'On My Knees' by The Red Clay Strays - Lyrics & Meaning

Since the release of their debut album, Moment of Truth, in April 2022, The Red Clay Strays have been making a name for themselves out on the road - travelling across the country plying their Alabama rock n' soul to anyone that was willing to listen.

Since Thanksgiving weekend, when their song 'Wondering Why' went viral on TikTok, the people wanting to witness the group in their prime has grown exponentially. The band now sell out three nights at The Ryman and pack out tents at festivals throughout the US.

As their whirlwind rise has taken place, the group have been preparing their second album, the similarly titled Made By These Moments. With non-stop touring being compulsory, the band have been writing out on the road, working off the crowd's responses to the new songs as to whether they are worthy of being cut.

One of those tracks that the group have been road-testing live is 'On My Knees'. Popping up now and again in the group's live set since August, the joyous track did thankfully make the record, appearing as track nine of their second studio album.

A guitar-led gospel number that could cause a revival in any room it's played in, 'On My Knees' is a rapturous, bluesy number that features the entire band.

On record, Brandon Coleman's vocal is front and centre and bathed in distortion, as the band rattle through a raw rockabilly stomp peppered with motivating hand claps and hip shakers.

Live, the song possessed a softer yet more loose style - on record, it's grittier and sharper. None of the primal energy the band perform it live with is lost though, its all simply captured in the raspy intensity of Dave Cobb's production.

A forthright declaration of faith and worship, 'On My Knees', alongside 'God Does', is a narrative-directing prayer that fortifies frontman Brandon Coleman's - and the band's on the whole - credence and belief in God.

Where the album on the whole captures many of the hurdles one traverses in life and the bravery, emotional strength and patience it takes to overcome them, 'On My Knees' succinctly captures this entire sentiment through the act of devotion.

People always try to tell me

Just do what you wanna do

Well I try to rely on my mamma's advice

and that's always got me through

In one verse, Coleman finds growth in staying true to one's self and their upbringing, relying on the affirmations and guidance of a loved one to lead him through a battle with vices and perceived liberty. Coleman's delivery is steadfast, while his words are both humble and vulnerable - he's comforted by the counsel he's given, even as an adult himself.

I'm cracking under pressure

like I never have before

there's only one thing I can think to do

cause I can't take no more

The exasperation in Coleman's voice as he delivers the lines "there's only one thing I can think to do" is in stark contrast to the perceived eagerness in which the band play. Where Coleman is at his wit's end, the band play with more unshackled release, as if the wheels are coming off the speeding, one-way train.

I'm gonna fall, down on my knees

and thank the lord, for bringing me peace

I lift my hands, in his company

Boy you know, I am grateful,

for what he has done for me.

Whenever he is being tempted by the devil, the vices or bad decisions that can control and haunt us, Coleman can rely on the strength and grace of god to bring him balance and control in life.

Live, The Strays' seemingly haven't commented on the song, simply letting Coleman kick it off with his husky bellow as the band clap along in unison with the crowd.

Talking about the album at large, the Coleman stated; "Made by These Moments shines a light on overcoming the battles we face in life like loneliness, depression and hopelessness".

I'm gonna fall, down on my knees

and praise the Lord, for bringing me peace

I lift my hands in his company

Boy you know, I am thankful

For what he has done for me

People always try to tell me

Just do what you wanna do

Well I try to rely on my mamma's advice

and that's always got me through

and I've fallen short of glory

at least a time or two

they're passing all around me

Now I'm reaching out to you

I'm gonna fall, down on my knees

And thank the lord, for bringing me peace

I lift my hands in his company

Boy you know, I am grateful

For what he has done for me

In barely making ends meet

and I'm barely scrapping by

Beers stacked on the table

Been messing with my mind

I'm cracking under pressure

like I never have before

there's only one thing I can think to do

cause I can't take no more

I'm gonna fall, down on my knees

and thank the lord, for bringing me peace

I lift my hands, in his company

Boy you know, I am grateful,

for what he has done for me.

Yeah I praise the lord, well I praise the lord

Well I praise the lord, yeah I praise the lord

Well I praise the lord, oh lord I praise the lord

I praise the lord, oh I praise the lord

For more on The Red Clay Strays, see below: