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

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.