It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a song that made me stop and reflect. But Big K.R.I.T.’s song, “Praying Man,” does just that. It is a haunting and enchanting piece that makes you grimace at the emotions he stirs up, yet you refuse to stop listening because it’s not just something you want to hear; it’s something you need to hear.
Lyrics and Themes
But what’s worse I’m not sure how long I’ve been swaying in the breeze
Tired of talking to the trees and you the first praying man that I’ve seen
I figured you’d lend a hand, but I see if you got some time
I’m glad you looked up because most people pay no mind
He smiled and said “Son well, I can do you one better”
He removed a pocket knife and cut me down from my oppressor, forever
“Praying Man” explores racial injustice, hope, and resilience with brilliant storytelling – though it should be no surprise since storytelling is precisely what Big K.R.I.T. is known and highly praised for. The rapper beautifully crafts a vivid picture of the black struggle while sharing a glimmer of hope for the future. He shows us that these stories are where we come from, but freedom is still obtainable. The Mississippi native has crafted something like his own “Strange Fruit,” in my opinion.
Guess I was on the road
Didn’t know which way to go
I think I hear a praying man coming
A praying man coming
Sometimes I couldn’t read the signs
My people done left me behind
I think I hear a praying man coming
I think I hear a praying man coming
Then he has one of the giants of the blues and a fellow Mississippi native, B.B. King, singing the hook. I promise I get chills every time he says, “I think I hear a praying man coming,” with the guitar playing in the background. That feeling…it’s chilling, it’s stoic, it’s alert, it’s intense. It’s a feeling that many African Americans felt and still feel from oppression. If you know, you know.
If you’ve heard Rapsody’s song, “Jesus Coming,” it’s along that same lane for me. It’s emotionally jarring but in a way that makes you want to rethink some things. Songs like these are a necessary wake-up call for the masses, not just black people.
Musical Composition
Musically, “Praying Man” is a wonderful blend of soul, blues, and hip-hop, creating an atmospheric, southern backdrop of sound that enhances the song’s emotional weight. The use of the guitar adds a raw, authentic feel to the track.
The song also starts off with “Glory, Glory Hallelujah,” another classic song that is significant to the black church. That is another wise and poignant artistic gem that Big K.R.I.T. added to the song. Those songs we learn in church are special to us because they take us back to the time of our forefathers – when we felt safe and hopeful because we had each other. So for that hymn to start the song, then fade into the main piece, I feel it showcases that sense of insecurity many felt and feel when they are alone and facing trouble, or if they aren’t in their safe space and even think they may encounter trouble. It’s that call for help. That desperate desire for solace.
It’s no secret that the song draws inspiration from the complicated history of Mississippi, a state deeply impacted by the Civil Rights Movement and known historically for its racial tensions and injustices. Big K.R.I.T.’s storytelling reminds me of the oral traditions of African American communities, where art forms like music and storytelling have served as both a form of protest and a source of comfort.
Final Thoughts
“Praying Man” stands out for its lyrical depth and ability to connect past struggles(that we still struggle with) with contemporary issues. Big K.R.I.T.’s work should be a source of inspiration for other artists, emphasizing the importance of remembering our history while striving for a better future.
