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
Tonight
TobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every time I try to go in alone I get shut down,
Locked up and held captive in the clutches of my down
We go back, we go forth,
We go back
I'm sick with vertigo
Weary of my ways, my days
My ebbs and flows so
(There's gotta be more than this)
I wanna live a new way
(There's gotta be more)
I wanna feel a new day
(There's gotta be more)
I wanna live a new way
(There's just gotta be more)
Right here, right now
Under the stars, I promise you my heart
Cause it starts tonight!
We wanna rise,
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight!)
We wanna rise,
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight)
We wanna soar,
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight)
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight
Tonight
Can't feel like any night before
Under the sky full of stars
With hearts that want more
(Tonight)
Like the rhythm no dam can hold
Bein' drivin' by a source overflowin' our souls
(Tonight)
Won't be like any night we have seen
It changes everything (e-e-e-e-everything)
Right here, right now
Under the stars
I promise you my heart
Cause it starts tonight!
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(It start tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more,
(Cause it starts tonight!)
We wanna rise,
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight!)
We wanna soar,
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight!)
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight
Tonight
So let us seize this night
Let us make off great
It's on like the break of dawn
So let us seize this night
Let us make our flight
It's on like the break of dawn
Tonight
Tonight
Cause it starts tonight!
Cause it starts tonight!
I wanna feel a new day
I wanna live a new way
(It starts tonight)
I wanna feel a new day
I wanna live a new way
(We don't wanna fall tonight!)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(We don't wanna fall tonight)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We wanna soar,
We wanna reach right out for more
(We don't wanna fall tonight)
Tonight tonight
(We wanna shine tonight!)
Tonight tonight
Cause it starts tonight!
In TobyMac’s song “Tonight,” the artist explores themes of restlessness, discontentment, and the desire for change. Throughout the song, TobyMac expresses his frustration with feeling “locked up and held captive in the clutches of [his] down,” and his longing for something new and refreshing. He sings about wanting to rise, to touch the other side, and to soar to new heights. The repetition of the phrase “It starts tonight” reinforces the idea that tonight is the night for change and growth, and that waiting for tomorrow is not an option.
The chorus of the song highlights the desire for transformation and renewal. TobyMac sings, “We wanna rise, we wanna touch the other side, we wanna soar, we wanna reach right out for more.” He emphasizes the urgency of this transformation, saying “It starts tonight,” and calls on his listeners to join him in embracing the opportunity for change. The bridge of the song repeats the phrase “It’s on like the break of dawn,” further emphasizing the idea that this is the moment for change and action.
Overall, “Tonight” is a hopeful and uplifting song about embracing the opportunity for transformation and growth, and rejecting the status quo. The repetition of the phrase “It starts tonight” reinforces the idea that change begins with a decision to take action, and that tonight is the night to do it.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey!
Introduction and call to attention
Every time I try to go in alone I get shut down,
Whenever I attempt to progress alone, I face opposition and failure,
Locked up and held captive in the clutches of my down
Trapped and limited by my own negative vibes and attitude
We go back, we go forth,
Making little progress, stagnation in a cycle of repetitive behavior
We go back
We regress
I'm sick with vertigo
I'm exhausted and confused by my own state of being
Weary of my ways, my days
Tired of my own habits and routine lifestyle
My ebbs and flows so
My highs and lows in life
I wanna feel a new day
I want a fresh start and a new perspective in life
(There's gotta be more than this)
Life has to offer more opportunities and experiences for me
I wanna live a new way
I want to change my attitude and way of living
(There's gotta be more)
There are other ways to live my life that offer more meaning and joy
I wanna feel a new day
I want a fresh start and a new perspective in life
(There's gotta be more)
There are other ways to live my life that offer more meaning and joy
I wanna live a new way
I want to change my attitude and way of living
(There's just gotta be more)
There surely are better ways to live my life
Right here, right now
In this moment, at this place and time
Under the stars, I promise you my heart
I pledge honesty and loyalty to you under the vastness of the universe
Cause it starts tonight!
This is where everything changes, everything begins afresh!
We wanna rise,
We aspire to grow and pursue our aspirations
We wanna touch the other side
We want to achieve goals we previously thought were beyond our reach
(It starts tonight!)
We start afresh and pursue our dreams and aspirations from tonight onwards
We wanna soar
We want to achieve even greater heights and excel in our pursuits
We wanna reach right out for more
We want to aim for the best and not settle for anything less
(Cause it starts tonight!)
Our journey towards success and fulfillment starts today!
Tonight tonight
Tonight marks the start of our renewed pursuit of life
Tonight tonight tonight
Tonight is everything!
Can't feel like any night before
Tonight is one-of-a-kind - unlike any other night before
Under the sky full of stars
In the presence of the vast universe filled with stars
With hearts that want more
With spirit and drive to achieve more than our current limits suggest
(Tonight)
All this happens tonight!
Like the rhythm no dam can hold
Like an unstoppable wave, our progress towards greatness cannot be halted
Bein' drivin' by a source overflowin' our souls
Motivated by a powerful positive energy which overflows from our deepest beings
(Tonight)
All these great things will happen tonight
Won't be like any night we have seen
Tonight will differ from every other night we've ever experienced before
It changes everything (e-e-e-e-everything)
Tonight's events have a great implication and changes everything we've known so far
So let us seize this night
We should take full advantage of this night and all its possibilities
Let us make off great
Let us make the most out of this night to become great in all ramifications
It's on like the break of dawn
It begins like the start of a new day at sunrise
Let us seize this night
Let us take advantage of this night's unlimited possibilities
Let us make our flight
Let us run with this new path and journey
Cause it starts tonight!
Our journey to greatness and fulfillment starts tonight!
I wanna feel a new day
I want to experience a completely new life from tonight onwards
I wanna live a new way
I want to live differently from tonight onwards
(It starts tonight)
We begin our pursuit of a new life from tonight forward!
(We don't wanna fall tonight!)
We do not want to fail on this night, we seek nothing less than success!
We wanna rise
We want to better our lives and rise to new occasions
We wanna touch the other side
We seek to achieve great things beyond what we've known
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We want to illuminate our lives and make it count!
We wanna soar
We want to achieve great new heights of success
We wanna reach right out for more
We are aiming for more success and achievements than we currently have
(We don't wanna fall tonight)
We need nothing short of excellence and success tonight
Tonight tonight
Tonight promises a great new start towards greater things!
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We want to step up, take charge and make an impact tonight!
Tonight tonight
Tonight is everything!
Cause it starts tonight!
Our life's journey towards greatness and fulfillment starts tonight!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FIONA SHEREE KERNAGHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lynnayebale5250
Thank you Jesus

   
"Tonight" lyrics
tobyMac Lyrics
"Tonight"
(feat. John Cooper)
Hey!
Everytime I try to go in alone
I get shut down
Locked up and held captive in the clutches of my doubt
We go back
We go forth
We go back
I'm sick with vertigo
Weary of my ways, my days
My ebbs and flows
So
I wanna feel a new day
(There's gotta be more than this)
I wanna live a new way
(There's gotta be more)
I wanna feel a new day
(There's gotta be more than this)
I wanna live a new way
(There's just gotta be more)
Right here, right now
Under the stars
I promise you my heart
Cause it starts tonight!
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight!)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight)
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight
Tonight
Can't feel like any night before
Under a sky full of stars
With hearts that want more
(Tonight)
Like the river no dam can hold
Bein' drivin by a source overflowin our souls
(Tonight)
Won't be like any night we've seen
It changes everything (e-e-e-e-everything)
Right here right now
Under the stars
I promise you my heart
Cause it starts tonight!
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(It start tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight!)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(It starts tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(Cause it starts tonight!)
Tonight tonight
Tonight tonight tonight
Tonight
So let us seize this night
Let us make our play
It's on like the break of dawn
Come what may
So let us seize this night
Let us make our play
It's on like the break of dawn
Tonight
Tonight
Cause it starts tonight!...
Cause it starts tonight!
I wanna feel a new day
I wanna live a new way
(It starts tonight)
I wanna feel a new day
I wanna live a new way
(We don't wanna fall tonight!)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(We don't wanna fall tonight)
We wanna rise
We wanna touch the other side
(We wanna shine tonight!)
We wanna soar
We wanna reach right out for more
(We don't wanna fall tonight)
Tonight tonight
(We wanna shine tonight!)
Tonight tonight
Cause it starts tonight!
Submit Corrections
Thanks to Tanya for correcting these lyrics.
Writer(s): Kevin Michael Mc Keehan, Cary Ryan Barlowe, Chris Stevens
AZLyrics
T
tobyMac Lyrics
album: "Tonight" (2010)
Tonight
Get Back Up
Funky Jesus Music
City On Our Knees
ShowStopper
Changed Forever
Hold On
LoudNClear
Hey Devil
Wonderin'
Captured
Start Somewhere
Break Open The Sky
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@mzpes
if music is this good on earth, imagine how awesome it is....... in heaven!
@4girlsgramps
I have been listening to Toby for about two years now. This man is a phenomenal artist and musician. More importantly, he loves Christ and keeps Him at the center of his life. I pray I get to see Toby live very soon....thanks Toby for your spirit, your awesome music and the message of Christ in your music. Love you brother.
@llamasarefuzzy7
I am ABSOLUTELY NOT embarrast to tell other's that I AM a christian. :)
@iHeartJesusandTrevor
Christian + Rock = EPIC
@topworshipmusic8953
If you're reading this then have a nice day have fun and don't stress just thank god for another day and live ur life and do the things u want to do and don't worry about what people say cuz u only live once💕💕
@susangiacoppo2516
Well said , words to live by
@mr.hibster9603
*God
@JesusChristFollower7
you only live twice, live for the second one!
@lizzie921977
I have fallen in love with Christian music because of TobyMac. He is very versatile and I have heard his live shows are incredible. God bless TobyMac for sending such positive messages through his awesome music. My children LOVE LOVE LOVE him too, I always catch them singing Lose My Soul!
@vdg396
I love TobyMac's and John's voices together! They sound awesome