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
Momentum
tobyMac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause they said so
But I could never let this thing go
Don't they even know what that means
They call me obscene
Say I wear my faith on my sleeve
But I ain't here to seek no glory
End of story, I know the judge and the jury
But never want to step to the light
So I hear you say you wanna come and get some
Should I mention I got your attention
Know that I'm a man on a mission, my position is
Momentum, baby
Been on a roll for two thousand years or so
We got momentum, baby
Livin' on the edge of obnoxious
They call me raucous
I'm a freak, I can't stop this
Ardently enthused about God
No hand-me-down nod
Your gonna get all I got
High-steppin' from the twenty on in
Knees to my chin
I'm rollin' deep in momentum
Burnin' with the hard core flame
No shame in this game
I'm followin' my heart not my brain
Well we...
Been on a roll
'Cause we got souls that won't die
And this party ain't over 'til we take flight
You've been told that we come bold on this side
You ain't never known the dilly 'til we testify
'Cause have you ever heard of turnin' water into wine
And have you ever heard of givin' sight back to the blind
It's undeniable we're droppin' the Truth on this track
'Cause once you start an avalanche there ain't no turnin' back
So I hear you say you wanna come and get some
Should I mention I got your attention
Know that I'm a man on a mission, my position is
Momentum
The song "Momentum" by tobyMac is an anthem for those who are unapologetic about their faith and who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. The opening lyrics express the pressure that others may put on someone to let go of their beliefs, but tobyMac refuses to give in. He acknowledges that he is often labeled as “obscene” and is criticized for wearing his faith on his sleeve. The artist then confidently declares that he is not seeking glory, and that he knows that he is accountable to a higher authority. Throughout the song, tobyMac uses the metaphor of momentum to express the power and energy that comes from living a life centered on faith in God. He asserts that he and other believers have been on a roll for over 2,000 years and that they are still gaining momentum.
The chorus of the song emphasizes this idea of momentum and encourages listeners to join in the movement. The artist proclaims that he is a man on a mission and that his position is momentum. To him, faith is not just a passive belief, but an active force that propels him forward. He describes himself as “livin' on the edge of obnoxious” and as a “freak” who is “ardently enthused about God.” These descriptions reveal to the listener that his faith is not just a part of his life, but the driving force behind everything he does. In the second verse, tobyMac uses more descriptive language to illustrate the extent to which he is committed to his faith. He refers to himself as “high-steppin” and energetically rolling deep in momentum. The artist declares that he is burning with a “hardcore flame” and that he is unashamed of his lifestyle.
Overall, "Momentum" is an upbeat and powerful song that encourages listeners to live boldly and passionately for their beliefs. The use of energetic metaphors such as momentum and hardcore flame help the listener to visualize the passion and drive of the artist. The lyrics are powerful and full of conviction, which makes the song an inspiring anthem for anyone who wants to lead an unapologetic and purpose-driven life.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody said you better let go
Someone advised me to give up or let go of my beliefs or passions.
'Cause they said so
Because they think it's the right thing to do, regardless of my own personal convictions.
But I could never let this thing go
However, I can never just abandon or forsake what I truly believe in or love.
Don't they even know what that means
Do they even understand the significance or importance of holding on to something that matters to me?
They call me obscene
Critics and skeptics label me vulgar or offensive because of my strong stance on my convictions.
Say I wear my faith on my sleeve
They accuse me of openly displaying my religious beliefs or morals for everyone to see and judge.
But I ain't here to seek no glory
However, I am not trying to gain fame, recognition, or approval from anyone by professing what I believe in.
End of story, I know the judge and the jury
In the end, I believe that my ultimate judge and jury is God, and no one else can question or condemn me for following my convictions.
People always gotta ask who, what, when and why
People always have questions or doubts about my beliefs or actions, or they challenge me on these matters, asking for clarification or justification.
But never want to step to the light
However, they never want to truly understand or accept the light of truth or faith that guides me.
So I hear you say you wanna come and get some
So, I hear that you want to challenge or oppose me on what I believe in or stand for.
Should I mention I got your attention
However, I must note that you are only paying attention to me because of my strong convictions or reputation.
Know that I'm a man on a mission, my position is
I need you to know that I am determined to accomplish a specific goal or objective, and my position or stance is unwavering.
Momentum, baby
I have a powerful force or energy that drives me forward towards my mission or goal.
Been on a roll for two thousand years or so
My beliefs or cause have been going strong for thousands of years, and there's no slowing down anytime soon.
We got momentum, baby
Our strong commitment, faith, and unity as a group give us an unbeatable momentum that propels us forward.
Livin' on the edge of obnoxious
My boldness or outspokenness might seem rude or annoying to others who don't share my views or passions.
They call me raucous
Some might even see me as loud, unruly, or rowdy because of my deep convictions or lively personality.
I'm a freak, I can't stop this
However, I embrace the fact that I am different or unique from others and I will not give up or compromise what I believe in or stand for.
Ardently enthused about God
I am passionately excited and devoted to my faith or spirituality.
No hand-me-down nod
My beliefs or convictions are not inherited or passed down blindly from someone else. I stand on my own two feet.
Your gonna get all I got
I am willing to give it my all and leave no stone unturned when it comes to pursuing what I believe in or love.
High-steppin' from the twenty on in
I am charging forward with great enthusiasm or energy towards my goal, leaving behind any doubts or fears.
Knees to my chin
I am pressing forward with all my might, despite any obstacles or setbacks I may face.
I'm rollin' deep in momentum
My forward progress or strength of conviction is not just a shallow concept or brief trend, but rather a deep, unwavering force that guides me.
Burnin' with the hard core flame
My passion or fervor for what I believe in or stand for is intense, unwavering, and deeply rooted.
No shame in this game
I will not apologize or feel ashamed for my strong convictions or beliefs, even if others might disagree or criticize me for it.
I'm followin' my heart not my brain
I am guided by my deep passion or intuition, not just by my intellect or reasoning alone.
Well we...
We, as a group or community, share a common goal or passion.
Been on a roll
We have been making significant progress and achieving great things thanks to our unwavering dedication and momentum.
'Cause we got souls that won't die
Our faith, spirit, and energy are so strong that they will never fade, no matter what challenges or opposition we may face.
And this party ain't over 'til we take flight
Our mission or purpose is not yet complete, and we will not stop until we have achieved everything we set out to do.
You've been told that we come bold on this side
We are not afraid to express or act boldly in our beliefs or actions, without apology or hesitation.
You ain't never known the dilly 'til we testify
You have never fully understood or experienced the power of our faith or conviction until you hear us proclaim it for ourselves.
'Cause have you ever heard of turnin' water into wine
Our faith or belief has the power to change the impossible into the possible.
And have you ever heard of givin' sight back to the blind
Our faith or belief can also heal, restore, or redeem even those who are lost or helpless.
It's undeniable we're droppin' the Truth on this track
We are not just expressing opinions or preferences, but we are proclaiming and spreading a powerful truth that cannot be ignored or denied.
'Cause once you start an avalanche there ain't no turnin' back
Once we have started our mission or purpose, our momentum and impact cannot be stopped or undone.
Contributed by Lillian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
WelcomeToJ
The greatest TobyMac track of all time. Come at me.
Actually, one of the best tracks from a Christian artist of all-time. The influence that this track and album had back in the day...those who know, know.
Jeannette Nobles
This album is straight up jammalicious!!!😇
TMac!! Jamming for Jesus!! 😎
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!!🤨
signdigger
Thanks for years of rocking out man, enjoyed every single minute of it!
Bear's Flying Circus
I just got back from a TobyMac concert on his Hits Deep Tour, and I was absolutely amazed. He played so many hits; it was a TobyMac fan's dream. I hope he plays this the next time he goes on tour, because that would be the icing on the cake!
Ezra Walton
My favorite song on that Album!!!!!!
Mary Pov
Love this album. I wish that there was a deluxe edition!
Single Autism Mom (SAM)
Love all of his albums
signdigger
On a roll , now he's at the door ! Getting ready to take his to the millennium! People get ready he's coming very soon keep them eyes to the sky things are going to get tough for all of his now ! Much Love a peace to all!
EJ
Just simply stay steadfast, not exactly keeping our eyes peeled at the sky, but everyday could be the last. Bless The Lord that each day He gives us to get closer and closer to Him. I Love Him
Random Bitzzz
Nice to see some of your classics get the YouTube treatment :-)