What does "Closed on Sunday" by Kanye West mean?

Lyrics Meaning of "Closed on Sunday" by Kanye West

“Closed on Sunday” is featured on Kanye West’s 9th studio album, JESUS IS KING. It has received mixed responses on social media for some of its unconventional lyrics — mostly just for name-dropping Chick-fil-A and one of its popular citrusy menu items — but Kanye wouldn’t be Kanye without causing some buzz and writing rap with his unique creative flair, now would he?

"You’re my number one, with the lemonade"

With a twist, “Closed on Sunday” is essentially a song that shares a few of Kanye’s family and personal values. It’s a clever perspective because it draws parallels between West’s beliefs and the values of the famous fast-food chicken chain, Chick-fil-A, which also happens to be a Christian franchise. West builds on these values to tell listeners about what is important to him now that he believes in Jesus. But, the big question remains… Who is Chick-fil-A?

Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A
Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A
Hold the selfies, put the ‘Gram away
Get your family, y’all hold hands and pray
When you got daughters, always keep ‘em safe
Watch out for vipers, don’t let them indoctrinate

The lyrics say, “you my Chick-fil-A.” My take is this: Chick-fil-A was named the number one fast-food chain in America in 2018, per USA Today. If Chick-fil-A is America’s number one and “you” is West’s number one… “you” is probably referring to God. Sunday is generally accepted as the Christian “Sabbath” (or “holy”) day, which would support this idea. West says that, on Sunday, he and his family should focus on their spiritual lives and practices and should set other distractions like selfies and the (Insta) ‘Gram aside. West speaks about protecting his two daughters, North (6) and Chicago (1), from evil people with ill-intentions.

Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A
You’re my number one, with the lemonade
Raise our sons, train them in the faith
Through temptations, make sure they’re wide awake
Follow Jesus, listen and obey
No more living for the culture, we nobody’s slave

Here, the “God is number one” idea is reinforced by the lyric, “You’re my number one, with the lemonade.” West continues on to list more things that are important to him, like raising his sons up to have strong faith in Jesus and ensuring that his children are attentive to flee temptations when they present themselves. Additionally, West says that he does not want his family to be slaves to what is culturally popular. Typically, culturally popular values like money, fame, and attractive physical appearance are not the same values that the bible teaches for a fulfilling, God-honoring life.

Stand up for my home
Even if I take this walk alone
I bow down to the King upon the throne
My life is His, I’m no longer my own
I pray to God that he’ll strengthen my hand
They will think twice steppin’ unto my land

West takes a stand by saying he will cling to these convictions, even if he has to do it by himself with no support from loved ones or the public. The lyrics, “My life is His, I’m no longer my own,” say that he has chosen to allow God total rule over his life and he is trading his selfish desires for the desires of God. Then, West takes a turn and asks God to defend him and give him strength when people attempt to defile him or his family. West references calling on the Lord for protection and strength in the face of adversity in many songs on this record.

I draw the line, it’s written in the sand
Try me and you will see that I ain’t playin’
Now, back up off my family, move your hands
I got my weapons in the Spirit’s land
I, Jezebel don’t even stand a chance
Jezebel don’t even stand a chance

As the song nears its end, West assures his listeners that his convictions are serious and should be taken as such. He warns those trying to harm him that the Spirit of God is on his side, so they should consider the consequences if they try to do wrong by him. In the last lyric, West says, “Jezebel don’t even stand a chance.” Jezebel is the name of a woman in the bible who was married to King Ahab of Israel, and she convinced him to introduce the worship of other gods in their kingdom and also had many prophets of the Lord executed. West makes a bold statement and says that not even a manipulative character like Jezebel could stand a chance pulling him away from his convictions.

Deeper Meaning of "Closed on Sunday" by Kanye West

2019 Kanye West is not the same Kanye West we’ve seen in the history of his musical career. A man who used to idolize power and assets, among other things, now professes to surrender his life to Jesus in pursuit of following him and his values. It’s a radical change, as he mentions in other songs from the album. This track in particular is a creative way to communicate the new values that West finds important by using an understandable and culturally relevant metaphor, which is a clever artistic choice. I enjoy Kanye’s lyrical style, and I support his strong conviction in this new direction he’s moving. He is not only able to articulate his desires for himself and his family to love and follow Jesus despite criticism from the general public, but he also announces these desires boldly and devotes an entire track to that purpose. He’s the same frank Kanye we all know and love, but with a holy twist.