Zach Williams brings a bold, gritty message of spiritual transformation in his song “Killed A Man.” With deep southern gospel rock tones, this track speaks about the old life—sin, bondage, addiction—and the radical change that happens when we meet Jesus.
The lyrics, “I killed a man in the river,” aren’t about literal violence—they’re symbolic. Zach powerfully expresses the death of his old self, the man who was “friends with the devil” and “tried to drown me in a bottle.” It’s a vivid portrayal of how real deliverance feels when God pulls us out of darkness and sets us free.
He goes on to say, “That’s the day that I saw the light… my Damascus road,” referencing Saul’s dramatic conversion in the Bible. It’s a strong testimony song about salvation, redemption, and identity change.
If you’re into raw, storytelling gospel music that blends testimony with strong biblical imagery, this song is a must-have.
Stream, share with friends and family, and stay blessed.
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Song Lyrics: Killed A Man by Zach Williams
I killed a man
In the river
Yeah I watched the current carry him away
Yeah I killed a man
Down in the river
Yeah I had to take a life
To keep one out the grave
He was friends with the devil
Wadn’t worth a dang
Tried to drown me in a bottle
Tried to choke me on smoke
He was hurtin my momma
Had my ol man prayin like a preacher at the end of his rope
It was justified
It was self defense
It was do or die
It was me and him
So I
Killed a man
In the river
Yeah I watched the current carry him away
Yeah I killed a man
Down in the river
Yeah I had to take a life
To keep one out the grave
Didn’t pull no knife didn’t fire no gun
Just held him under long enough to put him down
Nobody’s gonna miss that prodigal son
He’s probably halfway down the Mississippi by now
Went from guilty as sin to covered in blood
Now who I am ain’t who I was
(Cause)
I killed a man
In the river
Yeah I watched the current carry him away
Yeah I killed a man
Down in the river
Yeah I had to take a life
To keep one out the grave
Wiping muddy water outa my eyes
That’s the day that I saw the light
Bout 6 feet out in the Buffalo
Was my Damascus road
So I killed a man
In the river
Yeah I watched the current carry him away
Yeah I killed a man
Down in the river
Yeah I had to take a life
To keep one out the grave
(Ohh)
Oh sometimes
You gotta
Take a life
To keep one out the grave
I killed a man
I killed a man
I killed a man
He was friends with the devil
Wadn’t worth a dang
Tried to drown me in a bottle
Tried to choke me on smoke