"Hallelujah," An Uplifting Response to the Fear Tactics of Terrorism.
Plus, new contemporary lyrics to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
Terrorism's dehumanizing tactics are in
direct opposition to gifted performance.
(One reason this page is included
as part of beinggifted.com.)
"Even if you are on the right track,
you'll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers via Readers Digest
"Know yourself and you will win some of the time.
Know your enemy and you will win some of the time.
Know yourself and your enemy; and you will win all the time."
Gifted performance includes "oneness." This oneness includes knowing yourself and your enemy.
Recognizing the human being in all people prevents our responses from becoming the same as
their negative ones.
"The Singing Revolution" 25 years ago in Estonia documents a successful use of the power of music.
The beinggifted.com response to terrorism: Hallelujah
***An “uplifting response” to “fear tactics”***
It may seem odd for a “gifted performance” website (beinggifted.com) response to the current wave of terrorism. However it is very appropriate.
Gifted Performance and terrorism have fundamental tenets regarding human treatment that are in direct opposition
to each other:
One “enlightens,” the other “embitters.”
One promotes “freedom of creative expression;” the other, demeaning “low expectations.”
One uses “connectivity;” the other uses empowering “hatred” that feeds on itself.
One seeks “wide, diverse performance,” the other “eradicates” the enemy of the day.
One gives hope, the other takes away.
Terrorism is the tactic of “fear.” At the present time the most popular use of terrorism is directed at eradicating those things which elevate the human experience, and even human existence itself. Destruction of culture, the arts, belief systems, scholarly activity, individuality, and human value are social conquests. Flesh and blood goals are domination and eradication of human life. Promoted is a homogeneous society of fear; constantly revising its acceptability as it trims off its outer fringes.
A “self-righteous, moral justification” is achieved by “defining as evil” anything in opposition or counter to their purposes of fear and hate.
In direct opposition is “gifted performance’s” impact on elevating the individual and society. Gifted performance thrives in a culture that lifts up a diversity of institutions which promote development of the person, the sanctity of the individual, and encourage individual value/awareness. There is a fascination with the depths, and breadth of human phenomenon. Life is cherished, and celebrated as is all the human experience. Current terrorism wants to eliminate these ideals by destroying both the institutions, and the people.
Gifted performance stands in stark contrast to the ultimate futility of the terrorist agenda.
What is the “Hallelujah” Response to the Darkness of the Current Terrorism
Squeezing a trigger in the war against terrorism is a very remote, perhaps unthinkable, possibility for most of us. And, although it may be one solution it must remembered that terrorism is a “tactic of fear” directed against the society at large. A broad based community response for resolving “fear tactics” is possible. Focusing upon opposing “fear” tactics by using “uplifting” tactics can steal its effectiveness.
A song titled “Hallelujah” by Canadian Poet Laureate and songwriter Leonard Cohen has lyrics and melody which are anointed with a soulful passion that has made it one of the most covered songs throughout the world. This song has already proved its ability to find a common ground. There is something special about it. It has a particular aura.
There currently seems to be a swell of interest, a leaning toward this song’s dynamic energy striking a human chord throughout the world. No matter what your inclinations, there is a cover artist who agrees with you. (A quick count on you tube showed around 300 million views.) My favorites are Leonard Cohen’s, kd lang’s, Amanda Palmer’s, and Father Ray Kelly who sings the tune to wedding lyrics at wedding ceremonies he officiates in Ireland.
Willie Nelson, Alexandra Burke, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, the Shrek soundtrack, Bon Jovi, Jeff Buckley, and Bono are among the host of artists. “Hallelujah” also pops up on shows like America’s Got Talent. So, joining in on what already has momentum may be the natural course of things. My take is that the lyrics are illustrating the poetic license to being able to say “hallelujah” in the midst of any, and all circumstances. Which make this word/song even more powerful.
Perhaps singing to yourself the words, or chorus to the song; waking up and saying “hallelujah;” getting cut off in traffic and saying “hallelujah;” or even just proclaiming or contemplating “hallelujah” against sadness/depression will become part of a massive upheaval against terroristic fear.
Of note is the instantaneous sensation of "hope."
Songs and phrases have always been effective social movers; including creating an inspired source of community and camaraderie.
We can illustrate that there can be “unity without uniformity.”
This is a “war effort” everyone can participate in.
New "Hallelujah" lyrics addressing the current world events.
"Only Hallelujah"
lyrics by Gary Ohama copyright 2015
So many words, have been said It says that God gave us rights
Thoughts of others, placed in my head But all we seem to do is fight
But smoke can’t sustain me. Just two sides, don’t let them fool you.
It’s been there all along Lost my job to some foreigner
By itself, it’s a victory song Gangster plan, hate your brother
So simple, its hallelujah. Say it anyway, its that stupid hallelujah.
* * * *
Gives light of hope where darkness been Banquets spread but can not eat
Fear takes flight, truth comes in Numb inside, going deep
What joy, where have you been. As my feet, confound me.
Thought the magic was the love See you lying in that bed
But there’s more from the hub Thoughts of love, thoughts of dread
The wheels still turning, hallelujah. All alone with no words, hallelujah.
* * * *
With my mouth open wide Room for me, been there before
The emptiness went deep inside Jump right in, what we’re for
If there is God, where does he hide. Not brave, not fear, pushed me.
Watched the head from the shoulder fall Standing there soul alone
Hope is gone no sounding battle call Lonely is that pit of doom
Betrayed and a bitter, hallelujah. Together, no others, hallelujah.
* * * *
A song for peace A song for war
Truth not lies, what words are for.
The power of sounds, does amaze me.
With my fists I can not fight
Vocalize with singing might
Estonia sang it's hallelujahs!
* * is the chorus: hallelujah hallelujah
hallelujah hallelujah.
Note: The lyrics were designed to assist in "vowel" energy, "pre" techniques, "continuation techniques," and "void traps."
(At the moment only the "Guitar Music Video" has some of these techniques presented in it.")
Explanation of the "lyrics:" Hopefully the lyrics will bring about individual meanings and interpretations as life goes on.
The interpretations as written are as follows; being written in response to beheadings and other atrocities committed as terroristic attacks on humanity.
"So many words have been said; thoughts of others placed in my head; but smoke can't sustain me." Coercing propaganda from all points of view is drowning society. Winning is the priority; over all else. There is no substance in falsehood.
"Its been there all along; by itself it's a victory song; So simple; It's Hallelujah." Surviving the testing of time, the unique word "hallelujah" has proven encouraging.
"Gives light of hope where darkness been; fear takes flight; truth comes in." In all circumstances there is an endearing power to the word "hallelujah" that gives hope, dispels fear, is genuine and not false.
"What joy; where have you been." There is an unexplained joy produced by this special, empowered word (the word "peace" also has special qualities.) Sure wish this was made known to me sooner. Could have used this.
"Thought the magic was the love; but there's more from the hub." Love is typically given the place of being the spiritual center. There are more dimensions to experience. Oneness encompasses all.
"The wheels still turning. Hallelujah." Life is a path to be experienced through, with, by this "hallelujah.
"With my mouth open wide; the emptiness went deep inside; If there is God; where does he hide. Watched the head from the shoulder fall; hope is gone, no sounding battle call; betrayed and a bitter hallelujah." In response to a terrorist beheading. Stunned beyond gut wrenching. Why is no one stopping this; how could God allow this to happen; what about omniscience; what about God is love. Hallelujah?
"A song for peace A song for war" This is a song for peace. Not just in the physical sense, but for peace of mind as well. Thus it is also a song of a war against fear and terror.
"Truth not lies What words are for" Lies. propaganda, deception are not using the power of words in an uplifting manner.
"The power of sounds, does amaze me." Words have an incredible power that reaches directly to the heart and soul.
"With my fists I can not fight" Whether ethically, morally, lacking the opportunity, or too old; physical confrontation is not a valid option.
"Vocalize with singing might." But I can vocalize my disapproval, appeal to higher powers, and/or support the physical response with the unifying power of words.
"Estonia sang its' hallelujahs!" Estonia won its freedom from Russia by community public singing in 1990's. Depicted in a soon to be released movie "Singing Revolution."
"It says that God gave us rights; but all we seem to do is fight; just two sides; don't let them fool you." Provokers cleverly divide people into two opposing sides when issues have many points of view. Divide and conquer.
"Lost my job to some foreigner; gangster plan; hate your brother." "Alpha dog" tactics include deliberately promoting a hatred by creating discord in critical areas of life. Very effective because of immediate threat to core values.
"Say it anyway it's that stupid hallelujah." Sarcastic. Simply saying hallelujah brings a closure to any situation. Sort of like saying "Oh well." Of course it isn't "stupid"; but the simplicity of its power underlies its strength.
"Banquets spread but can not eat. Numb inside, going deep; as my feet confound me." There is so much around us but situations prevent us from engaging, even though we would like to.
"See you lying in that bed; thoughts of love, thoughts of dread; all alone with no words, hallelujah." When there is tragedy beyond comprehension, someone is ill or dying or dead; there are no words to say. It is a lonely place to be because there isn't anything that can actually comfort. There is nothing that you can do or say; but perhaps a soft, barely audible, "hallelujah." Just having a response takes away some of the helpless feelings, and places a sense of control there.
"Room for me, been there before; jump right in, that's what we're for; not brave, not fear, pushed me. Standing there all alone; lonely is that pit of doom; together, no others, hallelujah." Story: There was a man who fell into a deep pit, unable to get out. Several people heard his cries for help but didn't want to get involved. After a few days all hope was gone. Suddenly a voice shouted, "Anyone down there? You okay?" The trapped man screamed, "Don't go. I'm trapped. I can't get out." With a big thump the guy jumped down into the pit and began to dust himself off. The trapped man shouted at him,"What are you crazy! You knucklehead! Now we're both trapped! We're doomed! We are both going to die down here! The guy finished brushing himself off, looked around, and said, "Don't worry about it, I've been here before."
Moral of the story: Our worst times can be the source of experience, confidence, and knowledge that enables us to help others who otherwise couldn't be helped. "hallelujah" to that.
Background Information:
"Flesh and blood" responses to terrorism are also a reality; but their popularity and instant appeal does not preclude the effectiveness of the metaphysical aspects/psychological warfare of conflict management. Terrorism's use of fear is such a tactic; and it is effective. The metaphysical approaches are usually not thought of; yet we use them everyday. Offering inclusion, being "family," recognition of fault, forgiveness, kindness, peace, and love are among the many forms of positive metaphysical reinforcement. Their opposites are negative psychological reinforcements to conflict.
"Terrorism" is defined as the metaphysical tactic of using "fear." Freedom from the fear is a powerful motivating and controlling force.
"Fear" can be overcome with "hope" and "love" and "unity."
Actions, songs, phrases, words which give hope, love, and unity are effective against the fear of terrorist warfare.
This is important because reducing the fear helps to bring a sense of humanity back into the situation. In spite of "inhumane/evil" behavior it must be remembered that these are still human beings who are engaging in these tactics.
To disregard these people as "human" can lead to a justification of "anything goes" in the "flesh and blood" aspects of conflict. The danger is that of becoming or engaging in the same inhumane tactics which are so much despised. John Bradford's quote of "But by the grace of God, there go I" would be appropriate.
A tactical saying is:
"Know yourself and you will win some of the time.
Know your enemy and you will win some of the time.
Know yourself and your enemy, and you will win all the time."
Gifted performance includes "oneness." This oneness includes knowing yourself and your enemy.