Kick Down The Door by Harris J – The Hidden Meanings

Harris J + AJ Jung: Kick down the door Legal Download | Lyrics

Harris J is Dajjal… No he’s doing Dawah in his own way… But he’s bare Haram now…

Just another conversation in the comments section of Harris J’s latest music video ‘Kick Down The Door’. It seems the internet is divided over his new style.

But why?

Harris J started his career as a Nasheed artist signed to Awakening Music (Awakening Records back then), alongside well known artists such as Maher Zain and Raef. Recently, Harris left Awakening Music to pursue a different path.

His new style of music is more mainstream with less direct references to Quran and Hadith. Therefore, many fans claim Harris has changed and is no longer promoting the faith.

Is this true?

Firstly, this article will explore whether Harris J’s new style can still be considered as ‘Islamic’ or ‘Faith Inspired’ music. Secondly, we will explore some of the hidden meanings behind the track and music video.

Help Harris and AJ

The song and video were produced independent of a record label. Therefore, Harris and AJ need all the support they can get. Keep it halal – legally download the song on Amazon.

What makes a song Islamic?

It is worth exploring what makes a song Islamic, and how it differs from conventional mainstream music. I argue there are three main factors to consider:

• Faith inspired lyrics
• Clean music videos
• Musical Instruments

Are the Lyrics Inspired by Faith?

One of the main differences between an Islamic and non-islamic song is the meaning behind the lyrics.

A song with negative or pointless meaning will be considered unislamic based on the following verse in the Quran:

“But there are among men those who purchase idle tales without knowledge (or meaning) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a humiliating Penalty”

(Quran 31:6)

The above verse is referring to people who used poems and songs to distract the Muslims from their faith. Therefore, we can safely assume any music with meaningless lyrics is non-Islamic.

What about the lyrics to ‘Kick down the door’? Are they ok?

Kicking down a door is certainly not an Islamic thing to do. However, there are several hidden positive messages within the lyrics.

What hidden meanings?

There are references to not drinking, driving within the speed limit and hidden Islamic items within the music video. Such as a large photo of Masjid Al-Aqsa, Islam’s third holy Mosque.

Later in this review, we will explore the lyrics in detail and call out these hidden meanings, with particular reference to Quran and Hadith.

So, Are the lyrics faith inspired? Pass or fail: Pass.

How Clean is the Music Video?

Mainstream music videos can be a nightmare from an Islamic perspective.

Drugs, Alchohol, Women.

Is any of that present in Harris’ video?

No, and that’s a great sign.

The video features Harris and his friends playing pool and chilling out in their own home. There are no items of concern present in the video at all.

Pass or fail? Pass.

Does Adding Music Make a Song Less Islamic?

‘Kick Down the Door’ contains musical instruments. But so did Harris’ early Nasheeds.

There are many differences of opinion about this topic, see our post on arguments for and against music in Islam.

The instruments used are similar to what Awakening Music used to produce his former Nasheeds. Therefore, in this context, music does not make the song less Islamic.

Pass or fail? Pass.

So, Can we Still Consider ‘Kick Down the Door’ An Islamic Song?

Yes.

Using the criteria above we have reason to define it as a faith inspired song, with a modern twist.

The next section will provide a deep dive into the hidden gems in the music video. After that, we will review the lyrics.

Let’s Analyse the ‘Kick Down the Door’ Music Video

At Islamic Music Hub we are all about analysing lyrics and music videos, looking for references to Quran and Hadith. Harris and AJ have provided an amazing opportunity to do that, with several hidden items in their music video – let’s take a look.

0:09 – The Book Harris is Reading

Even before the lyrics kick in, we see a shot of Harris reading a book titled ‘The Catcher in the Rye’.

What is the book about?

‘The Catcher in the Rye’ is a 1951 novel by JD Salinder. It was originally intended for adults but often read by teenagers for its themes of fear, alienation, and as a critique on superficiality in society. The main character has become an icon for teenage rebellion.

Perhaps the book sums up the theme of this song. After all, the song makes reference to young lads being questioned despite doing nothing wrong. Almost a stand against those misusing power in society.

The book also touches upon the issue of identity and belonging. The main character is criticised for not following society norms, and gets turned away whenever he tries to connect with people. Perhaps a reference to the way Harris sometimes feels when criticised by his followers.

0:13 – Chaples and Trainers

This might be a long shot.

We see both slippers and trainers in the living room, under the table football. This could be a reference to life on the streets vs life in the home.

Many young British Muslims feel like they are living double lives, especially those with more cultural parents (probably not the case with Harris and AJ with a trendy dad like Rahim Jung).

0:22 – The Muhammed Ali Quote

The famous quote reads:

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth

Muhammed Ali

A poster containing the above quote is seen in the opening shot as AJ walks through the door.

What does this mean?

The quote is telling us that service is the way to pay your bills on earth. By service he means helping others, caring for those who need care or simply smiling at someone to make their day.

This is in-line with Islamic opinions. For example, a similar quote was provided by the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh):

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”

[Sahih Al Bani 7384]

0:31 – Have Ambition

There is something striking about this shot. In the background we see a number of trophies and collectable items. This could be a reference to having ambition, as later mentioned in the song.

0:35 – Throw me a Beer… I Mean Water Bottle

The phrase ‘throw me a beer’ is a common one, and many mainstream music videos contain alcohol.

However, in ‘Kick Down the Door’ Harris is tossed a water bottle. Not only is this a Halal drink but it’s probably the most pure drink you can find.

1:01 – Looking out for one another

At this point in the video the lyrics read:

Business on my flights, yeah that’s the dream (Yeah, that’s the dream)
The seat that’s right behind me, that one’s for my G

G = Friend.

AJ points at Harris indicating he will always look out for him, and provide him with a seat on his ventures. We have already discussed the importance of looking out for each other in Islam, and this is a real demonstration of loving for your brother what you love for yourself.

1:16 – Silver Bling

Harris wears alot of bling in the video, but it’s important to note that none of it is gold.

Gold jewellery is used to show off wealth by conventional rappers and singers, however the wearing of gold is not allowed in Islam (for men).

The Prophet (saws) took silk and held it in his right hand, and took gold and held it in his left hand and said: both of these are prohibited to the males of my community.

(Muslim)

1:41 – Masjid Al-Aqsa

An old photo of Masjid Al-Aqsa can be seen in the background, the third holiest site in Islam.

Did you know?

Muslims used to face Masjid Al-Aqsa to pray before facing the Kaaba? The direction was changed after the prophet migrated to Medina for no reason other than to distinguish between those following the latest book (Quran) vs those following older scriptures.

What is the significance of Masjid al-Aqsa in this song?

The Masjid is a relatively calm place that all Muslims should visit. However, between the calmness is a struggle of ownership between Arab and Jewish Israelis.

This links to the theme of the song, as people are being accused and questioned without knowing why. In fact, many Muslims visiting the country will find themselves questioned for several hours.

Soldiers have literally ‘kicked down the door’ in Masjid al-Aqsa in the past, one area of particular importance is the Golden Gate.

2:43 – The Team

In the first half of the video, the artists are dispersed, doing their own thing. However, as we hear more lyrics about uniting as a team, we also see shots of all the characters together as a unit – genius.

Kick Down the Door Lyrics

Let’s analyse the lyrics, calling out references to Quran and Hadith.

I walk through the door
They looking at me
I didn’t do anything
I swear it ain’t me – 1 Read analysis
They point at my G
They asked me, did you see
He didn’t do anything
We don’t chat to police

I kick down the door – 2 Read analysis
What do you mean
We are finessing and nobody’s stressing – 3 Read analysis
I’m here with my team
She might be yours
But she leaving with me
And please tell me why you’re wasting my time
This s*** isn’t free – 4 Read analysis

Ooh, my brothers stepping out so clean
We about to make this Cedes lean
This Cedes lean (Make ’em lean)
This Cedes lean (Make ’em lean)
We about to make this Cedes lean

Business on my flights, yeah that’s the dream (Yeah, that’s the dream)
The seat that’s right behind me, that one’s for my G – 5 Read analysis
I be doing donuts in my sleep – 6 Read analysis
If we driving then we tearing up these streets

Don’t need drinks, I push this pedal – 7 Read analysis
To the metal, make you lean
TNS, you know I’m stepping
Know I’m stepping with the team
And 90 on the dash ’cause you know I love the speed
If we’re driving then we’re driving overseas – 8 Read Analysis

Chorus

I walk through the door
They looking at me
I didn’t do anything
I swear it ain’t me
They point at my G
They asked me, did you see
He didn’t do anything
We don’t chat to police

I kick down the door
What do you mean
We are finessing and nobody’s stressing
I’m here with my team
She might be yours
But she leaving with me
And please tell me why you’re wasting my time
This shit isn’t free

I know my brothers out here getting paid (Cash, cash, cash)
So money conversations, keep ’em down
She’s just tryna see if I’m okay
But I can’t let this girl into my house (No way) – 9 Read Analysis
And they say I’m a problem, believe me
I’ve already been told (I’ve already been told)
If you wanna come and find me it’s easy

But you won’t find me alone
I walk through the door
They looking at me
I didn’t do anything
I swear it ain’t me
They point at my G
They asked me, did you see
He didn’t do anything
We don’t chat to police

I kick down the door
What do you mean
We are finessing and nobody’s stressing
I’m here with my team
She might be yours
But she leaving with me
And please tell me why you’re wasting my time
This shit isn’t free

I walk through the door
They looking at me
I didn’t do anything
I swear it ain’t me
They point at my G
They asked me, did you see
He didn’t do anything
We don’t chat to police

Lyrics Analysis – Finding the Hidden Meanings

1 – Being blamed for everything

I walk through the door
They looking at me
I didn’t do anything
I swear it ain’t me

Many youths feel they are always targeted despite doing no wrong. For example, you come home slightly later than usual to have your parents ask where you have been. This can also apply on a wider level, such as with police (BLM) or within institutions.

The best thing we can do in these situations is to remain patient.

O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient

(Quran 2:153)

2 – Walking through vs kicking down the door

I kick down the door

The lyrics are clever.

In the first verse, they walk through the door only to be accused of doing things they didn’t do. In the second verse, they ‘kick down the door’ instead.

This may be a result of frustration from the first experience. What do you think? Leave a comment at the end of this post if you disagree.

3 – What is Finessing?

We are finessing and nobody’s stressing

It means: ‘bring about or deal with (something) by using great delicacy and skill’.

This could imply the subjects in the song are working hard. For example, by earning Halal income.

The Qur’an instructs Muslims to persistently work whenever and wherever possible:

“Disperse through the land and seek of the bounty of God”

(Quran 62:10)

4 – A swear word!?

This s*** Isn’t Free

I personally feel the song could have done without this line, although there is a clean version available. Adding swear words moves the song away from a faith inspired one.

We should avoid bad language as mentioned in the Quran:

“…..nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother as: “O sinner”, or “O wicked”, etc.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zaalimoon (wrong-doers). (Surah Hujaraat:11)

(Quran 49:11)

We must point out Harris did not use the word directed towards anyone in this song.

5 – Looking out for one another

Business on my flights, yeah that’s the dream (Yeah, that’s the dream)
The seat that’s right behind me, that one’s for my G

As discussed earlier, AJ makes reference to looking out for others. Something mentioned in several places in Quran and Hadith.

“Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment”

(Quran 5:2)

6 – What does ‘Doing Donuts’ mean?

I be doing donuts in my sleep

Doing donuts may refer to two things:

1. Driving around in circles
2. Doing business

Amazingly, this line appears in-between a verse about business and a verse about driving!

Whether that was intentional is unclear, but given Harris has said there are hidden meanings in the song himself, I imagine this was on purpose.

7 – Say no to drinks

Don’t need drinks, I push this pedal

A fantastic line clearly inspired by faith.

As we know, drinking Alcohol is not allowed in Islam. Harris has already made reference to this in the music video where he is shown drinking water, and again in the lyrics.

“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, idolatry, and divining arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork. So avoid that so that you may be successful

(Quran 5:90)

8 – Speeding in a legal way. This line is pure genius.

And 90 on the dash ’cause you know I love the speed
If we’re driving then we’re driving overseas

Driving at 90 mph is illegal in the UK, this would also be considered unislamic as you are required to follow the laws of the land.

But wait.

The very next line says ‘If we driving then we’re driving overseas’.

In countries such as Germany, there is no speed limit, and therefore it is perfectly ok to drive at 90mph. The best thing about this verse is that it takes a forbidden action that is considered ‘cool’ by youths, but puts a halal spin on it.

One of the best lines in this entire song – love it!

9 – Keeping it Halal

But I can’t let this girl into my house (No way)

This line could be a reference to Halal dating, as Muslims we should avoid being along with the opposite sex.

“No man is alone with a woman but the Shaytaan will be the third one present.”

Hadith Tirmidhi

Final Thoughts

Kick down the door is not a typical Nasheed, perhaps not a Nasheed at all. However, there are several faith inspired references in both the lyrics and video that make this track stand out.

Many young people listen to mainstream Muslim and therefore tracks like this provide a more Halal alternative.

I personally would like to see a few more direct references to Quran and Hadith in future songs – do you agree? Leave your rating and comment below.

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Lyrics: 8/10
Vocals: 8/10
Production: 10/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
References & Reflection: 5/10

IMH Rating: 38/50 
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