New Words to a Pop Tune to Use in Lent
Some popular songs are so beautiful it is a shame they are not hymns.
One such song, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” is a hauntingly beautiful tune with rather strange words about the temptation story of David and Bathsheba.
The church season of Lent begins with the story of Jesus’ Temptation. Here are some words to fit the popular song “Hallelujah” which make it usable for Christian worship.
Sheet music is available online. The easy chord progressions are also available on line. It works well as a solo or with small group. Two soloists can sing the dialog. The congregation can be the angel choir singing “Hallelujah.”
If your church “seals the Alleluias” for Lent, it may help to remember that the 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays. Every Sunday is a celebration of Easter! No reason to censor praise.
The words are ours to publish. Please feel free to use them in worship.
You climbed into the hills to stay
For forty days to fast and pray
A heart to heart with God is what moved you.
But underneath a craggy stone
The devil waited all alone
“Now’s my chance,” he muttered, “Hallelujah.”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The wilderness was bare and dry
An angel chorus in the sky
Countered with a saintly Hallelujah
One fallen angel stayed and fought
“This Son of God is mine,” he thought
But louder cried the angels’ “Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The sun shone on the dusty land
There’s no food for the Son of Man
“But hunger shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Look at the stones both west and east
Pick up a few and have a feast.”
The angels startled cry sighs, “Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
“You take the bread, I’ll take the stone
We do not live on bread alone
But on the words my Father utters to you.”
The devil, stunned, is blown away.
“I know there is another way.”
Act One. The chorus closes. Hallelujah!
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Act Two. The devil slinks away
And leaves The Son of God to pray
“But I’ve still got a plan to overthrow you.
From a temple tower high above
Look down on all those folks you love
Fall down and let the angel chorus save you.”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
“Enough of this, be on your way
‘Don’t test the Lord,’ the scriptures say”
A tired and angry Jesus blasts back at you
But undeterred the devil stays
“I’ll get this Son of God,” he says
But the chorus overcomes him, “Hallelujah.”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Act Three. The devil’s awfully tired
“Who knew this game would be so hard!?
But one more trick and I know I can fool you.
The Son of God, if so you be,
You’ll want to get the best of me.”
The angels sing still louder, “Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
“So Jesus, whatcha waiting for
The world is waiting at your door.
One look around at all that I can give you
Just click your heels and bend your knee
I’ll give you everything you see
You’re set for life, sing out now, ‘Hallelujah!’”
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
“Get lost, you devil, go away
There’s just one God for me alway.”
The songs from heaven sounded loud and long.
“I may be tired, I may be sad
But God is everything I have”
Now all the world can join us in our song.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
photo credit: pb-n-james via photopin cc