Da' T.R.U.T.H. - The City Lyrics
Lyrics
Man I love my city
And I love my life it ain't always pretty
And life is too short to be actin' all petty
And I ain't got it all but I always got plenty
So why should I complain
When I could just pray if I ain't got it in the bank
And I could just pray if I'm [?] in pain
And I got my umbrella here from standin' in the rain
That's protection throughout the stormy nights
When life is crazy that's when His glory's bright
Then I'm reminded through all the pain
As much as I love livin' that there's more to life
When everything is okay
Still looking forward to the day
When I'm not a stranger and there is no danger
In the City of Hope...
I put on for my city
And I live in the 'burbs where the streets ain't pretty
And got a little land I ain't tryna be [?]
But I'm grateful to the Father for eveything He give me
'Cause everything ain't bad
And life could be good if we on the right path
And she could be cool if if we sittin' on cash
Throwin' good for yourself when your foot is on the gas
But the good life still ain't good enough
And life is full of things that are pullin' us
But if we keep our eyes to the skies where Jesus [?] keep lookin' up
When everything is okay
Still looking forward to the day
When I'm not a stranger and there is no danger
In the City of Hope...
Three gates in the West
Three gates in the East
Three more in the North 'nother three in the South
Twenty-four at His feet
I could hear the critics say
[?] this is in vain
But I guarantee that it's not you say this has better stop
Jesus got up from the grave
That there is the proof
That one day me and you
Will go down into the grave and never bein' afraid
'Cause we will all do the same
If you're here tonight
Put your hand up high
You don't ever have to cry we'll meet him up in the sky
And forever be alive
In the City of Hope...
Video
The City
Meaning & Inspiration
Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s compelling track, "The City," released on January 29, 2013, as part of his album *Love Hope War*, stands as a profound testament to the Christian pilgrimage—a journey navigating present realities while anchored in the unwavering expectation of eternal life. This song is far more than a simple musical composition; it's a lyrical sermon, a reflective prayer, and an urgent declaration of faith, masterfully weaving personal experience with eschatological hope. From its opening bars, the track immerses us in a narrative that begins with an honest appraisal of life's imperfect beauty and culminates in a vibrant vision of the world to come, focusing entirely on its impactful message rather than musicality.
The narrative commences with Da' T.R.U.T.H. expressing love for his present surroundings and his life, acknowledging its imperfections without succumbing to despair. He asserts that "life is too short to be actin' all petty," a perspective rooted in a profound sense of gratitude and contentment, even when earthly possessions are not abundant. This sentiment resonates deeply with the Apostle Paul's teaching in Philippians 4:11-13, where he speaks of learning to be content in every situation through Christ who strengthens him. The artist then swiftly transitions to the power of prayer, posing, "why should I complain / When I could just pray if I ain't got it in the bank?" This simple yet potent question underscores a reliance on divine provision and intervention, echoing Philippians 4:6-7, which urges us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving instead of worrying. He illustrates God's protective hand through the metaphor of an "umbrella...from standin' in the rain," highlighting divine safeguarding through turbulent times and reminding us that "When life is crazy that's when His glory's bright." This perspective aligns with Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with us through deep waters and fiery trials. Ultimately, despite loving this earthly existence, he recognizes "there's more to life," hinting at the greater eternal purpose that frames the entire song.
The recurring chorus, "When everything is okay / Still looking forward to the day / When I'm not a stranger and there is no danger / In the City of Hope," serves as the song's central anchor, unmistakably pointing to the New Jerusalem. This "City of Hope" is the ultimate destination for believers, a place free from sorrow, pain, and danger, described extensively in Revelation 21. It's the "city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" that Abraham looked forward to (Hebrews 11:10), a heavenly homeland where God will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear. This yearning for an eternal dwelling place transforms the song from a personal reflection into a universal anthem for those whose citizenship is in heaven.
As the song progresses, Da' T.R.U.T.H. further grounds his message in the present while maintaining his heavenly focus. He acknowledges living in the "burbs" and being grateful for his earthly blessings, emphasizing that "everything ain't bad" and "life could be good if we on the right path." This balance showcases a believer's calling to live responsibly and gratefully in the world, yet without becoming entangled by its fleeting allurements. He challenges the superficiality of material wealth, observing, "the good life still ain't good enough," a powerful counter-cultural statement in a society often driven by acquisition. This aligns with Christ's teaching in Matthew 6:19-21 to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Recognizing the "things that are pullin' us" away from spiritual truth, he offers the vital counsel to "keep our eyes to the skies where Jesus [is], keep lookin' up." This directive beautifully encapsulates Colossians 3:1-2, urging us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly matters.
The song reaches its theological crescendo in its final section, where Da' T.R.U.T.H. paints a vivid, scripturally rich picture of the "City of Hope." His description of "Three gates in the West / Three gates in the East / Three more in the North 'nother three in the South" is a direct and unmistakable quotation from Revelation 21:12-13, precisely detailing the architectural majesty of the New Jerusalem. The mention of "Twenty-four at His feet" likely references the twenty-four elders bowing before God's throne, as depicted in Revelation 4:4 and 10-11, symbolizing the redeemed worshipping the Creator. Addressing potential skepticism, he confronts those who might dismiss such hope as "in vain," quickly countering with the undeniable proof of "Jesus got up from the grave." This is the cornerstone of Christian faith: Christ's resurrection guarantees our own victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 54-57). This foundational truth removes fear from the prospect of mortality, promising that "one day me and you / Will go down into the grave and never bein' afraid." The song culminates in a triumphant call to anticipate the day when believers "will meet him up in the sky / And forever be alive / In the City of Hope," echoing 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes the glorious gathering of believers with Christ. "The City" by Da' T.R.U.T.H. is an inspirational anthem, robustly built on biblical truth, offering a powerful reminder that while we navigate the complexities of this world, our ultimate hope and eternal dwelling await us in the glorious presence of our Creator.