Meaning of "Hallelujah (live)" by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" delves deep into the complexities of love and relationships, highlighting the mixed emotions that come with it. The lyrics touch on themes of loss, longing, acceptance, and resilience. The speaker reminisces about a past love, acknowledging that love is not always a victorious or uplifting experience, as evidenced by the repeated reference to a "broken Hallelujah." Despite the pain and hardships, the speaker finds solace and a sense of transcendence in embracing the brokenness and continuing to praise, or "Hallelujah," even in the face of loneliness and disappointment. The song reflects the bittersweet nature of love, where even in moments of darkness, there is a glimmer of hope and beauty.