putting a background onto text or shape

I'm trying to put a background (a very blurred scenic shot) onto text or onto a (complex) shape. How do I do this? Does it have to do with layer masks? If so please explain because I do not understand them.

tom

I don't know if this will help but open the image that you want to add a backround to and then go to Select>All and then go to Edit>Define Pattern and name it whatever you want. Then, write the text or make the shape you want. Hold down the ctrl key and click on the layer with the text or shape to select it. Then, go to Edit>Fill and choose pattern as an option and then select the pattern you "defined" and click OK.

but the background isn't seamless...so it really can't be a pattern.

is that right? or does it work anyways? Ill try it.

tom