Meaning of Follow God by Kanye West

In Kanye West's song "Follow God," the overarching theme centers around the struggle to live a Christ-like life. Through introspective lyrics and personal anecdotes, West explores the challenges, conflicts, and moments of enlightenment that arise on his spiritual journey.One standout lyric that exemplifies this theme is "I was screamin' at my dad, he told me, 'It ain't Christ-like.'" This lyric not only reflects a personal conflict between Kanye and his father, but it also represents the universal struggle we all face in trying to embody Christ's teachings. It suggests that being Christ-like means being patient, compassionate, and forgiving, even in moments of anger or frustration.Another notable lyric is "Riding on a white bike, feeling like Excitebike." This line, although seemingly unrelated to spirituality at first glance, symbolizes the need to keep moving forward on the path to righteousness. It suggests that the journey towards being Christ-like is exhilarating, but at times, also challenging. The reference to Excitebike, a popular 1980s video game, adds a nostalgic layer, reminding us that life's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns.Additionally, the lyric "Drivin' with my dad, and he told me, 'It ain't Christ-like'" reinforces the theme of guidance and mentorship. Here, Kanye's father plays a significant role in shaping his understanding of what it means to live a Christ-like life. It illustrates the influence that our familial relationships have on our spiritual growth and the importance of listening to the wisdom of our elders.The song takes a momentary shift as Kanye reflects on his interactions with others in the line "Like if Tyler Perry made a movie for BET, searchin' for a deity, now you wanna see it free." This line delves into the theme of validation and recognition. It suggests that people often only value or acknowledge him when they need something from him, paralleling the way society may approach their relationship with a higher power. The analogy to Tyler Perry making a movie for BET adds a layer of cultural commentary, highlighting the search for identity, acceptance, and spiritual fulfillment in a world that often commodifies faith.Furthermore, the lyric "Wrestlin' with God, I don't really want to wrestle" delves into the inner conflicts and doubts that arise on the spiritual journey. It signifies the struggle to surrender to faith and fully embrace a Christ-like existence. It suggests that sometimes, we may resist the call to live according to a higher standard due to the internal wrestling with our own desires and doubts.Overall, "Follow God" masterfully weaves together diverse themes of personal conflict, guidance, validation, and internal struggles into a cohesive exploration of what it means to live in accordance with Christ's teachings. Kanye West invites listeners on his introspective journey, challenging us to reflect on our own battles in striving to lead a Christ-like life.