“Hallelujah” is a Queer Anthem
Leonard Cohen’s famous tune screams queer love.
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” made famous by Jeff Buckley’s cover and later Rufus Wainwright’s version in Dreamworks’ Shrek, has been subjected to a variety of interpretations.
When taking the lyrics at face value, one might say it is about religious faith, but Buckley claimed it was about “the hallelujah of the orgasm.”
I have always loved the song. I learned it back in my piano-playing days and probably annoyed my family with how much I played it. Since coming out as bisexual and finding myself in a queer relationship, it has taken on a new meaning.
To me, “Hallelujah,” is a queer anthem.
The line “Your faith was strong but you needed proof. You saw her bathing on the roof,” illustrates one’s discovery of their sexuality.
And:
“And I’ve seen your flag on the marble arch
And love is not a victory march.
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah”
This is the most telling line.
Pride is now branded with the “love is love” slogan and characterized by glitter and partying, but it began in a very violent way when people at the Stonewall bar…
