TobyMac - Backseat Driver Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1: tobyMac
Silly me, silly me, aye
Revertin' back to my old ways
Them got to be in control days
Jump before I pray
Yo, I'm headed out the doorway
But I want Your way, Yahweh
From dirt roads to highways
You're showin' me a beautiful view from this backseat
But there's lots of room and I never would have seen it if I wasn't rolling with you
Hook 1: Hollyn
I don't wanna be no backseat, (don't wanna be) no backseat driver
I don't wanna navigate, (don't wanna, uh), won't You take it over (take it over)
I don't wanna ever doubt You, I'm lost without You Lord
I don't wanna be no backseat, (don't wanna be) no backseat driver
You got the wheel, take me where You wanna go
My heart is Your's, no matter where we roll
Verse 2: TRU
Been backseat my whole life
Now I turned 16 so it's time to drive
Buckle up, TRU behind the wheel
Got my iPhone bumping like (dom da dom)
GPS locked and the map was set
Thought I had it all right till the road went left
Spinning outta control in this Coupe de Ville
Now I'm sittin' shotgun, Jesus take the wheeel
Hook 2: Hollyn
I don't wanna be no backseat, (don't wanna be) no backseat driver
I don't wanna navigate, (don't wanna, uh), won't You take it over (take it over)
I don't wanna ever doubt You, I'm lost without You Lord
I don't wanna be no backseat, (don't wanna be) no backseat driver
Bridge: tobyMac
I'm putting my trust in You, putting my trust in You
It's a little bit overdue, but I'm putting my trust in You
(3x)
Verse 3: tobyMac
It's a whole new journey, a brand new path
And Imma fix my eyes so I won't look back
Tame this beating heart in my chest
Cause everything in my wants to jump ahead
So light it up, up
Don't let it fade
Light it up, up
Show me the way
Light it up Lord, just like You do
No second guessin', Imma move with You
Hook
(2x)
Video
TobyMac - Backseat Driver (Lyric Video) ft. Hollyn, Tru
Meaning & Inspiration
TobyMac's "Backseat Driver," featuring Hollyn and TRU, released on June 9, 2015, is a powerful anthem of surrender and trust, deeply rooted in a Christian worldview. The song addresses the universal human struggle to relinquish control and yield to a higher plan, a theme that resonates profoundly with biblical teachings on dependence on God. The core message revolves around the realization that attempting to steer one's own life without divine guidance leads to disorientation and a loss of the beautiful perspective God offers from a place of leadership. TobyMac's opening verse immediately establishes this internal conflict, admitting to reverting to "old ways" where the desire to be in charge overrides faith, likening it to leaping before truly praying or seeking God's will. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, assuring that He will direct our paths.
The hook, delivered by Hollyn, crystallizes the song's central plea: the desire to be a "backseat driver" in the sense of relinquishing control, not being a passive observer but actively handing over the reins. The lyric, "I don't wanna navigate, won't You take it over," is a direct appeal for God's sovereignty in life’s journey. This mirrors the prayerful posture of David in Psalm 23, where he declares, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," signifying complete reliance on God's provision and direction. The expressed sentiment, "I don't wanna ever doubt You, I'm lost without You Lord," speaks to the vulnerability and dependence that is central to a genuine walk of faith, aligning with Jesus' teaching in John 15:5: "Apart from me you can do nothing."
TRU's verse adds a relatable layer, depicting the youthful eagerness for independence and self-direction, likening it to a sixteen-year-old ready to drive. The initial confidence in having "GPS locked and the map was set" quickly dissolves when the "road went left," leading to a loss of control. This scenario powerfully illustrates how our meticulously laid plans can unravel without divine foresight, a truth found in Jeremiah 10:23: "I know, O Lord, that man's way is not his own; it is not for man who walks to direct his steps." The shift from "behind the wheel" to "sittin' shotgun, Jesus take the wheeel" represents a profound moment of realizing the inadequacy of self-reliance and the necessity of Christ’s leadership.
The bridge, with TobyMac repeating, "I'm putting my trust in You," acts as a declaration of commitment to this surrender. This repetitive affirmation underscores the continuous nature of faith, not a one-time decision but an ongoing practice. It reflects the encouragement found in Hebrews 10:36: "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." The final verse emphasizes a forward-looking perspective, fixing eyes on the new journey and taming the restless heart that naturally desires to rush ahead. The plea to "light it up" and "show me the way" is a prayer for God's illuminating presence and guidance, mirroring Psalm 119:105, which states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The commitment to move with God, without second-guessing, signifies a mature understanding of discipleship as active participation in His will. Ultimately, "Backseat Driver" is an inspiring testament to the freedom found in surrendering the driver's seat of life to the ultimate guide, encouraging listeners to embrace a posture of trust and allow God to navigate their unique journeys.