Jesus Walks
Kanye West
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Order, huh 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) 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 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 for them) To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here hell yeah (Jesus walks for 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 are 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 dog 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 let this take away from my spins Which will probably take away from my ends Then I hope this take away from my sins And bring the day that I'm dreaming about 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
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Che Smith, Miri Ben-Ari, Kanye Omari West, Curtis Leon Lundy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
31 facts about this song
Recording Process"Jesus Walks" was recorded primarily at The Dells New Ark Studios, in a recording session that was set after a four-month stay at the Westin. Other pieces of the song were recorded in Los Angeles.
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Song ClassificationIt is classified as a hip-hop song, but it has been noted for the gospel undertones that it incorporates.
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Release YearThe song was released on May 25, 2004, as the fourth single from West's debut album, "The College Dropout."
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Chart PerformanceUpon release, "Jesus Walks" performed quite well; it peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Song ConceptKanye West has said that the song is an attempt to talk about spirituality in a way that would be appealing to the hip-hop generation.
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Awards"Jesus Walks" was not just commercially successful; it also won a Grammy for Best Rap Song in 2005, and was nominated for Record of the Year.
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ControversyThe song faced controversy due to its explicit religious content. Many radio stations were hesitant to play it initially.
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Music VideoThe song has three different music videos, directed by Chris Milk and filmed in different locations, including a desert and a church.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered or sampled "Jesus Walks," including gospel group, The Clark Sisters.
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Critical ReceptionMany critics consider "Jesus Walks" one of West's best songs, praising its honesty and boldness, as well as the creativity of its music videos. It has been ranked among the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
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Cultural ImpactThe song has been credited with changing how spirituality is discussed in mainstream hip-hop. After its release, more rappers felt comfortable exploring their faith in their music.
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Live Performance"Jesus Walks" became one of West's most performed songs, with intense live performances at the Grammy Awards, Coachella, and other major concerts. In several performances, West reenacted his near-fatal 2002 car crash, which served as a turning point in his life and career.
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Album Promotion"Jesus Walks" was the last of four singles released from "The College Dropout," serving as a climax of the promotional campaign for the album.
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Sales PerformanceDespite its religious theme, "Jesus Walks" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating that over one million copies of the single were sold.
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Artistic Aspiration“Jesus Walks” is a song by Kanye West from his debut album "The College Dropout," and it was released in 2004.
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Main ThemeThe song primarily discusses how West believes Jesus has guided him through his own life's struggles and trials.
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Collaborative creationKanye West co-wrote “Jesus Walks” with Che Smith, a well-known rapper and songwriter.
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Multiple pre-chorusesThe song consists of three versions, each with a different pre-chorus. The third version features a guest appearance by rapper Common, a Chicago native like West.
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Awards and Honors"Jesus Walks" received widespread acclaim for its bold choice of subject matter and innovative production, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2005.
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Chart SuccessThe song managed to reach number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 16 in the United Kingdom.
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Thoughtful ProductionThe song features samples from the ARC Choir’s "Walk With Me," demonstrating West's ability to blend the realms of hip-hop and religious music.
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Cinematic Treatment“Jesus Walks” not only has one, but three different music videos directed by Michael Haussman, Chris Milk, and Coodie & Chike, highlighting the song's cultural impact.
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Critical AcclaimThe song was listed in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time at number 273.
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InspirationalDespite skepticism from the music industry that a rap song about Jesus wouldn't sell, "Jesus Walks" proved them wrong, providing a boost for future songs embracing the same theme.
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Cultural ImpactThe song is often credited for shining a light on faith in mainstream hip-hop, pushing the genre's boundaries.
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Struggle for acceptanceKanye West has said that it took him a long time to get 'Jesus Walks' played on the radio because in its early stages radio stations were reluctant to play religiously-themed content.
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Musical StyleThe song creatively infuses traditional Gospel music with hip-hop elements, setting it apart from many contemporary rap songs at the time.
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Ambitious ProjectWest was so passionate about the song he used his own money to fund one of the music videos when the record label refused to contribute.
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Previewed Before ReleaseBefore "Jesus Walks" was officially released, it was previewed on West’s 2003 mixtape "I'm Good," building anticipation for his debut album.
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Notable LyricsThe song features the memorable lyric, "The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now," indicating the artist's struggle and need for spiritual guidance.
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Pop Culture ReferencesThe song has been covered and referenced by many artists in different genres of music, demonstrating its broad appeal and distinctive message.
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Citation
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