On November 7th, Leonard Cohen passed away. I know that I am late when it comes to paying my respects to Mr. Cohen. It took me a long time to fully realize how much he affected me. Most people know Leonard Cohen as the writer of the song “Hallelujah.” Hallelujah has been covered and featured in films and TV shows such as Shrek and The West Wing.
I love Hallelujah and have listened to most of the covers of it. The Jeff Buckley cover is the most well known and the song is often attributed to him instead of Cohen. I first listened to the song as most people did via the film "Shrek." I then listened to the Jason Castro cover. I did not know until recently that the song was by Cohen.
The song itself is a mix between a secular soft rock jam and a religious hymnal. Hearing the song can make even the happiest man cry.
When I was in Spain on a Spanish exchange program through my high school, my group went to a midnight Easter mass. The only light in the room came from candles and dim lightbulbs.
Throughout the whole mass, I struggled to understand what was being said. My understanding of Spanish is “okay” at best. The congregation also spoke in Catalan, a dialect of Spanish that is a combination of a variety of languages. I was lost but felt comfortable with my friends and new community around me.
As the clock came closer to midnight, the priest invited us to the altar to sing a hymnal. Only me and one of my friends were the only two that had musical training. So we sounded horrible. But the congregation did not care. It was late at night and everyone was starting to doze off.
But then something magical happened. A few members of the congregation pulled up chairs and guitars and sat in front of the alter. The guitarists began strumming a few chords. I lifted my head and stared at the small band. The singers began singing, “I’ve heard there was a secret chord/ That David played, and it pleased the Lord.” I couldn’t believe my ears. They were singing “Hallelujah” in English!
My exchange group and I joined in. Soon the whole church was united in singing. Old men were singing with young girls. The priest was singing with my teacher.
We were one. We had all transcended the language gap. I felt for the first time a part of a community that was foreign to me.
Now when I listen to “Hallelujah” I think of that memory. I remember how we all came together to sing a song. A simple song united all of us.
Music is not like reading. When you read it is a singular activity. Music, on the other hand, can be enjoyed by all. Music can break down barriers. Music can change the world.
As a world community, we are slowly becoming more divided. We forget that we have more similarities than differences. We are all human beings. All human beings love music. Rest in Peace Mr. Cohen. Thank you for giving the world something that can bring us all together.
