Jesus Freak

Album: Jesus Freak (1995)
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Songfacts®:

  • The term "Jesus Freak" is often used as an insult hurled at devout Christians. In this song, dc Talk turn it around, wearing the label with pride:

    I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak
    There ain't no disguising the truth


    In the verse lyrics, they explain explain fundamental Christian beliefs like the power of the Holy Spirit, God's power and human weakness, and an ultimate friendship with Jesus.
  • In the pantheon of contemporary Christian music, "Jesus Freak" stands out as one of the most transgressive songs of its time. The beginning of the song sounds like a cousin of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and then TobyMac comes in with some very assertive rapping. It was very jarring for fans of more traditional CCM, but it was right in line with popular taste, blending alternative rock and hip-hop to reach a new audience.
  • TobyMac of dc Talk wrote this song with Mark Heimermann, who played various instruments on the track and helped produce it.
  • DC Talk explored rap and rock on their third album, Free At Last, in 1992, but "Jesus Freak" pushed the boundaries even further, which didn't sit well with their record company. Mark Heimermann explained in the liner notes to the 25th anniversary release of the album: "When we were finishing up the project, we played Jesus Freak for the the label for the first time and, let's just say, it wasn't received well. I later heard that they thought it was the beginning of the end for dc Talk."
  • TobyMac recalled on the liner notes of Wow #1 Hits that the first time that the trio played this song was in South Africa. He added: "We had not yet recorded it for our album, but we had a demo with one verse written. We thought it would be safe to try it out on the other side of the world. We could not believe the immediate response it got."
  • The song was released in 1995 just as chat rooms and message boards started to emerge. Many dc Talk fans used some variation of "Jesus Freak" in their screen names, further appropriating the once-derogatory term as a mark of distinction. One such user created a "Jesus Freak Hideout," which launched as a website in 1996 and evolved into a leading source of information on contemporary Christian music.
  • "Jesus Freak" won the Dove Award for Song Of The Year in 1996, signalling that the CCM establishment was cool with what dc Talk had to offer. Winners in that category were usually far more traditional. The previous year, Twila Paris won for "God Is In Control."

Comments: 18

  • Some Random Guy from Ohio“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    This song is a good lesson for all of us Americans who live in a relatively Jesus-friendly country. If we can’t openly declare our faith without being ashamed or worried what others might think in America of all places, we’re in serious trouble when the real persecution comes. Mark my words, persecution is coming, and sooner than you might think! Get right with God now before it’s too late!

    “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:26‬ ‭ESV‬‬
  • Leigh from New JerseyDC Talk Tony Mackeehan was the rapper in dcTalk and write Jesus Freek. He is now the artist, TobyMac.
  • Emma from Sydney, AustraliaBest Song ever! Is Toby Mac really a vocalist from DC Talk!??? Please let me know!

    WOW.
  • Sissy from Manassas, VaI LOVE DCTalk....I was only turned onto them last year & play their cd constantly! Wish they would tour again! They are all so very talented & so dedicated to spreading the good word of our Heavenly Father!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well Done, DCTalk!!!
  • Chris from Victoria, Txi saw dc talk back in 1999 in houston when they were on the supernatural tour...this song rocked so hard they actually played it twice...the crowd was crazy we were actually jumping in unison. one of the best concerts i have ever been to
  • Tony from Cincinnati, OhFantastic song. One of those that I sing to and then have no voice at the end on the song.
  • Marc from Bruno, MnIve been a christan all my life, And love to listen to music this song is the best with the beat, guitar and drums. Dont they say it in this song are you ready to be persicuted for your faith? You know they are!
  • Hailey from Madison Heights, Vai love this song! it goes to show that no matter what these guys keep their faith even if it meant being judged and looked down upon
  • Coraima from Winslow, NjI've heard of this group before, but I haven't listeaned to their songs, so I'll have to do it some time. I listean to Jeff Deyo, Stacie Orrico, Jump 5, and all those christian artists.
  • Morgan from Opelika, AlThis is a awesome song.... The video is very cool. I am 100% of a Christian & I'm proud of it. Thae video is amazing showing the things about KKK & other people prevailing their faith about bing a christian!!!
  • Nikki from Liberty Lake, WaThis song is a wonderful example of the willingness of those truly faithful to God in doing the courageous and speaking out about their relationship with Jesus Christ. You may have heard that 98% of the population in America in fact believes in God, but I would estimate that less than 1/2 of that number actually have Jesus in their hearts. This song represents those willing to fall and die for their beliefs in HIM... I only wish that we could all fall into the footsteps of the men in this song and speak to the World, without regard for our social appearance, about the love of Jesus and the message He is sending to all!! It is EASY to say we believe in GOD, but the path to heaven is a narrow one, and only through our belief in His son, Jesus, can we be saved. (John 3:16) Thank you dc Talk for this song. I have NO doubt that it is a message to people everywhere that came from HIM who encourages us to spread the Word of HIS love and faithfullness to those that seek HIM.
  • David from Mcminnville, OrI like the style of rap mixed with Christianity cause I'm a Christian and I don't get to listen to rap unless it's christian. But that's not the only reaon. The other reason I like it is that they are so good playing their guitars, drums, and singing! D.C. Talk is awesome!
    David R. Thurston, OR
  • Cory from Lowell, MiI think the point has been hit rather well. Dc Talk is about getting people to realize that if they say they're a Christian and don't act on the impulse given by God, then something is worng. They are living proof of what happends when you folow your Godsent impulse: people start listening.
    The song Jesus Freaks is all about that impulse. It give examples of two people who followed their impulses: John the Baptist and a regualr Joe.
    I'm only curious about what would happen if we all followed that impulse.
  • Jazzz from FrankfurtDC Talk talks about a radical way of living out what Jesus taught, without compromise. And that is something which still gets a lot of ridicule and rejection. So they are not quite part of those 98% in the US who believe in God. But I´m sorry to read that Nathan actually has troubles when he opposes those beliefs. DC Talk was never one of those that tell you: That´s a fact, eat it. Either God convinces you, or no one ever will. Being a christian just means that we tell about our faith, not to make others feel bad about their doubts.
  • Brandon from Nashville, TnThis is the 1st song that I ever just...loved. dc Talk is was one of the best names in the business.
  • Kristen from Campbellville, CanadaI think your missing the point, there simply expressing there love for jesus and the lengths they'll go for it. And for teenagers being called a Jesus Freak is very common, and this is in the christian rock genre so therefore its meant for kids to relate to. As well the powerful images in the video remind you of times in history where faith prevaild, or things like the KKK where people used religion as an excuse. Really amazing if you ask me, as simple as the lyrics seem. And I'm not just saying that cause I'm a christian.
  • Nathan from Defiance, OhI don't think they should worry about namecalling, they are in the 98% majority of Americans who believe in god. Kind of shows a false reality on their part, cosidering what those that don't believe in god actually go through.
  • Mauricio from Hanford, CaVery good group, very good song
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