Kanye West - Use This Gospel Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro: Kanye West
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,?oh
Oh,?oh, oh, oh-oh,?oh, oh
Chorus: Kanye West
Use this gospel for protection
It's?a hard road to Heaven
We call on Your blessings
In the Father, we put our faith
King of the kingdom
Our demons are tremblin'
Holy angels defendin'
In the Father, we put our faith
Post-Chorus: Kanye West
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh
Verse 1: Pusha T
How could He not be the greatest?
In my bed, under covers when undercovers had raided
My presence is happy belated
Fashionably late, I'm just glad that you made it
The best is yet to come, I'm just glad that you waited
They all say they real 'til it's time to appraise it
I seen them come and go, you only the latest
But who am I to judge? I'm crooked as Vegas
Chorus: Kanye West
Use this gospel for protection
It's a hard road to Heaven
We call on Your blessings
In the Father, we put our faith
King of the kingdom
Our demons are tremblin'
Holy angels defendin'
In the Father, we put our faith
Verse 2: No Malice
A lot of damaged souls, I done damaged those
And in my arrogance, took a camera pose
Caught with a trunk of Barry Manilows
They sing a different tune when the slammer close
From the concrete grew a rose
They give you Wraith talk, I give you faith talk
Blindfolded on this road, watch me faith walk
Just hold on to your brother when his faith lost
Saxophone Solo: Kenny G
Outro: Kanye West
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh-oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Oh-oh, oh, oh (Work, work, work, work)
Video
Use This Gospel
Meaning & Inspiration
"Use This Gospel," a pivotal track from Kanye West's 2019 album *JESUS IS KING*, stands as a powerful testament to faith, redemption, and the ongoing struggle for spiritual fortitude. Emerging in a period of profound personal transformation for West, the song reflects a public recommitment to his Christian beliefs, offering listeners a raw and earnest plea for divine strength amidst life's challenges. The narrative within "Use This Gospel" is not merely a collection of affirmations; it's an articulation of vulnerability, a recognition of past failings, and a fervent prayer for the Holy Spirit to be a guiding force. This isn't about musical escapism; it's about confronting reality with a renewed spiritual armor, akin to the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." The very act of "using this gospel" implies an active engagement with the teachings of Christ, not as a passive observer, but as a participant in the ongoing battle for the soul.
The song's message resonates deeply with scriptural accounts of reliance on God during trials. When the lyrics speak of needing strength, one can’t help but recall the words of Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This is the core of the song's appeal: a humble acknowledgment of human frailty and an unwavering belief in God's capacity to empower. Furthermore, the idea of leaning on the gospel for sustenance echoes the encouragement found in Romans 1:16, where Paul states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." West’s delivery, infused with a sense of urgent devotion, conveys the conviction that the gospel is not just a historical account, but a living, breathing power available for present-day application. The song can be interpreted as a modern-day psalm, a cry from the wilderness of personal experience directed towards the heavens, seeking solace and a clear path forward, much like David’s laments and petitions in the Psalms. The desire expressed to be guided by divine truth aligns with Jesus' own teachings in John 14:6, where He declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." "Use This Gospel" is a sonic and lyrical embodiment of this profound truth, a powerful declaration of dependence on the divine amidst the complexities of life, urging listeners to find their own strength and guidance in the timeless message of the gospel.