Verse 1
You can tell me what I did
You can show me who I was before
Where I fell short
Hang it over my head
But I'm not the same anymore
One thing's for sure
The shackles have fallen
So I'm showing shame to the door
Make no mistake
Chorus
I'm a slave, to nothing
(Oh-oh oh-oh)
I'm a slave a slave to nothing
Verse 2
So let me tell you where I stand (Let me tell you where I stand)
Guilty is not who I am
No dirt on these hands (Dirt on these hands)
Nothing left for me to hide (Nothing left for me to hide)
Delivered set free, justified
Make no mistake
Chorus
I'm a slave, to nothing
(Oh-oh oh-oh)
I'm a slave, a slave to nothing
You'd better believe it
Bridge
Free from my chains, from my shame and addiction
Free from my fears and the walls of this prison
I've been redeemed, sanctified, and forgiven
Freedom's my name
Make no mistake, I'm a
Oh, I'm a slave to nothing
Oh, I'm a slave to nothing (Oh)
Yeah
Freedom is my name
Oh
Chorus
Oh, I'm a slave, slave to nothing
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
I'm a slave, a slave to nothing
You'd better believe it
I'm a slave to nothing
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
I'm a slave to nothing
You'd better believe it
Slave To Nothing
Slave To Nothing Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Zach Williams' song "Slave To Nothing," with its music video released on August 30, 2019, presents a powerful declaration of freedom from past burdens and negative influences. The song opens by acknowledging the possibility of judgment and reminders of past mistakes and shortcomings. However, it swiftly transitions to assert a transformed state, emphasizing that the singer is no longer the person they once were. This change is described as shackles falling away, leading to a decisive rejection of shame. The core message, repeated prominently throughout the song, is the bold statement of being "a slave to nothing," signifying complete liberation from anything that previously held power or control.
Building on this theme, the second verse directly challenges external perceptions and internal guilt. The lyrics confidently state that "guilty is not who I am" and that there is "no dirt on these hands," implying a cleansing or removal of past actions' stain. The declaration of having "nothing left for me to hide" underscores a newfound transparency and honesty made possible by this freedom. The state described is one of being "Delivered set free, justified," reinforcing the complete nature of the transformation depicted. The assertion of being "a slave to nothing" is reiterated, this time with the emphatic addition, "You'd better believe it," adding a layer of certainty and challenge to disbelief.
The bridge delves deeper into the specifics of what this freedom entails. It lists various forms of bondage from which the singer is liberated: "Free from my chains, from my shame and addiction," and "Free from my fears and the walls of this prison." This part of the song highlights the multifaceted nature of the struggle and the comprehensive victory achieved. The state of being "redeemed, sanctified, and forgiven" is presented as the foundation for this freedom. The profound shift in identity is encapsulated in the declaration, "Freedom's my name," signifying that liberation is not just an experience but has become the very essence of who the person is now.
Overall, "Slave To Nothing" conveys an inspiring message of overcoming the past and stepping into a new identity defined by liberation and forgiveness. It speaks to the possibility of radical transformation, leaving behind shame, guilt, addiction, and fear. The song is a triumphant anthem of freedom, declaring independence from anything that seeks to enslave or define an individual by their history. It is a testament to the power of redemption and the reclaiming of one's true self, no longer bound by external judgment or internal struggles.
The themes explored in "Slave To Nothing" resonate deeply with various scriptural concepts related to freedom and new identity. For instance, John 8:36 states, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," directly speaking to liberation. Romans 6:17-18 contrasts being slaves to sin with becoming "slaves to righteousness," aligning with the idea of no longer being a slave to negative forces but free. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here," which mirrors the song's assertion of not being the same person anymore and the past being gone. Ephesians 1:7 mentions redemption through blood and the forgiveness of sins, a concept central to the song's declaration of being redeemed and forgiven. These references underscore the spiritual depth of the freedom described in the lyrics, rooting the transformation in a profound spiritual experience.
The song serves as a powerful declaration for anyone who has felt trapped by their past, shame, addiction, or fear. By boldly stating "I'm a slave to nothing," Zach Williams provides an anthem for those stepping into a new life of freedom and redemption. The repetition of this central line, coupled with the defiant tone, makes the message clear and unforgettable: the past does not define the present, and a liberated identity is possible and real. The song encapsulates the journey from bondage to freedom, making it a source of hope and affirmation for listeners.