Chris Tomlin - Strongholds Lyrics
Lyrics
Walls are coming down
Fear is coming down
Lies are coming down
By the blood of the Lamb
Idols are coming down
Giants are coming down
Darkness is coming down
By the blood of the Lamb
No weapon formed against me
Can stand against Your word
Shout it out, every stronghold must come down
Jesus is undefeated
The battle is the Lord’s
Shout it out, every stronghold must come down
Mountains are coming down
Addictions are coming down
All evil is coming down
By the blood of the Lamb, the blood of the Lamb, yeah
The Lord is our salvation
He is our champion
Oh, there is power, so much power in His blood
He holds the keys to freedom
He trampled death and grave
The demons trembled when He rolled the stone away
No weapon formed against me
Can stand against Your word
Shout it out, every stronghold must come down
Jesus, You’re undefeated
This battle, it is Yours
Shout it out, every stronghold must come down
(Every stronghold must come down)
Jesus, I believe it, let it all fall down
Love is pouring out
Grace is pouring out
Mercy is pouring out
By the blood of the Lamb
Music video by Chris Tomlin performing Strongholds (Lyric Video). Sparrow Records; © 2022
Video
Chris Tomlin - Strongholds (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Chris Tomlin's "Strongholds," released on September 9, 2022, as part of his album *Always*, is a potent declaration of faith that speaks directly to the core battles faced in the human spirit. The song immediately establishes a powerful, unwavering message: that every barrier, fear, and lie that binds us is destined to crumble under the divine authority of Jesus Christ. It doesn't tiptoe around the challenges but confronts them head-on, offering a profound sense of hope and spiritual empowerment to anyone navigating life's struggles.
The essence of "Strongholds" lies in its unwavering assertion of God's triumph over all forms of adversity, rooted firmly in biblical truth. The recurring refrain, "Walls are coming down, Fear is coming down, Lies are coming down / By the blood of the Lamb," immediately draws the listener into a narrative of liberation. The "Blood of the Lamb" is a central theological concept, referencing the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, which, according to Scripture, atones for sin and defeats spiritual enemies (Revelation 12:11 speaks of overcoming by the blood of the Lamb). This isn't just a poetic phrase; it's the very foundation of Christian victory. The song expands on these initial images, declaring that "Idols are coming down, Giants are coming down, Darkness is coming down," tackling not only external pressures but also the internal struggles against anything that supplants God in our lives, overwhelming problems, and spiritual ignorance. This echoes the biblical account of David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17), reminding us that even the most formidable "giants" are conquerable when God is on our side.
The heart of the song's empowering message is captured in the bold declaration, "No weapon formed against me can stand against Your word." This line directly references Isaiah 54:17, a promise of divine protection that assures believers of God's unwavering faithfulness. It’s a powerful reminder that God's word possesses ultimate authority and power, capable of dismantling any opposing force. The command to "Shout it out, every stronghold must come down" is a call to active, vocal faith, invoking the imagery of spiritual warfare where declarations of truth can break oppressive spiritual and mental chains. The term "strongholds" itself is deeply significant, often associated with 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, which speaks of "destroying arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to obey Christ." This suggests that strongholds are not just external circumstances but also the ungodly thought patterns and beliefs that keep us bound. The song emphatically states, "Jesus is undefeated / The battle is the Lord’s," shifting the burden from human shoulders to divine power, a truth found in 2 Chronicles 20:15, where God tells His people that the battle is not theirs, but His.
Further into the song, the message intensifies, proclaiming that "Mountains are coming down, Addictions are coming down, All evil is coming down." Mountains symbolize insurmountable obstacles, mirroring Jesus' words in Matthew 17:20 about moving mountains with even a little faith. The inclusion of "addictions" speaks directly to the profound personal struggles many face, offering hope that even deep-seated bondages can be broken through Christ. The song then elevates Jesus as "our salvation," "our champion," the one who "holds the keys to freedom," and "trampled death and grave." This portrayal of Christ as the ultimate victor over sin and death, referencing His resurrection, is foundational to Christian hope (Revelation 1:18, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The vivid image of "The demons trembled when He rolled the stone away" powerfully illustrates the seismic shift in spiritual authority that occurred at the empty tomb, solidifying Jesus' absolute triumph over all evil forces (Matthew 28:2-4).
The song culminates in a beautiful, affirmative outpouring: "Love is pouring out, Grace is pouring out, Mercy is pouring out / By the blood of the Lamb." This final section brilliantly articulates the positive aftermath of the destruction of strongholds. Once the negative forces are dismantled, the attributes of God — His unconditional love (Romans 5:8), unmerited favor (Ephesians 2:8-9), and compassionate forgiveness (Lamentations 3:22-23) — are unleashed and flow freely into the lives of believers. It’s a testament to the comprehensive nature of Christ’s work: not only does He defeat darkness, but He also ushers in a new reality filled with divine goodness. "Strongholds" is more than just a song; it's a powerful anthem for spiritual freedom, a reminder that through Christ's sacrifice, every obstacle, fear, and bondage can and will ultimately fall, paving the way for a life overflowing with God's grace and mercy.