Gotee Records’ powerhouse vocalist Terrian was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where she has deeply rooted herself in the community and mentorship. She actively participates in Angel Street Memphis, an organization that mentors girls through musical training in areas with limited artistic opportunities. Through her involvement, Terrian empowers young girls to recognize their value and identity as artists and individuals created with purpose.
Terrian’s career began gaining attention when she joined pop artist TobyMac’s Diverse City band as a background vocalist. Her unique voice, spiritual depth, and captivating stage presence quickly stood out. Since then, she has released a series of impactful singles and projects, leading up to her debut full-length album, Give It Time, which showcases her growth as a songwriter and worship leader. Her music blends contemporary Christian pop, gospel, and soul elements, setting her apart in today’s Christian contemporary music (CCM) landscape.
Terrian blessed the audience at the 13th Annual NewReleaseToday We Love Awards with a stirring performance of her We Love Award-winning Song of the Year, “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus.” The track, featured on Give It Time, is a raw and heartfelt anthem that speaks to the world's brokenness and the hope found only in Christ.
Right from my first listen to Terrian’s music, I was hooked by the Psalm-like reflective lyrics, especially in songs like “Big God,” which features sincere, prayerful expressions of faith. Terrian is a grateful believer, unashamed of her salvation, and many of her songs feel like open invitations into her private moments with God. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words to express gratitude in your prayers, sing along with this powerful declaration of faith.
I had the privilege of speaking with Terrian in Franklin, Tennessee, before her We Love Awards performance. During our conversation, her humility, passion for ministry, and heart for discipleship were as evident as her vocal talent. Terrian isn’t just an artist—she’s a woman on a mission, using her gifts to point others to Jesus.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
“Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” is me looking in the mirror and recognizing that I don’t have the solution. I know the person, though, who has the solution to the pain, the anxiety, and the hurt that plagues our world, and His name is Jesus. This song has meant so much to me for quite a while now.
I co-wrote the song with songwriters TobyMac, Riley Friesen, and Matt Hammitt. When we wrote the music, so much chaos was happening worldwide. In 2020, it felt like the world was split 50/50. I remembered our desire to bring salt and light; we can’t be disconnected from Jesus. The phrase might sound trite on its own, but in the context of the lyrics, it reflects the truth. In our day, it speaks to our collective stress, confusion, and frustration, pointing us to the ultimate answer to the world’s problems.
We ache for our communities and our families. We need to always be rooted in Christ. I was thinking of the Bible passage about God providing perfect peace when our minds are on Him.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV): “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”
John 1:1 (NKJV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
1 Peter 3:12 (NKJV): “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 51:11 (NKJV): “Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV): "The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble."
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV): "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
Romans 12:2 (The Voice): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."
What is the takeaway message?
I’ve sat with this song for a few years since we first wrote it. Sometimes, after spending so much time working on and reflecting upon a song, it can end up on the chopping block. But this one has never lost its power. It continues to engage with the culture and climate of our day thoughtfully, remaining just as relevant, if not more, throughout the years.
During this time, I’ve recognized that it’s okay; things are beyond our control. All I could do was acknowledge our deep human need for a loving savior who reconciles creation to its creator, heals through forgiveness, softens hearts to desire His reign, and ushers in eternal life. Jesus has done all that and more. He is who we need.
In the beginning was the Word. I’m standing on Jesus during this time.
Lyrics
I got a front row seat to the madness I pick up my phone every mornin’ out of habit I’ve been fiendin’ for the drama, yeah, I said it I’m addicted to the rush, need a medic
When I take a step back, I can see it All the pain, all the fear we’ve been feelin’ Losin’ sight of the thing that we’re needin’ That we’re needin’
Honestly, I think we just need Jesus Honestly, I think we just need Jesus Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? What used to be wrong, we say that it’s right Honestly, I think we just need Jesus
Take a good, long look in the mirror Search my heart and soul, make it clearer Help me take your love, trade the bitter Leave it in the dust, help me leave it in the dust, Lord
We’ve been preachin’, we’ve been drinkin’ in the vanity (in the vanity) Now it’s got us questionin’ our sanity (sanity) And we wonder how we get all this anxiety It’s clear to me
Honestly, I think we just need Jesus (Jesus) Honestly, I think we just need Jesus (Jesus) Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? What used to be wrong, we say that it’s right Honestly, I think we just need Jesus
We turn away (we turn away) We’re running back to you (oh-oh) Covered in grace (covered in grace) God, You can make us new (make us new) We turn away (we turn away) We’re running back to you (oh-oh) Covered in grace (covered in grace) God, You can make us new, oh
Honestly, we need, we need You, Jesus (we need You, oh) Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? What used to be wrong, we say that it’s right Honestly, we need, we need You, Jesus
Oh, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus We need You, Jesus, Jesus Oh, Jesus Jesus, Jesus (we’re running back) (We’re running back to You) Jesus We’re runnin’ back to You, oh (Jesus) Yeah, Jesus, Jesus Make us new
Closing Thoughts
I strive to tell my daughters, Natalie, Cassandra, and Bethany, how much I love them daily and that they are all wonderful because of their identity in Christ. As a father of three young daughters, conveying this message to them is essential. They should look far beyond what the world says and discover their identities in the Lord.
That’s precisely why Terrian’s song “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” resonates so deeply. This powerful anthem isn’t just a melody; it’s a heartfelt reminder of who we are and where our value lies. The message is clear: only Jesus can give us our true identity. “Honestly, We Just Need Jesus” is a personal song in which Terrian unveils what's on her heart. I love it when she prays, “Take a good long look in the mirror/Search my heart and soul, make it clearer/Help me take Your love, trade the bitter/Leave it in the dust, help me leave it in the dust, Lord.”
This song is filled with spiritual honesty and conviction. It's okay not to be OK. Bring your thoughts to the Lord, no matter what you're feeling. You don’t need to clean yourself up before connecting with Him. Just enter into your relationship with the Lord and express that relationship to Him openly: “God, You can make us new (make us new)/We turn away (we turn away)/We’re running back to you (oh-oh)/Covered in grace (covered in grace).”
Trust in God's Word. Have confidence in God's ability to work all things together for your good. Spend time with Him and allow Him to redeem and restore you. Your story isn't over yet. God is still writing your redemption story. He wants you to have a deeper understanding and stronger relationship with Him, filled with faith and security. This song encourages you to strive for that in your own walk with God.
As you listen to this song, let Terrian's calming vocals bring you a sense of calm amidst any turmoil in your life. Remember that God will always support you, even in sadness and brokenness.
When you follow Jesus, know that you have the power to accomplish great things through faith in Him. This song is a powerful reminder of that truth, with lyrics that speak directly to your heart and fill you with comfort. By listening to it, you can let your thoughts and worries fade and instead focus on worshiping God and surrendering to His will. By seeking God’s spirit, you can deepen your relationship with Him and experience His peace and power.
Strive to know God, and He will draw near to you. You have the privilege of knowing Him intimately, as He resides within you and has chosen you as His dwelling place. He continually renews all aspects of your life. Furthermore, He desires to take your thoughts captive and transform your mind.
What a powerful expression of what it means to accept that God never leaves or forsakes us as His followers. He is all we need. Join in with Terrian as she prays to Jesus: “Honestly, we need, we need You, Jesus (we need You, oh)/Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? What used to be wrong, we say that it’s right/Honestly, we need, we need You, Jesus.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a longtime enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He credits the message of Christian music for guiding him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1263 - Hannah Kerr
The artist shares the story behind her powerful anthem of grace
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!THE ESSENTIALS
Big Daddy Weave
NRT's Kevin Davis dives into some of the band's essential songs
NEW!STAFF VOICES
Mental Health Music
The NRT team shares songs that shed light on the struggle
NEW!AN NRT WAYBACK EDITORIAL
10 Classic "Rain" Songs
10 classic Christian hits that use rain imagery in their lyrics
NEW!NRT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Sean Rodriguez
His journey from family pastor to chart-topping musician
