Hallelujah – English Lyrics

• By: Pentatonix

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Pentatonix's breathtaking a cappella rendition of "Hallelujah" and discover the power of vocal expression. This iconic cover, known for its intricate harmonies and emotional delivery, offers a unique opportunity to appreciate English lyrics interpreted through pure vocal artistry. Learning the lyrics allows you to explore the profound and multifaceted meanings of love, faith, and brokenness, all conveyed without instrumental accompaniment. The group's masterful use of dynamics and vocal percussion makes this song a special and immersive listening experience, highlighting the beauty and versatility of the human voice.

[English]

I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do ya?

Well it goes like this: the fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, hmm

Well, your faith was strong, but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew ya

She tied you to the kitchen chair

She broke your throne and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Well baby, I've been here before

I've seen this room and I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew ya

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

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Well, maybe there's a God above

But all I've ever learned from love

Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya

And it's not a cry that you hear at night

It's not somebody who has seen the Light

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
secret /ˈsiːkrət/ A2	noun - something kept hidden or unknown adjective - kept hidden; not known or seen
chord /kɔːrd/ B2	noun - a group of (usually three or more) notes sounded together, as in music
faith /feɪθ/ B1	noun - complete trust or confidence in someone or something; belief in a higher power
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - a deep affection or strong feeling of attachment verb - to feel deep affection for someone or something
Hallelujah /ˌhælɪˈluːjə/ B2	noun - an exclamation of worship or rejoicing, meaning “praise the Lord”
king /kɪŋ/ A1	noun - the male ruler of a country, especially a hereditary one
proof /pruːf/ B1	noun - evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
beauty /ˈbjuːti/ B1	noun - a combination of qualities that pleases the senses, especially the sight
moonlight /ˈmuːnlaɪt/ B2	noun - the light that comes from the moon
throne /θroʊn/ C1	noun - the ceremonial chair for a monarch; a seat of authority
broken /ˈbroʊkən/ B1	adjective - having been fractured or damaged and no longer in one piece
cold /koʊld/ A1	adjective - having a low temperature; not warm
victory /ˈvɪktəri/ B2	noun - the act of defeating an opponent or achieving success in a contest
march /mɑːrtʃ/ B1	noun - a steady, regular walk or procession, often for demonstration verb - to walk in a steady, organized manner, especially as a group
God /ɡɒd/ A1	noun - the supreme being worshiped in monotheistic religions
shoot /ʃuːt/ A2	verb - to fire a weapon or projectile
cry /kraɪ/ A1	verb - to shed tears, typically as an expression of emotion noun - a loud vocal expression of pain, sorrow, or joy
light /laɪt/ A1	noun - the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

Key Grammar Structures

• I've heard there was a secret chord

  ➔ Present Perfect

  ➔ The use of 'have heard' indicates an action that occurred in the past with results relevant to the present.

• But you don't really care for music, do ya?

  ➔ Tag Question

  ➔ The phrase 'do ya?' is a tag question used to confirm or seek agreement from the listener.

• Well it goes like this: the fourth, the fifth

  ➔ Colons for Explanation

  ➔ The colon is used to introduce a list or explanation that follows.

• She tied you to the kitchen chair

  ➔ Past Simple

  ➔ The past simple tense is used to describe a completed action in the past.

• And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

  ➔ Past Continuous

  ➔ The past continuous tense is used to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past.

• It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

  ➔ Emphasis with 'It is'

  ➔ The use of 'It is' at the beginning of the sentence emphasizes the statement.

• But all I've ever learned from love

  ➔ Present Perfect with 'Ever'

  ➔ The use of 'ever' with the present perfect emphasizes the entirety of the speaker's experience.

• Hallelujah, Hallelujah

  ➔ Repetition for Emphasis

  ➔ The repetition of 'Hallelujah' emphasizes its significance and emotional impact.