Jericho

Album: Evergreen (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Andrew Ripp is a Chicago-born singer-songwriter who after releasing five albums and touring with the likes of Sara Bareilles, Plain White T's, Andy Grammer, and Judah and the Lion, took a hiatus from the music scene. This song is the lead radio single from Evergreen, his first album in six years.
  • The Old Testament account of the Israelites capturing the Canaanite city of Jericho inspired the song.
    Chapter six of the Old Testament book of Joshua recounts how Joshua, the leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses, led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land God had promised them. Jericho was the first city they came across, and with its fortified walls up to 25 feet high and 20 feet thick, it was a symbol of military power and strength – the Canaanites considered it invincible. But God told Joshua that Jericho was already delivered into his hands, and after marching round the city seven times, the walls collapsed.

    The traditional African American spiritual "Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho" tells the same Biblical story.
  • Ripp parallels the story of Joshua putting his trust in God with his own everyday battles. He recounts how once he put his belief in Christ, all his fears came tumbling down like Jericho's walls.

    "The story of Jericho has always been super inspiring to me, which is why I wanted to turn it into a song," said Ripp. "The part that really draws me in is when God says to Joshua, 'See I have given you the city.' It wasn't the marching around the walls of Jericho that made them fall, it was the moment Joshua BELIEVED God over his circumstance that the city became his. Marching was just an exercise in faith and obedience. I have found this to be true over many fears that try to steal my freedom. All of my fears like Jericho walls have gotta come down! All I need to do is believe what God says over my circumstance and then obey His word."
  • This was Andrew Ripp's first single released to Christian radio stations. It climbed to #1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart dated March 6, 2021, becoming the first song to top the tally since Cory Asbury's "Reckless Love" spent 13 weeks at the summit during the spring of 2018.

Comments: 1

  • Finding The Way from Del Rio TxWhat Faith! following the path that can't always be seen, no matter how treacherous the terrain, knowing...the Path is cleared and the Way is paved!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."