07 jesus walks
Kanye West Lyrics


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Order, huh
Yo, we at war
We at war with terrorism, racism, but most of all we at war with ourselves

(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)
You know what the Midwest is?
Young and Restless
Where restless niggas might snatch ya necklace
And next these niggas might jack ya Lexus
Somebody tell these niggas who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of Chi where death is
Top floor of the view alone will leave you breathless
Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Getting choked by detectives yeah, yeah, now check the method
They be asking us questions, harass, and arrest us
Saying, "We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast"
Huh, y'all eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
We ain't goin' nowhere, but got suits and cases
A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us
Well Mama, I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone 'til November, I got packs to move, I hope

(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now (I want Jesus)
(Jesus walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walks with me)
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long
(I want Jesus)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long, so long

So long
(Jesus walks with me)

To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
(Jesus walks with them)
To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah
(Jesus walks with them)
Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly
I know He hear me when my feet get weary
'Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
We rappers is role models, we rap we don't think
I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis, that's the way I need Jesus
So here go my single, dawg, radio needs this
They said you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tape
But if I talk about God my record won't get played
Huh?
Well if this take away from my spins
Which'll probably take away from my ends
Then I hope this take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming 'bout
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out

(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down




(Jesus walks with me, with me, with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now

Overall Meaning

In Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," the rapper reveals his inner turmoil and lack of direction as he wrestles with his faith in God. The opening lines set the tone by acknowledging that the war is on many fronts - not just against terrorism or racism, but also against ourselves. The hook, "God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down," appears throughout the song, expressing the desperation and confusion felt by the rapper.


West takes listeners on a tour of his hometown of Chicago, particularly the dangerous parts (the valley of Chi where death is). He highlights the harsh reality of policing in these neighborhoods - harassment and questioning that can lead to chokeholds by detectives. This is a particularly poignant part of the song as West is picking up on prevalent themes of police brutality and systemic racism in law enforcement.


The title of the song, "Jesus Walks," gets repeated as a chant many times throughout the song. West is grappling with his faith and its place in his life. He is asking for assistance from forces outside of himself - from God - to straighten out his path. He acknowledges his own faults, such as his tendency to act a fool, but ultimately is aiming to better himself spiritually.


Overall, the song is a powerful and introspective look into one man's struggles with faith and personal growth. It is raw and emotional with a distinct sonic aesthetic that captures the essence of struggle and redemption.


Line by Line Meaning

Order, huh
This line introduces the song, indicating the beginning of the message Kanye wants to convey. It is a rhetorical question and suggests that Kanye wants to bring order to a chaotic world.


Yo, we at war
Kanye is introducing the concept of war, which is a recurring theme throughout the song. He wants to highlight that the world is facing multiple forms of conflict that require attention.


We at war with terrorism, racism, but most of all we at war with ourselves
The line amplifies and specifies the sense of war that Kanye mentioned previously. He is critical of the various forms of social conflict and points out that the worst enemy of humans is their own mindset.


(Jesus Walks) God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down (Jesus Walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)
Kanye feels vulnerable and worried about the state of the world. He is calling for God's help, saying that he is trying to overcome the obstacles and reach his goals. He wants to convey a message of hope, that Jesus is walking with him, and his listeners too.


You know what the Midwest is?
Kanye solicits his listeners' opinion to engage them in his discourse. He wants to establish a connection with them, which is based on shared experience of being from the Midwest.


Young and Restless
This line highlights the restlessness of the population in the Midwest. Kanye wants to suggest that the youth there is energetic and ambitious, while at the same time is uncertain about the future.


Where restless n****s might snatch ya necklace
Kanye mentions the challenges of living in the Midwest. He suggests that there are people who resort to criminal activities and rob others of their valuable possessions.


And next these n****s might jack ya Lexus
Kanye emphasizes that the level of criminal behavior is so high that even cars are not safe.


Somebody tell these n****s who Kanye West is
Kanye is addressing the lack of recognition he receives where he is from. He wants to make a name for himself and prove his worth.


I walk through the valley of Chi where death is
Kanye is making a reference to the dangerous places in his city where people are frequently killed. He is commenting on how living in such an environment can be challenging.


Top floor of the view alone will leave you breathless
Kanye highlights the beauty he sees in his city, despite the problems. He wants to suggest that the view from the top can be stunning and memorable.


Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Kanye references his ambition to achieve success, which he presents as an elusive quality that is challenging to catch, like a fleeting view.


Getting choked by detectives yeah, yeah, now check the method
Kanye is criticizing law enforcement agencies, who he feels are mistreating black people. He calls them out and suggests that they are doing more harm than good.


They be asking us questions, harass, and arrest us
Kanye is highlighting the discrimination that black people face, where they are frequently stopped by police officers, questioned, and arrested.


Saying, "We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast"
Kanye is highlighting the insulting and derogatory language used by the police towards black people. He is pointing out the dehumanizing remarks that they make.


Huh, y'all eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
Kanye is responding to the police officers' remark, indicating that he is surprised by it. He is asking for a justification for their behavior.


We ain't goin' nowhere, but got suits and cases
Kanye is pointing out that black people are struggling to progress in society despite having invested time and money to like everyone else. They feel trapped in their situation.


A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
Kanye is highlighting how the system has trapped black people into illicit activities like selling drugs to make a living. It is a critique of the limited opportunities that black people have to become successful by legitimate means.


My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us
Kanye describes how his mom raised him with spiritual values and a belief that faith is the only way to overcome life's difficulties.


Well Mama, I know I act a fool But I'll be gone 'til November, I got packs to move, I hope
Kanye acknowledges that he has not always behaved in a way that aligns with his spiritual beliefs. He is also hinting that he will be embarking on a journey that involves risk-taking and possibly involves selling drugs.


(Jesus Walks) God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down (Jesus Walks with me) The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now (I want Jesus) (Jesus Walks) And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs (Jesus Walks with me) I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long (I want Jesus) God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long, so long So long (Jesus Walks with me)
Kanye returns to the chorus to emphasize the importance of faith to him. He wants to suggest that no matter how far he strays from his beliefs, he is always looking to gain perspective from his faith.


To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers (Jesus walks with them)
Kanye is suggesting that Jesus is walking with everyone, even people who might be deemed outcasts and criticized by society. He wants to emphasize the idea that Jesus is open to everyone, regardless of their life choices.


To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah (Jesus walks with them)
Kanye is pointing out the negative effects that poverty has on people, who are trapped in a situation with no way out. He is advocating for empathy and is suggesting that Jesus is on the side of the poor and marginalized.


Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly I know He hear me when my feet get weary
Kanye is calling on his listeners to look at the world through the lens of faith. He suggests that by having faith, people can see more clearly what is really important. He further emphasizes his belief that Jesus is always listening and willing to help in times of need.


'Cause we're the almost nearly extinct We rappers is role models we rap we don't think
Kanye wants to convey that rappers are a dying breed with a limited life span within their industry. He is criticizing the music industry for its inability to provide better role models for younger generations. He further suggests that some rappers do not think enough about the consequences of their actions.


I ain't here to argue about his facial features Or here to convert atheists into believers
Kanye acknowledges that it is not essential to debate the physical appearance of religious figures or to convince others to change their minds to his perspectives. He is suggesting that faith should be a personal choice and does not have to be dictated by others.


I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers The way Kathie Lee needed Regis that's the way I need Jesus
Kanye is making a comparison between needing a teacher to learn and needing Jesus to find meaning in life. He wants to suggest that just as a teacher helps one learn, Jesus can guide one in one's life journey.


So here go my single dog radio needs this
Kanye acknowledges that the song he is working on has to appeal to the mainstream audience to get it aired on various media. He is suggesting that the message he is conveying is of utmost importance and needs to be heard by a wider audience.


They said you can rap about anything except for Jesus That means guns, sex, lies, video tape But if I talk about God my record won't get played Huh?
Kanye is criticizing the restriction placed on rappers. He wants to suggest that there is a double standard in the music industry regarding the themes that rappers are allowed to address. He is highlighting the fact that the song might not be played on the radio if he highlights his faith in his music.


Well if this take away from my spins Which'll probably take away from my ends Then I hope this take away from my sins And bring the day that I'm dreaming about Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out (Jesus Walks) God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down (Jesus Walks with me, with me, with me) The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
Kanye wishes to highlight the sacrifice he might have to make to maintain his commitment to his faith. He wants to suggest that he would rather take a hit to his monetary gains than to compromise his spiritual values. He is emphasizing that Jesus is walking with him and hoping that he does not lose faith.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Che Smith, Miri Ben-Ari, Kanye Omari West, Curtis Leon Lundy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@justinwg6202

I feel ya. I've been there before. Just wanted to share some good news to any struggling believer or curious agnostic.

I know it might seem kinda crazy that I'm putting all this effort into a post for an old comment, my name and pic are wild, but something in me made me wanna check out this song again, then I saw this comment and that at least 100 or so people relate to it and it just so happened to be something I've been reading about lately and helping my best bud with, so to me that's absolutely a calling. I hope this helps anyone struggling. Love ya God bless and happy new year.

You can never be too far for too long. Matthew 18:12, Jesus says, "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?". This is saying that we're all God's kids, whether we do good or bad we're always loved in a parental kinda way. If and when we mess up, God is always there with open arms to accept us back now that Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. In the Old Testament, remembering mostly Genesis, the way to be cleansed of your sin was animal sacrifice. It's hardcore I know, but it's the truth of what's in there. Jesus came to earth as God the Son, The Son of Man (Remember, God's a complicated trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit are God but one is not the other. Hurts my head still) to live a perfect sinless life and be the final sacrifice for all mankind's sins as long as we humble ourselves and believe it true.

In Luke 23: 39-43, Jesus is asked to be remembered by the thief on the cross who is being crucified beside him, to which He replies, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

PS: Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. God knows what we want before we ask. It's the faith and showing that we believe that really matters to him. Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives an example of how a prayer should be. The lord's prayer. It could be simplified to: "Father God, I ask that you walk beside me, thank you for all you provide, Forgive me of my wrongs as I forgive those who wrong me, rid me of temptation and guide me to you, in Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen." Saying that daily is all you'd have to do to get his attention and start to experience some miracles. Remember being humble is key.



All comments from YouTube:

@mechanoid2k

"I wanna talk to God but I'm afraid cause we ain't spoke in so long" That part always hits me hard.

@handihooptie

AGREE

@hippityhoppityhope

Right!

@justinwg6202

I feel ya. I've been there before. Just wanted to share some good news to any struggling believer or curious agnostic.

I know it might seem kinda crazy that I'm putting all this effort into a post for an old comment, my name and pic are wild, but something in me made me wanna check out this song again, then I saw this comment and that at least 100 or so people relate to it and it just so happened to be something I've been reading about lately and helping my best bud with, so to me that's absolutely a calling. I hope this helps anyone struggling. Love ya God bless and happy new year.

You can never be too far for too long. Matthew 18:12, Jesus says, "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?". This is saying that we're all God's kids, whether we do good or bad we're always loved in a parental kinda way. If and when we mess up, God is always there with open arms to accept us back now that Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. In the Old Testament, remembering mostly Genesis, the way to be cleansed of your sin was animal sacrifice. It's hardcore I know, but it's the truth of what's in there. Jesus came to earth as God the Son, The Son of Man (Remember, God's a complicated trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit are God but one is not the other. Hurts my head still) to live a perfect sinless life and be the final sacrifice for all mankind's sins as long as we humble ourselves and believe it true.

In Luke 23: 39-43, Jesus is asked to be remembered by the thief on the cross who is being crucified beside him, to which He replies, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

PS: Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. God knows what we want before we ask. It's the faith and showing that we believe that really matters to him. Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives an example of how a prayer should be. The lord's prayer. It could be simplified to: "Father God, I ask that you walk beside me, thank you for all you provide, Forgive me of my wrongs as I forgive those who wrong me, rid me of temptation and guide me to you, in Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen." Saying that daily is all you'd have to do to get his attention and start to experience some miracles. Remember being humble is key.

@mechanoid2k

@@justinwg6202 Hey man, just want to say I really appreciate the reply. I'm constantly questioning my faith. I know what's right and what's wrong, and I try my best to follow the right path and always tell the truth, and I'm a rather humble person. I just hope that if there is a God he sees me doing good works and knows that I'm a good person and never did harm to another unless it was self defense or something of that nature.

@pnutbuttajelly1049

You can always talk to God whether he's in us or outside. Pray . I'm not religious at al but I started praying and it has helped me.

123 More Replies...

@maggiehalpin4168

“They said we could rap about anything except for Jesus “
Truer words never spoken in this industry. Turn to Him he will give you rest. God bless

@Banana-lk7tf

Amen.🙏🙏🙏

@dmbelmo8814

I stand in agreement

@TronzISH

No matter what year your listing to this it’s going to touch you every time because Jesus lives!!!

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