Pentatonix’s version of “Hallelujah” is a stunning a cappella performance of the famous song originally written by Leonard Cohen. Released in 2016 as part of their Christmas album, A Pentatonix Christmas, their version quickly became popular for its powerful vocals and rich harmonies. Although “Hallelujah” wasn’t originally a Christmas song, it has found its way into many holiday playlists because of its emotional depth and peaceful sound. Pentatonix’s take on the song has introduced it to a new generation of listeners.
The song “Hallelujah” is known for its deep and sometimes complex lyrics that speak about love, loss, and faith. Pentatonix’s version stays true to the emotional impact of the song, with each member of the group contributing to the vocal arrangement in a way that makes the lyrics shine. Their harmonies create a sense of calm and beauty, while the simplicity of the a cappella style allows the words to be the focus. This makes their version memorable and touching for listeners of all backgrounds.
The music video for Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah” is visually striking. It shows the group singing in a desert, surrounded by vast, open landscapes. The minimal setting of the video highlights the emotion in the song and focuses attention on the group’s vocal performance. The natural scenery combined with their voices gives the video a sense of quiet power, making it an unforgettable part of their overall presentation of the song.
Video: Hallelujah by Pentatonix
Hallelujah Lyrics by Pentatonix
[Scott:]
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
[Avi:]
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
[Kirstie:]
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 (marble arch)
And love is not a victory march (a victory march)
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah (broken Hallelujah)
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Mitch:]
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’s seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[All:]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Mmmm, Mmmm
Mmmm, Mmmm