Secret Chords: Leonard Cohen’s ‘Lost Verses’ to “Hallelujah”

In case what follows doesn’t make it apparent, basically these are added verses to the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. No, they aren’t the actual added verses written by Cohen himself, though wouldn’t that be something? Basically, I had the idea having gotten the song stuck in my head recently, and in my zealous listening I found out that Cohen had written over 80 verses when he originally started writing this classic. This began my wondering what those other verses might have been, so I just started writing a few on my own time that I decided I wanted to share with you guys. Just to clarify, no I don’t think this is what Cohen would have actually written, nor do I think I can actually represent his level of genius. I just had an urge to use this particular style of strict poetic verse to see what I would come up with. I hope you guys enjoy!

They say that He’s creating still
I wish He’d let me know His will
Throw me a bone; just one sign, if it do ya
My maker still believes in me
Though Hell if I know what You see
Through Death and through my shattered Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

In days gone by, I killed a man
I didn’t even have a plan
It wasn’t me, it was long before I knew ya
Don’t look above, there’s nothing there
I could be gone for all they care
My inverted blade tore loose my Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

The Devil came to me one day
But I did not have much to say
Except “Don’t think I’ve forgot the soul I’m due ya”
“You bleeding fool, you’ll never learn
“You act as though your court’s adjourned
“Well, hear my words, accept my Hallelujah”

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

I came to a forgotten wood
By then I lost all that was good
The list of reasons to go on made fewer
The things you see in the dark of night
Can’t tell you either wrong or right
You’ll find them in the grey called Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Holy Mother I once found true
Father and Holy Spirit too
In your soul, their absence will unglue ya
It doesn’t matter anymore
If they want out, I’ll slam the door
And send them on with naught but Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah