This article was written for the April 2025 issues of our parish magazine:
I have written before about Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” (September 2024), but this version has new lyrics, written by Kelly Mooney:
A crown of thorns placed on His head,
He knew that He would soon be dead,
He said did you forget me Father, did you?
They nailed Him to a wooden cross,
Soon all the world would feel the loss,
Of Christ the King before His Hallelujah.
Hallelujah (x 4)
He hung His head and prepared to die,
Then lifted His face up to the sky,
Said I am coming home now Father to you.
A reed which held His final sip,
Was gently lifted to His lips.
He drank His last and gave His soul to glory.
Hallelujah (x 4)
The soldier who had used his sword
To pierce the body of our Lord said
Truly this is Jesus Christ our Saviour.
He looked with fear upon his sword
Then turned to face his Christ and Lord
Fell to his knees crying Hallelujah.
Hallelujah (x 4)
Took from His head the thorny crown
And wrapped Him in a linen gown
And laid Him down to rest inside the tomb.
The holes in His hands, His feet and side,
Now in our hearts we know He died,
To save us from ourselves, oh Hallelujah.
Hallelujah (x 4)
Three days went by again they came,
To move the stone to bless the slain,
With oil and spice anointing hallelujah.
But as the went to move the stone
They saw that they were not alone,
But Jesus Christ has risen, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah (x8)
It is this version that the choir is learning in readiness for our Easter celebrations on April 20. The challenge is that there have been so many covers of Cohen’s original over the years, that everyone is familiar with slightly different rhythmic variations. These need to be set aside so that this anthem can be delivered with choral unity.
A challenge for Tom, who will be accompanying us, is the short instrumental interlude prior to the final verse: it contains some unexpected chord progressions before modulation into a joyous major key. I believe this represents the turmoil of Jesus’ descent and liberation of hell before His resurrection in glory.
No videos yet of course, but we look forward to performing it for you soon.
Carol P
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 