V1
If you gotta start somewhere why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now?
If we gotta start somewhere I say here, If we gotta start sometime, I say now.
Pre-Chorus
Through the fog, there is hope in the distance. From cathedrals to third world missions, love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave.
Hook
Tonight's the night for the Sinners and the Saints, two worlds collide in a beautiful display.
It's all love tonight when we step across the line, we can sail across the sea to a city with one King, a city on our knees. A city on our knees, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Verse
Repeat PRE-CHORUS & HOOK
Bridge
Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
Tonight could last forever
Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
Family, we're family.
Oh, tonight could last forever, we are one choice from together.
You and me, yeah, You and me.
Repeat HOOK
If we gotta start somewhere, why not here? If we gotta start sometime, why not now?
City On Our Knees
City On Our Knees Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
TobyMac's song "City On Our Knees" delivers a powerful message of unity, hope, and collective action, urging listeners towards a shared state of humility and submission. Released as a single, the track quickly became a significant piece in his discography, known for its infectious rhythm and profound lyrical content. The accompanying music video, released on September 30, 2013, visually reinforced the song's themes of diversity coming together, showcasing various people from different walks of life uniting under a common purpose, emphasizing that this call is for everyone, everywhere, and immediately.
The song's core meaning revolves around the idea of starting change *now* and *here*. It rejects procrastination and geographic limitation, suggesting that transformation begins within our immediate reach and in the present moment. The narrative unfolds, painting a picture of hope emerging even through difficult circumstances, reaching far beyond typical boundaries to encompass global communities. This vision culminates in a powerful image of love descending like a powerful wave, suggesting an overwhelming, transformative force that connects people.
A central theme is the coming together of diverse groups – often perceived as separate or even opposed – highlighting a beautiful, unified convergence. This stepping across dividing lines symbolizes overcoming differences, whether social, spiritual, or personal, to embrace a shared identity based on love. The ultimate destination envisioned is not a physical place but a metaphorical "city" defined by collective humility and surrender, represented by being "on our knees." This state signifies a communal acknowledgment of a single higher authority or King, suggesting that true unity and purpose are found in shared submission or reverence.
The bridge reinforces the urgency and potential permanence of this moment of unity, suggesting that this state of togetherness is not just fleeting but can last forever. It emphasizes that reaching this state is a matter of individual and collective choice, highlighting agency in achieving connection and belonging. The repeated assertion of being "family" further underscores the depth of the desired bond, portraying a close-knit, unified community formed by conscious decision. This message culminates back in the call for unity in humility, reiterating the vision of a community defined by its collective surrender.
The themes presented in "City On Our Knees" resonate with several biblical concepts. The call for unity among believers and even broader humanity finds parallels in scriptures like Psalm 133:1, which speaks of the goodness of brothers dwelling together in unity, or Ephesians 4:3, urging believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit. The act of being "on our knees" as a symbol of submission or worship aligns with passages that describe all creation bowing before God, such as Philippians 2:10-11 or Romans 14:11. Furthermore, the urgency of starting "now" echoes biblical encouragements to act today, like in Hebrews 3:15, which warns against hardening hearts. The overarching message of love reaching the world connects with the expansive nature of God's love described in passages like John 3:16. The song effectively translates these spiritual principles into a contemporary anthem for hope, unity, and action.
