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.
Silver
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Silver and gold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
No fame or fortune
Nor riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
Don't give me a mansion
Don't give me the world
With a shallow thrill
But just give me a savior
My life He can hold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
I woke up this morning
Feeling kind of down
I called on my best friend
She could not be found
But I called on Jesus
My life He can hold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
For unto us a child is born
A son is given
I'd rather have Jesus
What profits a man to gain the whole world and lose His soul
I'd rather have Jesus
For there's no other name given under heaven
Whereby we must be saved
I'd rather have Jesus
He's the only one that can save you
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
Kirk Franklin's song Silver & Gold is a testament to the value of religious faith over material possessions. The opening lyrics of the song, "Silver and gold/Silver and gold/I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold," express the notion that, while silver and gold may be prized by many, the singer recognizes the true worth of a deep spiritual connection with Jesus. The words that follow emphasize this sentiment: "No fame or fortune/Nor riches untold/I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold." The implication here is that material prosperity does not provide genuine fulfillment but that resolute faith in Jesus Christ does.
The chorus then adds further color to the message of the song, underscoring the point that all the tangible acquisitions in the world cannot fulfill the human soul the way that Jesus can. The song's lyrics continue to drive home this message through the verses: "Don't give me a mansion/On top of the hill/Don't give me the world/With a shallow thrill/But just give me a savior/My life He can hold/I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold." Ultimately, in the eyes of the singer, the only thing that matters is whether one has a relationship with Jesus and whether he can provide solace in moments of need. The song's closing lines affirm this point once more with lyrics that declare "I'd rather have Jesus/He's the only one that can save you/I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold."
Line by Line Meaning
Silver and gold
Material things that are often desired by people
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
The singer prefers the love and salvation of Jesus over any material possessions
No fame or fortune
The singer does not desire fame or fortune
Nor riches untold
The artist does not desire wealth beyond measure
Don't give me a mansion on top of the hill
The artist does not desire a grand or luxurious home
Don't give me the world with a shallow thrill
The singer does not desire the pleasures of the world that fade away
But just give me a savior, my life He can hold
The singer desires a personal relationship with Jesus, who can guide and protect their life
I woke up this morning feeling kind of down
The artist woke up feeling sad or upset
I called on my best friend, she could not be found
The artist reached out to their friend for help, but they were not available
But I called on Jesus, my life He can hold
Despite not being able to reach their friend, the artist found comfort and peace in calling upon Jesus
For unto us a child is born, a son is given
This line refers to the birth of Jesus Christ
What profits a man to gain the whole world and lose His soul
It is not worth gaining worldly possessions if it means losing one's soul or relationship with God
He's the only one that can save you
Jesus is the only one who has the power to save a person's soul
For there's no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved
Salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ, according to the singer's faith
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
The repeated line emphasizes that the singer values Jesus over material possessions
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: KIRK FRANKLIN (21425)
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....