TobyMac - Drivin' Me (2016 Day 1 Rough Demo) Lyrics
Lyrics
I missed the mark, play it off like a rim shot
Put the pedal to the metal in a gridlock
Went up on all flip on the 405
But it made me feel so alive
I would never call me a together guy
I would never say I ain't ever lie
But I'ma make it right by the end of the night
'Cause me and God, we stay kinda tight, uh
Ooh woah-oah, ooh woah-oah
Don't matter if it's Timbuktu
Ooh woah-oah, ooh woah-oah
I'm rollin' with' you
Yeah, from the dawn and, oh, the mornin'
Lord, You're drivin' me
When I'm dreamin' in the evening
Keep on drivin' me
Every twist, every turn that this crazy world brings
From the dawn an', oh, the mornin', sun or stormin'
Keep on drivin' me
Drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
So keep on drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
"Just fake it 'til you make it," it's what my daddy said
But he never factored in such a hard head
Ask anybody in the music biz
I be drivin' people crazy through my drivenness
But You're openin' my eyes to a better way
Two steps, cross 'em up, take 'em into pain
Look 'em in the eyes and throw the lob
An' let the Big Man go an' finish the job, yeah
Ooh woah-oah, ooh woah-oah
Westside to Kalamazoo
Ooh woah-oah, ooh woah-oah
I'm still rollin' with' you
Yeah, from the dawn an', oh, the mornin'
Lord, You're drivin' me
When I'm dreamin' in the evening
Keep on drivin' me
Every twist, every turn that this crazy world brings
From the dawn an', oh, the mornin', sun or stormin'
Keep on drivin' me
This open road has opened up a new heart
Lovin' every minute of this fresh start
I don't ever wanna put this thing in park
My life's in Your hands, You've got the wheel
Navigate the way, this slow reveal
And keep on, keep on, keep on drivin' me
Drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
So keep on drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
Yeah, from the dawn an', oh, the mornin'
Lord, You're drivin' me
When I'm dreamin' in the evening
Keep on drivin' me
Every twist, every turn that this crazy world brings
From the dawn an', oh, the mornin', sun or stormin'
Keep on drivin' me
Drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
Keep on, so keep on
So keep on drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
Keep on, keep on
Drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
Keep on, so keep on
So keep on drivin' me, drivin' me, yeah
Video
TobyMac - Drivin' Me (2016 Day 1 Rough Mix/Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
TobyMac's "Drivin' Me (2016 Day 1 Rough Demo)," released on May 8, 2020, offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the artist's spiritual journey and his deep reliance on divine guidance. Even in its rough demo form, the track exudes an authentic energy, serving as a powerful declaration of faith. This early iteration showcases the essence of a song born from personal conviction, stripped down to its foundational message, allowing the listener to truly connect with the heart of its inspiration without the polish of a final production. It’s a testament to how even initial creative sparks can carry profound spiritual weight.
The song immediately establishes a relatable human struggle with its opening lines, portraying moments of imperfection and the natural inclination to downplay shortcomings. The artist acknowledges missing the mark and attempting to "play it off," a sentiment many can identify with – the desire to present a facade of control even when life feels like a "gridlock." However, this self-awareness quickly shifts into a profound declaration of faith, revealing an intimate relationship with the divine: "But I'ma make it right by the end of the night / 'Cause me and God, we stay kinda tight." This casual yet deeply significant phrase encapsulates the grace-filled assurance found in 1 John 1:9, where confession leads to forgiveness, and the personal, accessible relationship God desires with His children, echoing His promise in Hebrews 13:5 to never leave or forsake us. It’s a transparent admission of humanity interwoven with unwavering trust in a loving God who is always present and ready to mend what is broken.
The central metaphor of "drivin' me" unfolds as a vibrant expression of God's constant direction and unwavering presence. Through the captivating chorus, TobyMac articulates that from "the dawn an', oh, the mornin'" to "dreamin' in the evening," God is actively navigating his life. This isn't merely a passive presence but an active, steering force through "every twist, every turn that this crazy world brings." The universality of this guidance is emphasized by the expansive imagery of "Timbuktu" and "Westside to Kalamazoo," signifying God's reach and care across all boundaries and circumstances. This message resonates deeply with Proverbs 3:5-6, which instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight," portraying God as the ultimate navigator of life's unpredictable journey, whether in sun or storm.
The song further delves into the contrast between human wisdom and divine enablement. The adage "Just fake it 'til you make it," passed down from his father, represents a common worldly approach to challenges. Yet, the artist insightfully recognizes its limitations when confronted with a "hard head" and his own innate "drivenness," which he humorously admits can "drivin' people crazy." This self-awareness sets the stage for a spiritual revelation: "But You're openin' my eyes to a better way." The vivid basketball analogy that follows—"throw the lob / An' let the Big Man go an' finish the job"—powerfully illustrates a surrender of self-effort and a complete reliance on God's power. It’s a profound moment of humility, recognizing that true success comes not from our own striving but from allowing God, the "Big Man," to step in and accomplish what we cannot, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where God's power is made perfect in our weakness.
As the journey unfolds, the song culminates in a powerful declaration of spiritual transformation and unwavering commitment. The "open road" symbolizes not just a physical path but a spiritual awakening, one that has "opened up a new heart" and ushered in a "fresh start." This echoes the promise of a renewed spirit and heart found in Ezekiel 36:26, a divine regeneration that brings new life and purpose. The artist's fervent desire to "never wanna put this thing in park" speaks to a continuous, active walk of faith, embracing the ongoing process of revelation. With the profound declaration, "My life's in Your hands, You've got the wheel / Navigate the way, this slow reveal," TobyMac expresses ultimate trust, surrendering complete control to God. This sentiment beautifully aligns with Psalm 37:23, which states, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him," assuring us that when God is at the helm, our path is secured and purposeful, guiding us forward with steady hands toward His unfolding plan. The raw authenticity of this demo amplifies this message, inviting all to release control and allow God to truly drive their lives.