Lecrae - Background Lyrics
Lyrics
Hook:
I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
Verse 1:
It's evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to your script, and I'm reading all your signs (Aye)
I don't need my name in lights, (Aye) I don't need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I'm just gonna lose my soul?
And my ways ain't purified, don't live according to Your Word
I can't endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word to every dancer for a pop star
'Cause we all play the background, but mine's a rockstar
Yeah, so if you need me I'll be stage right
Praying the whole world would start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
'Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessin'
That I'm not that impressive, matter of fact
I'm who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar
Hook:
I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
Verse 2:
Yo, I had a dream that I was captain of my soul
I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank
So I don't want to take the lead, 'cause I'm prone to make mistakes
All these folks who follow me, goin' end up in the wrong place
So just let me shadow you, just let me trace your lines
Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes
'Cause if I do this by myself, I'm scared that I'll succeed
And no longer trust in You, 'cause I only trust in me
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction
Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothin'
You pulled my card, I'm bluffin', You know what's in my hand
Me, I just roll and trust you, You cause the dice to land
I'm in control of nothing, follow You at any cost
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss
And man, I'm so at ease, I'm so content
I'll play the background, like it's an instrument
Hook:
I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
Bridge:
I know I'm safest when I'm in Your will, and trust Your Word
I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games
Got plenty aims, but do they really Glorify Your name?
And it's a shame, the way I want to do these things for You, yet
Don't even cling to you, take time to sit and glean from You
It seems like You were patient in my ignorance
If ignorance is bliss, it's 'cause she never heard of this
Hook:
I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
Hook:
I could play the background
I could play the background
'Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won't You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead
Video
Lecrae - Background Ft. Andy Mineo (C-Lite) (@Lecrae @AndyMineo)
Meaning & Inspiration
Lecrae's "Background," from his 2010 album *Rehab*, isn't just a track; it's a profound theological statement wrapped in an accessible hip-hop package, a sonic sermon on our eternal identity. Released during a period where Lecrae was increasingly recognized for his ability to articulate faith in contemporary culture, this song delves into a truth often overlooked in the clamor of daily life: our true belonging is not found in earthly circumstances, but in Christ. The narrative, implicitly, is one of transformation, moving from a position of being defined by the world's fleeting metrics – success, hardship, social standing – to understanding oneself as a child of God, whose worth is unshakeable. This shifts the entire perspective of "background," reinterpreting it not as a place of origin or limitation, but as a testament to God's sovereign hand in every season of life.
The core message of "Background" resonates deeply with scriptural truths about divine adoption and ultimate security in God. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:15-16, speaks of receiving the Spirit of adoption, crying out "Abba, Father," and that this Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. This verse perfectly captures the essence of Lecrae's song, suggesting that our deepest identity is not rooted in our past or present "background," but in the very intimate relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. Furthermore, the concept is echoed in 1 Peter 2:9, which calls believers a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," emphasizing a spiritual heritage that transcends any earthly pedigree or circumstance. Lecrae seems to be encouraging listeners to internalize this divine affirmation, to understand that no matter what their past looks like, or what challenges they face, they are fundamentally set apart and cherished by God. This is not about erasing one's past, but about recontextualizing it within the grander narrative of redemption, where God uses every element of our journey for His glory. The song offers a powerful reminder that true validation comes not from external achievements or societal acceptance, but from the unchangeable love and acceptance found in our spiritual family. It’s an invitation to find peace and purpose in our heavenly "background," a perspective that can transform how we navigate the complexities of our earthly existence.