Kirk Franklin - Chains Lyrics
Lyrics
Chains that try to bind me chains
That won't let me go Oh chains
They keep me from trying chains
Please loose your stronghold chains
Though I try to surrender chains
Yet still I remember
Whom the Son sets free
Is truly free indeed
Lord free me from these chains
Chains and a heart full of sorrow
Chains I won't sleep well tonight because of these
Chains how I long for tomorrow
Cause today there are no tears left to cry
Chains though it feels cold as winter
Chains I will fight to remember
That by your stripes I'm healed
To your heart Lord I appeal
Please free me from these chains
Of abuse (Chains)
Of suicide (Chains)
Pain from my past (Chains)
That robbed my peace of mind (Chains)
Chains of divorce (Chains)
Addiction and fear (Oh Chains)
Being afraid to die (Chains)
And afraid to live (Chains)
Chains of depression (Chains)
Haven't laughed in a while (Chains)
Restore my joy (Chains)
And give me back my smile (Ooh Chains)
I do love you Jesus (Chains)
But not like I should (Chains)
I love you forever (Chains)
But not like I could (Chains)
Have mercy on me (Chains)
Can't go on this way (Chains)
Save me I'm lost (Chains)
Help me believe what you say (Chains)
This is just a test (Chains)
Though it's hard to see (Chains)
I surrender your will (Chains)
So now I ask you please
Free me from these
Oh please free me from these
Oh free me from these
I know you can
You said you will free me
Jesus I know you can
Please if you will free me
Jesus I believe you can
I believe you will free me
Jesus so if you can
I pray you will Free me Jesus
Please Lord I'm begging you
Free me from
Oh free me from (from these)
Free me from these chains
Video
Chains
Meaning & Inspiration
On April 8, 2017, Kirk Franklin offered the world "Chains," a song that transcends mere musical composition to become a raw, resonant prayer of liberation. From an artist whose work consistently pushes the boundaries of gospel music while remaining deeply rooted in spiritual truth, "Chains" emerges as a profoundly personal yet universally relatable cry for deliverance from the myriad bondages that afflict the human spirit. It is less about a specific external event and more about the internal landscape of struggle, the persistent grip of past trauma, and the yearning for complete spiritual freedom that even the devout grapple with. Franklin, through his earnest delivery, gives voice to the unspoken battles waged by countless individuals seeking respite from their invisible chains.
The song immediately dives into the heart of the struggle, portraying chains not as physical restraints but as metaphors for spiritual, emotional, and psychological imprisonment. The opening lines depict a relentless hold, actively binding, preventing forward movement, and breaking one's resolve. This speaks to the experience of trying to surrender to God's will, yet still being haunted by memories or habitual patterns that refuse to loosen their grip. It eloquently captures the truth found in Romans 7:19, where the apostle Paul laments doing the very thing he does not want to do, highlighting the internal conflict between the spirit's desire and the flesh's weakness. The powerful declaration, "Whom the Son sets free is truly free indeed," directly quotes John 8:36, serving as both a foundational theological truth and a desperate appeal, reminding both the speaker and the listener of the ultimate source of freedom and the promise that undergirds this fervent prayer.
As the narrative unfolds, the weight of these chains becomes palpable, manifesting as "a heart full of sorrow," sleepless nights, and an emotional well so dry that there are "no tears left to cry." This vivid imagery of despair, likened to the biting cold of winter, perfectly encapsulates the desolation that prolonged struggle can bring. Yet, even in this bleak landscape, a flicker of hope ignites with the resolve to "fight to remember that by your stripes I'm healed." This pivotal moment pivots the focus from the pain to the promise of God's redemptive power, drawing directly from Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24, which speak to Christ's sacrifice as the source of holistic healing – not just physical, but emotional and spiritual. It's an appeal to the very heart of God, acknowledging His capacity and desire to mend what is broken.
The true potency of "Chains" lies in its courageous specificity, bravely naming the diverse forms these spiritual and emotional captivities take. Franklin lists a staggering litany of afflictions: "abuse," "suicide," "pain from my past that robbed my peace of mind," "divorce," "addiction and fear," "being afraid to die and afraid to live," and "depression." This raw honesty is incredibly disarming and validating, making the song a sanctuary for anyone who has ever grappled with such profound wounds. It is a powerful affirmation that faith does not exempt one from deep suffering or mental health battles, but rather provides the ultimate pathway to overcome them. These are the very burdens that Psalm 34:18 assures us God is near to, and Psalm 147:3 promises He heals. The plea to "restore my joy and give me back my smile" echoes the longing for the abundant life promised in John 10:10, a life free from the suffocating grasp of sorrow.
Furthermore, the song transparently addresses the internal spiritual struggle, expressing a feeling of inadequacy in loving Jesus: "I do love you Jesus, but not like I should... not like I could." This profound confession of human fallibility and the impact of sin and struggle on one's relationship with the Divine is deeply moving. It's a humble cry for mercy, acknowledging a lost state and a desperate need for God's intervention to strengthen belief and sustain faith, mirroring the desperate plea in Mark 9:24, "I believe; help my unbelief!" The journey culminates in a definitive act of surrender, declaring the struggles as "just a test," though difficult to perceive, and yielding to God's will. This surrender is not defeat but the ultimate act of faith, trusting that God's plan is perfect. The song concludes with a powerful, repeated affirmation of conviction: "I know you can," "I believe you can," "I believe you will free me." This final assertion transforms the lament into a triumphant declaration, a testament to God's faithfulness and His unwavering power to break every chain, echoing the truth that God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). "Chains" is not just a musical piece; it is a profound spiritual journey, offering solace, validating pain, and ultimately, inspiring an unshakeable hope in the liberating power of Christ.