Kayne West put a message in his music.
Not an "if you play the record backwards" message.
A real message, from a young rapper with serious talent.
If you listen to the beat, you may have heard this song with a catchy beat. Trust me, you need to watch the video.
After I watched it, I went out and bought my teen his cd.
I'm talking about Kayne West's "Jesus Walks" song.
If you'd like to see it before finishing the article, click below.
You can watch the video on Yahoo here just pick one of the several versions of the song, Jesus Walks:
I had heard this song a thousand times or more, but never really listened to the words.
That is until I watched the video.
I got chills the first time I saw the "Jesus Walks" video. I was stunned that a rapper had the guts to stand up
for his faith. Even if that meant losing money, fans or his popularity.
There are many scenes with strong symbolism.
The contrast between Kanye dressed in white and the on coming fire in the video is stunning. At one point you see a cross on fire rolling down the hill, a Klans man picking it up, catching himself on fire.God blows over the Klans man's cross causing it to go
down the mountain.
In an interview, Director Chris Milk is quoted as saying, "The man's hate is so all-consuming that he tries to carry his hate back up the mountain for all to see.
He is so blinded by that hate that his robe catches on fire.
God forgives him, and causes it to rain thereby extinguishing him. It’s a baptism of sorts, washing away his sins."
At the end of the video there are several images that the viewer
At the end of the video there are several images that the viewer
see's only briefly. Flashes of lightening, a painting, and an overhead shot.
The message of the song becomes the subtext of the video,
Jesus walks with everyone.
Sinner, saint, murderer, drug dealer, it doesn't matter.
This song talks about society, racism, and war with ourselves.
It a far cry from what rappers typically talk about.This song meant so much to Kanye West that he made three videos for it,using over one million dollars of his personal money. One for BET, one for MTV and one for MTV.com.
Kanye West knew the challenges of getting "Jesus" on secular radio; when songs in the past referred to Jesus, they had to say, "He" or "Him" (and somewhat recently "God" is being accepted) but never Jesus. In his second verse he challenged radio stations with the following lyrics: "So here go my single dawg radio needs this, They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus. That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes, but if I talk about God my record won't get played, Huh?"
He got "Jesus" on the radio, MTV, and won three separate Grammy Awards in 2005.
His grammar isn't terrific, but the message sure is.
The song is really powerful.
Kanye West - Jesus Walks Lyrics
Yo, We at war
We at war with terrorism, racism, and most of all we at war withourselves(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me) with me with me with me [fades]
You know what the Midwest is?
Young & Restless
Where restless Niggaz might snatch your necklace
And next these Niggaz might jack your Lexus
Somebody tell these Niggaz who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death is
Top floor the view alone will leave you breathless Uhhhh!
Try to catch it Uhhhh! It's kinda hard
Getting choked by the 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? Yall eat pieces of shit? What's the basis?
We ain't going nowhere but got suits and cases
A trunk full of coke rental car from Avis
My momma used to say only Jesus can save us
Well momma I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone til November I got packs to move I Hope
[Hook x2](Jesus Walks)God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
(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
To the hustlas, 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
Cuz 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 yall need Jesus
So here go my single dog radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
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)
The only thing that that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
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Comments: 12
imputation: Jesus' Blood and Forgiveness: My Hope-hymn
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976843206
Jesus Paid It All-I just cried my eyes out over this site!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976842706
WORD by MYKEL MITCHELL-"Blessing and Godsend"
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976841740
Standing On The Promises Hymn
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976839472
Jesus is Alright with me! By DC TALK
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976837863
"Say The Words" by DC TALK (LOVE)
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976836483
If only we would preach this then people would see that no matter how much dirt you have Jesus can save you. This is exactly what Mykel Mitchell said. His prayer is so good. I put it here: What has happened to the church?
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976851572
May we all learn that Jesus Walks beside us all even if we don't want him too, he cares for each and every person no matter how bad they are, no matter what they have done, he is there for you!
NWJ Keep up the good work and God bless
Night everyone, may you all have a blessed day full of life, joy, peace, and Love. I hope that your day is going well if not find things that you are thankful for, write them down. Then Thank some of your friends and family as well as God even if you don't believe in him, because he hears you anyway ;)
Stop and think, step out side. Look at the beauty of creation. Think about the Fall and Flood and research them even if you don't believe in them. Be open minded "intelligent thinkers" read and find the evidence, don't believe everything you hear or see, check it with truth and facts. Be a Bearean and read the scripture, before you ever speak about something, I have blundered this so many times that is why I am warning you all to be careful what you post and say.
"As Iron Sharpens Iron so you sharpen one another" Let us all remember that we need each other to hold us accountable and to learn from each others mistakes. Let us all remember the meaning of Christmas, share love with your friends and family as well as the world.
Oh and why don't you open up the bible and read John just one time, see how Jesus is the Word of God and how he has always been the eternal Son of God. Even if you don't believe it doesn't mean he doesn't exist. Like the song by New Song "Can't Keep a good man down" please think about this and if you are a skeptic or have doubts read: "More Than A Carpenter" by Josh McDowell it could open your eyes to the truth if you let it, and even if it doesn't you will understand life better as well as be able to help others when they are hurting.
NWJ Keep up the good work and God bless (+=-)
May we all promote Peace, Love, and Harmony this Christmas
Oh and be sure to see the Nativity Story
www.thenativitystory.com
You are right, Kayne West sang a good song here.
It's nice to see a star use his talent like this, to reach teens & others out there.
I too, had the wrong impression of Kayne West before hearing this song. The video really hits home.
This part is really good:
My momma used to say only Jesus can save us
Well momma I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone til November I got packs to move I Hope
Jesus Walks WITH ME
God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down
Jesus Walks with me
The only thing that that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now cuz
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"------
-------------------------------------------------
It a touching song that pulls on the heart. I agree also, seeing the video intensifies this effect 100 %.
Many can relate to being afraid to face turning in spiritually, because its been so long since we've considered it.
If Jesus is your man OR NOT....Jesus Walks is a strong statement
THERE IS STILL HOPE IN LIFE
no matter how bad you think things are!!!!!!!!
Thanks Joy
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Glad you listened Lynn
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Glad you saw my article and chose to check out the video.
I had heard the song before and tuned it out
I never heard what I said, I just thought it was annoying
then I saw the video and sat back..............thinking..
WOW, HOW DID I MISS THAT?
I really want to see that movie Blood Diamond, I heard it will almost break your soul. I hope people will open up their eyes and see that these diamond comapanies are beyond evil, they care little for anyone but themselves.
It truly shows you that the love of money is the root of all evil, it has caused such horrible atrocities. I also had heard the song many times, sadly I don't think Jesus Walks is played very much on the tele or on the Army Comercials I have heard this.
In the movie theatres as well. They deliberately remove all references of Christianity and Jesus. This is an offense to freedom of religion and speech. May they pay for doing this, because they are neglecting the very freedoms our nation stands for. I am almost certain that very soon the name of Jesus will be illegal. Heaven help us when that day comes. Oh and have you seen this youtube video:
DC TALK "I wish we all been ready"
I Wish We All Been Ready
I also want to see Blood Diamond.
It seems like when an item,( be it a diamond, emerald, or anything that is worth a lot of money) is coveted for greed, bad things happen. It's ugly. Sad to say, a part of the world. I would not miss it if greed did not exist. I doubt many of us would.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West
even on wikipedia it has his testimony, I knew it was a bad rap. Hey everyone isn't perfect, and if he chooses to use some questionable words then who cares, truly they are just words....
Don't believe me? Well then please check out this article:
by the way I deliberately flagged the article, not because of the language, but just to make people think...hopefully they will.
Joy truly I don't know how to thank you for putting this up, because this song has truly been a major help for me. I forgot to mention that I bought it off of Itunes, listened to it so many times during my exams, because Lucifer was beating me down. Also through the song I witnessed to so many African Americans.
Truly amazing how they relate to Kanye West and the song. I am truly upset with white America, almost makes me wish I wasn't white, but that would be wrong, beause God created me white. I love all people, that is why I constantly push One Blood by Ken Ham and Colored People By DC TALK. I wish we could all get along. We are at war with Terrorism, Racism, and with ourselves as Kanye West sings so beautifully.
The movies that relate to those 3 are:
Deja Vu: Terrorism (awesome movie go see it)
Freedom Writers (racism) great movie about a true story about this teacher who stood up for equality and helped stop a war by creating peace. Coming Soon!
Finally coming up soon is Spider Man 3 which the title has a quote that relates to just what Kanye West sang about, truly remarakable. I want to see all thsoe movies and more. Especially excited about Spider Man 3, that is why I made an article about it even before it is out.
Well anyway, here is the article. Also Mykel Mitchell like Kanye West stands out, he isn't suited and booted. He wears clothes that most churchs would stare at and did. He refuses to loose his Hip-Hop, and frankly there is nothing wrong with that.
I wish people would wake up and read about Hip-Hop before they condemn it. If everyone read WORD "For Everyone Who thought christianity was for suckas" then I think that not many would hate Hip-Hop. Even my dad likes it somewhat now.
NWJ Keep UP the good work and God bless (+=-)
Who is John R. Cross and why is his books so important