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.
Still Alive
Kirk Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because of what you've done for us, Your name right now we bless
Shout it from the rooftop that, God is still alive
He will be our cloud by day and our pillow of fire by night
(1st) When I was in darkness and I could not see my way
Lord it was your faithfulness that let me see another day
Even though I stumbled You never took you love from me
That is why I thank You Father, You know I finally see
There is none like you
Can't nobody do me like you do
Your mercy and Your grace
Now I can truly say
God is a Good God and His love endureth
Because of what you've done for us, Your name right now we bless
Shout it from the rooftop that, God is still alive
He will be our cloud by day and our pillow of fire by night
(2nd) Lord You came and saved me from the prison of my life
And the second chance you gave me I didn't know how long it would last
Why you picked me up, when You knew I would fall again
Shows how much You love me and Your love will never end
There is none like you
Can't nobody do me like you do
Your mercy and Your grace
Now I can truly say
God is a Good God and His love endureth
Because of what you've done for us, Your name right now we bless
Shout it from the rooftop that, God is still alive
He will be our cloud by day and our pillow of fire by night
Still Alive! God is still alive!
The song "Still Alive" by Kirk Franklin is a powerful testimony of the unending grace and mercy of God. The lyrics highlight the goodness of God and the endurance of His love. The first verse talks about how God's faithfulness helped the singer through a time of darkness, even when he stumbled. The chorus emphasizes that "God is a Good God and His love endureth" and encourages everyone to "shout it from the rooftop that God is still alive." The second verse is a personal testimony of how the Lord saved the singer from a prison of his own making and the second chance he was given.
The song encourages listeners to see God's love and mercy in their own lives and to recognize that there is no one like Him. The lyrics also demonstrate gratitude and thankfulness for the Lord's love and care, and the belief that His love will never end. The use of metaphors like "cloud by day and pillow of fire by night" are references to the biblical story of how God provided for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.
Line by Line Meaning
God is a Good God and His love endureth
God is benevolent and His love is everlasting
Because of what you've done for us, Your name right now we bless
We praise Your name for all that You have done for us
Shout it from the rooftop that, God is still alive
We proclaim loudly that God is still present and involved in our lives
He will be our cloud by day and our pillow of fire by night
God will guide and protect us through all circumstances
When I was in darkness and I could not see my way
I was lost and without direction
Lord it was your faithfulness that let me see another day
God's loyalty to me allowed me to continue living
Even though I stumbled You never took you love from me
God never withdrew His love despite my mistakes
That is why I thank You Father, You know I finally see
I am grateful to God for allowing me to understand His love for me
There is none like you
No one compares to God
Can't nobody do me like you do
No one can show me love and grace like God does
Your mercy and Your grace
Your compassion and kindness
Now I can truly say
I now understand
Lord You came and saved me from the prison of my life
God rescued me from the trap of my past
And the second chance you gave me I didn't know how long it would last
I wasn't sure how much time I had been given to turn my life around
Why you picked me up, when You knew I would fall again
Despite knowing my flaws, God continued to lift me up
Shows how much You love me and Your love will never end
It demonstrates the extent of God's love for me, which will never fade
Still Alive! God is still alive!
Reiterating the fact that God is active and present in our lives
Writer(s): Kirk Franklin
Contributed by Kayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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....