If You're Going Through Hell
Rodney Atkins Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well, you know those times when you feel like there's a sign there on your back
Says I don't mind if ya kick me seems like everybody has
Things go from bad to worse, you'd think they can't get worse than that
And then they do

You step off the straight and narrow and you don't know where you are
Use the needle of your compass to sew up your broken heart
Ask directions from a genie in a bottle of Jim Beam
And she lies to you
That's when you learn the truth

If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there

Well, I been deep down in that darkness I been down to my last match
Felt a hundred different demons breathing fire down my back
And I knew that if I stumbled I'd fall right into the trap
That they were laying, yeah

But the good news is there's angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back upon your feet
The one's that you been dragging for so long you're on your knees
You might as well be praying
Guess what I'm saying

If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there

Yeah, if you're going through hell
Keep on moving, face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there

If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out before the devil even knows you're there

Yeah, if you're going through hell
Keep on moving, face that fire
Walk right through it




You might get out before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah, you might get out before the devil even knows you're there, yeah

Overall Meaning

This song by Rodney Atkins talks about the difficulties that one faces in life, where it seems like everything is going wrong and there is no way out. The opening lines set the tone of the song as the singer describes the feeling of being kicked around while everyone around him seems to be having an easier time. The lyrics also suggest that things can always get worse, and just when one thinks that they have hit rock bottom, life can still throw them a curveball.


The chorus of the song serves as a rallying cry for anyone going through difficult times. It says that even in the darkest moments, it is important to keep going, even if one is scared. The lyrics suggest that facing one's fears head-on is the only way to conquer them, and that giving up is not an option. The song also speaks to the idea of perseverance, and that hard times are an opportunity to become stronger.


The second verse further emphasizes the idea of finding hope in tough times. The singer describes feeling like he is being chased by demons, but also acknowledges that there are angels in the world who can help him when he is down. The lyrics suggest that it is important to reach out for help when struggling, and that there are always people who care.


Overall, "If You're Going Through Hell" is a powerful message of hope for anyone facing difficult times. The song suggests that while things may seem hopeless at times, there is always a way out if one is willing to keep moving forward and face their fears.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, you know those times when you feel like there's a sign there on your back Says I don't mind if ya kick me seems like everybody has
Sometimes in life, it can feel like you're the target of everyone's anger and frustration. You feel like you have a target on your back that says 'kick me' and you can't catch a break.


Things go from bad to worse, you'd think they can't get worse than that And then they do
Just when you think things can't get any worse, they do, and you feel like you're stuck in an endless cycle of bad luck and misfortune.


You step off the straight and narrow and you don't know where you are Use the needle of your compass to sew up your broken heart Ask directions from a genie in a bottle of Jim Beam And she lies to you That's when you learn the truth
When you stray from the path of righteousness, you can feel lost and uncertain. You may turn to self-destructive behaviors, like alcohol, and try to use them to cover up your pain. But in the end, you'll realize that these vices only lead to more problems and heartache.


Well, I been deep down in that darkness I been down to my last match Felt a hundred different demons breathing fire down my back And I knew that if I stumbled I'd fall right into the trap That they were laying, yeah
The artist has been through their own personal hell, where they felt like everything was going against them. They had no more options and were surrounded by negative influences that would only lead them down a destructive path.


But the good news is there's angels everywhere out on the street Holding out a hand to pull you back upon your feet The one's that you been dragging for so long you're on your knees You might as well be praying Guess what I'm saying
Despite the darkness, there are always people who will help and support you. Even when you feel like you can't stand on your own two feet, these angels will be there to lift you up and guide you towards a better path.


If you're going through hell Keep on going, don't slow down If you're scared, don't show it You might get out before the devil even knows you're there
When you're in the middle of a difficult situation, it's important to keep moving forward and not give up. Even if you're scared or unsure of yourself, don't let that show, because you might just be able to get out of this situation before it becomes much worse.


Yeah, if you're going through hell Keep on moving, face that fire Walk right through it You might get out before the devil even knows you're there
Sometimes, the only way to get through a hard time is to face it head-on. Walking through the fire may not be easy, but it's the only way to come out the other side stronger and able to overcome any obstacle. And who knows, you may even be able to do it before the devil even knows what hit him.


Yeah, you might get out before the devil even knows you're there, yeah
The devil is a symbol of all the negativity and darkness that surrounds us in life. By facing our problems head-on and finding the strength to keep moving forward, we can overcome even the toughest of challenges and defeat the devil without even realizing it.




Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp., Spirit Music Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Annie Tate, Dave Berg, Sam Tate

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@TheDoWhat

In 2014 (inside of about 30-40 days) I received a 42% pay cut, had a head on/sideswipe wreck with an 18 wheeler and my premature baby got put in the hospital for failure to thrive. This became my anthem. As the light at the end of the tunnel got closer I'd hear this song on days when something good happened. I currently make double what I made prior to the paycut, drive a new Tundra and that premature little girl now down gymnastics like an Olympian. God is good and this song is awesome!

@destineeskyee

a story of beautiful sweetness💞💞💞💞

@VaLynne1

One way I go through hell 6 is by remembering to count my blessings on a daily bases. Lost my husband of 46 years when he passed 4 years ago, but and I do shed a lot of tears (nothing wrong with that cleanses the soul) but I have so many wonderful memories with him, and have so many daily blessings from God that helps me keep on going when I am going through hill!"

@HellenaHanbasquet

My daughter was 2 when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. This was "Her Song"! Every time we drove to Childrens Hospital she would belt it out the best she could. We sang it on repeat for miles and miles. Shes been off treatment 3 years now and I still tear up every single time I hear it play.

@greenspark101

Such a sweet song glad your daughter is feeling good these days 💛 you’re incredibly strong.

@armandoaceves3021

💪🏾🔥💖

@isaacgotcash

how is she???

@mickjagger8439

I SO hope she's better now!
Hurts so much to hear about a child sick or hurt

@maet1664

Amazing! So happy for your family ❤

24 More Replies...

@lisabennett306

This was the last song my dad heard. Before he passed away. He had cancer and was scared about dying. I felt that this song came at a crucial time in his life. And as a pastor. It gave him some peace.

More Comments

More Versions