Has the “devil without a cause” returned to the Father?
Though it might seem like an out-of-left-field move for Kid Rock, the “Picture” singer has already had a No. 1 hit song on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, in case you didn’t know. His cover of Cody Johnson’s 2022 hit, “Til’ You Can’t,” featured a new verse about giving your life to Jesus, and debuted at the very top of the chart, with over 3.7 million streams and 51,000 units sold.
That, along with the personal faith journey that Kid Rock is currently on, came together to create a new Christian and/or faith-based rock album that’s titled Halfway 2 Jesus. The album will feature a collab with fellow Michigan native, Eminem, as well as appearances from Rascal Flatts frontman, Gary LeVox, and Jimmie Allen.
It seems like the “James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)” was the first step in the process of making the gospel record. Kid Rocks says the idea came to him in the middle of night, and pretty much birthed everything that came after it:
“I got out of bed around 2 a.m. one morning, and about 30 minutes later, I had this song. It’s called ‘James 1:17 (Jesus Is King).’ The song drops at midnight tonight, and the video premieres tomorrow.
There are some very special people in this video that have real significance to this song and the album to follow.”
Sometimes songs just fall from the sky, eh?
The new track named after a Bible verse has already been released, and if you’re wondering what James 1:17 says in the Bible, the verse reads “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
As for the lyrics of Kid Rock’s latest, Christian venture, the opening verse is actually quite powerful:
“I have wondered through the ages
And flipped through all your pages
Every stage of life I’ve run through
I’ve refused to compromise
I’ve been locked up in your cages
And my sins became contagious
But when I got right with Jesus Christ
I found things that money can’t buy.”
Sounds like Kid Rock has been doing some real soul searching as of late, and it’s clear his relationship with the Lord is as strong as ever. The chorus goes on to proclaim Jesus as King, and it’s got all the elements of a popular worship song:
“Jesus is King
And for His glory I will sing
Paid for my salvation
Taught me to do the righteous thing
Baptize me in the water
Give the glory to our Father
Let freedom ring
Spread your wings
Jesus is King.”
A powerful message and a powerful song.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one rocket up to the top spot on the Hot Christian Songs charts, and once the full Halfway 2 Jesus is released, Kid Rock’s project will likely have enough steam to make a run on the Christian Albums charts too. All in all, it’s music that’s a little different than what we are seeing from Robert Ritchie… and I’ve got a feeling it’ll be welcomed with open arms. I have to say, I don’t think I would’ve ever expected this career arc from the guy who sang “Bawitdaba,” but I’m here for the redemption story… God is good.
If you haven’t had a chance to listen to his newest track, you can press play on the link below:
“James 1:17 (Jesus Is King)” by Kid Rock
