The three met while they were young men at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. They formed the band dc Talk (a reference to Washington D.C., but later marketed as 'decent Christian talk' by their label) and, as of the year 2000, spent twelve solid years together, performing all over the world, recording 6 albums, and earning many awards, including 4 Grammy awards.
Their music, aimed at a younger audience, combined hip-hop, rap, and R&B sensibilities and filled a gap in 1980s Christian Music and gave them a unique niche. Their first three albums, DC Talk, Nu Thang, and Free at Last started from their rap/hip-hop roots but increasingly included melodic vocal rock influences. Their 1995 studio album, Jesus Freak, continued this musical evolution by eshewing almost all rap elements and adopting a harder modern rock/grunge sound on many songs, especially the title track. Their most recent studio album, Supernatural, draws on their previous efforts while moving towards mainstream pop stylings.
Their signature sound in all albums is their use of the three members' different vocal skills separately and together. They are often lauded for their lyrical sophistication, addressing many themes in Christian theology, faith, and practice.
After more than ten years together as a group, they are taking a break in recording together to pursue their own activities outside of the band, and launch solo careers in recording music. Michael Tait formed his own band, Tait, and has most recently served as the frontman for Newsboys. Toby McKeehan has released music under the name Tobymac, and has been the most sucessful of the three. Kevin Max has released two solo albums of his own.
Alibi
DC Talk Lyrics
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And your over-rated state of mind
Sometimes you try to move me to you
And make believe that it's all fine
[Chorus]
You say you love me, yes you do
But I know who I'm talking to
And I don't need your alibis
'Cause I can see through all your lies
You say you love me and I'll need you
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
Every storm deserves an ending
And a break to peaceful skies
And every night I pray for my own mending
[Chorus]
Parading around like you're a superstar
Is that who you think you are
The higher you go, yeah, the harder you fall
You say you love me, yes you do
But I know who I'm talking to
You left me so lonely and empty
And I don't need your alibis
'Cause I can see through your disguise
You say you love me and I'll need you
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
The lyrics of DC Talk's song "Alibi" speak about a seemingly troubled relationship between two individuals. One person is trying to understand the other's "over-rated state of mind" and the other is trying to convince the first that everything is okay. However, the person singing the song can see past the lies and empty promises that the other person is making. Despite being told "you say you love me, yes you do," the singer knows that they are being left "lonely and empty" and doesn't need any more excuses ("alibis") to justify the other person's actions.
The song touches on themes of deep emotional pain, disillusionment, and the difficulty of having to see through someone's facade. It speaks about the idea of moving on from a toxic relationship and not needing to rely on someone who doesn't truly have their best interests at heart. Through the chorus, the singer states their own truth; they don't need the other person's "alibis" because they can "see through all your lies."
Overall, the lyrics of "Alibi" are powerful and emotional, delving into the complexities of relationships and the importance of acknowledging and moving on from toxic situations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying hard to understand you
I am finding it difficult to comprehend your ways
And your over-rated state of mind
Your mentality is not worth the excessive hype it receives
Sometimes you try to move me to you
Occasionally you attempt to influence me to your side
And make believe that it's all fine
And pretend that things between us are good
You say you love me, yes you do
You claim to have affection for me, that may or may not be true
But I know who I'm talking to
But I am certain of who you truly are
You left me so lonely and empty
You made me feel isolated and devoid of any emotion
And I don't need your alibis
I do not require your excuses for your actions
'Cause I can see through all your lies
Because I am capable of seeing past your false claims
You say you love me and I'll need you
You declare that I will require you due to your love for me
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
However, I do not have to live my life according to your expectations
Every storm deserves an ending
Every difficult phase should come to a close
And a break to peaceful skies
Then there should be a period of tranquility
And every night I pray for my own mending
Each night I request personal healing
Parading around like you're a superstar
Behaving ostentatiously as if you are a great celebrity
Is that who you think you are
Is that your perception of yourself?
The higher you go, yeah, the harder you fall
The more you progress, the tougher the tumble if something goes wrong
You left me so lonely and empty
You made me feel isolated and devoid of any emotion
And I don't need your alibis
I do not require your excuses for your actions
'Cause I can see through your disguise
Because I am capable of recognizing your true nature
You say you love me and I'll need you
You declare that I will require you due to your love for me
But I don't need to live my life that way, no way
However, I do not have to live my life according to your expectations
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVE STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind