secret chord

[DaSwede]

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord

...wrote Leonard Cohen in his song Hallelujah. To what does it refer? Or is it just dear old Lennie rambling. (Or would you have to kill me if you told me...)

It may be a couple of days before I get a chance to say thanks - but I will.

[jno]

not my field really, but there's something about it in the ever-dependable Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallelujah_(song)

[DaSwede]

Thanks jno, I've found heaps of info thanks to your link. I usually think of Wikipedia, but this time I didn't. Turns out there's lots on the internet about David playing for Saul, but it took me a while to understand what 'secret chord' referred to. But here it is, methinks:

(From
http://bible-music.net/Torah_CDs.htm)

The sages taught that the Torah, properly used, could be the source of healing and deliverance from evil. When David played the harp for King Saul, the sages teach that he played the Torah. The tormented King Saul, was relaxed, refreshed, and the evil spirit that was tormenting him, departed (I Samuel 16:23).

I remember mentioning in a previous question to which you replied that Oprah and Dr Phil are my gurus - but Leonard Cohen is my oldest one, almost part of who I am. Paradoxally, I haven't really 'analyzed' his texts too much, probably because I was so terribly young when I started listening. He was just being Leonard, no need to analyze him. But this one has been bugging me, so thanks!

And goodnight. I'm at a public computer, better go before they throw me out. See you around!

[DaSwede]

http://bible-music.net/Torah_CDs.htm

[Octavius]

I presume wiki mentions that it was in Shrek and performed by Rufus Wainright the hundred and eleventh or something - him and his family being close buddies of dear old Leonard. I think Rufusises version misses out about the actual chords though.

I have actually sung and played this on the guitar at a family get together and they think I am getting all religious on them until I tell them at is from Shrek and is really about making luurve!

[DaSwede]

Octavius, have you heard Jeff Buckley's rendering on the album Grace? That is religious. Seriously, if you haven't heard it, get it.

I didn't know about them being friends. I've heard about Rufus and Martha, but remember their parents more vividly, that's how old I am. Having read your reply I shall henceforth refer to Halllelujah as "that song from Shrek." :)