Charles Jenkins - War Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I got joy in my soul;
God is in control.
I got Satan on my trail,
But I'm singing all is well.
He's attacking everyday;
But I'm watching while I pray.
Pre-Chorus
No matter the attack,
I won't turn back!
Hook 1
This means war 6x
(Put 'em together)
Repeat Verse 1
Pre-Chorus
Hook 1 (6x)
Bridge 1
I plead the blood
I plead, I plead the blood
There's power in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Healing in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Power in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Verse 2
I've been in the storm and the rain,
But the blood still stays the same.
Whatever's going wrong;
My war clothes are on.
I might be in a daze;
But You can't have my praise.
Pre-Chorus
Hook 1 5x
Bridge 2
I plead the blood, I plead, I plead the blood
I plead, I plead the blood
I plead, I plead the blood
I plead, I plead the blood
Vamp
You can't have my family
You can't have my increase
You can't have my breakthrough
You can't have my, You can't have my
You can't (3x)
I plead
Hook 2
This means war
There's power in your prayer (this means war)
That changes thing (this means war)
You can't take this lion down (this means war)
Said this means (this means war)
This means war
Five, six, seven, eight
(tapping & clapping)
Repeat VAMP
Bridge 3
I plead, I plead the blood
There's power in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Healing in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Deliver us in the blood (I plead, I plead the blood)
Hook 1 ad-libs until end
Video
Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago - War (Lyric Video/Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
Charles Jenkins' impactful track, "War," released on March 17, 2015, as part of the album *Any Given Sunday*, stands as a powerful declaration of spiritual defiance and unwavering faith. From its opening moments, the song immerses listeners in the undeniable reality of spiritual conflict, yet it quickly shifts from acknowledging the struggle to proclaiming the victory inherent in a life anchored in Christ. It's not just a composition; it’s an urgent call to action, reminding every believer of the ongoing battle for their peace, their purpose, and their very soul.
The core message of "War" centers on the Christian's position in an invisible but very real spiritual battlefield. Jenkins opens by admitting, "I got Satan on my trail," acknowledging the adversary’s relentless attacks, a truth echoed in Scripture where Peter warns us that "your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Yet, this admission is immediately countered by the foundational truth that "God is in control," a powerful affirmation that anchors the believer in divine sovereignty (Psalm 115:3, Daniel 4:17). The song advocates for a proactive spiritual posture, urging us to be "watching while I pray," emphasizing vigilance and persistent communication with God, rather than a passive acceptance of hardship (Ephesians 6:18). The declaration, "No matter the attack, I won't turn back," serves as a resolute vow of perseverance, aligning with Paul's call to press on towards the prize (Philippians 3:14).
The repeated refrain, "This means war," transforms from a simple statement into a rallying cry, signifying the believer's active engagement in spiritual combat, not as a victim, but as a victor through Christ. This posture is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare, where we are told to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Central to the song's spiritual weaponry is the powerful invocation, "I plead the blood." This phrase is far more than mere words; it’s a profound theological statement, drawing on the Old Testament concept of atonement through blood (Leviticus 17:11) and its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12, 1 Peter 1:18-19). Jenkins emphasizes its multi-faceted power: "There's power in the blood," "Healing in the blood," and "Deliver us in the blood," reminding us that Christ's shed blood provides not only redemption but also authority over sickness, bondage, and every scheme of the enemy (Revelation 12:11).
The song progresses to acknowledge the inevitable struggles of life, stating, "I've been in the storm and the rain." This candid admission resonates with the universal human experience of adversity, yet it is immediately contrasted with the immutable truth: "But the blood still stays the same." This speaks to the unchanging nature of Christ's sacrifice and its eternal efficacy, a steadfast truth in a changing world (Hebrews 13:8). The imagery of "My war clothes are on" powerfully illustrates the readiness to face spiritual battles, donning the full armor of God described in Ephesians 6. Even when faced with moments of confusion or disorientation, "I might be in a daze," the song defiantly declares, "But You can't have my praise." This highlights praise as a potent weapon, a choice to worship God even amidst tribulation, disarming the enemy and strengthening one's own spirit (Job 1:21, Psalm 34:1).
"War" becomes incredibly personal and direct in its vamp, where Jenkins vocally declares specific areas of life under divine protection: "You can't have my family," "You can't have my increase," "You can't have my breakthrough." This echoes Jesus' words that the thief comes "only to steal and kill and destroy," contrasted with Christ's purpose "that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). This section encourages individuals to vocalize their authority in Christ over every aspect of their lives, claiming what the enemy seeks to hinder. The song culminates in a powerful reminder that "There's power in your prayer that changes things," reinforcing the scriptural promise that "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16). Jenkins' "War" is more than just music; it is an anthem for the spiritually resilient, a robust declaration of faith that equips and encourages believers to stand firm, plead the blood, and wage victorious spiritual warfare in every season of life.