An Easter Hallelujah.

Someone once told me that Hallelujah is the only word that is said the same in all languages. I can’t verify that, but what I do know is that the song by that title has been sung all over the world and in many languages.

Leonard Cohen wrote “Hallelujah” in the early 1980’s. It was released in 1984 on an album that Columbia Records largely ignored. It wasn’t until it was recorded by John Cale in 1991 that it increased in popularity to the point that it was named as part of Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Since that time hundreds of artists have recorded it, often altering the lyrics that Cohen so painstakingly authored. I love k.d. lang’s take on the song as well as Rufus Wainwright. But nothing or no one replaces the lusty baritone and achingly haunting way Leonard sings Hallelujah.

Sadly, Leonard is no longer with us. But his wonderful song lingers along with special memories like the photo of our daughter and Leonard snapped outside a bistro in downtown Los Angeles.

The tune of Hallelujah is so captivating that it has been used as a basis for seasonal songs and celebrations. The Christmas version was first introduced by Susan Boyle who gained fame on America’s Got Talent. Every holiday season you can be sure a wide array of artists are singing it.

Then there’s the “wedding” version first sung by Catholic priest, Father Ray Kelly who surprised a young couple he had just married by singing the song from the altar. His “performance” went viral, and soon the “Irish singing priest” gained worldwide notoriety and even a little bit of a sideline career. He came all the way from County Meath and performed at an Irish festival in Greeley, Nebraska.

Now as we progress through Holy Week and the upcoming Easter weekend, I’ve been listening to and singing the Easter version. Kelly Mooney wrote the lyrics and was successful in obtaining the rights to sing and record it. As for singing it, a fellow choir member and I have recorded it from our local Catholic church. With any luck, I may get it posted on my Facebook page.

I’m not sure what Leonard would think of all this attention given to his song. I’ll continue to listen to him for a good long time. But for this week, it is simply my Easter Hallelujah.