The album opens with the upbeat mantra βYRM (Your Righteous Mind)β that features Dorinda Clark Cole of the legendary Clark Sisters. Throughout the set, the songs speak to the heart of mankind and address lifeβs everyday challenges. Lawrence put his touch on popular songs such as gospel pioneer Walter Hawkinsβ βWhen the Battle Is Overβ and Chaka Khanβs βThrough the Fireβ and assumes the role of teacher on new compositions such as βSecond Wind;β βWe Agree,β which features gold-selling praise and worship artist Israel Houghton; βThe I Am Factor;β and βSpiritualβ β an open prayer to become a spiritually minded person.
Lawrence learned his spiritual principles from an aunt who raised him in Gastonia, NC β not far from Charlotte. A fan of the music of Walter Hawkins and Thomas Whitfield, Lawrence taught himself to play the piano by the age of fifteen and put himself through the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music as a musical theater major. He and his Professor, Worth Gardner, wrote the 1986 musical revue, βSing Hallelujah!β that played across the country - including an off Broadway stint at the Village Gate that earned praise from The New York Times. Lawrence eventually returned to North Carolina and joined the music staff of Jim & Tammy Bakerβs PTL Club television program. However, word soon spread about his talent and Lawrence was recruited as a vocal coach for En Vogue and, in the early nineties, became music director for R&B star Stephanie Mills.
Millsβ manager signed Lawrenceβs urban inspirational group, Company, to Giant Records and they released the Devotion CD in 1993. During that same period, Lawrence had been feeding his songs to the Tri-City Singers (comprised of singers from the Carolina cities of Charlotte, Gastonia and Spartanburg) through his pal Richard Odom, who was a member of Company and also of the choir. The choirβs members enjoyed the songs so much that Lawrence was eventually asked to shepherd the group. Their debut CD, A Songwriterβs Point of View was released on Gospcentric Records. Fueled by cameo performances from R&B crooner Peabo Bryson and Stephanie Mills, the album peaked at #2 on Billboardβs Top Gospel Albums chart.
With the success of the CD, the choirβs national career was launched and as its mastermind, Donald Lawrence was in the spotlight. Adorned in Afro-centric garb, the choir stood out among gospel choirs visually, and Lawrenceβs unique blend of Hip Hop and other dynamic rhythms made their gospel music equally inimitable. Over the next dozen years, Lawrence took the choir to new heights with signatures hits such as βWhen Sunday Comes;β βMessage To The Saints;β βNever Seen The Righteous,β and βThe Best Is Yet To Come.β Lawrence retired the group at the zenith of its popularity in 2006 with a sold-out cross-country concert tour and a smash hit Finale CD/DVD project that featured the two biggest hits of the choirβs existence - βEncourage Yourselfβ and βThe Blessing of Abraham.β
As Lawrenceβs stature as a producer increased, requests poured in for him to collaborate with artists as diverse as Mary J. Blige; jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis; Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir (cutting his #1 smash βSouled Outβ) and the legendary Clark Sisters on their Grammy Award winning comeback CD, Live: One Last Time. However, he also set time aside to carve out a career as a solo artist with backing by his group, Co. His 2004 solo CD debut I Speak Life featured the radio hits βYou Covered Meβ and the rousing anthem, βHealed.β
Since 2001, Lawrence has lived in Chicago, IL where he ventured to in pursuit of a masterβs degree at Columbia College. The fine arts institution ended up offering him a faculty position where he has intermittently instructed students on the business of music. He visited the Living Word Christian Center where he fell in love with Pastor Bill Winstonβs common sense teachings. That wisdom inspired Lawrenceβs second solo CD, The Law of Confession Part 1, which was released in 2009. βA law is simply a principle, based on the predictable consequence of an act,β Lawrence said at the time. βConfession in the Greek language is homo-logeo which means to say what has been said. There is a spiritual law for confession: you just say what God has already said...`Speak The Word.ββ Evangelists all over the country preached sermons based on the musical messages found in the CD. The initial radio single βBack II Edenβ shot to #1 on Billboardβs Hot Gospel Songs chart and paved the way for follow-up singles βLet The Word Do The Workβ and βThere Is A King In You.β
The music industry has taken note of Lawrenceβs majestic career and Verizon Wireless tapped him as its spokesman for its How Sweet The Sound (HSTS) national gospel choir talent competition in 2007. He has served as the face of the promotion in national television commercials, print advertising and as emcee of the actual events ever since. He also spent a year as musical mentor for BETβs βSunday Bestβ television talent competition. Itβs all a part of Lawrenceβs future goals of expanding his career into television, film and more musical theatre.
In the meantime, heβs ready to unveil the YRM (Your Righteous Mind) CD, which is a continuum of what heβs been preaching through music for years. βThis project really doesn't differ from my past ones,β he says. βI want to continue to teach, through song, spiritual principles and laws based on scriptures.β
Walking
Donald Lawrence & Company Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blinds pulled (blinds pulled)
Lights low (lights low)
Flames high (flames high)
My body (my body)
My body
My body
My body
Is walking in space
My soul is in orbit
With God face to face
Floating, flipping
Flying, tripping
Tripping from Pottsville to Mainline
Tripping from Mainline to Moonville
Tripping from Potsville to Starlight ["pot"sville]
Tripping from Starlight to Moonville
On a rocket to
The Fourth Dimension
Total self awareness
The intention
My mind is as clear as country air
I feel my flesh, all colors mesh
Red black
Blue brown
Yellow crimson
Green orange
Purple pink
Violet white
White white
White white
White white
All the clouds are cumuloft
Walking in space
Oh my God your skin is soft
I love your face
How dare they try to end this beauty?
How dare they try to end this beauty?
To keep us under foot
They bury us in soot
Pretending it's a chore
To ship us off to war
In this dive
We rediscover sensation
In this dive
We rediscover sensation
Walking in space
We find the purpose of peace
The beauty of life
You can no longer hide
Our eyes are open
Our eyes are open
Our eyes are open
Our eyes are open
Wide wide wide!
The lyrics of Donald Lawrence & Company's song "Walking in Space" depict a journey of self-discovery and spiritual elevation. The opening lines describe a scene of seclusion, with closed doors, drawn blinds, low lights, and high flames. These elements suggest a desire for privacy and introspection.
The repetition of the phrase "My body" emphasizes the physical aspect of this journey. It highlights the individual's presence in the earthly realm, suggesting a disconnection from the spiritual or transcendent plane. However, the subsequent lines indicate a profound transformation taking place.
The lyrics convey that while the body walks in space, the soul is in orbit, engaging with God face to face. This imagery suggests a profound spiritual connection and a departure from the limitations of the physical world. The references to floating, flipping, flying, and tripping evoke a sense of freedom and liberation experienced on this journey.
The lyrics then mention various locations, such as Pottsville, Mainline, Moonville, Starlight, and the Fourth Dimension. These names could be interpreted as symbolic representations of different states of consciousness or levels of existence. The intention behind mentioning these places is to convey the expansiveness and boundless exploration of the individual's journey.
As the lyrics describe the mind becoming clear and the flesh meshing with all colors, it suggests a transcendence of barriers and the realization of unity. The range of colors mentioned - red, black, blue, brown, yellow, crimson, green, orange, purple, pink, violet, and white - symbolizes diversity and inclusivity.
The reference to clouds being "cumuloft" plays with the phrase "cumulus clouds" and implies a sense of soaring and reaching new heights. The encounter with God is mentioned, expressing a profound appreciation for the divine, with the line "Oh my God your skin is soft, I love your face" representing a heartfelt connection and awe.
The lyrics take a political turn, questioning those who try to destroy beauty and perpetuate oppression. The mention of being buried in soot refers to being overshadowed and oppressed, possibly in the context of war. This serves as a call to action and a reminder of the transformative power of beauty in overcoming adversity.
The final lines declare the discovery of peace and the beauty of life through the act of walking in space. The references to open eyes signify a newfound awareness and understanding. The repetition of "Our eyes are open" emphasizes the collective experience of this awakening, encouraging listeners to embrace the expanded perspective and the possibilities it unveils.
In essence, these lyrics poetically explore the journey of self-discovery, spiritual connection, and the pursuit of peace and beauty amidst a challenging world. It conveys a sense of wonder, empowerment, and a call to unite in the pursuit of a higher purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Doors locked (doors locked)
The doors are securely closed and locked.
Blinds pulled (blinds pulled)
The blinds are drawn, covering the windows completely.
Lights low (lights low)
The lights are dimmed, creating a low level of illumination.
Flames high (flames high)
The flames are burning intensely and reaching a high point.
My body (my body)
Referring to one's physical self.
My body
Continuing to refer to one's physical self.
Is walking in space
The person's body is metaphorically moving and existing in an ethereal realm.
My soul is in orbit
The person's soul is figuratively revolving around a higher being or deity.
With God face to face
The person's soul is in direct communion and presence with God.
Floating, flipping
Hovering, turning around in an agile manner.
Flying, tripping
Soaring, stumbling or experiencing moments of instability.
Tripping from Pottsville to Mainline
Metaphorically journeying from one place to another, perhaps from a less desirable location to a more affluent one.
Tripping from Mainline to Moonville
Continuing the metaphorical journey, possibly moving from an affluent area to a magical celestial place.
On a rocket to The Fourth Dimension
Imagining traveling through space and time to an alternate reality or plane of existence.
Total self awareness
Complete consciousness and understanding of oneself.
The intention
The purpose or objective behind one's actions.
My mind is as clear as country air
The person's mind is clear and lucid, like the fresh air in a countryside setting.
I feel my flesh, all colors mesh
The person experiences a harmonious blending of different colors within themselves.
Red black
The colors red and black.
Blue brown
The colors blue and brown.
Yellow crimson
The colors yellow and crimson (reddish).
Green orange
The colors green and orange.
Purple pink
The colors purple and pink.
Violet white
The colors violet and white.
White white
The color white occurring twice, emphasizing its brightness and purity.
All the clouds are cumuloft
The clouds in the sky are fluffy and voluminous.
Walking in space
Continuing the metaphor of existing in an otherworldly realm, moving forward.
Oh my God your skin is soft
Expressing awe and admiration for the tenderness and smoothness of someone's skin.
I love your face
Feeling deep affection and adoration for the other person's facial appearance.
How dare they try to end this beauty?
Expressing outrage and questioning the audacity of those attempting to destroy something beautiful.
To keep us under foot
In order to control or suppress us, to keep us subservient.
They bury us in soot
They cover us in dirt and filth, symbolizing oppression and degradation.
Pretending it's a chore
Falsely acting as if their oppressive actions are merely routine tasks.
To ship us off to war
Referring to the act of sending people away to engage in armed conflict.
In this dive
Within this environment or circumstance that may be seen as unrefined or undesirable.
We rediscover sensation
We regain the ability to experience and feel things intensely.
Walking in space
Continuing the metaphorical journey in an otherworldly realm.
We find the purpose of peace
We discover the meaning and significance of tranquility and harmony.
The beauty of life
The magnificence and wonder that exists in existence itself.
You can no longer hide
No one can conceal or escape from scrutiny or judgment any longer.
Our eyes are open
We are now fully aware and observant of our surroundings.
Our eyes are open
Continuing the emphasis that our perception is awakened.
Our eyes are open
Reiterating once more that our vision is expanded.
Our eyes are open
Concluding the repetition that our sight is fully engaged and aware.
Wide wide wide!
Expressing the wide extent to which our eyes are open and perceptive.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keyman Bey
ThIs is the manifestation of the Abraham blessing song and the i am healed dealt with the Corona etc virus
and so only several thousand views remember only 144,000 the message of this video is a phrophetic message in song just as the psalms let all us who were led here give thanks to the most high and keep his minister in prayer always for they are few.
14 LC 104 0002
H. R. 1203
- 1 -
House Resolution 1203
By: Representative Thomas of the 56th
A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing January 8-15, 2014, as Moorish American Holy Week at the state capitol; and
2 for other purposes.
3 WHEREAS, the Moorish Americans, whose ancient forefathers are the mothers and fathers
4 of the human family, stand in these days as a comity of descendants from the ancient
5 Moabites and Canaanites who were permitted by the Old Pharoahs of Kemet to traverse from
6 East Africa and later formed kingdoms extending from the northwestern and southwestern
7 shores of Africa and the Atlantic Islands onto the present day continental Americas; and
8 WHEREAS, the Moorish Americans are teaching their people their true nationality and
9 divine creed that they may become better citizens and know they are not Negroes, colored
10 folk, black people, nor Afros because these names were given to slaves by slave holders in
11 1779 and lasted until 1865; in this era of time as all nations are seeking peace, the indigenous
12 Moorish Peoples of the Americas are now united to link themselves with the family of
13 Nations; and
14 WHEREAS, the Moorish Americans, being aboriginal to the territories of North, Central, and
15 South Americas, have formed a sovereign Theocratic Government, and guided by the
16 command Principles of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice through virtue of the
17 universal right to self-determination as well as with the Declaration on the Rights of
18 Indigenous Peoples guaranteed in the Charter of the United Nations; and
19 WHEREAS, on January 8, 1886, Noble Drew Ali was born in the State of North Carolina
20 and became the first Patriot of his Moorish American People, and in 1912, was anointed "El
21 Hajj Sharif Abdul Ali" by the Head of Egypt and Holy City of Mecca to return to the United
22 States as the Last Prophet and Founding Father of the newly risen nation of Moorish
23 Americans; on January 15, 1865, slavery was abolished in the United States with the
24 congressional ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, and the Moorish Americans,
14 LC 104 0002
H. R. 1203
- 2 -
25 through self-determination, are unfolding as a pure and clean nation; they are who their
26 forefathers were yesterday.
27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
28 the members of this body recognize January 8-15, 2014, as Moorish American Holy Week
29 for cultural appreciation and affirmation.
30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
31 and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the public and the press
LaTasha Moore
The Company is ALWAYS on point!!! And, Tobbi White...my God, she has such an angelic voice!
Bernadette Shipman
Glory to God what amazing singing . Donald Lawrence is one of the most brilliant young man when putting voices together . I pray many blessings on him ..
EMPRESS MEEKπ
This truly blessed my soul right now while I am going through the storm before my financial blessings and expansion I will not quit and every trick that the enemy is trying is only pushing me into My Victory! Every year I sowed 8n tears will be restored. I Thankyou God for releasing my blessings wealth love abundance healing and protection here on earth to me. I will forever believe trust do your will love your people and Praise and Glorify your nameππ½πππ½Amenππ½Enlarge My Teritory!
Glenn Briggs
There songs lift you up during the day, with Gods promises.
Chris Wilder
Sing Company! some of my favorite singers!π₯ nobody sings BGVS like Company!π₯ and Donald Lawrence is a GENIUS!
Kathy Washington
BLESSED
T Ivy
THANK YOU! I meant to attend but had a conflict
Lisa Jones
You betta sang Tobbi!!!
Bernadette Shipman
Sing Brittany Stewart yes God βΌοΈ
Bernadette Shipman
She rock this song oh my Goodness what powerful voice ππππππππππππππππππππ