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
Lose My Soul
TobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man I'm not gonna let these material things
Get in my way, y'll
I'm trying to get somewhere
I'm trying to get somewhere
That's real and pure and true and eternal
Toby can you go with your boy, let's go
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me
And every little thing I make up my mind to be
Like I'ma be a daddy whose in the mix
And I'm be a husband who stays legit
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above
The road that is wide and filled with self love
Everything that I see draws me
Though it's only in You that I can truly see
That it's a feast for the eyes, a low blow to purpose
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus (no)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say
(Mr. Franklin, step up to the mic sir)
Check it out
The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts
Yo before we part from the start, where's your heart?
You a pimp, hustler?
Tell me what's your title
America has no more stars, now we call them idols
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me
We're free
Not because of 22's on the range
But Christ came in range, we said, "Yes" now we changed (uh)
Not the same, even though I made a fall
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul (yep)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say
Don't wanna walk away
(Walk away, walk away)
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity, eternity
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity, tell me
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light
Living in light of eternity
Lord what we gonna do? (I don't want to gain the whole world)
We're relying on you (and lose my soul)
All eyes are on you Lord
All eyes are on you (all eyes are on you Jesus)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
(Light a candle y'all, lift it high y'all, come on)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
(Don't let me lose my soul, my soul)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
(This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me?)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
(Don't wanna walk away, and all His people say)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
(No I don't wanna lose, I don't wanna lose my soul)
Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world
That fight for our love, and our passion
As our eyes are open wide and on you
Grant us the privilege of your world view
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
(We don't wanna lose our soul)
(No, don't wanna lose my soul)
Hey excuse me
I'm looking for some dude named Toby
Ha ha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it
Thanks
No problem
Don't let me lose my soul
I never wanna walk away
I don't wanna lose my soul
No, no, no
Don't let me, don't let me, lose my soul
I don't wanna walk away, ooh-ohh
Don't ever wanna walk away
No, no, no, no no
Don't let me , don't let me lose my way, whoa-ay
Don't let me lose my soul
I'm never gonna walk away
In TobyMac's song, "Lose My Soul," the lyrics revolve around a person's struggle to maintain their values and sense of self in a world that constantly pulls them in different directions. The singer acknowledges that many external factors can cause distractions and lead people astray from true spiritual fulfillment. They express that they are trying to reach a place that is "real and pure and true and eternal." Then the singer talks to God and asks Him for guidance in retaining their identity and staying grounded in response to life's many requests for compromises. The song urges listeners to be cautious with their ambition and avoid chasing material things that could distract one from God's path.
The song's lyrics repeatedly emphasize the desire to avoid gaining the whole world and losing one's soul in the process. The verse questions what one's response should be when we get "consumed by the things of this world" that take our love, passion, and attention away from God. The song suggests that we rely on Him, learn from Him, and point others towards Him so that we can live in harmony with the Gospel. The chorus emphasizes the fear of letting go of what matters by singing, "Don't wanna walk away. Let me hear the people say. Don't wanna lose my soul."
Line by Line Meaning
Man, I wanna tell you all something, man
I have something important to say
Man I'm not gonna let these material things
I won't let possessions come between me and my goals
Get in my way, y'll
Obstruct or hinder me from where I want to go
I'm trying to get somewhere
Trying to get to a better place
That's real and pure and true and eternal
Seeking a genuine and everlasting path
Toby can you go with your boy, let's go
I want a companion to join me on this journey
Father God, I am clay in your hands
I am malleable and open to your guidance
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands
Assist me in staying true to myself
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me
External pressures try to steer me off course
And every little thing I make up my mind to be
I try to be steadfast in my choices
Like I'ma be a daddy whose in the mix
I aspire to be a present father
And I'm be a husband who stays legit
I want to be a faithful and loving husband
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above
I hope to influence and impact others positively
The road that is wide and filled with self love
The popular path filled with self-absorption
Everything that I see draws me
The world is enticing and alluring
Though it's only in You that I can truly see
I realize true clarity only comes from God
That it's a feast for the eyes, a low blow to purpose
Worldly possessions distract from true meaning
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus (no)
I'm caught up in worldly distractions like a child at a circus
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul
I don't want to compromise my integrity for worldly success
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say
I want others to support me in my quest for true purpose
(Mr. Franklin, step up to the mic sir)
Guest artist Kirk Franklin takes the stage
Check it out
Listen to this
The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you
The media assumes that fame defines a person
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do
A person's worth isn't determined by occupation
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts
We misunderstand the true value of success
Yo before we part from the start, where's your heart?
Examine your heart before committing to a path
You a pimp, hustler?
Are you pursuing selfish gains?
Tell me what's your title
What do you identify as?
America has no more stars, now we call them idols
We idolize people instead of recognizing their humanity
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity
We waste time with worthless pursuits instead of meaningful growth
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me
Personal growth should be top priority
We're free
We have freedom in Christ
Not because of 22's on the range
Not because of material possessions
But Christ came in range, we said, "Yes" now we changed (uh)
Believing in Christ transforms us
Not the same, even though I made a fall
I may have made mistakes, but I've changed
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul (yep)
Like the biblical figure, I've transformed from broken to inspired
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
How do I recognize worldly influences?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity, eternity
Blinding me from lasting values
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity, tell me
It's entrancing me away from eternal purpose
Lord what we gonna do? (I don't want to gain the whole world)
A cry for guidance
We're relying on you (and lose my soul)
We put our trust in God
All eyes are on you Lord
We turn our attention to God
Don't wanna walk away
Don't want to stray from purpose
Don't let me lose my soul
A prayer for salvation
This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me?
Asking for protection and guidance
(Walk away, walk away)
Reminding against giving up
(Light a candle y'all, lift it high y'all, come on)
A call for action and perseverance
Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world
Asking for forgiveness for misplaced priorities
That fight for our love, and our passion
That distract from our true goals
As our eyes are open wide and on you
As we focus on God
Grant us the privilege of your world view
Help us see with a godly perspective
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down
May God's purpose be our driving force
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Praise to God
(No, don't wanna lose my soul)
Affirming commitment to right paths
Hey excuse me
An aside
I'm looking for some dude named Toby
A playful interlude
Ha ha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it
A humorous response
Thanks
Expressing gratitude
No problem
Further thanks
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Christopher E.. Stevens, Michael Ripoll, Toby McKeehan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@damefame8921
Man this song keeps hitting harder the older you get.
@robertspence831
Yeah, I feel that myself......
@GhostM-qy4qs
The truth hits very hard doesn’t it
@placefeature5329
YEAH!
@brendongeorge73
I love 💗 e song 🎵 😊
@ericblom9568
Ya think? Blessings on you & your house..
@JolovesDecor
I’m 55 years old, and grew up listening to DC Talk, and Toby. It’s amazing he’s still touching young kids with his message. God has used him in a mighty way.
@brendongeorge73
Q I love 💗 song 🎶
@kevinklampe9362
I'm 55 Met Toby, Seen him Live a Couple Times & Feel The Same Way.
Our World & Country Would Not be the same without Toby Mac and his music. Facts!
@mylifeingeneral
I'm 44! I love Toby! 😍