines between poetry and music, and if you’ve ever found yourself wondering why Cohen’s lyrics hit differently, this is why.
His lyrics weren’t just there to sound good—they meant something, and they were layered with meaning.
For Cohen, every single word mattered. He worked and reworked his verses to make sure that nothing was out of place.
His background in poetry meant he approached songwriting like a sculptor—chipping away at the unnecessary until only the essence remained.
Hallelujah as the Pinnacle of His Craft
Cohen’s careful attention to detail set ‘Hallelujah’ apart. He “filled notebook upon notebook with different verses” for the song, resulting in an intricate piece that wasn’t easily definable.
“Hallelujah” was more than just a song for Cohen; it was a culmination of everything he’d learned as a poet and a songwriter.
The biblical references, the juxtaposition of the sacred and the secular, the shifts between major and minor chords—all of it speaks to the careful thought Cohen put into his work.
It’s an anthem of the human experience: flawed, beautiful, messy.
But it’s not just about Cohen. “Hallelujah” became something more after it left his hands. John Cale stripped it down, Jeff Buckley made it haunting, and k.d. lang gave it a soulful, almost spiritual energy.
Each artist who covered it added something new, but what remained was the core of Cohen’s craft.
His words—those carefully chosen, painstakingly polished words—shone through in every version.
Cohen’s Influence on Modern Artists
For more about the artistry of Leonard Cohen, read this insightful discussion on The Influence of Leonard Cohen on Modern Songwriting.
Also, check out Blurring the Lines Between Poetry and Music: Leonard Cohen’s Craft.
Bob Dylan once noted the poetic power of Cohen’s lyrics, but Cohen’s unique style kept him distinct, bridging poetry and song in a way that only he could.
Leonard Cohen’s legacy reaches far beyond “Hallelujah.” He’s inspired countless artists, from Nick Cave to Lana Del Rey, both of whom have drawn on his introspective style and use of rich, poetic imagery.
Cohen’s influence is most evident in the way these artists tell stories through their lyrics—stories of love, struggle, and the search for meaning.
He showed that songwriting could be deeply personal, yet resonate universally.
His influence isn’t just about style, though. It’s about approach. Cohen treated every song like a piece of art, and modern artists have taken up that torch—pouring themselves into their work, unafraid to tackle heavy, sometimes uncomfortable themes.
Cohen didn’t shy away from darkness, and he didn’t sugarcoat reality. That honesty is what has inspired so many musicians to follow in his footsteps.
Spirituality, Struggle, and the Human Condition
Cohen’s introspection was described as “the lyricism of Leonard Cohen” that constantly delved into introspective self-searching and human struggle.
One of the reasons Cohen’s work resonates so deeply is because of the themes he explored—love, spirituality, struggle.
He was a man who questioned everything, who explored his Jewish heritage while also meditating in a Zen monastery.
His spirituality was complex, and that complexity came through in his songs.
He didn’t give easy answers; instead, he invited listeners to sit with the questions.
In “Hallelujah,” we see this blend of the sacred and the profane, the holy and the human.
Cohen uses the stories of David and Samson to paint pictures of vulnerability, temptation, and redemption.
The song isn’t a straightforward hymn—it’s messy, like all of us. It’s about falling down and getting back up, about moments of beauty in the midst of brokenness.
A Legacy That Lasts
Leonard Cohen was once described as the “godfather of gloom,” but that title misses the point.
Sure, his songs were often dark, filled with longing and introspection, but they were also honest.
And honesty, even when it’s hard, is beautiful. “Hallelujah” stands as proof of that.
It’s a song that has traveled through time, across genres, and into the hearts of millions.
The true genius of Leonard Cohen lies not just in his ability to write a great song, but in his capacity to write songs that grow with you.
When you’re young, you hear “Hallelujah” as a love song. When you’re older, you hear it as a song about loss, resilience, and everything in between.
Cohen gave us lyrics that adapt, that stay relevant no matter where we are in life.
So if you want to understand what makes Leonard Cohen’s songwriting so powerful, look at “Hallelujah.”
Not just the versions you’ve heard, but the layers behind them—the countless verses Cohen wrote, the spiritual questioning, the poetic craftsmanship.
That’s where his legacy truly lies: in the endless pursuit of something meaningful, something real, something worth singing about.
