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A Classic Remix

For over two decades, I’ve engaged in the practice of writing and rewriting songs.

The latter (rewriting) is nothing new. For centuries, Christians have been taking the best tunes that the world has produced and they’ve redeemed — and elevated — them by writing new lyrics to the music.

Many of the greatest hymns known to humankind were created this way.

Yet it’s a lost art today.*

Not only have I practiced this method myself, but I’ve taught it to all the churches I’ve planted or worked with over the years.

Using this method, one of the kingdom communities I founded in the past took Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and raised it to the 50th power.

The rewritten lyrics tell the story of God’s eternal purpose in 5 minutes.

Watch the video below where you can see the saints performing it during a live conference.

(The lyrics are below.)

 

Also, HERE’S AN AUDIO of the song.**

The words contain echoes of From Eternity to Here.***

It tells the Story of the Ages in 5 minutes.

(Unfortunately, the video recording isn’t the highest quality, but I’m glad someone captured the moment.)

LYRICS

Bride: I heard there was a secret chord, that David played and it pleased you Lord. The Mystery of the Ages hidden in ya.

It goes like this: the birth, the gift, the minor fall, the major lift. The Risen King commanding Hallelujah.

CHORUS

Lord: I knew e’er creation’s song. In the garden we walked along. My presence and my kinship offered to ya.

But you took a bite from a different tree. Another life that’s not from me, and from your lips it stripped my hallelujah.

SILENT CHORUS

Bride: Jesus, I’ve been here before. I know this room and I’ve walked this floor. I used to live alone before I knew ya.

Now I’ve seen your death on the wooden arch. Love is not a victory march. It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah.

CHORUS

Lord: I came to earth, I gave my life, for you to be my Eternal Wife. I tell the truth, I died to never lose ya.

And now I live and move in you, the Holy Dove is moving through, and every breath you draw is hallelujah.

CHORUS

Bride: And now we live so all can know what’s really going on below. Your sacrifice restoring all things to ya.

Together with a heavenly throng we’ll stand before the Lord of song with nothing on our tongue but hallelujah.

CHORUS

Other Innovative Songs

He Has Anointed Us (based on Living in the Divine Parenthesis)

In Christ (based on the Ephesians in 3D Master Class)

Bethany (based on God’s Favorite Place on Earth)

Since We’ve Tasted and We’ve Seen

It’s Jesus (based on Jesus Manifesto)

* I discuss the precise method of how to rewrite an existing tune in Part 3 of Finding Organic Church.

** The audio version is sung by Bridget Babione and Tobias Valdez.

*** The rewritten lyrics are attributed to Toby & Brenda Valdez and Bridget & R.C. Babione.

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Category: Church

About Frank Viola

Frank Viola is a best-selling author, blogger, speaker, and consultant to authors and writers. His mission is to help serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. To learn more about Frank and his work, go to 20 Years of Projects. To invite Frank to speak at your event, go to his Speaking Page. Due to a new problem with persistent spam that we haven’t figured out how to control, comments are closed for the present time. To contact Frank, use the “Contact” page in the top menu.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Ussery

    June 15, 2024 at 9:48 AM

    Can’t get past the – “Love is not a victory march, It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah”

    Just powerful and I have to add my WOW with chills!!

  2. Nicole

    July 7, 2022 at 8:29 PM

    Wow. Thank you for resending this email on the 3rd. I finally clicked and watched it and it definitely brought tears to my eyes.

  3. Steve Bryan

    July 6, 2022 at 2:45 PM

    I cried. Anointed song sure to elevate one’s spirit.

  4. Jean

    July 5, 2022 at 1:43 PM

    I had been having terrible night terrors and wondered where I had opened the door to such horrible, demonic things that had me sobbing or running in terror in my sleep. I would awaken with my pillow soaked in tears or my legs beating frantically to escape the terrors.

    But after listening to your video several times, reading the lyrics, weeping and worshiping – that night I had dreams. I cannot remember what happened in the dreams, but in my dreams I was singing “Hallelujah!” And each time I woke up I was singing, “Hallelujah” and praises to the Lord will all my heart and voice – out loud!! Yes, I was singing out loud, not just dreaming I was singing!

    I also received a healing that day! And courage!

    Now, I just listened to it again several times – both on video and audio. So beautiful!

    Thank you for sharing this, Frank. I’m so thankful for the body of Christ and for this group.

  5. Jennie

    July 5, 2022 at 11:13 AM

    Thank you for sharing this. I am deaf and appreciate you including the lyrics.

    I have a question though, What is the “CHORUS” lyrics?? I’m guessing it’s:
    “It goes like this: the birth, the gift, the minor fall, the major lift. The Risen King commanding Hallelujah”???
    Is this the line that’s repeated at each Chorus??

    Thanks in Advance! I look forward to your other songs and how to convert them in to sign language!

    • Frank Viola

      July 5, 2022 at 6:13 PM

      The chorus is simply “Hallelujah” sung four times.

  6. Jan Lenington

    July 5, 2022 at 10:01 AM

    Yes, I was deeply moved. I can’t decide if the lyrics moved me more or the demonstration of the Body as it was performed. What a way to start the week. Thank you for sharing!

  7. Dan Mayhew

    July 5, 2022 at 9:24 AM

    This post has added fuel to the fire that seems to be getting stirred up here in the northwest. Over 25 years ago, a number of songs emerged from the kingdom communities here. Recently, I’ve been moved to go back and revisit some of the music birthed in the Spirit among us. This version of Hallelujah made me weep and has stoked the fire.

    For the redeemed! And for the King!

  8. Todd

    July 5, 2022 at 8:26 AM

    Beautiful words. I love the singing.

  9. Kaley

    July 5, 2022 at 7:57 AM

    A breathtaking and sublime rendition, brought me to tears.

  10. Muriel Rae

    July 4, 2022 at 4:51 PM

    Today I’m sitting near my daughter who was in a triple head on collision last week. I sing a broken hallelujah. This morning I reviewed my cue cards. I surrender the right to decide how each day will go. Frank you have taught me a lot. I am truly grateful for Insurgence and other tools that taught me how to go from living for God to living with God. He is Lord.

    • Jan Lenington

      July 5, 2022 at 10:03 AM

      I’m thinking of you today, Muriel and praying for you and your daughter. Sensing your Lord holding you close.

  11. Eric C. Gnagey

    July 4, 2022 at 3:36 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing this brother Frank. I work as a music therapist in my earthly job and often do re-writes, or as we call them “piggyback” lyrics with some of my clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It was so edifying to hear this song redeemed with godly lyrics and intentions. So much so, I think I’ll refer to this as “Hallelujah (Redeemed)” if you don’t mind? Thank you again!

  12. Heinz

    July 4, 2022 at 1:47 PM

    Wonderful, a foretaste of heaven!!!! Greetings from Germany!

  13. Mary

    July 4, 2022 at 11:27 AM

    Yes definitely touching and tears from my eyes and from my heart washing me from within!

    Thanks for sharing.

  14. Karen

    July 4, 2022 at 7:24 AM

    So beautiful. So powerful. So encouraging.

  15. Taylor

    July 3, 2022 at 9:08 AM

    A beautiful song with beautiful lyrics to match. I can feel the emotion and depth of God’s love through this video. Thank you so much for sharing!

  16. Bud Weishaar

    July 3, 2022 at 8:43 AM

    Wonderful….

  17. Craig

    July 1, 2022 at 7:15 PM

    Blessings guys, thank you! Wonderful rewording … words of LIFE. Thanks for resharing it Frank.

  18. Tina

    July 1, 2022 at 12:47 PM

    Brought me to tears. Oh, how beautiful He is! Such a telling of a beautiful love between Christ and His bride.

  19. Kevin

    July 1, 2022 at 9:45 AM

    Thank You Lord! For 2+ days in a row I’ve been basking in God’s presence over the fact that Christ had blood and water removed from His side to build His Bride just as Adam had a rib removed to build his.

    And then this??? Amazing!!!!

  20. Greg Amey

    July 1, 2022 at 2:55 AM

    Lovely.
    Very moving.

  21. C.K.

    June 30, 2022 at 7:52 PM

    Took my breath away! ????

  22. Shanti

    June 30, 2022 at 7:23 PM

    This song absolutely melted me. So lovely to see a Kingdom community. I haven’t found one yet but I hope to one day. That last line of the first verse the Lord sings made me feel for Him in ways I’ve never felt before.

  23. Ella Defasio

    June 30, 2022 at 4:05 PM

    So powerful!

  24. claudio navarrete

    June 30, 2022 at 11:20 AM

    Hi Frank,

    I’m Claudio from Chile. I’ve been following you for years. Every Thursday I get your unfiltered email and today I enjoyed the singing of the brothers to the point of crying for the beautiful content and the sincere way of interpreting the song.

    I thank you for sharing it, and despite the language barrier, there is a spiritual language that is understood by all.

    I feel part of this great thing of belonging to the bride of Christ. A hug for you and the brothers in the Spirit.

  25. Dyann

    June 30, 2022 at 11:13 AM

    Hallelujah!

  26. Carey

    June 30, 2022 at 10:59 AM

    I’m glad that tears welled up within me!

  27. Jerry

    June 30, 2022 at 10:53 AM

    I remember the original, and I hope that I never hear this without tears flowing, because it touches the Holy Spirit within us and reminds us of why we made the decision to follow Jesus in the first place.

    Thanks for sharing, brother and keep up the good work that you do.

  28. Tammy Robison

    June 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM

    So precious. Thanks so much for sharing.

  29. Megan

    June 30, 2022 at 9:36 AM

    I’m 25 and it brought tears to my eyes. Outstanding!

  30. Dustin

    June 30, 2022 at 9:35 AM

    Absolutely incredible! Cried for sure!

  31. Traci Johnson

    June 30, 2022 at 9:01 AM

    I absolutely enjoyed this. Not sure I ever really paid attention to the lyrics before. The moment the gentleman spoke of the hallelujah being stripped from their mouth, I cried. This is beautiful. And beautiful doesn’t really even touch it.

  32. Cathy

    June 30, 2022 at 8:53 AM

    It made me cry ????????

    I love you Jesus! ❤️❤️❤️

  33. Bob

    June 30, 2022 at 8:48 AM

    That silent chorus was pretty heavy duty. Thanks for sharing.

  34. Jewely Gee Vegys

    June 30, 2022 at 8:39 AM

    This song had me crying almost instantly! Beautiful. The birth, the gift, the minor fall and the major lift! Love it. LOVE it!

  35. Julie

    June 30, 2022 at 8:30 AM

    Powerful! Thank you for posting this today. It was such an encouragement to me.

  36. Shavonne Jackson

    June 30, 2022 at 8:13 AM

    Love this ❤️❤️❤️

  37. Wiebe Brinkman

    June 30, 2022 at 7:30 AM

    I’m older and seldom cry, can not remember when was the last time, But as I listened water “leaked: out of my eyes! Yes I cried. Thankyou JESUS!! There are somethings like coffee, that can start your day off with a bang, AND THIS REMIXED VERSION, SURE, pulled the water from my eyes! thank you JESUS! { and Frank} for sharing this.

  38. Claude Chan

    May 30, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    [The video was removed sometime after 2013 and it was gone for years. But in June 2022, the video was recovered. Therefore, the comments from this point and below are from the first time the video posted.]

    Your song, corporately performed, expressed the true love between the bridegroom and the bride. It refreshed my own love for the Lord as my day begins. Hallelujah!

  39. Ryan

    October 7, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    This is way better than the original. It’s amazing how something so beautiful can turn a bummer of a day around. Thanks for posting this.

  40. Barbara von Pfeil

    September 18, 2013 at 5:34 AM

    The anointing/presence of the Lord was transferred and I was led to worship with tears of longing and adoration for my Groom! Thank you and blessings!

  41. Brian Casey

    September 5, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    Yes, yes — creativity from within a local body is compelling and impelling. Working with a dynamic youth group in Delaware in the late 90s, I had a similar experience — 3-4 viable songs written in one weekend (lyrics by teens with devoted, focused hearts).

  42. Lee

    September 1, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Simplicity of devotion! Yes & Amen! 🙂

  43. Bill Samuel

    August 29, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    I found myself lifting my hands with the tears streaming down my face. HALLELUJAH! PRAISE GOD!

  44. Pedro Cohen

    August 21, 2013 at 3:34 PM

    Goosebumps, chills and tears all around. God bless you guys and knit you together and be one as He desires. Please post more 🙂

  45. Jason

    August 16, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    Wow. Joyful Tears. Amazing.

  46. Bill Otis

    August 16, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    Sisters and brothers, I want you to know that I’ve listened to this song twice and cried both times.
    Hallelujah Jesus!

  47. Ana Whitlow

    August 16, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    hallelujah and all glory to God! Thank you brother for sharing this blessing! Father God is so amazing!

  48. Ella

    August 16, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Beautiful….absolutely amazingly beautiful….

  49. Todd Mayberry

    August 16, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Nice adaptation of the Leonard Cohen classic!

  50. Randi :)

    August 16, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    so beautiful. praise the Lord

  51. Lorrie

    August 16, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Loved, loved, LOVED the new words – such truth!

  52. David Dickerson

    August 16, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    That. Was. Amazing. Made me cry. Glad that song’s been redeemed, too. 🙂

    • Vinny

      August 16, 2013 at 3:41 PM

      Ya David these organic expressions of Christ have music that represents where they are in Him, much like the great music from Rose Creek Village! Which still can make me cry.

  53. Sheri

    August 16, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    Yep. What a blessing!

  54. Anthony Kasper

    August 16, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    Nothing else to say but WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Frank Viola

Frank is a bestselling author, speaker, podcaster, and blogger. He helps serious followers of Jesus know their Lord more deeply so they can experience real transformation and make a lasting impact. His blog – frankviola.org – is regularly ranked in the top 5 of all Christian blogs on the Web and his podcast – Christ is All – has ranked #1 in Canada and #2 in the USA on Apple Podcasts. He and his conversation partners also host The Insurgence Podcast. Frank’s books have sold over 600,000 copies and they’ve been translated into many languages.

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