The Strange History Of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah
ClapClap.org has a capitivating history of all the cover versions of Cohen's sublime Hallelujah - there have been hordes of the buggers. First appearing on 1985's Various Positions, it came to prominence thanks to Jeff Buckley's overwrought take that was itself more directly inspired by John Cale's beautifully stark version.
"The first significant use of the song in a soundtrack was, somewhat logically, Cale's version in Basquiat (1996), followed by, totally illogically, Cale again in Shrek (2001). While it seems clear that the gradual revision of the song is what made it appealing as a soundtrack device, it's also possible that when directors saw that the song was so potent, it could impart gravitas on a cartoon Ogre voiced by Mike Myers, it could make even the shallowest character seem tragic."
Despite appearances, I'm not sure Hallelujah is a sad song - seems to me more a celebration despite every kick in the teeth life can deliver.
