Building on the foundation of his debut album, Metamorphosis, J.R. now presents the antithesis of an infamous heavy metal album of similar moniker, Death By Stereo, with Life By Stereo—signifying God’s use of music as a medium to communicate LIFE rather than DEATH. Life By Stereo centers on the human existence, its trials and the healing balm of the gospel message. Like the book of Psalms, J.R.’s pen scopes the lamentations, woes and triumphs of the whole person. Transcending generation and genre, the album ministers in a style all its own—fusing eclectic urban gospel, contemporary R&B, Rock and Pop styles in a way pioneered by tobyMac.
J.R. has himself undergone a transformation and he sings about it with a soul-stirring grit and maturity that is revealed in the artistry of this album’s jam-packed array of percussive beats and explosive lyrical delivery. The Outkast-meets—Gwen Stefani single “Not a Slave” hones in on the perils of a past life ruled by sin contrasted with a present life ruled by the Holy Spirit.
Not A Slave
J.R. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am not a slave
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
Things that easily beset me
thorns in ma side
just like a rushing water come
I am a new creation
I'm Strong in my father
when I am weak you are made strong
Father God yes you take me along
this life journey that so rocky and steep
every single valley go oh so deep
but you come in like a helicopter
Take me out of the danger
I will walk through the valley of the shadow
of death and mi huh fear no no evil
woo oh oh ohohoh
Cause I Am
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I am bought with a price
through the blood of Jesus Christ
Since he's been a part of ma life
Sin don't live here anymore
I'm walking in faith
and not by sight
even though satan will try to pull me down I
know the battle won cause I am
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I press towards the mark of the higher calling
sometime I slip other times I've been falling
so i put it behind me gonna put it behind me
And all the wicked words that the Corinthians them say
It could never conquer me cause
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I am not a slave to sin
I am not a slave
I am not a slave
I am not a slave
I am not a slave
I am not a slave
Cause Jesus is my master
he is my father
he is my guide
take me through the fire
my strong tower rock of Gibraltar
with you at my side will never need another
Him ah father, him ah mi teacher
Him ah doctor, him ah mi lawyer
Jesus Christ the alpha Omega
yea mi ah tell you there is no other
wa mi ah follow from the death give me like
so mi just going to show the that Jesus Christ ah King of kings
that is how we survive mi sing!
I am that I am
The lyrics to J.R.'s song "Not A Slave" speak to the artist's identity as a follower of Christ and embolden listeners to declare their own spiritual freedom. The repetition of the phrase "I am not a slave to sin" reinforces the idea of a definitive break from sin and a new life guided by faith. Despite the trials and obstacles faced on the journey, J.R. finds strength in his relationship with God and embraces the power and protection that comes with it. The lyrics also suggest that growth and progress aren't always linear -- there are times of falling or slipping, but ultimately the "battle won" is a testament to the freedom and strength in Christ.
The song's message is echoed through its upbeat reggae-inspired rhythm and melody. The lively instrumentation and harmonious vocals help to reinforce the idea of a joyful and empowered faith. The song has been received positively within the contemporary gospel genre, with listeners praising its message of spiritual liberation and empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
I am not a slave to sin
I am free from sin's power over me
I am not a slave
I am free to follow God's plan for my life
Things that easily beset me
Things that distract me from God's will
thorns in ma side
Challenges that make it difficult to move forward
just like a rushing water come
They come at me quickly and unexpectedly
mi see the whole ah them ah slide
Through God's power, I am able to overcome them
I am a new creation
Through Jesus, I have been born again
I'm Strong in my father
I find strength in God
when I am weak you are made strong
God's strength is made perfect in my weakness
Father God yes you take me along
God leads me on this difficult journey of life
this life journey that so rocky and steep
Life is full of challenges and obstacles
every single valley go oh so deep
The challenges can be overwhelming
but you come in like a helicopter
God rescues me from danger and despair
Take me out of the danger
God rescues me from harm
I will walk through the valley of the shadow
I will face difficulty and danger
of death and mi huh fear no no evil
But I do not fear because God is with me
Cause I Am
I am who God wants me to be
I am bought with a price
Jesus paid for my sin with his own life
through the blood of Jesus Christ
His sacrifice saved me and made me free
Since he's been a part of ma life
My life has been changed by Jesus
Sin don't live here anymore
Sin has no power over me
I'm walking in faith
I trust in God for my direction
and not by sight
I follow God's plan even when it's unclear
even though satan will try to pull me down I
Satan will try to discourage me
know the battle won cause I am
But I know the outcome because of God's victory over sin
I press towards the mark of the higher calling
I strive for the goal God has set for me
sometime I slip other times I've been falling
I make mistakes along the way
so i put it behind me gonna put it behind me
I learn from my mistakes and move forward
And all the wicked words that the Corinthians them say
I ignore the negative opinions of others
It could never conquer me cause
Their negativity has no power over God's plan for me
Cause Jesus is my master
Jesus is the leader of my life
he is my father
Jesus cares for me like a father cares for his child
he is my guide
Jesus shows me the way to go
take me through the fire
Jesus helps me face trials and adversity
my strong tower rock of Gibraltar
Jesus is my unwavering protection
with you at my side will never need another
Jesus is all I need in this life
Him ah father, him ah mi teacher
Jesus is a loving father and a wise teacher
Him ah doctor, him ah mi lawyer
Jesus heals me and defends me
Jesus Christ the alpha Omega
Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things
yea mi ah tell you there is no other
There is no one like Jesus
wa mi ah follow from the death give me like
I follow Jesus because he gave his life for me
so mi just going to show the that Jesus Christ ah King of kings
I will live my life to show that Jesus is the king of all
that is how we survive mi sing!
Jesus is the source of our strength and hope
I am that I am
God is who He is, and I am who He made me to be
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joel Prince, Denton Piecher
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nyashamidzi
Jesus saved me too, God bless all of you my brothers and sisters in the Lord, I pray our family continues to grow. God is good, God bless.
@sharmstrachan
....You saved me, yes yes you saved me! Once was a slave but Jesus set me free
@CoCoTheInvestor
What a unqiue style of gospel!!! Evidence of the calling of God upon his life! Shabak!!
@scotttigers
This song is amazing. We need lots more of this. Lots and lots. 😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
@johnrodriguez2625
I've been looking for this song for years!!!
@scotttigers
Yeah seriously how do I get my hands on this CD?
@lukeseidman
This has been my favorite song since 2007-2013
@ErinSwag93
I seriously love this song soo much! Those high notes he does, ahhh, I'm in love! :)
@FrankNeverTookDaTime
love this song thank you jesus
@kobiemajor
Yup the seventh day is the sabbath and this is music that truely glorifys the lord