It’s now been almost a month since Texas was devastated by the flooding of the Guadalupe River. This flood, caused by excessive rain from Tropical Storm Barry, destroyed communities, left nearly 160 missing, and claimed over 135 lives— including 27 children who were attending Camp Mystic summer camp.
Videos surfaced earlier this month of the young campers singing songs on an evacuation bus out of the Camp Mystic area. This was in effort to unify the survivors and provide a moment of peace in the chaos. It seems like coping with tragedy through song has become a reoccurring theme for these brave young girls.
Just a few weeks ago a video was posted to social media showing surviving camper, 13-year-old Skyler Derrington, singing a rendition of the song “Hallelujah.” The song was rewritten to fit the events of the flood she experienced earlier in the month.
Soon after posting, the video went viral, being reposted to several new sites, and commended for its beauty in comment sections.
The rewritten lyrics read:
“I heard there was a giant flood
But we were washed in Jesus’ blood
And you don’t really care for my news, do ya?
On July the 4th, 2025
The water rose and we went adrift
The baffled king composing “Hallelujah”
Hallelujah X4
Our faith was strong, you showed us love
Like only God from up above
Your prayers and hugs and love overwhelmed us
We cried, we prayed, we did our share
You clothed us, fed us, brushed our hair
And from our lips we drew the “Hallelujah”
You say the water overcame
But I will never forget their names
No blame, no fault, so really, what’s it to ya?
We are a part of Mystic herd
We spread his light, His love, His word
The holy and the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah
We did our best, we left a mark
A light that shines within the dark
I told His truth, I didn’t have to fool ya
And even though it wasn’t long
We stand before the Lord of Songs
With nothing on our tongue but Hallelujah”
The new cover struck home with many Texans affected by the storm, as well as others across the nations that have been keeping up with the damages and aiding in the relief effort.
The comments commend the young girl’s vocal performance, rewritten lyrics, and strength.
“This baby gave me chills! God bless her little soul”
“When I tell you my entire body became overwhelmed with goosebumps and tears! Oh my”
“What a tribute to her friends and camp Mystic!”
Skyler then went on FOX News on this Tuesday morning to perform her cover live on TV.
What an absolutely beautiful tribute.
