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
Promised Land
TobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The hours roll, they never stop
And I can't ever seem to get ahead
Always tryin' to do what's right
Straight and narrow, it's gettin' tight
Don't know how much longer I can stand
And I'm wonderin'
Where's my promised land?
Out here on this desert road
It's hot as fire but I've grown cold
Circlin' like a plane that never lands
And even though the questions change
The answers always stay the same
Maybe someday I will understand
So I'm wonderin'
Got me wonderin'
Where's my promised land?
Yeah, I'm wonderin'
Still, I'm wonderin'
Where's my promised land?
Well, I've run this Earth for many years
If there's one thing I know
There's nowhere on this side o' Heaven
Where streets are made o' gold
I've long laid tell my grand illusions
Lookin' toward the day that I'll be home
I won't give up on this race
Broken but I still have faith
That this old life is all part of a plan
And I can feel it in my soul
One day, I'll stand before the throne
With nothin' left but hope and these two hands
Through all these seasons
I'm still believin'
You're my promised land
In all my grievin'
I'm still believin'
You're my promised land
You're my promised land
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
My promised land
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Ah, ah
Oh, oh
You're my promised land
In TobyMac's song Promised Land, the singer is feeling trapped and discouraged by the never-ending monotony of their job. The lyrics paint a picture of someone desperately seeking meaning and purpose in their life, wondering where their "promised land" is. The metaphor of a desert road adds to the sense of hopelessness, with the singer feeling like they're going in circles without ever reaching their destination. Despite this, they still have faith in the promise of something better, something more fulfilling and meaningful to come.
The lyrics also suggest a deep sense of spirituality underlying the singer's struggles. They reference Heaven, and the idea that there's something beyond this earthly life that will make everything worth it. This sense of hope is what keeps the singer going, even when they feel like they can't take it anymore. The repeated refrain of "You're my promised land" suggests that the singer's faith is what sustains them, even in the midst of their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Head down as I punch this clock
I am working hard and staying focused on my job.
The hours roll, they never stop
Time keeps moving forward no matter how hard I work.
And I can't ever seem to get ahead
Despite my efforts, I am unable to make progress in life.
Always tryin' to do what's right
I strive to make ethical and moral choices.
Straight and narrow, it's gettin' tight
It's becoming increasingly difficult to stay on the right path.
Don't know how much longer I can stand
I am feeling overwhelmed and unsure if I can continue the way I've been going.
And I'm wonderin'
I am filled with contemplation and questioning.
Yeah, I'm wonderin'
My thoughts are consumed with questioning my current situation.
Where's my promised land?
I am wondering where my destiny lies and where I am meant to go.
Out here on this desert road
I feel alone and lost on a desolate path.
It's hot as fire but I've grown cold
I have become numb from the difficulties of life.
Circlin' like a plane that never lands
I feel stuck and unable to make progress in life.
And even though the questions change
While the questions I have may evolve, they remain unanswered.
The answers always stay the same
Despite the questions, there seems to be no clear answer or direction for me to turn.
Maybe someday I will understand
I hold onto the hope that one day I will gain clarity and understanding.
Got me wonderin'
I am filled with uncertainty and doubt.
Where's my promised land?
I am questioning where my destiny and purpose lies.
Well, I've run this Earth for many years
I have experienced various life situations and problems over time.
If there's one thing I know
Despite the uncertainty and doubt, I hold onto this one truth.
There's nowhere on this side o' Heaven
There is no place on earth where everything is perfect.
Where streets are made o' gold
There is no place on earth where everything is easy and luxurious.
I've long laid tell my grand illusions
I have come to recognize the mythical and unreal dreams I once held.
Lookin' toward the day that I'll be home
I long for the day when I can return to my true home and destination.
I won't give up on this race
I will not give up on life despite the difficulties.
Broken but I still have faith
Even though I am wounded and tired, I still have faith and hope for the future.
That this old life is all part of a plan
I hold onto the belief that my life is all part of a larger plan and purpose.
And I can feel it in my soul
I have a strong intuitive sense of this truth.
One day, I'll stand before the throne
I cling to the hope of being able to approach my ultimate destination.
With nothin' left but hope and these two hands
I realize that I cannot control everything, and that only hope and my own two hands carry me forward.
Through all these seasons
Through the ups and downs of life.
I'm still believin'
I still retain my faith and trust in what is yet to come.
You're my promised land
I put my faith in the idea that my destiny and home is solidly rooted in you.
In all my grievin'
Despite my suffering and pain.
I'm still believin'
I still maintain hope in you.
You're my promised land
My every earthly and divine goal rests entirely on your ultimate fulfillment.
You're my promised land
The very essence of my faith rests on your promise, solidity, and ultimate destination.
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Exhibits the deep, moving emotion and abiding faith present in the song's overall message.
My promised land
Conveys the belief that the promised land is personal, unique, and specific to each individual believer.
Ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh
Continuing the powerful, emotional music of the song.
Ah, ah
Serves as a musical interlude that conveys wonder, awe, and faith.
Oh, oh
Reinforces the powerful, emotion-laden message of the song.
You're my promised land
Conveys a strong, clear, and unwavering belief in the importance and truth of the song's central message.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Adam Agee, Toby Mckeehan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trojan403
This song just broke my heart wide open. I am in tears… I haven’t seen my only new born son for over 8 months, taken away by his mother without any rhyme, mercy or reason…
I’ve been fighting for months just to see him again in all ways that I know how. It’s unbelievable that someone could be so heartless towards a father and a son.
If Toby can raise hands in praise after all that he has been through.. so can I.
What a powerful, powerful song from someone who has gone through tremendous grief. This is one of your best Toby.
I felt today - the first time I heard it, it was for me in my moment of pain.
Thank you Toby, you are a true believer.
@DreDrexler
Love this new sound from Toby. Strong song 💪🏽
@mychristianmusicweekinreviews
Dre, it's a good soft rock meets hip-hop sound in this song indeed.
@daisy1799
Yes will love his song ❤️
@marystewart1446
I really really love this new song
I will catch myself singing this
Song OMG all of his songs touches
My heart every time.Another song
Help is on the way i needed to hear
That song it helped me i prayed and read the word of GOD and sing with
Toby Mac help is on the way.I believed it.GOD showed off & showed out in my situation 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 nothing is
Impossible for our GOD.❤❤❤
@Antnj81
@@mychristianmusicweekinreviews there's really not much hip hop here. I mean the beat has a little bounce but that's pretty much it. This is mostly just singing
@jackdeberry9461
God Bless! Have a great week and may you always grow in your relationship with God, The Holy Spirit, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Praying for you and your family!
@lordofrings62
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
@wilsonfamily4922
One of my favorites. John 16:33
@theawakeningproject1
I lost my dad this year (2022) to the war of drug addiction. He was only a couple weeks past 50 years old. I came upon this song today and it made me think of my dad. Before I lost my dad he came to visit me and my sister for his 50th birthday. While I listen to this song I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. My dad wasn't perfect, he had his problems in life and he battled with a lot of things. But he had a heart of gold and a warming smile. One day while I was at work I started to think of my dad and I started getting emotional and began to weap tears. I suddenly felt this powerful energy that shifted me. It was as if my dad, and God were standing there and each put a hand on my shoulder and said everything is going to be okay. That day changed everything for me. I already believed in God. But I never felt anything like that. To this day I wear a cross necklace with Phillipians 3:14 inscribed on it. This is my personal experience and I will never forget the day. I am here to tell you, if you are down and out or having a tough going don't forget that God is there. He is watching and everything happens for a reason. God is powerful in so many ways. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I felt I needed to get it out there. I guess I never really talked about this. God bless.
@soniareyes57
YOUR WORDS TOUCHING 🙌🙌🙌🛐🛐🛐❤️❤️❤️🚀🚀🚀