Mortification - King of Kings Lyrics
Lyrics
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus...
Let's go until the world (?)
Video
King Of Kings
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on May 9, 2000, as part of Mortification’s album *10 Years Live Not Dead*, "King of Kings" stands as a profound testament to the band's enduring commitment to their faith, delivered with their signature raw energy. While the lyrical content of this particular track is exceptionally brief, its power lies in its directness and the universal Christian truths it invokes, making it a potent declaration of devotion and purpose. Mortification, known for pioneering Christian death metal, consistently uses their platform to amplify the message of Christ, and this song, despite its brevity, is no exception, serving as a concentrated burst of worship and conviction.
The title itself, "King of Kings," immediately sets the theological stage, drawing from powerful biblical imagery that exalts Jesus Christ to His rightful place of supreme authority. This majestic appellation is found in Scripture in passages such as 1 Timothy 6:15, which describes God as "the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords," and even more vividly in Revelation 19:16, where it states of Christ, "On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords." This title encapsulates the ultimate sovereignty of Jesus, affirming His dominion over all earthly and heavenly powers, a truth that forms the bedrock of Christian belief. It is a declaration that above all rulers, all governments, all ideologies, and all created things, Christ reigns supreme, holding ultimate sway over history and eternity.
The repeated invocation of "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." forms the core of the song's lyrical expression. This is not mere repetition but a powerful, intentional act of calling upon the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:9-11 powerfully articulates this, stating, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The repeated utterance is an act of adoration, a confession of faith, and an acknowledgement of His singular importance. In the Christian tradition, calling upon the name of Jesus signifies trust, hope, and salvation, as Acts 4:12 declares, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This simple yet profound repetition serves as an anchor, centering the entire song on the person of Christ, affirming His identity and redemptive power.
The subsequent, albeit partially expressed, phrase, "Let's go until the world," speaks volumes about the enduring mission of believers. Even with the implied uncertainty of its conclusion, the phrase clearly conveys a call to action and a global scope. It resonates deeply with the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This is not a passive contemplation but an active summons to spread the message of the King of Kings throughout all humanity. The journey implied by "Let's go" is one of evangelism, discipleship, and carrying the light of Christ into every corner of existence, a task that continues "until the world" itself yields to His sovereign truth or until His glorious return. It champions perseverance in faith and in mission, pushing forward with the Good News without faltering.
In "King of Kings," Mortification masterfully distills the essence of Christian faith into its most fundamental elements: the divine authority of Jesus, the power in His name, and the ongoing mandate to share His truth with the world. It’s a sonic rallying cry, urging those who believe to not only acknowledge Christ’s reign but to actively participate in His kingdom work. The song, despite its minimal lyrical content, serves as a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of Christ's sovereignty and the never-ending call to proclaim it, inspiring a renewed passion for the divine King and His global mission.