Leonard Cohen wrote a song in 1984 about many things shared by humans, including the state of a world that refuses to reconcile. The cracks webbing out from Cohen’s words are reaching us today.
The Native American pan flute is an instrument of peace and stillness. So much so that a song about a lack of peace comes across as peaceful. A song about a lack of reconciliation has the effect of drawing together the listeners.
In this video, these two brothers cover Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ masterfully. You might find yourself listening to the melody as if you’re hearing it for the first time.
Before and after the song, the brothers briefly communicate with their viewers in two languages. Despite the world’s determination to be divided, to be gulfs apart and isolated, the manner of these performers makes you feel like you’re part of something whole.
‘Hallelujah’ may still be an accurate portrait of the human struggle with reconciliation, but the way this cover is performed builds bridges between the listeners.
