So, it's raining. I'm sitting around waiting to get ready to run a bunch of errands with the adults, drinking a cup of tea and staring at the rain outside. I wander over to my computer, because this is a moment in life that is desperate need of the perfect song. The tiny DJ in my brain has decided on "Hallelujah", a tried and true classic.

I go to type it into my lovely iTunes and realize something.

Jesus. When did I happen across 14 different versions of this song?

Leonard. Jeff. Rufus. Dylan. Regina. Imogen. Hell, I've even got versions from Kate Voegel and the Dresden Dolls.

This immediately makes my mind wander.

What exactly is it about this song that makes it so...coverable?

I try to remember the first time I heard it, and I believe it was the original Cohen version on a mix one of the boys in high school made for me. (maybe Kevin? This sounds like something he would put on there. He always liked good music.)

I remember everyone's momentary obsession with the Rufus version after it was in Shrek. I remember my Jeff Buckley obsession.

I wonder if Ben Folds has a version.

But back to the original question. What is it about this song that makes it so universal that numerous amounts of musicians cover it?

I'm listening to K's Choice's version now, which is one of my favorites. I find myself enjoying the simplistic instrumentals used by most covers. I think this song is an opportunity to focus on the vocals. Plus, with the song being as simple (yet amazing) as it is, it gives the musician a chance to do something different, whether it be some interesting intstrumentation (Jeff Buckley) to interesting twists on vocals (regina), to even adding whole other parts to the song (K's Choice.)

Even just thinking about the lyrics...it's sort of a universal topic...and yet, no one seems to have any sort of idea what the song is about. We can agree it's about love and how sometimes it's not all sunshine and rainbows, but past that...I'm not sure. I think past this basic meaning, it begins to take on severely personal meanings for each person. It brings along a thought process for each person who has ever come into contact with it.

...although it makes me die a little bit inside to contemplate how many people relate the song to Shrek. [Don't get me wrong, I love this movie, but this song is SO MUCH MORE than an insecure ogre.]


*sigh*

Anyone out there reading this have a favorite version? I will go on record and rep for my boy Jeff. (but then, when wouldn't I? *laughs*)

Ok. I guess we are finally getting ready to leave.

I will leave you with a link to the original Cohen version. Finding the covers, I will leave to you.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/yyltok