The ascension of TobyMac’s solo career has been nothing short of spectacular. In an era of declining music sales he has consistently defied the odds and has seen his sales increase with each new album release. This is no small feat. With his fourth studio album TONIGHT released on Feb. 9, he is poised to take things higher yet again.
Having climbed the mountain once with the group dcTalk (4 Grammys, more than 8 million albums sold), TobyMac knows how difficult the journey can be and how much work the process actually takes. Rarely does an artist get to soar to great heights for a second time, but soar he has. He took home his first Grammy as a solo artist last year after receiving Grammy nominations for each of his first four solo projects (Momentum, Welcome To Diverse City, Portable Sounds, Tonight). And last year TobyMac topped 2 million in total albums sold during his solo career. TobyMac has also remixed the Welcome to Diverse City album and Momentum, calling the new albums Renovating Diverse City and Re:Mix Momentum, respectively. He has done it with a combination of talent, hard work and humility which has produced songs that resonate with people from all walks of life .
Upon embarking on his solo career, Toby sought to surround himself with a talented and diverse cast of characters, aptly named the Diverse City Band. The result has been a musical fusion that radiates with an unquenchable energy and a penetrating message.
A self-professed perfectionist when making records—he’s been known to relentlessly tweak and massage every little thing in an inexorable effort to make it sound better—Toby is the first to admit that he has to work really hard to make great music. “That’s what drives me,” he says. “I feel like I have to work harder than other people to get there. Sometimes I feel like I’m slightly under-gifted; I usually don't sit down and write a great song in just a few minutes like others can. But I think my work ethic makes up for that.”
Starting with dcTalk, and then going solo when the group disbanded in 2000, Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience and—perhaps most relevant of all—the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going.
“It’s the truth,” he says. “I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I believe God can use a song to open someone’s mind and heart. Other songs can just drop what I call, 'the joy bomb' on somebody. I fight really hard to remain unjaundiced—to keep believing that you can actually walk into a studio and write a song that breathes life. That’s the hardest fight for a guy who’s been doing this for a while; it’s easy to fall into the trap of just making it your job. But I still believe that songs matter.”
The songs on TONIGHT certainly matter—everything from the prayerful first single “City On Our Knees” to the testimonial “Changed Forever,” from the worshipful “Captured” to the confessional “Start Somewhere,” and even down to the put-on-your-party-hat grooves of “Funky Jesus Music” and “ShowStopper.” One theme that runs loud and clear throughout is the idea that we all need God, and we need him now—this morning, this afternoon, tonight.
“Right here, right now / Under the stars / I promise You my heart / ’Cause it starts tonight,” Toby sings on the chorus of the title track. “If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime why not now?” he asks on “City on Our Knees.” And “I wanna straighten this before the sun goes down tonight,” he proclaims on “Start Somewhere.”
“There’s definitely a sense of urgency on this record,” says co-producer Chris Stephens, who has worked on TobyMac’s last three CDs. “And it’s an album that speaks of unity, of coming together and finding common ground to worship God.”
Toby has long had a passion for racial reconciliation and unity, a recurrent theme in his music. TONIGHT includes songs of reconciliation of another kind—between husband and wife. Toby and Amanda have been happily married for 15 years, but like all couples, it can be hard work sometimes. For Toby, who best expresses his emotions through music, it was a natural step to write about it. In “Hold On,” he sings, “If you move just a little bit closer / You can put your head on my shoulder . . . / Wipe away those tears / This one’s for you.” And on “Start Somewhere,” he’s downright confessional: “I said some things that I regret / And if I could, I’d take ’em back / But here I am, and there you are / The space between us is not so far / I’m reaching out my hand in love.”
“‘Hold On’ is very personal,” Toby says. “Many lines are there to encourage my wife, but I know those lines could encourage anybody in a relationship. As for ‘Start Somewhere,’ any time you’re in love with somebody, you’re going to bang heads from time to time. I don’t know how many times I’ve been lying in bed, sweating it out and thinking, How am I going to make this right? But then you reach that moment of apology and forgiveness. That’s one of my favorite songs on the record; it’s a personal perspective on confrontation and reconciliation.”
And then there’s “Wonderin’,” in which Toby reminisces about the past with Kevin Max and Michael Tait in dcTalk, one of Christian music’s biggest acts in the 1990s. “We was ridin’ in style, clockin’ them miles / With the songs that He put down deep in our hearts . . . / I’m wonderin’ ’bout the way I spend my days / Wonderin’ if it’s even worth the chase / Wonderin’ if they’re stealin’ me from you.”
“It’s just a warm look back at dc Talk,” says Toby, almost wistfully. “It’s reminiscing about Michael and Kevin and what we did together, and recognizing their influence on me. I love what I do today, but there are times when I wonder,What if we stayed together? I’ve got these dreams I’m pursuing now, but are they stealing me from you? I think about Kevin and Michael on every song I write. That's the truth man, we climbed a mountain together.”
Sonically, TONIGHT is typical TobyMac in many ways—an eclectic mix of rap, rock, pop and funk, all laden with catchy hooks and melodies just itching for airplay and audience singalongs. There’s even a healthy dose of reggae on the album closer “Break Open the Sky,” where Toby flexes his Jamaican family ties while Israel Houghton provides guest vocals. Other visiting vocalists include Skillet’s John Cooper on “Tonight” and Relient K’s Matthew Thiessen on “Wonderin’.”
Of course most of the vocals belong to the artist himself. Stephens says Toby “has stretched himself as a vocalist, he writes about things he is passionate about and his vocals reflect that urgency''. Toby agrees: “I do more singing on this record than ever before. I’m learning to use my vocal instrument in different ways, and I’m getting more comfortable with it everyday''.
It all adds up to a project that reflects one man’s desire to push himself beyond “very good,” to dig deep in the quest for that other country where greatness resides. He certainly reached for it. Hard.
“I’ve worked very hard not to fall into the trap of making this just a gig,” he says. “If it is a labor, it’s a labor of love. I know music can’t change the world, but who says God can't speak through a song."
Right here, right now. TONIGHT.
TobyMac is usually styled tobyMac or TOBYMAC
Lights Shine Bright
TobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Music for the people, makin' music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, music for the people, makin' music for the people
I wanna magnify Your light
I wanna reflect the sun
With the colors by the millions
This is the only world we know
And for now this rental's our home
If we gonna be a reflection
Gotta make this third rock glow
(Just so you know)
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin' music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lights in the city might be more than pretty, pretty
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eye
Anytime you see that sparkle in the dark you might look deeper, deeper
It might be more than simply theatre
Yo, that smile might be joy that's connected to the spirit
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it
I remember, can't forget, peace that you can't second guess
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin' pay it forward checks
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin' music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
So let your heart light shine tonight
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin' music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, music for the people makin' music for the people
In "Lights Shine Bright," TobyMac speaks about the power of light and how it can illuminate the soul. He starts by acknowledging that lights shine bright everywhere they go, and every place the music takes them. TobyMac is moved by this and wants to magnify that light further. He is fascinated by the colors of the world and wants to capture them in his music.
The song talks about how the only world we know is this one, and we must make it better by reflecting that light. TobyMac states that we must magnify the light by being positive on this "third rock." The song’s message is clear: Light shines bright everywhere we go, and when we make music for people, it illuminates souls. This is Jesus music that brings light to the soul.
Overall, "Lights Shine Bright" is an uplifting song that encourages listeners to let their light shine forth and be a reflection of Jesus. TobyMac wants his listeners to be joyous and ever-brighter so that that light can spread far and wide.
Line by Line Meaning
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
No matter where we go, we want to be a light that shines bright for everyone to see.
Music for the people, makin' music for the people
Our goal is to create music that connects with people on a deep level and speaks truth to their souls.
I wanna magnify Your light
I want to help others to see and understand the greatness of God's light and love.
I wanna reflect the sun
I want to be a reflection of God's love and light, shining it out into the world.
Cut like precious diamonds
We want our music and our message to be as valuable and enduring as the most precious gems.
With the colors by the millions
We want our music to be vibrant, colorful, and full of life, just like the millions of people who will hear it.
This is the only world we know
We know that this life is temporary and fleeting, and so it's important to make the most of every moment.
And for now this rental's our home
While we may not be here forever, we need to take care of the world we live in while we're here.
If we gonna be a reflection
If we want to represent God's light and love, we need to make sure we're shining brightly enough to be seen.
Gotta make this third rock glow (Just so you know)
We need to take responsibility for the impact we have on the world and do our part to make it a brighter, better place.
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Our music is meant to have a deep, powerful impact on people's hearts and minds, helping to light the way for their souls.
Jesus music for the people
We believe that the message of Jesus is powerful and transformative, and we want to share it through our music.
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eye
Sometimes when we see something strange or inexplicable, it might be a sign of something deeper or more significant than we realize.
It might be more than simply theatre
We shouldn't dismiss things that seem unusual or different just because they don't fit into our preconceived notions of what's normal or acceptable.
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it
If we allow ourselves to be open and receptive to the spirit of love and truth, we may find that it has the power to change us and those around us.
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin' pay it forward checks
When we shine brightly and reflect God's love into the world, we're making a positive impact and leaving a legacy that will continue long after we're gone.
The lights in the city shine bright
The city can be a place of great darkness and despair, but we believe that God's light can overcome even the darkest corners.
So let your heart light shine tonight
We're calling on people to let their love and goodness shine brightly, even in the face of the world's darkness and challenges.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: David Garcia, Solomon Olds, Toby Mckeehan, Truett Mckeehan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Isoyris Rodríguez Matos
Letras:
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go (lights)
Everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
I wanna magnify your light
I wanna reflect the sun
Cut like precious diamonds
With the colors by the millions
This is the only world we know
And for now this rental's our home
If we gonna be a reflection
Gotta make this third rock glow
(Just so you know)
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lights in the city might be more than pretty, pretty
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eyes
Anytime you see that sparkle in the dark you might look deeper, deeper
It might be more than simply theatre
Yo, that smile might be joy that's connected to the spirit
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it
I remember, can't forget, peace that you can't second guess
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin' pay it forward checks
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lorigen Brillo
I wanna magnify your light
I wanna reflect the sun
Cut like precious diamonds
With the colors by the millions
This is the only world we know
And for now this rental's our home
If we gonna be a reflection
Gotta make this third rock glow
(Just so you know)
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lights in the city might be more than pretty, pretty
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eyes
Anytime you see that sparkle in the dark you might look deeper, deeper
It might be more than simply theatre
Yo, that smile might be joy that's connected to the spirit
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it
I remember, can't forget, peace that you can't second guess
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin' pay it forward checks
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
So let your heart light shine tonight
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
(Everywhere we go)
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
(Everywhere we go)
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go (lights)
Everywhere we go
Music for the people, making music for the people.
Gina P
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, music for the people, makin' music for the people
I wanna magnify Your light
I wanna reflect the sun
Cut like precious diamonds
With the colors by the millions
This is the only world we know
And for now this rental’s our home
If we gonna be a reflection
Gotta make this third rock glow
(Just so you know)
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lights in the city might be more than pretty, pretty
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eye
Anytime you see that sparkle in the dark you might look deeper, deeper
It might be more than simply theatre
Yo, that smile might be joy that’s connected to the spirit
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it
I remember, can’t forget, peace that you can’t second guess
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin’ pay it forward checks
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
So let your heart light shine tonight
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, music for the people makin' music for the people
certified_Alyssa💕✨
I'm 16 and people make fun of me for listening to Cristian music but I love it bc my grandma and mom raised me that way and I believe God is real
jUWSE_R3APER
It is much expected to get mocked, made fun of, and teased for being a christian. This generation has no idea what is in store for us, and we can only continue to try our best to bring them to the living God we believe in. God bless you, and continue doing gods work 🤘🏽❤️
💅AloniSings&Dances💅
Amazing
Tabsie Dabie
Jesus is the reason why we are save that's why there is nothing wrong with it
Noe Aguilar
Wooooo say it believe it live it God bless you S.O.G. - Soldier Of God
Jodi Wagers
Expect it. Says the Bible. Embrace it. Shine on!
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I was homeless, got into drugs, went into prisons, then i got to know Jesus, He changed my life.. Now i have a home, a wife, a lovely daughter and a new identity... A child of God.. Hallelujah
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Faith From Word
Powerful
Levi Curtis
God bless you