Brandon Lake Shares Why He Chose To Collaborate With Jelly Roll On “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
on Jun 19, 2025
Brandon Lake Shares The Journey Of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” With Jelly Roll
Christian singer Brandon Lake recently opened up about joining forces with superstar Jelly Roll for their incredibly popular hit, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Lake explained in an interview with Billboard that he chose Jelly to join him for the song because he wanted an artist who had truly lived through the lyrics.
“I just wanted to share this with somebody who really gets this story, who’s lived it,” he said of the hit. “Now to see him carrying this song and how we carry it together and it’s impacting so many lives — that’s the goal. We’re in a perfect time for this kind of collaboration to happen. The truth is, all of us are just as messed up — it’s just some of us are good at hiding it and putting a mask on. Everyone’s on a journey.”
The song is a powerful melody, as the lyrics talk about overcoming life’s challenges and viewing trials and tribulations as a stepping stone to becoming a stronger person:
“‘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.”
The singer said that Jelly’s life has been an inspiration to him for years. Jelly spent many years in and out of incarceration before becoming incredibly famous.
“Thinking about the lyrics, I was like, “Man, I think Jelly Roll would resonate with the story of this song.” I’ve been so inspired by his story, the things he’s overcome,” he continued.
Brandon Lake Says Jelly Roll Is As Amazing As He Is Talented
Lake explained how the first time he talked to Jelly, the two instantly became like “brothers.”
“We just instantly became like brothers and talked about life, parenting, touring, family. It was a real friendship off the bat. There’s a reason why he is on top of the world right now, and it’s not just because his songs are amazing — it’s because he’s amazing,” Lake shared.
Just last month, Jelly surprised Lake during the K-LOVE fan awards show.
While Lake was giving an acceptance speech for the pair’s win for Song of the Year, Jelly appeared on the big screen to surprise him.
“Man, what a beautiful story man, from a jail cell to a K-Love Award, that is something only God can do himself,” Jelly Roll said. “Brandon, thank you for letting me be a part of this record. Thank you to the fans for voting. Thank you for K-Love for taking a chance on this record and adding my version, and just championing it. I don’t take this lightly at all.”
RELATED: Double Rainbow Appears During Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Performance
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” Has Made Quite The Impact
While Lake first released “Hard Fought Hallelujah” in 2024, the collaboration with Jelly Roll was introduced in February 2025.
The two have had the opportunity to share the Lord with hundreds of thousands of people through their duet, and have been incredibly blessed doing so.
Earlier this month, Jelly surprised fans at CMA Fest in Nashville to join Lake for a performance of the song.
The two brought the crowd to moments of raising their hands in worship as a lit up cross appeared above.
“We love you Lord, thank you for letting us testify tonight at the CMA Fest Father God,” Jelly exclaimed to the crowd.
Watch Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll perform “Hard Fought Hallelujah” below.
