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"Boxes" by John Long: Breaking Free from Religious Boxes


(by Jasper Tan) John Long’s “Boxes,” written with Dustin Smith, is both a reflection and criticism of how we oftentimes allow ourselves to be limited (“boxed”) with our faith. Using the “box” as the core metaphor of the song, it represents our self-imposed (or community-imposed) limitations with religious traditions that prevents genuine a genuine relationship with God. John emphasizes that these limitations often run into conflict with the original intentions of God, to have a free flowing holy communion with God. The song is characterized by our sense of longing and our desire to re-approach our Faith with clean hands and a pure heart.

John Long - BoxesFrom the opening lines itself, we are challenged to evaluate the current status of our faith and come to realize that it may never really what we intend it to be. Our intention from the start was born from a desire to start a deep and Holy Communion with God, and as the bridge and chorus approaches, the song has a more personal and prayerful tone. We are imploring God to help us know our reasons for starting a relationship with Him more and declare our surrender to Him by putting our complete trust and faith in Him.

“Boxes” is truly a refreshing take on our quest to find authenticity in our Spiritual life. It doesn’t just comfort us, but also enages us to take action whenever we ever feel that our faith is stuck in a rut. Just seek God with a more sincere heart and ask Him to renew our relationship with Him in all honesty and more organically.

(Related scripture: Psalm 24:4-5; Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Chronicles 7:14)

Background:

Boxes is a song about realizing how often we create our own religious boxes and slowly drift away from the simple, intimate connection Jesus has always invited us into. It comes from a place of honesty, recognizing that rules, performance, and self made systems can quietly replace relationship if we are not careful. The song draws deeply from Psalm 24 and Psalm 139, asking God to search the heart, reveal what is hidden, and lead us back into His everlasting ways. The chorus becomes both a confession and a commitment, a prayer for clean hands and a pure heart that flows from love rather than obligation. In the bridge, the perspective widens into a cry for this generation to lay down idols, seek God’s face, and return to the holy secret place where real transformation begins. Musically the track carries a reflective, reverent energy that feels personal yet communal, inviting listeners not just to hear a message but to step into it.

Release date: March 13, 2026

Connect with John Long
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnleslielong/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/JohnLong.Official
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnlongofficial

Would you like to hear more CCM 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/

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