Lyrics
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson:
Oh these hands are tired
Oh this heart is tired
Oh this soul is tired
But I'll keep on
I'll keep on x2
I'll keep on x3
Verse 1 - NF:
Faith is something I am not accustomed to
Trusting other people 's something I don't really love to do
I've never been a fan of it, I act tougher
Really my shoulders they ain't built for this and I don't have nothing
It's like I'm standing in the rain and you offer me a raincoat
But I would rather stand there and get t than take the handout
What's wrong with me? You said, you've always got your hands out
And I can not continue on my own so take my hands now
I give you everything, God, not just a little bit
Take it from me, I am nothing but a hypocrite
I hate sin but I built a house and I still live in it
Afraid to open up the door to you 'n let you into it
My soul is lost and what it needs is your direction
I know, I've told you I do not need your protection
But I lied to you, this thing is tiring
A man was not created for a God
Please retire me now
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson
Verse 2 - NF:
Trust is something I am not accustomed to
And I know the Bible says I should always trust in you
But, I will never read that book enough
And when I have a question I don't take the time to look it up
Or pick it up
It collects dust on my nightstand
I'm just being honest
Please take this outta my hands
I have no control - I am just a person
But thank the Lord that I serve a God that's perfect
I do not deserve the opportunity you've given me
I never knew what freedom was until I learned what prison means
I am not ashamed, I don't care if they remember me
My life will always have a hole if you are not the center piece
Take me out of bondage, take all of my pride
If I don't have a Savior, I don't have nothing inside
Take all of my lust, take all of my lies
There's no better feeling then when I look in the sky, in your eyes
It's amazing
Hook - Jeremiah Carlson
Outro:
Woaahh
Woah woah woah
Woaahh
Woah woah woah
Woaah
Woah woah woah
I'll keep on
I'll keep on
I'll keep on x3
I'll keep on x3
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“I’ll Keep On” presents perseverance as a struggle between self-reliance and surrender to God. The tired hands, heart, and soul of the hook admit exhaustion, while the verses uncover the pride and fear that make trust difficult. The narrator confesses hypocrisy, neglected Scripture, sin, lust, and lies rather than hiding behind confidence. That honesty leads toward prayer: God is asked to take control, give direction, remove bondage, and become the center of life.
Proverbs 3:5–6 closely matches the song’s movement away from personal understanding toward trust in God’s direction. Matthew 11:28 also speaks to its repeated weariness, with Christ inviting the burdened to come to him for rest. The lyric does not portray faith as effortless; it depicts dependence being learned through confession. Its refrain therefore carries two meanings at once: endurance through fatigue and continued movement toward God. The contrast between an imperfect person and a perfect God gives that persistence its basis, while freedom is understood through rescue from spiritual captivity.
Related Scripture
- Proverbs 3:5-6 The passage calls for trust in God rather than self-reliance and promises his direction.
- Matthew 11:28 Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to him for rest.
- Romans 7:24-25 Paul pairs an honest cry over bondage with thanks for deliverance through Jesus Christ.