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 Like Me
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I like me,
Yo, you like?
Cause I like me
Do you like me?
See I like me
Cause he like me
God likes me
You, you don't like me?
Short, big nose, big lips
Kinda st- st- stutter but, I never trip
Got my daddy's swagger and I walk with a limp
Got a hot wife, no need to be a pimp
Never been cute, never been fly
Since I been changed got that twinkle in my eye
Got my grill fixed, now I smile when I speak
Tell me who that is, that's the Jesus freak, it's ya boy
[Chorus]
I just smile, I'm so content
And I ain't even got yellow stones on my wrist
I hear the world I'm supposed to be rich
Bud I don't but that, man, I don't go with the trends
Go the whole mile, lose or win
I hope that's the impression that the Cd's give
I'm more concerned about how they see me live
Than trying to get a house on MTV cribs
[Chorus]
When the light fade, I know that you see
More than my swagger, But it's you in me
From the storefront church to the packed out floors
They want an autograph but I'd rather give 'em yours
Ya ink don't fade, the crowd wants more
The king's on stage, the final encore
Can't believe it's, me now I'm chillin' backstage
Big nose, big lips, gon' get ya hands raised
I like me,
Yo, you like?
Cause I like me
Do you like me?
See I like me
Cause he like me
God likes me
The song "I Like Me" by Kirk Franklin featuring Da' T.R.U.T.H. is an ode to self-love and self-acceptance. The main message of the song is that the opinions of other people don't matter as long as you love yourself and God loves you. The song highlights the struggles that people face in accepting and loving themselves, particularly when they don't conform to society's ideas of beauty or success. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of self-love.
The first verse of the song talks about some of the physical features that the singer has that are often perceived as flaws, such as a short stature, a big nose, and big lips. Despite these imperfections, the singer is proud of who he is and doesn't let others' opinions bring him down. He also mentions that since he started following God, he has gained confidence and a sense of purpose.
The second verse talks about the pressure that people feel to be successful and wealthy. The singer insists that he doesn't need material possessions to be happy and fulfilled. He would rather be true to himself and live a life that reflects his values. He also talks about how he is more concerned with how people see him as a person than with superficial things like his appearance or possessions.
Overall, the message of the song is that true happiness and self-acceptance come from within, and that we should not let the opinions of others bring us down or define us.
Line by Line Meaning
I like me,
I have a positive self-image and I am content with who I am
Yo, you like?
Do you have a positive self-image like me?
Cause I like me
I am confident and comfortable being myself
Do you like me?
Do you also have a positive self-image like me?
See I like me
I am proud of who I am and I don't need validation from others
Cause he like me
God loves and accepts me for who I am, which gives me confidence
God likes me
God's love gives me a sense of worth and value
You, you don't like me?
If you don't appreciate me for who I am, I am still okay with myself
Short, big nose, big lips
I may not have traditional good looks, but that doesn't affect my self-worth
Kinda st- st- stutter but, I never trip
I may have a speech impediment, but I am still confident and don't let it bring me down
Got my daddy's swagger and I walk with a limp
I am proud of my heritage and upbringing, and I embrace my unique qualities
Got a hot wife, no need to be a pimp
I am happy and satisfied in my marriage, and don't feel the need to seek validation from other women
Never been cute, never been fly
I may not have flashy looks or style, but that doesn't affect my self-worth
Since I been changed got that twinkle in my eye
Since I have adopted a positive self-image, I have a newfound confidence and joy
Got my grill fixed, now I smile when I speak
I have taken care of my dental health and now have a bright and confident smile
Tell me who that is, that's the Jesus freak, it's ya boy
I am unashamed of my faith, which is an important part of my identity
I just smile, I'm so content
I am happy and satisfied with my life
And I ain't even got yellow stones on my wrist
I don't need material possessions to feel happy or valuable
I hear the world I'm supposed to be rich
Society often tells us that wealth equals happiness and success
Bud I don't but that, man, I don't go with the trends
I don't believe that having money or following trends is necessary for a fulfilling life
Go the whole mile, lose or win
I strive to give my all in life, whether I win or lose
I hope that's the impression that the Cd's give
I hope that my music inspires others to live their lives to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances
I'm more concerned about how they see me live
I want to be a positive influence on others through my actions and lifestyle
Than trying to get a house on MTV cribs
I am not interested in material possessions or seeking fame through reality TV shows
When the light fade, I know that you see
When all the superficial things fade away, people will see the true essence of who I am
More than my swagger, But it's you in me
My true identity is rooted in my relationship with God
From the storefront church to the packed out floors
Regardless of the size of the audience, I remain true to myself and my faith
They want an autograph but I'd rather give 'em yours
I would rather share the message of God's love with my fans than seek personal validation
Ya ink don't fade, the crowd wants more
My message of faith and self-acceptance has a lasting impact on my fans
The king's on stage, the final encore
I see myself as a messenger of God's love and grace, and strive to be a positive influence on others
Can't believe it's, me now I'm chillin' backstage
I am grateful for the success I have achieved, but remain humble and grounded
Big nose, big lips, gon' get ya hands raised
My physical appearance does not define me; it is my message of self-love and faith that resonates with my fans
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EMMANUAL LAMBERT, 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....