A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he was raised by his aunt, Gertrude Franklin. He developed a talent for music early, playing the piano at age four and becoming music director of his church at age eleven. After getting kicked out of school in his teenaged years, having a girlfriend become pregnant, and after a friend was shot to death he returned to the church. After leading the DFW Mass Choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention, he organized "The Family", a seventeen-voice choir, in 1992 and began his recording career.
He has integrated hip hop styles with gospel themes in albums such as The Nu Nation Project and God's Property, which achieved success on the Billboard Pop Album, R&B and gospel charts.
Franklin has collaborated with the biggest names in gospel music, including Tonex, Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood, Crystal Lewis, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jaci Valesquez, and Willie Neal Johnson. He also has displayed a willingness to collaborate with artists in the secular realm, including Bono, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, and R Kelly in the hit single, "Lean on Me."
On October 4, 2005, his new long-awaited album Hero was released, with latest single Looking for You.
Franklin's songs are published by Zomba Music Publishing, a division of BMG Music Publishing.
Better
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Far from all this trouble I see everyday
Nobody wants to show their face
This life is like a, like a masquerade
I know you love me
I know you care
But while I'm hurting I just need to know your there
Watching over me and I feel your telling me
Count it all joy and always remember,
Life will get better it's gonna get better
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Things will get better it's gonna get better
Persecuted, pushed away, didn't think I'd live to see another day
Cried some tears and couldn't pray and when I'd try at times
I couldn't find the words to say, but now
I'm stronger, because of you without you Jesus I never could've made it through
Thank you for watching me loving me and telling me
Count it all joy and always remember,
Life will get better it's gonna get better
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Things will get better it's gonna get better
Count it all joy and always remember,
Life will get better it's gonna get better
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Things will get better it's gonna get better
Life sometimes may change and nobody wants to feel pain,
But it came to help you grow and there's one thing you need to know
God's in love with you and he'll never let you go
Count it all joy and always remember,
Life will get better it's gonna get better
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Things will get better it's gonna get better
Count it all joy and always remember,
Life will get better it's gonna get better
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Things will get better it's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
It's gonna get better
The opening lines of Kirk Franklin's "Better" express a desire to escape the troubles of daily life, likening it to a masquerade where everyone wears a mask to hide their true selves. He then acknowledges the love and care of those in his life but also notes the need for someone to be there during times of pain and hurt. The chorus repeatedly reminds listeners to "count it all joy" and hold on to the hope that things will improve, no matter what obstacles arise.
In the second verse, Franklin describes his personal struggles, from feeling persecuted and pushed away to being unable to pray or find the right words to express his pain. However, he also acknowledges the role his faith has played in giving him strength and helping him persevere. The bridge reiterates that life may bring hardship and pain, but they are opportunities for growth with the assurance that God will always be there.
Overall, "Better" offers a message of hope and encouragement for those going through difficult times. It reminds listeners to hold on to the belief that things will improve, and to look to their faith for strength and perspective during times of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could I, I'd get away
The singer wishes he could escape from the troubles of everyday life.
Far from all this trouble I see everyday
The singer wants to distance himself from the constant problems he encounters.
Nobody wants to show their face
People are untruthful and unwilling to be vulnerable.
This life is like a, like a masquerade
Life can feel like a performance with people hiding behind masks, pretending to be someone else.
I know you love me
The artist feels loved.
I know you care
The singer knows someone is concerned for his well-being.
But while I'm hurting I just need to know your there
The singer needs emotional support during tough times.
Watching over me and I feel your telling me
The artist feels guided and receives advice during difficult times.
Count it all joy and always remember,
The artist encourages listeners to focus on joy and remember the good things in life.
Life will get better it's gonna get better
Although life is currently difficult, it will improve.
No matter the weapon it will not prosper,
Regardless of what obstacles come in one's way, they will not succeed in harming a person's spirit or resolve.
Persecuted, pushed away, didn't think I'd live to see another day
The artist describes difficult experiences that made him feel neglected and hopeless.
Cried some tears and couldn't pray and when I'd try at times
The singer was so overwhelmed with emotion that it was difficult for him to pray.
I couldn't find the words to say, but now
However, the singer was able to overcome this obstacle and find strength.
I'm stronger, because of you without you Jesus I never could've made it through
The singer attributes his newfound resilience to his faith in Jesus.
Thank you for watching me loving me and telling me
The artist expresses gratitude for God's guidance and affection.
Life sometimes may change and nobody wants to feel pain,
The artist acknowledges that change can be difficult and painful for people.
But it came to help you grow and there's one thing you need to know
However, the singer believes that this pain is ultimately beneficial for one's personal growth.
God's in love with you and he'll never let you go
The singer assures listeners that God loves them and will always be present in their lives.
It's gonna get better
The artist reiterates that things will improve.
It's gonna get better
Once again, the artist emphasizes that things will get better.
It's gonna get better
The artist instills hope in listeners by affirming that things will improve.
It's gonna get better
The singer reminds listeners that they have reason to be optimistic.
It's gonna get better
The artist reassures listeners that they will overcome their current struggles.
It's gonna get better
The repeated phrase serves as a mantra and reminds listeners to stay positive.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SARAH ELIZABETH ZIMMERMANN, WILLIAM JUSTIN DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Conika Yates
on Something About the Name Jesus
When i heard this song something just comes over me, i just cant explain it, but i has a wonderful feeling to it. i just love it. It's just something about the name Jesus....