7. 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

The lyrics of "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West speaks about the struggle in today's world where people are at war with terrorism, racism, and most importantly, themselves. The song begins with the line "God show me the way because the Devil's trying to break me down", which portrays the inner turmoil of the artist. It further highlights the current situation of the world, where people are ready to snatch things from each other and commit crimes. Kanye West then relates his journey through the streets of Chicago and how difficult it was for him. The lines "My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us" depicts his inclination towards religion and how his mother had instilled these values in him.


Throughout the song, Kanye West repeatedly asks for Jesus to guide his path, and the chorus "Jesus Walks with me" emphasizes this point. He then speaks about how we all are struggling in this world, including the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers, even the strippers, and the victims of welfare who are living in hell. Kanye West ends the song by mentioning that he will always need Jesus in his life, and he is not ashamed to speak about religion in his music.


Overall, the song highlights the artist's need for guidance and hope in today's world. It portrays the struggles that people go through in their everyday lives and how religion can be a source of strength and hope for them.


Line by Line Meaning

Order, huh
Introducing the song and establishing the theme of the chaos and disorder in the world.


Yo, we at war
Acknowledging the conflicts and battles that we face in society.


We at war with terrorism, racism, but most of all we at war with ourselves
Identifying the various issues and struggles that we face as a society internally and externally.


(Jesus Walks) God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
Seeking divine guidance and protection from the challenges and obstacles faced in life.


(Jesus Walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)
Reiterating and emphasizing the presence of God in one's journey and walk in life.


You know what the Midwest is?
Posing a rhetorical question to engage the listener in a conversation.


Young and Restless
Describing the environment and energy of the Midwest region.


Where restless niggas might snatch ya necklace
Highlighting the danger and violence in the region.


And next these niggas might jack ya Lexus
Continuing to emphasize the violence and crime prevalent in the area.


Somebody tell these niggas who Kanye West is
Asserting and calling attention to one's status and identity as a celebrity and successful rapper.


I walk through the valley of Chi where death is
Describing the dangerous environment of Chicago and the fear associated with it.


Top floor of the view alone will leave you breathless
Describing the awe-inspiring view from high floors in a building.


Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Emphasizing the fleeting and hard to grasp nature of such a breathtaking moment.


Getting choked by detectives yeah, yeah, now check the method
Referencing incidents of police brutality and racial profiling faced by people in the community.


They be asking us questions, harass, and arrest us
Detailing the constant surveillance, questioning, and detention faced by certain groups of people.


Saying "We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!"
Quoting a derogatory and demeaning statement used by police towards those they view as criminals or inferior.


Huh! Y'all eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
Challenging and questioning the logic and rationale behind the aforementioned statement.


We ain't goin' nowhere, but got suits and cases
Asserting that despite facing adversity and criticism, individuals still possess power and success.


A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
Referencing illegal activities and criminal behavior that some may engage in to gain wealth or power.


My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us
Recalling advice given by one's mother and acknowledging the desire for divine intervention and salvation.


Well Mama, I know I act a fool
Acknowledging one's mistakes and shortcomings.


But I'll be gone 'til November, I got packs to move, I hope
Describing potentially dangerous and risky endeavors the artist may be involved in, highlighting the urgency and need for success.


(Jesus Walks) God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
Reiterating the need for divine guidance and protection in the midst of struggle and temptation.


(Jesus Walks with me)
Reaffirming the presence of God in the artist's life and journey.


The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now (I want Jesus)
Emphasizing the need for physical strength and perseverance, as well as the desire for spiritual support and guidance.


And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
Admitting fault and acknowledging the difficulty in correcting past mistakes or wrongdoing.


I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long
Expressing a desire for communication and connection with God, but also admitting apprehension due to a perceived disconnect.


To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
Addressing and acknowledging the various individuals in the community, including those involved in illegal activities.


(Jesus walks for them)
Asserting that God's presence and guidance is available to all, regardless of circumstance or behavior.


To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah
Recognizing the struggles and hardships that many individuals face, including those who rely on welfare assistance.


(Jesus walks for them)
Reiterating that God's presence and guidance is available to those in need and those facing hardships of all kinds.


Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly
Addressing the listener directly and expressing a desire to gain clearer understanding and vision of God's will and presence.


I know He hear me when my feet get weary
Expressing faith that God is listening and present, especially in moments of weakness or exhaustion.


Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
Suggesting that in the chaos and negativity of society, certain aspects and virtues may be in danger of disappearing entirely.


We rappers are role models we rap we don't think
Critiquing the superficiality and lack of depth in mainstream rap music and culture.


I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Rejecting petty arguments and debates, especially in regards to religion and spirituality.


Or here to convert atheists into believers
Acknowledging that faith and belief are personal and subjective, and refraining from forcing one's beliefs on others.


I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
Arguing that just as schools need teachers to educate and guide students, individuals need spiritual leaders to help navigate life.


The way Kathie Lee needed Regis that's the way I need Jesus
Referencing a popular TV duo to illustrate the singer's need for and dependence on Jesus.


So here go my single dog radio needs this
Acknowledging the need to cater to mainstream appeal and commercial success in the music industry.


They said you can rap about anything except for Jesus
Describing the censorship and limitations faced by artists who wish to discuss religion or spirituality in their music.


That means guns, sex, lies, video tape
Listing taboo or controversial topics that are more acceptable in mainstream media than religious subject matter.


But if I talk about God my record won't get played
Asserting the reality that speaking about religious topics may hinder one's commercial success and airplay on radio and media outlets.


Huh?
Expressing disbelief or confusion at the situation described.


Well let this take away from my spins
Acknowledging the potential negative impact on one's success and income due to discussing religious topics.


Which will probably take away from my ends
Continuing to explore negative financial consequences resulting from discussing religious matter.


Then I hope this take away from my sins
Turning attention to the hope that discussing religion and spreading a positive message may lead to spiritual redemption and absolution.


And bring the day that I'm dreaming about
Expressing optimism and hope for a future that is more just, compassionate, and spiritually fulfilling.


Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out
Visualizing a successful future where the singer's music and message is celebrated and championed by the community and society at large.




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.

127 More Replies...

@bura-barivincentnwilo6575

After watching the documentary and to see how Kanye kept it going, the love from his mum and how she would rap to his songs, Kanye is a genius and it is beautiful that he is still here with us and we are not talking about him in the past tense.

@joshrogers4191

Hes so far above garbage people like pete davidson and kim kardashian I know he loves her but Ye is a way better person than them. I really feel for him and his kids.

@abanana007

Xoxooxox

@bura-barivincentnwilo6575

@@abanana007 May Kanye live joyfully and enjoy all he laboured for.

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