Songfacts®:

• This is one of three new songs on R.E.M.'s compilation album, Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011, which was released after the band announced they were disbanding. Bassist Mike Mills told Spinner that they "are three of the facets of R.E.M., musically speaking." He explained: "They all address, in one way or another, the disbanding of R.E.M. but from three different points of view. 'A Month Of Saturdays' is kind of a silly, goofy fun song. 'We all Go Back to Where We Belong' is a beautiful wistful mid-tempo ballad that we all like to write. And then 'Hallelujah' is a heavier, more poignant song."
• Peter Buck writes in the compilation's liner notes: "'Hallelujah' is a big, thundering-chorusy song with a regret-filled sounding verse. It's a piece of music that had been floating around for a year or two from Michael's suitcase of things that don't end up getting used and this was one of them."
• Mike Mills adds: "With the title 'Hallelujah,' we're in good company - Handel and Leonard Cohen. I love Michael's vocal. It was really fun to sing along with him on this one."