City on Our Knees

Album: Tonight (2009)
Charted: 104
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This the first single from Tonight, the fourth solo album from Christian pop–hip hop artist TobyMac. It was the fastest charting and selling song in his career to date charting at #4 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
  • The single was released six months prior to the album on August 14, 2009. TobyMac explained why to Christianity Today: "Sometimes when you are passionate about something you can't hold it back. This one was finished and we all felt it was timely for society, so we sent it out early. Many times when I am writing a lyric I take 2-3 months per song, but in the case of 'City' I didn't wrestle with God on this one. I just opened myself up and let him breathe it through me. Twenty-five minutes later it was finished. The song is based on something I have always dreamed of - letting go of the things that divide us, stepping across the line and being a body recognizing one God."
  • TobyMac explained the song's meaning: "'City On Our Knees' is really about a moment. A moment that we all come together to a place where there's no judgment, but really love. And we choose to recognize one God together. And it's really a reminder that that moment could be right now, tonight. And in that moment judgment falls by the wayside, we choose to step across the line, whatever side we're on. Love fills in the cracks and makes up the difference."

Comments: 1

  • Katie from San Angelo, TxBeautiful song, and very true: we are all united under one God.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Scott Stapp

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"

Ian Anderson: "The delight in making music is that you don't have a formula"Songwriter Interviews

Ian talks about his 3 or 4 blatant attempts to write a pop song, and also the ones he most connected with, including "Locomotive Breath."

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.