(1) Zach Will… Read Full Bio ↴*NOTE: There are multiple artists named Zach Williams*
(1) Zach Williams comes from Georgia and his music comes from childhood bike rides down steep hills, the valleys of real tragedy, the rivers of hope pushing you on, sincere prayers, wind chimes on a back porch where grandfathers rock in silence, the back of cereal boxes on Saturday mornings, rust and shadows in an old barn, wet pavement after rain in the city, a string full of caught fish, the advice of generations before, the way love will surprise you in someone you’ve known for years, a bullheaded grip on lifelong friendship, and the offering of an open hand.
Zach was a late bloomer as songwriters go and didn’t perform his first song publicly till near the end of college. That was in West Palm Beach in 2004 and the reception to this new artist was as warm as a south Florida summer night. The music and Zach have been growing ever since. His first band developed quite a loyal following in West Palm, recorded their first self-titled album, and hit the road for a short tour of the southeast. The pull of being at different stages in life led the original band to part ways in Florida, but Zach carried the music and the spirit with him. It was the beginning of something.
Zach began to pull from the corners of his life, to weave fact and fiction, to pound out melodies from the backs of memories, and as life took him north he chose to root the expression of his music in the south that had formed him, the faith that sustains him, and his friends. He stumbled upon a sound that is both soulful and penetrating.
Zach currently resides with his wife Stacy in Brooklyn and would tell you that his music represents the communities he has had the privilege to pass through, experience, and the ones he is still holding on to. His voice carries layers of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Adam Duritz. The blend is refreshing and above all honest. Zach has formed a new band since arriving in New York. The band’s Americana folk sound drifts towards all out rock n roll at moments and Zach performs as if he is strapped to the front of a freight train. Zach and the band’s crowning achievement thus far is crafting a live show that is both approachable and yet coursing with adrenaline. You can dance to it too. It leaves you feeling like you have spent the evening hearing the stories of your close friends.
Zach brings and open and collaborative spirit to the music he makes. He invites listeners to come in and live for a while in his songs, to take what you can and leave what you will. His music is not complete without the people who shape it, the people who are shaped by it, and God who holds it all together.
(2) Zachary Stephen Williams (born March 5, 1981) is an American Christian rock artist from Jonesboro, Arkansas. From 2007 through 2012 he was a member and lead vocalist of Zach Williams & The Reformation (also acoustic guitar and harmonica). He was also the lead singer of the Christian group Zach Williams and the Brothers of Grace. In 2016 he went solo.
Promised Land
Zach Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every burden, every weight
I changed my name to freedom
From prisoner and slave
Stood up to my oppressors
Shook the shackles off my hands
I'm going down, down
Down to the Promised Land
I'm not just getting out of Egypt
Egypt's getting out of me
I can see those walls of Jericho
In pieces at my feet
I can taste that milk and honey
From the wilderness I am
Going down, down, down to the Promised Land
I'm dusting off the desert
I'm silencing my doubt
The one who goes before me
Is the one who lead me out
With fire in the darkness
With footprints in the sand
I'm going down, down
Down to the Promised Land
The lyrics to Zach Williams's song "Promised Land" speak of liberation and freedom from the burdens and chains that hold us down. The song draws inspiration from the biblical story of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
The opening lines, "I left my ball and chain behind me, Every burden, every weight," signify a decision to break free from the things that weigh us down, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. The singer declares a change of name from "prisoner and slave" to "freedom," indicating a transformation and a newfound sense of identity.
The following lines, "Stood up to my oppressors, Shook the shackles off my hands," echo the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of bondage and rebellion against their oppressors. This emphasizes the courage, determination, and strength it takes to break free from oppressive situations or mindsets.
The refrain, "I'm going down, down, Down to the Promised Land," signifies a journey towards a better future, a place of abundance, and a land flowing with milk and honey. It represents the longing for a place of peace, fulfillment, and satisfaction.
The second verse, "I'm not just getting out of Egypt, Egypt's getting out of me," expresses a profound truth. Leaving Egypt, symbolizing a place of bondage or struggle, is not merely a physical escape; it requires an inner transformation. It is about letting go of the mindset and habits that keep us captive.
The mention of the walls of Jericho indicates the obstacles that need to be overcome on the journey to the Promised Land. The singer expresses confidence in their ability to conquer these obstacles, with the walls crumbling to pieces at their feet.
The reference to "the wilderness" represents the challenging and sometimes desolate periods we may encounter on our journey towards the Promised Land. Despite the difficulties, the singer can taste the sweetness of victory, represented by "milk and honey," signifying abundance and blessings.
The lyrics also highlight the singer's trust in a higher power, signified by the statement, "The one who goes before me, Is the one who lead me out." This implies that they are not alone in their journey towards freedom. The presence of fire in the darkness and footprints in the sand symbolizes divine guidance and protection.
Overall, Zach Williams's "Promised Land" is an anthem of hope, freedom, and determination. It encourages listeners to let go of their burdens, confront their oppressors, overcome obstacles, and trust in the divine to lead them towards a place of fulfillment and abundance.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my ball and chain behind me
I have freed myself from burdens and constraints
Every burden, every weight
All the heavy burdens and hardships I carried
I changed my name to freedom
I have embraced freedom and a new identity
From prisoner and slave
No longer bound by captivity and servitude
Stood up to my oppressors
I confronted those who oppressed me
Shook the shackles off my hands
I broke free from the chains that restrained me
I'm going down, down
I'm descending towards
Down to the Promised Land
Reaching the land of promises and prosperity
I'm not just getting out of Egypt
I'm not simply escaping Egypt
Egypt's getting out of me
I am freeing myself from the influence and impact of Egypt
I can see those walls of Jericho
I can perceive the barriers and obstacles in my path
In pieces at my feet
Broken and conquered, lying beneath me
I can taste that milk and honey
I can experience the abundance and blessings
From the wilderness I am
Coming from a place of desolation and struggle
Dusting off the desert
Leaving behind the arid and barren land
Silencing my doubt
Quietening the uncertainty and disbelief within me
The one who goes before me
The one who leads and guides me
Is the one who lead me out
Is the one who freed me from captivity
With fire in the darkness
With illumination and guidance in times of adversity
With footprints in the sand
Leaving a trail for me to follow
I'm dusting off the desert
I'm leaving behind the harsh and desolate environment
I'm silencing my doubt
I'm quietening my uncertainties and fears
The one who goes before me
The one who leads and guides me
Is the one who lead me out
Is the one who freed me from captivity
With fire in the darkness
With illumination and guidance in times of adversity
With footprints in the sand
Leaving a trail for me to follow
I'm going down, down
I'm descending towards
Down to the Promised Land
Reaching the land of promises and prosperity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dANGEROUSISINUSE
bro you about to blow up for this one, I LOVE IT!!!
KERMIT IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL
I saw you open for the final tour of Third Day in Nashville, TN, and I have to say you and your band were So GOOD!!! You were def. better than their whole show 😳 God Bless You!!!
Mickey Thompson
Man I just love this song!
Acer Tiger
This song walks me back 2 my childhood GOD LOVING, BIBLE TEACHING,TOE TAPPING tent revivals in Beaumont TX. 60yrs.ago AMEN 4 THAT PROMISED LAND a Coming!
Maryann Sturmfels
Amazing Grace in 💪😆music - great song writer!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Solid Rick singing... inspiring!
CuteKawaii
Lyrics:I left my ball and chains behind me,every burdon every way,I changed my name to freedom,from prisoner and slave,I stood up to my own presence,shook the shackles off my hands I'm Goin' down,to the promised land,I'm dustin' off the desert I'm silencin' my doubts,the one who rules before me,is the one who leads me out,fire in the darkness,with footprints in the sand,im goin' down,to the promised land,I'm just getting out of egypt! Egypt's getting out of me,imsm can see those walls of jerico,pieces at my feet, I can taste that milk and honey!from the wilderness I am,going down,down,down to the promised land.
Cleo Marbaniang
love it!
Maryann Sturmfels
Amazing Grace in 💪😆music - great song writer!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Solid Rick singing... inspiring!
Nicole Torres
ITS SO AMAZING
JW 2001
Harp bring it - getting a Johnny Cash vibe and I mean that as a great compliment