Why can't you share it? Is it going to be released ever?

Because if it's not, it doesn't make sense why you couldn't share it.

There is hope that it will be released, yes. I can't share because that was the condition when I was given this gift.

As soon as the anonymous donor is okay with me sharing this, I will. I promise.

*sigh* I understand.

I hope this changes soon though, because this version is exactly what I've been looking for forever. Not because I heard it in Saint Ralph (because I've never seen the film), but because I've been looking for a really good cover that uses the earlier verses-- the "name in vain" and "Lord of Song" verses. Most covers use the five verses used in John Cale and Jeff Buckley's verions, which are both excellent. But I want those other verses, done but a vocalist capable of bringing the necessary feeling to the song.

Bob Dylan and Bono both covered the original, but neither of them did it justice. Bono could have if he didn't opt to do the verses in basically spoken word. He makes it sound like some college freshmen poetry reading.

So, yeah... there's more information than you needed. haha

But, since you're a fellow "Hallelujah" fan, do you know of any artists who cover the original "Hallelujah" off of 'Various Positions'?

Lyrically, I don't know of a version as faithful to the 'Various Positions' version as Gord Downie's.

John Cale tells a story about Cohen sending him fifteen verses, but here were the four that comprised that first released version, and Downie hits them all.

Now 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 you? It goes like this The fourth, the fifth The minor fall, the major lift The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Someone should cover all 7 known verses... (have each of the 15 been used before? because I can only find evidence of 7, but I know the John Cale story which you referring to).

And when I say someone, ideally I mean a guy with a good voice, doing it on either piano or guitar. I'd love to hear it covered by Matt Bellamy of Muse, actually. His voice could do it justice, I think.

I've only heard seven verses, and I'm pretty sure that's all Cohen's published.

Here's that John Cale quote about 15 verses:

After I saw him perform at the Beacon I asked if I could have the lyrics to “Hallelujah”. When I got home one night there were fax paper rolls everywhere because Leonard had insisted on supplying all 15 verses. Nobody recognises my version but I always save that song until the end of the set. He and I were chasing after the same woman in London for a time. I called him one morning and she answered – and that was that. It didn’t matter that Cindy was my wife.

Ah, I'm not a huge Neil Young fan-- but he does seem like the type to cover this song. I'm almost surprised that he hasn't.

Have you listened to all of the takes on the 'my old kentucky home' blog? (I followed your link to this page from that site so I know you posted there). If so, none of them cover the original as far as you remember?

If I have to, I'll listen to all of them myself but there's so many and you can't fast forward through them to check faster... :-\

I wonder how a Radiohead cover would sound... just Thom Yorke and a piano... hmmm

I can't say I've heard them all, but I can vouch for the Buckley, Cale, Wainright, Heap, U2 and Lang versions. They all seem to dig the marble arch verse.

Baby I've been here before, I know this room I've walked this floor I used to live alone before I knew you I've seen your flag on the Marble Arch Love is not a victory march It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Yeah... I have all those covers too. Except Heap's, but I don't really like hers that much.

what really are the odds of the soundtrack ever being released?

or at least Gord Downie's cover?

I'm not sure. I do know there is new discussion about it. I'm taking full credit, by the way.

haha. Well, at the very least, it seems like it would make sense for Downie to release his cover...

There are two versions you said? One acoustic and one orchestral, right?

Which one do you prefer?

The only difference between the two versions is length. One is 3:23 and the other is 2:07.

They're essentially the same except the longer version has this great orchestral part after the third verse and then Gord comes back for more.

I prefer the longer version. ;-)

Ah, I see. But the both contain all of the verses/lyrics?

Yep!

Hello, there. I just recently watched Saint Ralph and fell in love with the film, but even more so fell in love with the music score by Andrew Lockington. I actually sent a request to itunes because it was unavailable, and then "googled" Mr. Lockington and came to you. So, I just wanted to let you know that I am very jealous you have the soundtrack. I wish they would release something. I would buy it in a heart beat! As much as I enjoyed the vocal "Alleluia," the instrumental score throughout the movie moved me to tears. I'm glad to have found your blog to find out some interesting insight about the music from this movie.

Thanks.

I was just introduced to the movie last week and went searching for the soundtrack. Ridiculous that it doesn't exist considering all the garbage that does! How do I access the ripped from the DVD version? Am I not seeing something obvious?

Thank you.

www.susiehamidi.com

Hey Susie, I tried emailing you the mp3 but I got this bounce back: "The message was rejected because it contains prohibited virus or spam content"

Thank you for trying to send the mp3. I've just added mike@mikeboon.com to my entourage address book, so I'm hoping the mp3 can be sent without any problems now. Please try again. Thank so much! I'm quite embarrassed to admit that I'm still trying to understand this amazing song. Is it a love song? It moves me to tears, but what is it, really? I don't even know what a "cover" is, either. Music is not my expertise. I'm a photographer, so I'm hoping you won't hold my silly questions against me!

susie@susiehamidi.com

I sent it again and it bounced back again.

A "cover" just means it was originally written and recorded by another artist. Leonard Cohen wrote it and first released it, but many have covered it since.

I was thinking the other day about covers people forget are covers. A good example of that is Aretha Franklin's "Respect". People forget Otis recorded it first.

Thanks for the "cover" explanation. I get it. Is the mp3 being sent from mike@mikeboon.com? If so, I don't know why it's being rejected. Maybe try my .mac account: susiehamidi@mac.com. Thank you again.

Thank you, Mike. It worked.:) Thank you for your persistence.

www.susiehamidi.com

Any word on if the song/disc would be released? I'm sure Gord wouldn't mind if you shared it with me, we're tight. And by tight I mean I've met him a couple times and have been on the Hip tour bus. lol

Thank you for this site, the dvd clip movedme to tears and I've ordered a copy from Amazon today. Please add my voice to requests for the soundtrack to be published as this is one I would buy.

Thanks for your blog,

Helen

This is a great site. I am very very jealous of your CD Acquisition. Saint Ralph and the Soundtrack both rock. I bought the movie and have been pushing it on everyone I know. Hopefully they will release the soundtrack.

I heard there was a great soundtrack
It's eluded me and I can't connect
It has the kind of songs that simply go right through you
I had a taste but I needed more, I made a play but couldn't score
May the angels shout from Heaven Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Let's hope the media gods smile on us.

Andy

I would be very grateful if you would be so kind as to email me the Downie cover of Hallelujah. I love this song, and am working on gathering as many good covers of it as I can find.

Thank you!

God...I wish they'd just release it on iTunes at least. I'm sure the rest of the soundtrack is great too, but this song needs to get out here!

You're so lucky!!

would you be able to send me the MP3 of that song? I can't believe it hasn't been released. I would very appreciate it. have a great day.

Jason

Hi everyone,
I am very interested in the mp3 file of the song "Halleluja". Would anyone be so kind and email a copy?
Thanks very much in advance!

I too am a huge fan of Saint Ralph and would love for you to share your copy of the DVD's ripped cover of Gord Downie's Hallelujah. Trouble is, I don't have a MP3 player and was hoping to play it on my computer's CD drive. Plus I'm not big into computers & e-toys so I hope it will work in this format. Many thanks.

Yet another cry for the soundtrack to Saint Ralph, or at the very least, Downie's rendition of Hallelujah!

'thann, you never entered your email address...

Alright, I'm confused. I did a quick search for the soundtrack to Saint Ralph, and pulled up this blog. So I hear that there's a soundtrack, but it's not out yet. And I also hear Mike that you're emailing the cover of Hallelujah, but only to privileged people. So.... how does one get to be that priviliged?

1. The soundtrack is not out and I can't say for sure it will ever come out. If I were a betting man, I'd say it won't come out. I do have a copy, though...

2. I won't email the copy from the soundtrack, because I promised I wouldn't, but I will email the copy ripped from the DVD. And you don't have to be privileged, you just have to ask.

Does anyone have all 15 verses to the song Hallelujah? I would like to see them if you do please.
Don

Loved the movie and the music. Could you email the version that you can, I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks

mike

Hey Mike,
I did get the DVD version of Hallelujah from you so thank you very much. Any chance you can share some of the other songs from the movie?

I know it's tough to see the track listing on my digital pic of the sountrack rear cover, but Hallelujah is the only non-instrumental song on this album.

So, even if I was permitted to share these songs, if you asked for "Dark Angel" performed by Blue Rodeo and featuring Sarah McLachlan, I don't have it.

Hey, I've been looking for a cover version of Hallelujah with the original last verses... would you mind sending me a copy of the ripped mp3? Thanks!

I was really moved by this song. Im goin to have it played at my funeral. Thank you Gord

I really need this version of the song. I feel the spirit with the words from this origianl version. Not the hacked up ones I can buy. Is it at all possible to purchase the version you have by Gordon Downie?? My husband has liked 3 songs in the 30 years we have been married, this is one.

Hi Sandy,

Sorry, I can't sell you the studio version I have, mainly because it's not mine to sell.

I've sent you the version ripped from the Saint Ralph DVD. In a way, I like that version better anyway... it's got the running commentary in there that adds to the emotion.

Well Toronto Mike...After years of hunting, you now have the unreleased soundtrack. A wonderful person who shall remain anonymous became aware of your plight and blessed you with not one, but two studio versions of The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie singing Hallelujah. This is truly a rare beast as only a few copies were pressed when they were trying to get it released as a soundtrack back in 2004.

I don't think you've lost your mind, since I have seen your pics of the CD. I hope that your anonymous donor reads this and becomes aware of my plight and blesses me with not one, but two studio versions of The Tragically Hip's Gord Downie singing Hallelujah! Perhaps your anonymous donor, since he/she is in a position that obviously allows him/her to access such material, would take a stand to get this soundtrack released.

Better yet, I hope Gord Downie reads this and, due to popular response, releases it on an new CD!

Well Julie Carlson... I assure you, I haven't lost my mind. I've had the soundtrack since last February and there are indeed two studio versions of Gord singing Hallelujah.

Somebody here must know Gord personally or knows someone who knows him. As a good Canadian boy, he's approachable and understanding and not above posting his thoughts on a page like this.

Gord, if you're out there, let us know if there's any hope of this song being officially released. I'm starting to feel guilty being one of a small few to have it and people are tired of me emailing them the rip from the Saint Ralph DVD.

Hey Julie... want the rip from the Saint Ralph DVD?

I just came across this page, because I've been searching for not only the music from the movie Saint Ralph, but two songs in particular... Goodnight Moon and Hallelujah. I know how to get Goodnight Moon, now. But I'm jealous that you got a copy of the actual soundtrack. Was the copy of that part of the hush-hush deal too?? I'd love to get an email from you explaining if there is a way to get a copy of the soundtrack. I loved that music.

Thanks!
Sam

"Goodnight Moon" isn't on the soundtrack I have. In fact, the two versions of Downie singing "Hallelujah" are the only vocal tracks on the album. All the others are instrumental pieces from the film.

And Sam, I just checked out your blog and saw your personal bests... those are awesome times. 16 minutes would win the two 5k races I've run.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I saw the movie as a running movie...the Catholic stuff was a benefit for me, and then of course, the music just topped the whole package.

For Goodnight Moon, I had to get it off of iTunes, by Will Kimbrough. Good song.

Later!

Sam

Wow, I've been searching for Gord Downie's version of Alleluia for a while and never had any results! I'm going to have to watch this flick. Is there anywhere I can find the version ripped from the DVD (I skimmed a bit of this blog, and caught mention of it at the top). I would love to have it! It's a beautiful song. Thanks!

ps: when the whole soundtrack is distributed... i hope they market that well enough so that word spreads! they're going to sell out of that really quickly! i hope i'll be able to grab a copy way out here in winnipeg... :)

Ahhhh. I really want this movie soundtrack. I just watched the film for the 5th time, and I cry over the music! I can't find it anywhere. Any news if/when it will be released?

Hey Mike, i am just another one of those who have fallen in love with the movie and especially Gord Downie's "Hallelujah". Would you be able to send me a copy of the song too? Various members of our family have seen the film several times and we are going to show it again at Thanksgiving in a week or two! Why can't they release the soundtrack? Tell them to.

WHEN THIS AVALABLE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN HAVE A COPY THANKS ERIC

LIMEWIRE HAS IT

Could you send me the MP3 of the Hallelujah song

Hi Mike, like all the other who have ventured upon "Saint Ralph" he movie, we all have been mesmerized buy the soundtrack and specially with the background music overlay of HALLELUJAH! I would appreciate any infromation on how I may be able to get a copy of the soundtrack as well or the mp3 version mentioned above... thank you! Another deciple of your blog!

I recently corresponded with the gentleman trying to give this song an actual release and all I can tell everyone at this point is he'll tell me the moment there's news and I'll blog about it then.

For now, I'm only permitted to share the version ripped from the Saint Ralph DVD.

Could you send me the MP3 of the Hallelujah song? Thank you.

After searching long and hard for a soundtrack for this wonderful movie, I finally found that it exists!
Unfortunately, I can't have it for myself...
Unlike you and many of the other people who have commented here, I wasn't looking for the version of Hallelujah that was in the movie. I was actually more interested in the song that was played throughout the movie, I think the first time it came up was when Walker was about to take a dive into the pool, with the guitar pattern repeating over and over and more instruments being added in.
But, unluckily for me, I don't know anyone else but you that would have it. I don't know where else to even start to look, heck, I don't even know the title of the song.

Hope that you get the thumbs up to share those songs soon, and if you could gift me with the title of that particular song, that would also be greatly appreciated :)

Hi…

I too, found this site by searching for the Saint Ralph’s soundtrack. Would you email me the copy ripped from the DVD?

Thanks in advance.

I would love a copy of the mp3 from the DVD. This site is great! Thanks!

Toronto Mike, Just in case you are keeping a list of emails to update when this album finally comes out... please add me to the list. I would love this album!! I was unable to download the DVD version from you so if you are able to send it via email, please do, thanks!!

Hi…

I too, found this site by searching for the Saint Ralph’s soundtrack. Would you email me the copy ripped from the DVD?

Thanks in advance!

Hey toronto mike,
Thanks for your commitment to keeping us downie fans enlightened on the happenings of hallelijua. Can you send me the mp3 version in the meantime?I've been a fan of this movie ever since its release and I just keep waiting for the song! Becky Rdickey@wingwalkerpr.com

Dear Toronto Mike,
Today "Saint Ralph" was broadcasted on german television. I was touched by the music and its magical harmony. I wanted to be the soundtrack, but I realized that it is not available. Is there a chance that you can share your songs with me?

Thank you and best regards,
Markus Dodek

When is this song going to become available?

I heard the Hallelujah song in Tel Aviv on March 25, 2008 going to the airport on Israel radio. I love the movie and the song and had no idea it was impossible to get. spent all morning today trying to get the song and no luck. Could you send me the copy you have. Why is it released in Israel and not North America.
Keep me updated. thanks

I heard the Hallelujah song in Tel Aviv on March 25, 2008 going to the airport on Israel radio. I love the movie and the song and had no idea it was impossible to get. spent all morning today trying to get the song and no luck. Could you send me the copy you have. Why is it released in Israel and not North America.
Keep me updated. thanks

I saw Saint Ralph and loved the overlooked little picture. It is a lot better than the usual stuff Hollywood churns out. But the one thing that really stood out above all else was Gord Downie's cover of Hallelujah. It is the best version of the song that I have heard and I am hoping that I can get a download of it.

Soundtrack Mike from Toronto.

I have been looking for a copy of Gord Downey's version since I saw the movie. I have, like many people, a collection of Hallelujah covers (I prefer k.d.lang's)but the movie version is perfect for the scene. Downey's version is rough, chopped and absolutely perfect for the scene when Ralph breathing is rough and chopped and he is looking for inspiration. Please email me the MP3 version you have, and thanks for being so generous to us with your time.

jsd

Please, share this version!
Brazil wants too...