I know there are tons of verses and versions (Pentatonix is my favorite, I feel like they used all of the Biblical references that I actually UNDERSTAND as relevant), and to me it's all about relationships and lust so no matter what version they're singing, I always think it's odd when you hear little kids singing it!

I always think it is about how lust can lead you into terrible trouble....David & Bathsheba? Samson & Delilah? Troubled at best!

Seems like it's about sex and relationships. Having love before, but losing it.

I don't care. I just like the song. Hard to believe I first heard it on Shrek.

Love, sex, loss, confusion, emptiness done with a lot of judeo/christian references. All I know is I tear up every time I hear it. Even if I don't want to.

I thought you were referring to the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

I've always thought this song was about a relationship that had ended or was on the verge of ending. My favorite lyric is, "All I ever learned from love is how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya." Powerful song.

My favorite version is be the late Jeff Buckley:

nothing religious about it

Agnostic! Here I always thought it was about sex.

I like the song-it is about struggle.

I always think it is about how lust can lead you into terrible trouble....David & Bathsheba? Samson & Delilah? Troubled at best!

I think Handel was a Mason. His Hallelujah chorus was definitely Humanist. (Crack of thunder and trumpets from above).

I best know Beethoven's 9th as a kid in church; they hijacked the music for the hymns.

Thank you so much for actually making me look at the lyrics. I've always just written it off and never let it into my actual mind. I like it.

Was it written before or after he became a Buddhist?

Although I don't know the lyrics (why didn't you post a link to them? grr), the title is very religious. lol This is a "walks like a duck" kind of issue for me.

And a really good song

Lenard Cohen, I love that song, my fave version.