“It’s been a long year. It almost took me down, I swear,” TobyMac sings as he opens his latest single, “Faithfully.” The father of five tragically lost his firstborn son to an accidental drug overdose in 2019. In the midst of unimaginable sorrow, he wasn’t sure he’d ever write another song or stand on another stage again. Yet, slowly, the songs came. The first song, “21 Years,” poured out as a portrait of raw grief. Then, a glimmer of hope followed with “Faithfully,” an honest picture of a man who’s experienced the goodness of God in the deepest of valleys.
Both selections made the final cut for his latest studio project, “Life After Death,” an album hallmarked by collaborations, including his latest No. 1, “Cornerstone,” which features Zach Williams.
“I remember thinking, ‘How can I ever write a song again? How can I ever do anything again? Why is the world still moving?’” Toby recalls of the roller coaster of emotions he experienced in the months following Truett’s death, which inspired “Faithfully.” “But our God is kind. He meets us in the hardest, coldest places. It doesn’t scare Him. He remains. I will never be the same man, but I’m a man who still believes.”
The hitmaker recently released an updated version of his newest radio offering. The fresh recording showcases a more musically driven bridge that finds Toby singing an octave higher and with greater intensity and passion than, perhaps, ever before.
While he’s already been consistently performing “Faithfully” live since “Life After Death” dropped — often tacking the chorus of “Goodness of God” on at the end — the respected veteran will undoubtedly include the poignant song in his set as he co-headlines concerts in a dozen cities this fall alongside MercyMe, with Williams serving as an opening act.
The three-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner will reprise his annual “Hits Deep Tour” next year. He recently announced the 2024 multi-artist lineup, which is slated to include Cory Asbury, Mac Powell, Tasha Layton, Jon Reddick and Terrian alongside a full set from Toby and his Diverse City Band.
