Brief Biography
Karen Clark Sheard was born the youngest of six children born to Pastor Elbert Clark and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, a pioneering gospel choral director. Clark-Sheard is best known for being a member of iconic gospel group The Clark Sisters.
Karen's involvement in the Island Inspirational All Stars' "Don't Give Up" in 1996 (along with Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, and Kirk Franklin) led to her signing with Island Records.[1] Her solo career began with the release of her debut album Finally Karen in 1997. The album, consisting of half studio recordings and half live recordings, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album in 1998. The set did however win the Lady Of Soul award for Best Gospel Album the same year.[2]
After Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark-Sheard became the 2nd gospel artist to sign to Elektra Records. She released her Elektra debut album 2nd Chance in 2002 led off by the single "Be Sure". Though Clark-Sheard was in excellent form vocally, the slick, progressive sound of the disc was not received well. The 2003 followup The Heavens Are Telling fared well, but came at an awkward time when Elektra Records was being dissolved into Atlantic Records. In 2005, after a bidding war with several labels, Karen Clark Sheard finally signed with Word Records and issued It's Not Over, the following year.
Singers Mariah Carey, Faith Evans and Beyoncé all count Karen Clark-Sheard as one of their greatest vocal influences.[3]
Personal life
On June 16, 1984, Karen Clark-Sheard wed John Drew Sheard, a minister. Her husband is senior pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in Detroit. Together they have 2 children: Kierra, who is also a gospel recording artist, and John Drew Sheard II, a young musician and up-and-coming producer.
In 2001, Clark-Sheard was faced with a life-threatening crisis when a blood vessel burst during a scheduled hernia surgery. Her doctors only gave her a 2% chance of survival due to her complications. After the blood clot was surgically removed, Clark-Sheard fell into a coma. The coma lasted three and a half weeks[4], but Clark-Sheard made a miraculous [5][6]recovery and recorded her sophomore album, 2nd Chance (named so because of the "second chance" given to her by God) [7], in 2002. Clark-Sheard's near-death experience is referenced in her daughter Kierra's song "You Don't Know".
Voice
* 1st Soprano
Highest Note
* Eb6 in "Name it and Claim it" (Gospel, motion picture, 1982) and "Livin'" ("You Showed Me" was a C6 natural)
Lowest Note
* G3 in "So Good" and "Its Not Over" (version from album of same title)
Balm in Gilead
Karen Clark Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
(choir)
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
Bridge
(Karen)
Oh, oh, oh there is a balm in Gilead
(choir)
There is a balm
There is a balm
There is a balm
There is a balm
Verse 2
Oh, medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
(choir)
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Bridge (repeat and modulate)
There is a balm
In Karen Clark Sheard's song Balm In Gilead, she speaks about the healing power of God. The lyrics refer to Gilead, which is a biblical location known for its healing properties. The verse repeats several times, emphasizing the point that there is indeed a balm in this place. The choir echoes this sentiment and amplifies its potency. The overall message of the song is that no matter what you might be going through or what pain you might be feeling, there is hope and healing available through God.
In verse two, Karen speaks about medicine that was used in Bible days to heal the sick and take away pain. This medicine, likely referring to a balm made from the plants and herbs found in Gilead, was seen as a miraculous cure for those in need. Karen draws a comparison between this potent healing property and the healing power of God. The song encourages listeners to turn to God in times of struggle, seeing Him as a powerful force that can help anyone find the strength and healing they need.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a soothing, healing ointment that can mend and restore in the region of Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a remedy for the wounded and brokenhearted in the area of Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a solution for the afflicted and hurting people located in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a cure for the pains and sorrows of those residing in Gilead
Oh, oh, oh there is a balm in Gilead
Indeed, there is a comforting and healing ointment in the area of Gilead
There is a balm
There is a remedy
There is a balm
There is a soothing substance
There is a balm
There is a healing ointment
There is a balm
There is a cure
Oh, medicine used in the Bible days
The scriptures referenced a healing medicine
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
That medicine was used to restore the ill and alleviate their suffering
Medicine used in the Bible days
The ancient healing technique discussed in the Bible
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Had the power to mend the ailing and alleviate their distress
Medicine used in the Bible days
The knowledge of healing substances found in the scriptures
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Was meant to alleviate the suffering of those who were unwell
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BlackAmourTV
Who else thought they said bomb in Gilead when they was young 😩😂
@Ma1nguy
+BlackAmourTV When I was a little boy and I heard my cousin sing that song in church and I thought he was singing about a real "bomb".... LOL.... My mother explained to me using the word "balm" which I understood as I grew older was ointment for healing.
@briasamone70
lmaooo meeeeee omggg
@prettid051
me i sure did. I thought there was a bomb 💣in Gilead! Lol
@125loveanjel08
I was 26 trying to figure out how they knew how to make bombs back then until I read the title tryina find the song lol
@genniracarr5102
Anjel Williams lmboooooo
@LEGENDARIE
I wonder if these people knew they were living a moment of music history
@trudypink577
Now they sure do 🙏🏾 xxx
@Shawnsoloo
I thought that as well bro.
@amiyaeoh1140
Period