Written by West, rapper and friend Che Smith (who performs as Rhymefest), and violinist Miri Ben-Ari, the song was universally acclaimed by music critics, who praised its compelling sonic atmosphere and boldness in its open embrace of faith. Various publications placed the song on several year and decade-end lists, and have since listed it among the greatest of all time.
Jesus Walks
kanye west Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, we at war
We at war with terrorism, racism, but most of all we at war with ourselves
(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)
Young and Restless
Where restless niggas might snatch ya necklace
And next these niggas might jack ya Lexus
Somebody tell these niggas who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of Chi where death is
Top floor of the view alone will leave you breathless
Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Getting choked by detectives yeah, yeah, now check the method
They be asking us questions, harass, and arrest us
Saying, "We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast"
Huh, y'all eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
We ain't goin' nowhere, but got suits and cases
A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us
Well Mama, I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone 'til November, I got packs to move, I hope
(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now (I want Jesus)
(Jesus walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walks with me)
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long
(I want Jesus)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long, so long
So long
(Jesus walks with me)
To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
(Jesus walks with them)
To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah
(Jesus walks with them)
Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly
I know He hear me when my feet get weary
'Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
We rappers is role models, we rap we don't think
I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis, that's the way I need Jesus
So here go my single, dawg, radio needs this
They said you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tape
But if I talk about God my record won't get played
Huh?
Well if this take away from my spins
Which'll probably take away from my ends
Then I hope this take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming 'bout
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out
(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus walks with me, with me, with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
The lyrics of Kanye West's song Jesus Walks are deep and powerful, as it describes the struggles and battles of individuals, the society, and humanity as a whole. The song begins with a declaration that there is a war, not just with external factors like terrorism and racism, but with oneself. The lyrics reveal the inner conflicts of the artist, as he asks for God's guidance in fighting the devil who is attempting to break him down. The repetition of the chorus, "Jesus walks with me," emphasizes the artist's desire to have guidance and assistance from a higher power.
Further on, the lyrics describe life in Chicago, particularly the struggles that individuals face when trying to survive. West explains that he walks through the valley of Chi, where death is always near. He expresses his frustration with the police, who harass and arrest individuals who have done nothing wrong. The lyrics underline the societal issues and prejudices that exist for minorities and the frustration that comes from ineffective authorities.
The bridge of the song offers a glimpse of hope for everyone, including murderers, drug dealers, and strippers, and recognizes that society as a whole is living in hell. West acknowledges that he also needs guidance from a higher power, just like everyone else. He wants to be a better role model, but he knows he is not perfect, and he is hoping this song will lead to redemption.
Overall, Jesus Walks is a powerful song about the struggles faced by individuals, the society, and humanity as a whole. The song's deep, reflective lyrics provide insight into some of the issues that minorities face, as well as the hope for a brighter future and guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Order, huh
Introduces the song and sets a serious tone
Yo, we at war
Acknowledges the conflicts and struggles facing society
We at war with terrorism, racism, but most of all we at war with ourselves
Highlights the overarching issue of internal conflict and self-destruction
(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me, with me, with me, with me, with me)
Asks for guidance and support from God to overcome the challenges and obstacles
You know what the Midwest is?
Young and Restless
Where restless niggas might snatch ya necklace
And next these niggas might jack ya Lexus
Somebody tell these niggas who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of Chi where death is
Top floor of the view alone will leave you breathless
Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Getting choked by detectives yeah, yeah, now check the method
Describes the rough and dangerous environment of Chicago, where Kanye grew up, and the struggles he faced
They be asking us questions, harass, and arrest us
Saying, "We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast"
Huh, y'all eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
We ain't goin' nowhere, but got suits and cases
A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
My Mama used to say only Jesus can save us
Well Mama, I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone 'til November, I got packs to move, I hope
Expresses frustration with the discriminatory treatment and unjust accusations faced by black men in America, and reflects on his own mistakes and struggles with selling drugs and getting into trouble with the law
(Jesus walks)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
(Jesus walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now (I want Jesus)
(Jesus walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walks with me)
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long
(I want Jesus)
God show me the way because the Devil's tryin' to break me down
The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
I want to talk to God, but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long, so long
So long
(Jesus walks with me)
Continues to seek and rely on God's guidance and redemption despite past mistakes and fears of rejection
To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
(Jesus walks with them)
To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah
(Jesus walks with them)
Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly
I know He hear me when my feet get weary
'Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
We rappers is role models, we rap we don't think
I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis, that's the way I need Jesus
So here go my single, dawg, radio needs this
They said you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tape
But if I talk about God my record won't get played
Huh?
Well if this take away from my spins
Which'll probably take away from my ends
Then I hope this take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming 'bout
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out
Raises awareness of the struggles and hardships faced by people from all walks of life, and emphasizes the importance of role models and education. Fights against censorship of religious content in mainstream media and hopes music can help bring positive change to society
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Che Smith, Miri Ben-Ari, Kanye Omari West, Curtis Leon Lundy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justinwg6202
I feel ya. I've been there before. Just wanted to share some good news to any struggling believer or curious agnostic.
I know it might seem kinda crazy that I'm putting all this effort into a post for an old comment, my name and pic are wild, but something in me made me wanna check out this song again, then I saw this comment and that at least 100 or so people relate to it and it just so happened to be something I've been reading about lately and helping my best bud with, so to me that's absolutely a calling. I hope this helps anyone struggling. Love ya God bless and happy new year.
You can never be too far for too long. Matthew 18:12, Jesus says, "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?". This is saying that we're all God's kids, whether we do good or bad we're always loved in a parental kinda way. If and when we mess up, God is always there with open arms to accept us back now that Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. In the Old Testament, remembering mostly Genesis, the way to be cleansed of your sin was animal sacrifice. It's hardcore I know, but it's the truth of what's in there. Jesus came to earth as God the Son, The Son of Man (Remember, God's a complicated trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit are God but one is not the other. Hurts my head still) to live a perfect sinless life and be the final sacrifice for all mankind's sins as long as we humble ourselves and believe it true.
In Luke 23: 39-43, Jesus is asked to be remembered by the thief on the cross who is being crucified beside him, to which He replies, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
PS: Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. God knows what we want before we ask. It's the faith and showing that we believe that really matters to him. Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives an example of how a prayer should be. The lord's prayer. It could be simplified to: "Father God, I ask that you walk beside me, thank you for all you provide, Forgive me of my wrongs as I forgive those who wrong me, rid me of temptation and guide me to you, in Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen." Saying that daily is all you'd have to do to get his attention and start to experience some miracles. Remember being humble is key.
@bura-barivincentnwilo6575
After watching the documentary and to see how Kanye kept it going, the love from his mum and how she would rap to his songs, Kanye is a genius and it is beautiful that he is still here with us and we are not talking about him in the past tense.
@joshrogers4191
Hes so far above garbage people like pete davidson and kim kardashian I know he loves her but Ye is a way better person than them. I really feel for him and his kids.
@abanana007
Xoxooxox
@bura-barivincentnwilo6575
@@abanana007 May Kanye live joyfully and enjoy all he laboured for.
@carlitosbeans
💯
@christianchavez4570
same here bro, that documentary is really heart touching and inspiring, real tracks 4 life
@mechanoid2k
"I wanna talk to God but I'm afraid cause we ain't spoke in so long" That part always hits me hard.
@handihooptie
AGREE
@hippityhoppityhope
Right!
@justinwg6202
I feel ya. I've been there before. Just wanted to share some good news to any struggling believer or curious agnostic.
I know it might seem kinda crazy that I'm putting all this effort into a post for an old comment, my name and pic are wild, but something in me made me wanna check out this song again, then I saw this comment and that at least 100 or so people relate to it and it just so happened to be something I've been reading about lately and helping my best bud with, so to me that's absolutely a calling. I hope this helps anyone struggling. Love ya God bless and happy new year.
You can never be too far for too long. Matthew 18:12, Jesus says, "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?". This is saying that we're all God's kids, whether we do good or bad we're always loved in a parental kinda way. If and when we mess up, God is always there with open arms to accept us back now that Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice. In the Old Testament, remembering mostly Genesis, the way to be cleansed of your sin was animal sacrifice. It's hardcore I know, but it's the truth of what's in there. Jesus came to earth as God the Son, The Son of Man (Remember, God's a complicated trinity. The Father, Son, and Spirit are God but one is not the other. Hurts my head still) to live a perfect sinless life and be the final sacrifice for all mankind's sins as long as we humble ourselves and believe it true.
In Luke 23: 39-43, Jesus is asked to be remembered by the thief on the cross who is being crucified beside him, to which He replies, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
PS: Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. God knows what we want before we ask. It's the faith and showing that we believe that really matters to him. Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus gives an example of how a prayer should be. The lord's prayer. It could be simplified to: "Father God, I ask that you walk beside me, thank you for all you provide, Forgive me of my wrongs as I forgive those who wrong me, rid me of temptation and guide me to you, in Jesus Christ's name I pray, Amen." Saying that daily is all you'd have to do to get his attention and start to experience some miracles. Remember being humble is key.