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.
I Can
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can do thee impossible I can see the invisible because I got faith
I can do thee impossible I can see the invisible because I got faith ya ya
Repeat2x
[Verse 1]
I can climb a mountain said I can reach my goals I'm more than a conquer down in
My soul
Got faith
[Repeat chorus 2x]
[Repeat verse 1x]
Yes I can yes I can can I can why can't I if I want to yes I can can
Yes I can yes I can can I can why can't I if I want to yes I can can
Repeat until music fade
The lyrics to Kirk Franklin's "I Can" are all about the power of faith, and the idea that through faith in yourself, you can do anything - even the impossible. The chorus repeats the phrase "I can do the impossible, I can see the invisible because I've got faith", emphasizing the idea that faith gives you the strength and ability to achieve things that might seem impossible. The first verse goes on to give some examples of this, saying that the author can climb mountains and reach their goals because of their faith.
This song is meant to be uplifting and motivational. It's all about reminding listeners that they have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams if they have faith in themselves and their abilities. The repetition of the "yes I can" verses at the end of the song reinforces this idea, encouraging listeners to believe in themselves and their potential. Overall, this song is a celebration of faith and the power it can give us to do great things.
Line by Line Meaning
I can do thee impossible I can see the invisible because I got faith
I have the ability to achieve what seems impossible and perceive what cannot be seen with the naked eye because of my faith.
I can climb a mountain said I can reach my goals I'm more than a conquer down in My soul
I am capable of achieving the most challenging tasks, like climbing a mountain, and overcoming any obstacle because of the strength within my inner self.
The devil is a liar and I've won this race said I've got victory all because I Got faith
The devil's deceitful nature cannot hinder my progress or steal my joy because my faith has brought me the ultimate victory.
Yes I can yes I can can I can why can't I if I want to yes I can can
I am confident in my abilities to achieve my aspirations and no one can tell me otherwise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: KIRK FRANKLIN
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....