Lions

Album: Unleashed (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Skillet frontman John Cooper encourages us not to fear, but instead put our faith and confidence in Christ. If we do that we will be lions, who traditionally symbolize courage, strength and authority.

    By Your power, we will go
    By Your spirit, we are bold
    If we're gonna stand, we stand as giants
    If we're gonna walk, we walk as lions


    "The Bible tells us to be strong and courageous. Lots of times, we don't feel very strong and courageous. In fact, we feel very weak," said Cooper. "However, the Bible tells us that we are more than conquerors, and that the battle belongs to the Lord. I hope this song encourages you to have faith instead of fear."
  • Cooper sings about having victory over our battles as we trust that God is going before us. He told NewReleaseToday:

    "This song has an Old Testament kind of feel to it because the song includes language that connects to biblical ideas-like "everywhere you walk, the land has been given to you" and those types of ideas. I tend to think of that like how in the Old Testament, God would talk to Israel.

    What I like about this song is that it's about being bold, which is something I'm passionate about in general: being bold in your faith. Sometimes that can be evangelism and also standing up for what you believe. It can also be a matter of conviction. You can think about many cool Bible stories about standing up for what's right, whether it is popular or makes sense or not. What seems like the best earthly option may not be what God thinks is the best option. That's what I think about with this song."

Comments: 2

  • Darrel from Alabama@St*r from England: I suppose it's possible that Cooper was influenced by R.E.M. He tells fans that he grew up in the '80s watching rock videos on MTV. However, regarding this line, I think it's far more likely to have it's roots in Matthew 10:28, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (KJV). The theme of the whole song can be likened to Psalm 27, where the Psalmist sings, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident." (vs.1‭, ‬3 ESV). I hope this helps.
  • St*r from EnglandDoes anyone know if 'Like our middle name is "fearless" / Unafraid' is a deliberate reference to R.E.M.'s song Walk Unafraid (which contains the line "Fearless was my middle name"), or just a coincidence? I don't know enough about Skillet to know whether they're R.E.M. fans.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).