Analyzing Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can analyze Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" to identify its themes and poetic devices.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

The Pop Song Professor · 5:41

We don't generate video — this one is by The Pop Song Professor on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Leonard Cohen wrote the song "Hallelujah" and considers it a joyous song about life, even when life feels cold and broken.

  2. 2

    The word "Hallelujah" is Hebrew for "glory to the Lord", and Cohen believes that both perfect and broken hallelujahs have equal value.

  3. 3

    Cohen wrote 80 verses for "Hallelujah", and the song affirms the value of human life through sex, beauty, art, music, and relationships.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

10 questions

1

According to Leonard Cohen, what does 'Hallelujah' mean in Hebrew?

2

Explain Cohen's perspective on 'perfect and broken hallelujahs'.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

According to the video, what is the meaning of the word 'Hallelujah' and what does Leonard Cohen say about the different kinds of Hallelujahs that exist?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson