Skillet - Shout Your Freedom Lyrics
Lyrics
Intro
(Freedom)
Verse 1
You are a prisoner (Prisoner)
Of what they wanted you to be
Now you're a minister (Minister)
Of a brand new reality
Don't you wanna get away?
Shut down all the voices
All the white noises
Drowning me in deeper waves
I gotta get away
Chorus
They think they own you but they don't know
You've broken free, better on your own
You're on top of the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Victory, His word has come alive inside
New life begun
Shout it out to the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Verse 2
And now you're flying high (Flying high)
You won't be held down by regrets
You're not just gettin' by (Gettin' by)
You're a warrior and proud of it
You don't have to be afraid
Hear how loud your voice is
Shut out all the noises
You don't have to be ashamed
So never run away
Chorus
They think they own you but they don't know
You've broken free, better on your own
You're on top of the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Victory, His word has come alive inside
New life begun
Shout it out to the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Bridge
Victory is born
You'll never go back
You're never going back
Look what you've become
You're flying higher
'Cause you're a fighter
Chorus
They think they own you but they don't know
You've broken free, better on your own
You're on top of the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Victory, His word has come alive inside
New life begun
Shout it out to the world
At the top of your lungs
Come on, and shout your freedom
Video
Skillet - Shout Your Freedom [Official Audio]
Meaning & Inspiration
Skillet delivered a powerful anthem of liberation with "Shout Your Freedom," released on January 14, 2022, as part of their album, *Dominion*. This track immediately establishes itself as more than just a rock song; it’s a spiritual rallying cry, an urgent declaration for anyone who has felt trapped or silenced. The song’s essence lies in its profound narrative of breaking free from the unseen prisons of expectation and fear, stepping into a new reality defined by divine truth, and courageously proclaiming that transformation to the world. It speaks to the universal human desire for genuine freedom, channeling that longing through a distinctly faith-inspired lens, reminding listeners that true deliverance comes through a spiritual awakening.
The lyrical journey begins by painting a vivid picture of a "prisoner" of external pressures and imposed identities, constrained by what "they wanted you to be." This resonates deeply with the human experience of conforming to societal norms or battling internal voices of doubt and condemnation, which the song refers to as "white noises" that threaten to drown us. The call to "shut down all the voices" is an echo of biblical wisdom found in passages like 2 Corinthians 10:5, which urges us to take every thought captive to obey Christ, and Romans 12:2, which instructs us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. The shift to becoming a "minister of a brand new reality" signifies a complete spiritual paradigm change, where one’s purpose is now to serve and embody the truth discovered in freedom, aligning with 2 Corinthians 5:17, where old things pass away and all things become new in Christ.
The chorus serves as the song's explosive core, articulating the profound realization that "they think they own you but they don't know." This speaks to the adversary's futile attempts to control or define a child of God, contrasting with the glorious truth that one has "broken free, better on your own," a state of self-governance under God's ultimate authority, as John 8:36 declares, "If the Son sets you free, you are truly free." The powerful imagery of being "on top of the world" and "at the top of your lungs" is a visceral command to "shout your freedom," an unashamed proclamation of one's deliverance. This freedom is not merely self-derived but explicitly rooted in divine intervention: "Victory, His word has come alive inside." This phrase beautifully encapsulates the life-giving power of Scripture, as Hebrews 4:12 describes God's word as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. When God's word takes root in the heart, it initiates a "new life begun," prompting a joyous and bold declaration to the entire world, much like Psalm 107:2 encourages the redeemed to "say so."
As the song progresses into the second verse, it celebrates the fruits of this newfound freedom. The transformation is evident in "now you're flying high," a state unburdened by past mistakes, as declared by the line "you won't be held down by regrets." This aligns with scriptural promises of forgiveness and release from shame, where God remembers our sins no more (Isaiah 43:25) and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The individual is no longer merely "gettin' by" but has been empowered, recognizing their true identity as "a warrior and proud of it." This warrior identity is a powerful biblical motif, referencing believers as spiritual soldiers in Ephesians 6:10-18, equipped with divine armor and strength. The repeated reassurance, "You don't have to be afraid," directly counters the spirit of fear that often holds individuals captive, inviting them to embrace the courage and power that come from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). The call to "shut out all the noises" reinforces the earlier theme, urging continued vigilance against distractions and lies, and the affirmation "You don't have to be ashamed" liberates one from the enemy’s tactics of accusation.
The bridge serves as a triumphant affirmation of the journey, emphasizing that "Victory is born." This is not a fleeting moment but a fundamental, irreversible change, declared by the resolute phrases "You'll never go back, you're never going back." This reflects the commitment of a true disciple, as admonished in Luke 9:62 that no one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. The realization of "look what you've become" highlights the transformative power of God's grace, culminating in the understanding that "You're flying higher 'Cause you're a fighter." This encapsulates the enduring spirit of resilience and spiritual fortitude granted to believers, empowered to overcome challenges and stand firm in their faith. "Shout Your Freedom" is an inspiring testament to the liberating power of God's truth, a bold exhortation to embrace one's redeemed identity, and an unwavering call to boldly declare the victory found in Him, making it an undeniable anthem for any believer seeking encouragement and renewed purpose.