Skip to main content

"Locked In" by JONATHYN: A Call to Total Surrender


(by Jasper Tan) Looking for a different kind of CCM song? Then Jonathyn's new single "Locked In" might be the one that you are looking for. In this side chain bass-tinged song, Jonathyn delivers a catchy, danceable track that offers a different worship experience. Jonathyn was experimenting with a song using a sidechain bass, grounded in an appealing melody, before the words were added. As someone who's struggling to be a good Christian, Jonathyn instead chose to focus on writing a song that encourages us to be someone who is totally sold and committed to Jesus, rather than just relying on being a good Christian. This theme is drilled into us when he repeatedly sings the lines "Locked in, I'm locked in All in" that feels like we are put in a trance as the words bleed with the hypnotic beats of the sidechaining bass technique used in the song. 

JONATHYN - LOCKED INImagine being on the dance floor while singing to these lines "Locked in, I'm all in, I'm sold out for You again, God, You're showing, You're showing me the way, And I'm all in, All in." It's really taking our worship experience to another level. And if you are a fan of dance music, this song could pretty much compete with similar-sounding secular dance songs. Being a song about our faith is another positive, as we are reminded of our Christian faith while partying to the song. I'm not sure if everyone will ever be ready for these types of CEDM tracks, especially if you are on the traditionally conservative side of CCM. But these types of songs are what I believe would draw interest from the young generation of Christians that we are shepherding to be the next generation of torchbearers of our Christian faith. For the lovers of CEDM, this is a great way to be locked in, beall in, and sold out for Jesus in ways that will re-energize your Christian faith.

(Related scripture: Psalm 40:2; Matthew 22:37; Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 2:10)

Connect with JONATHYN

Would you like to hear more CEDM music? Then check out our Christian playlists on: https://www.christiandance.eu/playlists

PS: Did you know that the posts we have on Christian Music Today also contain the backstories that artists have shared with us? Check it out on: https://medium.com/christian-music-today/

Popular posts

How To Build A Larger Audience/Fanbase For Your Christian Music - Part 1

Are you a Christian music artist? Do you want to build a larger audience for your music? In this 5 part series, we will explain our music marketing strategy for exponentially expanding your fanbase. Today, in part 1, we focus on the foundation needed to build a larger audience/fanbase, where to focus, and your place in a bigger picture. Next week, in part 2, we will focus on your online hub, ways to attract more visitors to your online hub, and being more than a musician.   Why do some Christian artists have millions of monthly streams on the streaming platforms, while other great artists struggle to get more than a few thousand monthly streams? Many Christian Artists struggle to reach new listeners. Marketing music was never easy, but quite a few artists (and even agents/distributors) are not using all of the possibilities that are already available. What saddens me is that many Christian artists only scratch the surface of their music marketing possibilities. DIY-platforms, such...

'Lonely Dirt Road' by Dax: A Journey to Solitude and God

Dax's 'Lonely Dirt Road' is a conversation that Dax has with himself and God. Dax shares his journey of turning mental health walks into healing solitary drives. As you listen, you can almost feel the cruise, where it's just you, your thoughts, and God.  The chorus is so relatable: 'When I need space, that's where I go, a place to escape that nobody knows.' What do you do when life's pressures stack high? Do you also have a space where you can let go? That lonely dirt road that Dax sings about symbolizes solitude, but it is also an incredible opportunity for connecting with God.  Dax's honesty is raw and relatable. 'I didn't want my family to see me cry… dealing with the pressure of trying to provide.' There are times when we all put on a smile to hide how challenging situations may be. Like his father, Dax says that he finds peace on this lonely road, where challenges become opportunities to grow. This shows the core of our faith: that...

Ryan Stevenson - Carry Me (CCM)

Ryan Stevenson’s song ‘Carry Me’ is a powerful and emotive plea for help and guidance, and a reminder of the transformative power of faith. The lyrics are deeply personal and relatable, touching on themes of weariness, loneliness, and uncertainty. The song is a testament to the power of prayer and the strength we can find when we surrender our burdens to God. Stevenson’s own story of finding his way to a deeper understanding of grace and God’s love gives the song even more resonance. The honesty and vulnerability with which he shares his struggles and doubts will resonate with anyone who has faced similar challenges in their own life. The music itself is a beautiful and stirring blend of keyboard, guitar, and electronic elements, creating a haunting and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements the lyrics. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Stevenson’s voice rising to a crescendo as he cries out for help and support. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, or simply need a rem...