Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has touched millions of hearts, but its Easter adaptation by Kelley Mooney and powerful performances by Canadian sisters Cassandra Star and Callahan Armstrong take the iconic song to heavenly heights. This article explores Cohen’s life, the birth of the Easter version of “Hallelujah,” and the spiritual impact of this reimagined hymn during troubling times.
Leonard Cohen: The Composer Behind the Original “Hallelujah”
Leonard Cohen, born on September 21, 1934, in Westmount, Quebec, Canada, was a poet, novelist, and singer-songwriter whose career spanned decades. Known for his soulful voice and profound lyrics, Cohen began as a poet before moving into music in the late 1960s. His songs often touched on themes of love, loss, politics, and spirituality.
“Hallelujah” was first released in 1984 on his album Various Positions. Although it didn’t find immediate commercial success, it eventually gained legendary status, covered by hundreds of artists worldwide. Cohen’s writing style—rich with biblical and literary references—resonated across generations.
Leonard Cohen passed away on November 7, 2016, at the age of 82. His legacy lives on through his timeless music, especially in spiritual renditions like the Easter version of “Hallelujah.”
The Easter “Hallelujah”: From Sacred Inspiration to Viral Sensation
Kelley Mooney, a singer and songwriter from Canada, was asked to perform Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at her church. After reading the original lyrics, she felt they didn’t reflect the sacred message of Easter. With permission, she rewrote the lyrics to mirror the story of Jesus’ passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. After securing mechanical rights, her spiritual version was recorded and released, bringing a fresh, divine interpretation to the world.
The verses now reflect Scripture:
“A crown of thorns placed on His head,
He knew that He would soon be dead…”
Enter sisters Cassandra Star and Callahan Armstrong from Fort Frances, Ontario. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they recorded a stunning duet of Mooney’s Easter “Hallelujah” to lift the spirits of their grandmother, who couldn’t be with them for Easter. They shared their rendition on YouTube, which quickly went viral, earning praise from viewers worldwide.
Their angelic harmonies, combined with the sacred message, resonated deeply. The sisters’ performance drew attention not only from Christian communities but also from secular audiences craving peace and beauty in uncertain times.
Music as Healing: The Ancient and Modern Power of Hallelujah
Music has long been a balm for broken spirits. In the Bible, King Saul called on David to play the harp and calm his troubled soul. Similarly, the Easter version of “Hallelujah” speaks to hearts weary from modern chaos. The song’s calming, reverent tone combined with biblical truth reminds listeners that redemption and resurrection are not ancient relics but present realities.
As America and the world face rising political tensions, economic strain, and cultural fragmentation, songs like the Easter “Hallelujah” offer a bridge between the sacred and the secular. They remind us that we are not alone and that hope, like the dawn of Easter morning, always rises.
Conclusion: A Song of Sacred Strength for Troubled Times
From Leonard Cohen’s original masterpiece to Kelley Mooney’s inspired reimagining, “Hallelujah” continues to evolve as a vessel for spiritual truth. The Easter version, performed by two young sisters, serves as a beacon of hope—a reminder that beauty can arise from sorrow and that music still has the power to heal and unite.
As we navigate turbulent times, we must look to the examples of David’s harp, the Psalms, and Christ-centered creativity to find peace. Music, especially when aligned with faith, can carry a nation through its darkest hours into a season of renewal.
Watch and Listen Here:
1. 🎵 Cassandra Star & Callahan Armstrong – Easter Hallelujah (YouTube)
2. 🎤 Kelley Mooney – Easter Hallelujah (Smule Karaoke)
3. 📺 Leonard Cohen Performs Original “Hallelujah” (YouTube)
4. 📚 Read More: Easter Version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah