Intro
Yo, Pi'erre, yo, Pi'erre
Verse
"How you get so much favor on your side?"
"Accept Him as your?Lord?and Saviour," I?replied
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, not?divide
I'ma ride, that's on God
His light shine the brightest in the dark
Single mothers know they got my heart
And all my brothers locked up on the yard
You can still be anything you wanna be
Went from one in four to one in three
Thirteenth amendment, gotta end it, that's on me
He the new commander and the chief
That's on Keef, that's on God
Before the ranch, I had horses in the garage
When the Forbes cover was just a mirage
They had me chasin' statues, that's on pride
"Oh my God," Bust said that's on Tribe
When I thought the Book of Job was a job
The Devil had my soul, I can't lie
Life gon' have some lows and some highs
Before the Grammy's ever gave a nod
I wore my heart on my sleeve, I couldn't hide
In '03, they told me not to drive
I bleached my hair for every time I could've died
But I survived, that's on God
I've been tellin' y'all since '05
The greatest artist restin' or alive
That's on L.A. Reid, that's on Clive
That's no Jive, that's on God
Off the 350s He supplied
The IRS want they fifty plus our tithe
Man, that's over half of the pie
I felt dry, that's on God
That's why I charge the prices that I charge
I can't be out here dancin' with the stars
No, I cannot let my family starve
I go hard, that's on God
Outro
(Yo Pi'erre, you wanna come out here?)
Okay, okay, okay, okay
On God
On God Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"On God" is a significant track from Kanye West's 2019 album *Jesus Is King*, marking a definitive shift in his artistic and personal focus. The song encapsulates themes of divine intervention, personal trials, and societal critique through the lens of faith. Released as part of an album steeped in gospel and Christian themes, the track sees West reflecting on his life journey, attributing his successes and ability to overcome challenges to divine favor. The central refrain, "that's on God," serves as a powerful declaration of this belief, framing his experiences as testaments to his faith and God's presence in his life. The official video accompanying the song was released on October 25, 2019, further visually emphasizing the album's spiritual direction and West's new artistic identity.
The lyrics delve into a range of topics, beginning with a direct acknowledgment of the source of his perceived favor. West touches upon biblical principles like loving one's neighbor, contrasting it with division. He addresses social issues, expressing solidarity with single mothers and incarcerated individuals, highlighting a concern for marginalized communities. A poignant moment arrives when discussing the Thirteenth Amendment, a reference to the constitutional amendment that abolished slavery but includes an exception for punishment for crime, which West has spoken about critically in relation to modern incarceration. This blend of personal reflection and broader social commentary, filtered through his faith, is a hallmark of the song.
West also revisits his personal history within the music industry and beyond, mentioning past struggles and triumphs. He contrasts his current success, exemplified by Forbes recognition, with earlier periods of doubt and chasing external validation. He references moments of vulnerability, such as wearing his heart on his sleeve and past adversities like the car accident in '03, attributing his survival and resilience to divine protection. The song touches upon the pressures of the financial world, specifically mentioning the IRS and tithing, linking these worldly obligations back to his spiritual perspective and justifying his business decisions as necessary for his family's well-being.
Throughout the track, there's an underlying message of perseverance and potential, asserting that anyone, regardless of their circumstances (like being "locked up on the yard"), can still achieve their aspirations. The song's energy, driven by production from Pi'erre Bourne, complements the urgent and confessional nature of the lyrics. While specific Bible verses aren't quoted, the themes of divine favor, overcoming adversity through faith, social justice rooted in love, and attributing blessings to God are deeply resonant with Christian teachings and the broader spiritual narrative of *Jesus Is King*. "On God" stands as a declaration of faith, a reflection on a tumultuous life, and a statement of purpose grounded in spiritual conviction.
