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.
Jesus
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never drove around in a fancy car
Kids looked at me funny
Momma she had no money
But she always told me, "baby, know who you are"
I say ooh, don't you know
It was hard always wearing my cousin's clothes
Can you hand me down a dream with those hand-me-down jeans?
Jesus
When I had nothing, had to struggle, and was up to no good
Jesus
The reason I'm still breathing is 'cause
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
I's crazy how you love me even when I don't love you like I should
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Ooh, look at me
I know I'm now all I'm supposed to be
I'm gonna get it right
didn't get here overnight
so while you're waiting please wait patiently
I say ooh, it's so sweet to know that you were always in love
Thought my game was clever, but no one can play me better than you
You know you always win cause you're
Jesus
When I had nothing, had to struggle, and was up to no good
Jesus
The reason I'm still breathing is 'cause
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
I's crazy how you love me even when I don't love you like I should
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Ooh
When I think about your name I go
Ooh
How you took away my pain I go ooh
Every night at the club
Ain't no wife at the club
That Jesus he be showing me love
They said I wasn't gon' make it kirk
I know how that sound
It's only by his grace
I can say 'look at me now'
If you love this joint right here
I want you to call your radio station in the morning
And I want you to tell'em hey Mr. DJ
Can you play my favorite song? (will you play my favorite?)
I heard it say it's gonna get better
We gon' make it out the hood someday
Hey Mr. DJ
I wanna hear that song about Jesus
I heard my mama crying
I gotta let her know
He's gonna wipe her tears away
You are listening to the sound
Of a brotha' who should be dead right now
But I'm so glad god didn't give up on me
Ain't you glad he didn't give up on you?
What's his name?
Jesus
When I had nothing, had to struggle, and was up to no good
Jesus
The reason I'm still breathing is 'cause
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
I's crazy how you love me even when I don't love you like I should
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
The lyrics to Kirk Franklin's "Jesus" are a powerful and emotional testament to the role of faith in overcoming adversity. The opening lines reveal that the singer grew up in poverty, without material wealth or social standing. Despite these challenges, the singer's mother instilled them with a sense of self-worth and an understanding of the power of faith. The chorus emphasizes the singer's reliance on Jesus during times of struggle, as well as his gratitude for the love and grace that Jesus provides, even when he falls short of loving Jesus in return.
As the song progresses, the singer also reflects on the ways in which Jesus has helped him become a better person. He acknowledges his past mistakes and sins ("when I had nothing, had to struggle, and was up to no good"), but credits Jesus with helping him to turn his life around ("the reason I'm still breathing is 'cause Jesus"). The song's bridge incorporates a few different elements, including a nod to the nightlife culture that can be so prevalent in urban areas like the singer's childhood neighborhood, a reminder of the impact of social pressure and expectation ("they said I wasn't gonna make it"), and a call to action for listeners to share their love of Jesus with others.
Overall, "Jesus" is a moving and motivational anthem that celebrates the transformative power of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, superstar
I may not be a superstar in the eyes of this world, but I am a superstar in the eyes of Jesus.
Never drove around in a fancy car
I never had material possessions, but I always had Jesus.
Kids looked at me funny
People judged me for not having what they have, but I'm okay with who I am because I have Jesus.
Momma she had no money
My family didn't have much, but we always had faith in Jesus.
But she always told me, 'baby, know who you are'
My mother instilled in me the importance of having a strong faith in Jesus and knowing my worth in Him.
I say ooh, don't you know
I have experienced the love of Jesus and it has changed my life.
It was hard always wearing my cousin's clothes
I grew up with little and had to wear hand-me-downs, but I always had Jesus with me.
Can you hand me down a dream with those hand-me-down jeans?
I had little material possessions, but I have Jesus who is my dream and my hope.
Thought I'd never make, but I made it y'all, 'cause I had
Despite my circumstances, I made it because I had the love and strength of Jesus Christ.
Ooh, look at me
Look at me now, I know that I am not what I'm supposed to be, but Jesus is still working on me.
I know I'm now all I'm supposed to be
I am not yet perfect, but Jesus is still working on me, and I am grateful for His love and grace.
I'm gonna get it right
I may not be perfect, but I am striving to do better every day with Jesus by my side.
Didn't get here overnight
My journey with Jesus has not been easy, but I am grateful for every obstacle and every victory.
So while you're waiting please wait patiently
I am asking others to be patient with me as I am not yet perfect, but I am with Jesus on this journey.
It's so sweet to know that you were always in love
Jesus has always loved me, and that is the sweetest thing I have ever known.
Thought my game was clever, but no one can play me better than you
I used to think I had everything figured out, but Jesus came and showed me that He is the only one who can guide me and lead me.
You know you always win cause you're
Jesus always wins because He is the source of true love and true victory.
When I think about your name I go
When I think about the name of Jesus, I am filled with joy and gratitude.
How you took away my pain I go ooh
Jesus has healed my pain and hurt and replaced it with His love and grace.
Every night at the club, ain't no wife at the club
I used to go to the club seeking temporary pleasure, but Jesus showed me that true love and true fulfillment can only be found in Him.
That Jesus he be showing me love
Even when I was lost, Jesus showed me love and brought me back to Him.
They said I wasn't gon' make it kirk, I know how that sound
People doubted me and my abilities, but Jesus gave me strength and I have accomplished many things with Him by my side.
It's only by his grace I can say 'look at me now'
Everything I have achieved so far is only possible because of the grace and love of Jesus Christ in my life.
If you love this joint right here
If you are resonating with this song and its message.
I want you to call your radio station in the morning
I want you to request this song to be played on the radio.
And I want you to tell'em hey Mr. DJ, can you play my favorite song? (will you play my favorite?)
Ask the DJ to play this song, and I hope it becomes your favorite song too.
I heard it say it's gonna get better
I have heard it said that things will get better, and I believe it will.
We gon' make it out the hood someday
Regardless of where we come from, we can overcome with Jesus and make it to a better place in life.
Hey Mr. DJ, I wanna hear that song about Jesus
This song is about Jesus and His love for all of us, and I hope it brings you closer to Him.
I heard my mama crying, I gotta let her know
I want to let my mother know that everything will be alright because of the love of Jesus in our lives.
He's gonna wipe her tears away
Jesus will comfort my mother in her pain and replace it with His love and grace.
You are listening to the sound
You are listening to the message of this song and the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Of a brotha' who should be dead right now
I am a testimony of the power of Jesus Christ in saving and transforming lives.
But I'm so glad God didn't give up on me
I am grateful that God never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself.
Ain't you glad he didn't give up on you?
I hope this song inspires you to reflect on the love and grace of Jesus in your own life, and be grateful for His never-ending love.
What's his name?
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior.
The reason I'm still breathing is 'cause Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
The reason why I am alive and able to live, love, and enjoy life is because of the never-ending love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ.
I's crazy how you love me even when I don't love you like I should
Jesus' love for us is beyond our understanding, and it is humbling to know that even when we fall short, He still loves us unconditionally.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: KIRK FRANKLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JUANITA JONES
One of those street songs that'll make you turn up for Jesus. 🙌🏼
V P
God is faithful! Amen!🙌🏾💕😭
tyniah
Amen
Lavera Jackson
this song got so much meaning and truth behide it that bring tear to my eyes when think how much JESUS his self love me,,,thank you LORD for this track
Regina James
The children sound so cute singing with Kirk Franklin. I love this song myself. When i got out of the shower, i had to see what the name of this song was. Now when I'm cleaning my houses, i will listen to this Song.
D Stevenson
I heard this song on the radio today and fell n love
Denise Covington
Cause I got Jesus!!!
sparkletone1684
This song is da bomb! I know that's old school, but that's the best term for it!
Danielle Louise
God bless Kirk Franklin and the other gospel artists spreading their ministry of music & Jesus' good will throughout the world x
joelee_316
i can understand everything kirk says cause kids always looked at me funny cause my mama never had any money and i had to wear my couzins clothes growin up and my mama always told me to know who i am