“Scars (Come with Livin’)” by TobyMac

TobyMac is recognized as a Christian musician. But this song does not contain any overt-religious references. In “Scars” he is specifically addressing whom he has identified in interviews as being his eldest son, Truett. But in a broader sense it is also being relayed to other young people like Truett.

The track features a distinct storyline where it begins with the singer remembering his earlier, more-joyful days with the addressee. But by the time we get to the fourth verse, we find that in the here and now his son doesn’t even respond to his calls. But currently, the singer’s heart is burdened with concern for his son. Thus he sends him this message which, although once again not being particularly-religious, is inspirational. 

And basically what he is saying is that hardships in life are inevitable, and as such all people get ‘scarred’. But in instances where the addressee does find himself faced with such challenges, he should remain optimist and look to ‘where his help comes from’.  This is the part of the song which actually has a religious connotation, as when TobyMac refers to “help” he is specifically speaking of himself and God. Or simply put, the singer is telling his son that when in trouble he can look to his dad or a Higher Power for assistance, as such entities are there to support him in a bind. And such is once again within the context of him being shunned by his son. 

Conclusion

So in a way, the entire scenario reads as if the singer, is in a roundabout way, attempting to apologize for something that may have happened in the past.  He does this while also expressing his undying support for the addressee.  But the overall point he wants to get across to him is that the idea of living a life without difficulty is an unrealistic one.

Facts about “Scars (Come With Livin’)

TobyMac wrote “Scars (Come with Livin’)” with additional lyrical input from the track’s two producers, Saint X and B. Fowler.

The label behind “The Elements”, the TobyMac album this track is featured on, is ForeFront Records. And “Scars” was released as the third song from that project on 28 September 2018.

TobyMac dedicated this song to his eldest son, Truett McKeehan (1994-2019).  And unfortunately, Truett passed away on 25 October 2019, about a year after the song was released. He was 21 years old

Indeed while mourning his song, TobyMac described him as someone who had an “untamable grand personality”, which is similar to the way the addressee is portrayed in the lyrics.