Kelly writes and performs the kinds of songs that inspire novels and movies. You could call him a bastard disciple of Kurt Cobain and Townes Van Zandt, and he’d be totally cool with that. He’s just as comfortable wearing a cowboy hat as he is in a Slayer t-shirt. His story so far twists and turns through heartbreak and triumph, an overdose and rehab, empty dive bars and packed venues, living everywhere from South Carolina to Brussels, and as he puts it, “finally getting my shit together and proposing to the love of my life.” It’s this unbelievable experience that informs his singular style—a gravelly patchwork of folk lyricism, grunge attitude, country heart, Americana spirit, and rock energy. Not only has he penned songs for Tim McGraw (“Nashville Without You”), Josh Abbott Band (“Front Row Seat”), and more, but his independent solo debut EP Halloween earned acclaim from KCRW, Consequence of Sound, RELIX, Apple Music, and more. “Poison” racked up over 516K Spotify streams, while “Black Magic” soundtracked the Season Finale of the CBS series Scorpion. He logged countless miles on the road sharing the stage with the likes of The Lumineers and Robert Earl Keen in addition to performing at Bonnaroo and Wakarusa. Signing to Washington Square Music / Razor & Tie and he recorded his full-length debut in 2017.
Jericho
Ruston Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There′s no house on Mercy Street
You might get lost in the company of angels
Ignoring the stones tied around your feet
Yeah, you got to try for something
Bend your knee and fight for something
Learn how to die for something
Rivers weren′t made for drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
I framed a fortress 'round my heart
Carved her name in the old front door
So she would know love still stands
Here forever even when she's gone
Love can be a heat wave
Love can be a cold rain
Shadows that play
On the walls of your room
Rivers weren′t made for drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
Yeah, you got to try for something
Bend your knee and fight for something
Learn how to die for something
So you ain′t living life for nothing, no
Rivers weren't made for drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
These walls were built to scale
These walls were built to scale
In Ruston Kelly's song "Jericho," the lyrics convey a message about the importance of resilience, perseverance, and fighting for something meaningful in life. The verses paint a picture of a journey towards healing and redemption. The reference to Bethesda, an ancient pool mentioned in the Bible known for its healing properties, suggests that the singer is searching for a place of restoration and renewal. However, there is no house of mercy to be found, implying that external sources of solace might not exist. Instead, the singer encounters angels who can guide them but warns against ignoring the burdens and challenges weighing them down.
The chorus emphasizes the need to strive for something worthwhile, even in the face of adversity. The repeated line "Bend your knee and fight for something" highlights the importance of taking a stand and not settling for a life devoid of purpose. Learning how to sacrifice and even die for something meaningful is presented as a worthy pursuit, contrasting with a life lived without purpose or ambition.
The second verse introduces the metaphor of building walls, specifically around the singer's heart. This act of self-preservation is expressed as a testament to love's enduring power, even when the person they love is absent. The lyrics suggest that love can be both a source of intense warmth and comfort ("heat wave") and also a cold, harsh experience ("cold rain"). The mention of shadows playing on the walls of a room further emphasizes the complexity and ever-changing nature of love.
The chorus is repeated once more, reinforcing the idea that rivers and souls were never meant to meet failure. The singer acknowledges the walls they've built, presumably as a defense mechanism, but recognizes that these walls were constructed to be overcome. The song ultimately serves as a call to action, urging listeners to actively pursue something meaningful and to break down the barriers that hold them back.
Line by Line Meaning
You can walk, walk to Bethesda
You have the ability to take steps towards healing and redemption.
There's no house on Mercy Street
There is no easy resolution or solace in seeking forgiveness.
You might get lost in the company of angels
In the pursuit of righteousness, you may become distracted by heavenly beings.
Ignoring the stones tied around your feet
Choosing to overlook the burdens and obstacles that weigh you down.
Yeah, you got to try for something
It is essential to strive for a meaningful purpose or goal.
Bend your knee and fight for something
Show humility and determination in standing up for what you believe in.
Learn how to die for something
Be willing to make sacrifices and endure hardships for a worthy cause.
So you ain't living life for nothing, no
Ensure that your existence holds significance and purpose.
Rivers weren't made for drowning
The trials and tribulations of life are not meant to overwhelm or defeat us.
Souls were never made to fail
Our inner essence is innately strong and resilient.
I raised Jericho around me
I created barriers and defenses to protect myself.
But these walls were built to scale
However, these fortifications were constructed to be overcome.
I framed a fortress 'round my heart
I erected emotional barriers to shield my vulnerable emotions.
Carved her name in the old front door
I engraved her name as a lasting reminder of love, even after she's gone.
So she would know love still stands
To assure her that love endures, regardless of distance or absence.
Here forever even when she's gone
Love remains eternally present, even in her absence.
Love can be a heat wave
Love has the power to ignite intense passion and desire.
Love can be a cold rain
Love can also bring sorrow, heartache, and emotional turmoil.
Shadows that play on the walls of your room
The lingering memories and ghosts of a past love haunt your thoughts.
These walls were built to scale
The barriers I constructed can be overcome and conquered.
These walls were built to scale
Reiterating that the defenses erected can be surmounted.
Writer(s): Natalie Hemby, Ruston Samuel Kelly, Joy Elizabeth Williams
Contributed by Skyler A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@reinaasano9253
You can walk, walk to Bethesda
There's no house on Mercy Street
You might get lost in the company of angels
Ignorin' the stones tied around your feet
Yeah, you gotta try for somethin'
Bend your knee and fight for somethin'
Learn how to die for somethin'
So you ain't livin' life for nothin'
Rivers weren't made for drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
I framed a fortress 'round my heart
Carved her name in the old front door
So she would know that love still stands
Here forever even when she's gone
Love can be a heatwave
Love can be a cold rain
Shadows at play on the walls of your room
Rivers weren't made drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these were built to scale
Yeah, you gotta try for somethin'
Bend your knee and fight for somethin'
Learn how to die for somethin'
So you ain't livin' life for nothin', no
Rivers weren't made for drowning
Souls were never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
@caffeinatednation8885
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You can walk, walk to the pasture
There’s no house on Mercy Street
You might get lost in the company of angels
Ignoring the stones tied around your feet
[Chorus]
Yeah, you got to try for something
Bend your knee and fight for something
Learn how to die for something
So you ain't living life for nothing, no
[Post-Chorus]
Rivers weren’t made for drowning
Souls are never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
[Verse 2]
I framed a fortress ‘round my heart
Carved her name in the old front door
So she would know love still stands
Here forever even when she’s gone
Love can be a heat wave
Love can be a cold rain
Shadows that play
On the walls of your room
[Chorus]
Rivers weren’t made for drowning
Souls are never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
[Bridge]
Yeah, you got to try for something
Bend your knee and fight for something
Learn how to die for something
So you ain't living life for nothing, no
[Chorus]
Rivers weren’t made for drowning
Souls are never made to fail
I raised Jericho around me
But these walls were built to scale
These walls were built to scale
These walls were built to scale
@davidkaminsky4464
I love Ruston Kelly and I'm grateful he seems to be ahead of his struggle and he's on the planet sharing his gifts. Thanks, Ruston.
@swampshepherd
One of the greatest songs ever written.
@itsyaboidale
Every little detail about Ruston, his music and his videos scream "Real Musician". I love how honest Ruston is with himself and reflects it all so perfectly into his heart-breaking songs. Dying Star is going to be a game changer for music. And I for one cannot wait to blast that vinyl and just be in the moment.
@AndresHernandezMusic
I've waiting for a new song. You're my favorite singer.
@mathiasabra7686
Can't wait for Dying Star, Ruston Kelly knows how to write them songs!
@clintjamestaylor
Most well crafted song ive heard in a long time
@StepheneyLeeAnne22
My sons name is Jericho named after the battle of Jericho and this is a staple in our house 🥰
@felicecinque
I am a newcomer fan and am OBSESSED.
@savannawestfall3364
literally named my dog after this song because its such an amazing song
@DB-jf6fm
Love the album and it's played several times a day in my house. His lyrics, and the vocal delivery of lines, remind me of a younger Adam Duritz on "August and Everything After." Been a while since a legit "popular" male artist has bared his soul, flaws, hopes, and insecurities for everyone to hear.