Do you have a song that really resonates with you? Touches you in some way. Some songs reach deep into our hearts because they reflect real life. When it is messy, when it is beautiful, and when it is broken and when it is redeemed. Hard-Fought Hallelujah, the powerful new collaboration between Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, is one of those songs that many relate to.
Hard-Fought Hallelujah: A Story of Redemption and Hope in Song
I enjoy a wide range of music genres, including classical, pop, oldies, contemporary Christian, instrumental, some country and others as well.
There are many reasons a song catches our attention.
Sometimes it is the melody, sound or catchy rhythm that catches us. The music evokes feelings like joy, sadness, hope or peace.
A song can speak feelings we struggle to put into words. It can give us an emotional connection. Lyrics that tell a story similar to our own struggles, victories, or dreams. They can make us feel seen and understood.
There are many reasons I like Hard-Fought Hallelujah.
It is strong and powerful. It is authentic, real, and vulnerable. Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s voices come together in an incredible sound to tell a story of struggle and redemption.
Brandon Lake brings a soaring, gritty passion to his vocals with intensity and heartfelt worship.
Jelly Roll’s gravelly sound gives voice to a life shaped by real experiences. The scars of life that are deep, worn, but not broken. It carries raw emotion and moments of heartfelt worship.
Together, they create a song full of raw emotion and honest reflection. It is a hallelujah born not from ease, but from the deep places where grace is found.
Artist’s Authenticity
It is a song about overcoming hardship, finding faith, healing, and new beginnings. It resonates because it mirrors real life journeys. When an artist sings about brokenness and redemption, it reminds us that our own story can have hope too.
Jelly Roll shows true heart change and humility. It invites trust and makes his music more powerful.
I encourage you to listen and be encouraged by a song that reminds us of how God’s grace meets us right where we are. Often times, right in the middle of our battles. A reminder that even the bruised and battered hallelujahs of our lives are precious offerings to God.
About the Artists
Brandon Lake
Brandon Lake is a Grammy Award–winning Christian artist and worship leader known for songs like Gratitude and Graves Into Gardens. His music invites listeners into deep, vulnerable worship, always pointing to God’s relentless love and mercy. Brandon has a heart for writing songs that stir both personal reflection and corporate worship.
Visit his official website: BrandonLake.co
Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, first rose to fame through Southern hip-hop and country rap. His early music told stories of hardship, addiction, and survival. In recent years, Jelly Roll has been increasingly open about his desire for redemption, healing, and faith. Hard-Fought Hallelujah marks a profound step toward sharing a new side of his journey, a heart that has been broken but not abandoned.
Visit his official website: JellyRoll615.com
About the Song
Hard-Fought Hallelujah isn’t just another song. It’s a testimony.
It’s for anyone who has fought battles that the world may never see: addiction, regret, grief, shame, or loss. It’s for those who have stumbled and found themselves picked up by grace.
The phrase “hard-fought hallelujah” captures a powerful truth: the most precious praises often come not from places of ease, but from seasons of struggle.
When Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll come together, their voices blend both the worshipful reverence of faith and the raw honesty of lived experience. The result is a song that feels like an anthem for the weary and the redeemed alike.
Pressing Into Change: Reflection
One of the most moving parts of Hard-Fought Hallelujah is witnessing Jelly Roll’s openness to spiritual change. Known for music that once glorified rebellion, he’s now sharing songs that point to hope, forgiveness, and new beginnings.
It’s a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love—and that sometimes the loudest hallelujahs come from the most unlikely places.
Sometimes our faith journey doesn’t look perfect. Sometimes our songs of praise come through tears, regrets, and desperate prayers. But every hard-fought hallelujah is precious to God.
Maybe you, too, have walked through battles that made worship hard. Maybe you are carrying a hallelujah that has scars.
If so, take heart…
- You are seen.
- You are loved.
- And your hallelujah is a beautiful offering.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Free Printable: 10 Bible Verses for Hard-Fought Hallelujahs
When you’re walking through a hard season, it helps to have Scripture close by to anchor your heart. I’ve gathered 10 encouraging Bible verses to remind you of God’s nearness, strength, and faithfulness, even in the battle.
Keep this printable nearby, reflect on each verse, or share it with someone who needs a reminder of hope.
Click Here to get your free printable.
Listen to Hard-Fought Hallelujah
I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to Hard-Fought Hallelujah and let its message encourage you.
Partial Lyrics: Hard-Fought Hallelujah
(Written by Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, and collaborators. Lyrics excerpted for inspirational purposes.)
There’s times when my hands go up freely
And times that it costs, oh-oh
There’s days when a praise comes out easy
Days when it takes all the strength I got
I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah (ooh, ooh)
And I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story-to-tell hallelujah, oh
‘Cause God, You’ve been patient
God, You’ve been gracious
Faithful, whatever I’m feeling or facing
So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well hallelujah, whoa-oh
Hallelujah (ooh, ooh), hallelujah
(Full official lyrics can be found with the song release.)
Whether you’re walking through a storm or standing in the sunshine, may you know that every hallelujah—especially the hard-fought ones—matters deeply to the heart of God.
If this song resonates with you, I’d love to hear in the comments:
Has there been a “hard-fought hallelujah” in your life?
You’re not alone. And your story, like this song, can point others to hope.
Click: Still Growing: Embracing the Days Ahead
You might also like…
Our Newsletter is published once every three weeks. Each issue is timely and helpful, jam-packed with food, crafts, occasional DIY, gardening and faith resources. Relevant and seasonal posts to inspire and guide you with current trends. Available only to those who request it, so please accept our invitation to stay connected and join the Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart community. Just click the subscribe button below.
Your blog is beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration. Never heard this song before. So good! God bless you.