He was quite popular in Europe. “Various Positions” (the album containing Hallelujah) was a top 10 hit in several countries but wasn’t even released in the US.

He was quite popular in Europe. “Various Positions” (the album containing Hallelujah) was a top 10 hit in several countries but wasn’t even released in the US. Cohen was once asked why he was so much more popular in Europe than North America. He said it was probably because they didn’t understand the lyrics.