I rose this morning in my right mind
Brand new mercy came right on time
Claiming right now "victory is mine"
Hand me a stick so I can draw the line
I can't let it bring me down
I can't let you turn me around
'Cos I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
No I can't (can't turn back)
No I can't (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
I've been praying, I've been giving
I've been serving, I've been praising
I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Well I've come too far for a stop sign
Holding on 'cos Jesus is mine
Holding on 'cos Jesus is mine
Waiting on God to blow my mind
Waiting on God to blow my mind
Waiting on God to blow my mind
Waiting on God to blow my mind
Waiting on God to blow my mind
I can't let it bring me down
I can't let you turn me around
'Cos I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
No I can't (can't turn back)
No I can't (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
I've been praying, I've been giving
I've been serving, I've been praising
I've been praying, I've been giving
I've been serving, I've been praising
I've been praying, I've been giving
I've been serving, I've been praising
I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Everybody clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands
Clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands
Get it proper, get it mother
Clap your hands
Everybody clap your hands
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
Ready to give my mind
(Can't turn back)
A long time ago (can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back (can't turn back)
I've been blessed (can't turn back)
I've been kept(can't turn back)
God's been good(can't turn back)
God's been good(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
I can't turn back (can't turn back)
Ohh nooo (can't turn back)
Ohh nooo (can't turn back)
Ohh nooo (can't turn back)
Ohh nooo (can't turn back)
Ohh no (can't turn back)
No no no no
No no no no no
I can't turn back(can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Well I've got God on my side
And I (can't turn back)
Everybody clap your hands, ehh
Put your hands together
Clap clap clap clap clap your hands
Clap clap clap clap clap your hands, ehh
Clap your hands
Y'all ready, Y'all ready
Say wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Wooh oh (wooh oh)
Say wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Wooh oh (wooh oh)
Say wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Wooh oooh (wooh oooh)
Now everybody say
Woo oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh ooh oh oooh ooh
Oh oooh oh ooh ooh ooh ooh woooh ooh ooh ooh
Your turn
Woo oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh oooh oh oooh
Ooh oh oooh oh ooh ooh ooh ooh woooh ooh ooh ooh
Everybody you say
I know he's alright
Everybody you say
I know he's alright
Look at somebody and testify, you say
I know he's alright
Look at somebody else, everybody you say
I know he's alright
Find somebody else, you say
I know he's alright
Everybody clap your hands
Clap your hands
Let's get outta this, let's get outta this
Well I've got God on my side
And I can't turn back
Can't Turn Back
Can't Turn Back Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Charles Jenkins + Fellowship Chicago's song "Can't Turn Back," released in May 2018, is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and forward momentum in the Christian journey. The lyrics immediately establish a tone of gratitude and readiness, opening with a testament to waking up in one's "right mind" and receiving "brand new mercy." This sets the stage for claiming "victory is mine," signifying a proactive stance against challenges. The symbolic act of drawing a line represents a firm decision to leave the past behind and refuse to be deterred or "turned around" by external forces or internal struggles. The foundation for this resolve is clearly stated: "I've got God on my side."
The central theme of refusing to "turn back" is reinforced throughout the song. The repetitive chorus emphasizes this commitment, linking it directly back to the assurance of God's presence and support. A key element supporting this declaration is the reflection on past dedication to spiritual practices. The lines listing "praying, giving, serving, praising" highlight the commitment made to faith and service. These actions are presented not just as activities but as foundational pillars that solidify the resolve to continue pressing forward, indicating that significant effort and devotion have already been invested in the walk of faith.
The song further expresses this forward-looking perspective by stating, "I've come too far for a stop sign." This vivid metaphor illustrates the distance traveled in faith and the determination not to halt or reverse progress. The focus remains firmly on holding onto Jesus and an expectant hope for future blessings and divine intervention, captured in the repeated phrase "Waiting on God to blow my mind." This anticipation adds an element of excitement and trust in God's ability to exceed expectations, while simultaneously rejecting any influence that would cause discouragement or diversion.
Structurally, "Can't Turn Back" employs repetition effectively, a common and powerful technique in gospel music designed for congregational singing and personal affirmation. Phrases like "Can't turn back" and "I've got God on my side" are reiterated, embedding the core message deep into the listener's consciousness. This repetition builds intensity and serves as a rallying cry for perseverance. The inclusion of interactive elements such as "Everybody clap your hands" and call-and-response sections transforms the song from a passive listening experience into a participatory declaration, fostering a sense of communal strength and shared conviction in the message.
The song's meaning is clear: it is an anthem of spiritual resilience and determination. It speaks to the experience of overcoming obstacles, relying on divine assistance, and committing to a path of faith without looking back. The message resonates with biblical themes of pressing toward the goal, not being overcome by trials, and the assurance of God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him. It serves as an inspiration for listeners to stand firm in their beliefs, acknowledge the progress they have made by God's grace, and confidently face the future knowing they are not alone. The song captures the spirit of a believer who, having experienced God's goodness and mercy, is fully resolved to continue their journey with faith, anticipation, and an unshakeable commitment.
![Can't Turn Back Lyrics - Charles Jenkins]()
