1984 Folk Rock Song, Written in Five Years, Was Originally Disliked by CBS Records

Leonard Cohen’s 1984 classic “Hallelujah” became one of the most celebrated songs of all time, earning a spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, but its journey to becoming a classic was far from easy.

The publication recognized a series of timeless songs spanning early rock, soul, funk and modern tracks that made a lasting impression on music and helped shape music history.

For Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” the folk rock song ranked No. 74 on the list, with Rolling Stone highlighting how the track connected deeply and emotionally with listeners.

Written by the Canadian singer and songwriter, the 1984 song explores the acceptance of life’s contradictions rather than trying to find answers to them.

It took Cohen more than five years to finish the song as he wanted the lyrics to delve into complex questions about faith, love and human existence.

“This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled,” he explained in an interview as cited by Medium, as Cohen talked about the meaning of the song. “But there are moments when we can reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’”

Featured on his seventh studio album, Various Positions, the song failed to make a major commercial impact upon its release.

At one point, CBS Records declined to release the album in the U.S., which contributed to the song receiving limited commercial attention.

According to Time magazine, after the president of CBS Records, Walter Yetnikoff, heard the album, he reacted negatively and said, “What is this? This isn’t pop music. We’re not releasing it. This is a disaster.”

However, Cohen’s song found new life decades later and became a sleeper hit.

In fact, “Hallelujah” only entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100in November 2016, peaking at No. 59 shortly after Cohen’s death.

Moreover, it was Cohen’s only song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

“Hallelujah” also attracted fellow musicians who created their own renditions of the song. Among them was Jeff Buckley, whose cover appeared on his 1994 album Grace.

His take on Cohen’s song was so powerful that Rolling Stone ranked it No. 3 among the greatest cover songs of all time.

Related: 1965 Song, Written by Neil Diamond at Brill Building, Is Still a Generational Hit 61 Years Later