I had known of Leonard Cohen and his iconic song Hallelujah for many years. Like many, I first encountered it through its varied covers, from soaring talent show renditions to soulful tributes. And yet, it wasn’t until recently that I truly discovered Leonard Cohen—not just as a songwriter but as an artist, a poet, and a seeker.

Now, his work feels like a quiet yet profound presence, speaking directly to the questions I’ve carried and the experiences I’ve had—particularly those shaped by my Christian upbringing. Something about his music, his voice, and his words drives so deeply into me. It’s as though he’s giving voice to thoughts I hadn’t yet fully articulated, bringing clarity to the ineffable.