Kierra, 17, is the daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard, a founding member of Gospel legends, the Clark Sisters, and who, since 1997, has been a celebrated solo artist in her own right. She's also the granddaughter of the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, the prodigious conductor, arranger, songwriter, singer, instrumentalist and teacher who is roundly credited as one the defining influences in all of Gospel music.
With Kierra's solo debut album, I Owe You, that incomparable family tradition is carried on in a voice and a sound that respects its roots, while taking the Gospel message to the masses in the cutting-edge urban, R&B and pop music of today.
"You Don't Know," co-written and produced by Grammy winning, superstar producer, Rodney Jerkins (Destiny's Child, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Joe, Kirk Franklin), is a driving, commanding hip-hop statement of Godโs power and faithfulness in the lives of His children.
"This is really my testimony of all that God has done for me in my life," says Kierra. "It's important to me to share that with everyone, because it really let's them know where I'm coming from. There was an old traditional song of the church with the same title and idea of sharing our testimonies, and Rodney wrote a completely new song with that as the inspiration, and with a totally modern sound that young people today can latch onto."
"Praise Offering," a soaring, pop-flavored ballad of worship on which Kierra's amazing prowess is dazzlingly displayed, was written and produced by acclaimed producer/artist JMoss ('N Sync, Hezekiah Walker, Patti LaBelle, Ramiyah). The writer or co-writer, and producer of many of the songs on I Owe You, J. himself is part of the Moss/Clark family tree, and long ago enthusiastically committed himself to be an integral of Kierra's career.
J. also contributed the easy, infectiously funky "Church Nite," reflecting the importance of church in the life of Kiki and her teenaged peers. "Sweetest Thing" is a tender, gently grooving statement of love for the Lord. "War," written by Kierra and produced by her 14-year-old brother, J. Drew Sheard II, for his LT Productions, is an aggressive declaration of spiritual warfare, while "Done Did It," produced by Warren Campbell, is a joyous return to the traditional Gospel roots on which Kiki was raised.
Kierra, or "Kiki," as she is affectionately known, was born and raised in Detroit, where she and her family still reside, and grew up with a strong church foundation, surrounded by great music, teaching and preaching. When she began singing at the age of six in the children's choir of Detroit's Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, pastored by her father, Rev. J. Drew Sheard, the full and extraordinary extent of her talents became immediately apparent.
"My mother passed away when Kierra was only seven," Karen recalls, "but before she died she told me that this baby was going to sing, and that I was to raise her in my shoes, and bring her up the way my mother had raised me."
Realizing the responsibility that both God and her mother had given her for Kierra's musical and spiritual development, Karenโherself a world-renowned vocalistโbegan to coach and nurture her daughter in singing, as well as in the lessons deeply engrained by her own mother of the responsibilities of representing Christ through Gospel music. With both technique and a presence that far surpassed her years, Kierra made her recording debut when she was nine, singing a duet with her mother on "The Safest Place," from Karen's chart-topping album, Finally Karen.
The popularity of "The Safest Place", and the warmth of the mother/daughter interaction conveyed in the accompanying music video, led to Kierra's stage debut when she was only 10, as she would often travel with her mother on tour to join her for the song before audiences that numbered in the thousands.
Though she can see those experiences as a blessing, and important part of the development of her talent at such a young age, "Kiki" also recalls them with a combination of wonderment and a child's natural nonchalance.
"It was exciting, and scary," she says, "and I guess I should have been nervous to be onstage with 'Karen Clark-Sheard,' but to me it was just my mother, and I was just singing along with Mommy, like I did at home, or anywhere."
It's hardly surprising that by that time Kierra had firmly decided upon a career in music. "I would watch the Clark Sisters and see how they touched and moved people," she remembers, "and they always looked like they were having such a good time just singing and praising God. They were always so positive, and happy, and I really paid attention and learned from hearing them and being around them. I saw that and it made me want to sing and minister to people my own age. When I got the chance to sing onstage myself, it just felt natural, like God was telling me that was what He wanted me to do."
While the venerable Dr. Mattie Moss Clark would never have stood for her daughters listening to any "secular" music, Kierra says that she's been given the freedom listen to and develop broad and contemporary musical tastes from a wide range of both mainstream and Gospel music, though always with the caution to never let the content of "worldly" music interfere with her anointing to sing and present the pure Gospel message. With diverse musical influences that run from urban superstar Mary J. Blige, and modern rockers Linkin Park, to Kirk Franklin and a whole host of contemporary Gospel artists, as well as her famous mother and aunts and the pantheon of traditional Gospel artists who preceded them, Kierra's own style creates a fresh mix that puts her in a place all her own.
"I grew up on traditional Gospel, and I always want part of what I do to be songs that my elders, as well as kids my age, can enjoy," she says. "But I really feel a calling to reach kids my own age with the message of Christ with a contemporary sound that they can relate to and get into."
"Kiki" has continued to perform, when her schooling allows, with both her mother as well as on occasional Clark Sisters "reunion" dates. She's also shared the stage with a gamut of musical luminaries that runs from Mary, Mary, and Donnie McClurkin to Mary J. Blige, one of a large and formidable number of secular artists who profess a huge creative debt to the Clark Sisters, and who, herself, finds particular inspiration in Kierra's music as well.
"The night of the Mary J. Blige concert, she asked Mom to join her onstage during her set," Kierra recalls, "and she asked her if I was there, too. When Mom told her that I was, she asked me to join them, and of course I did. It was a powerful moment, and an opportunity to minister to a lot of people who might never come to a 'Gospel' concert."
"And Kierra blew them away," Karen adds, with a mother's unrestrained pride. "Afterwards, Mary couldn't stop talking about how much 'Kiki' had ministered to her. And with I Owe You I think she's going to impact her entire generation that very same way."
"I want to demonstrate to young people that you don't have to live in sin to have fun and enjoy yourself," Kierra concludes. "I think I Owe You will show that there's even greater joy, and lasting joy, in singing and praising God, and in our own voice and our own style of music."
Mighty
Kierra Kiki Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Dedication to the one, who deserves more,
More than my words in a simple song
So grateful, when I'm in trouble
I know it won't last too long
Yes, He's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When He picks me up every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are all we need and more
We will never fight battles to long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The savior
Of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's is mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh hh
His joy is strength and
He gives the peace that surpasses all I can understand
So worthy, just the thought of him
Makes me want to lift my hands
Nobody greater
Yes, He's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When He picks me up every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are all we need and more
We will never fight battles to long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The savior
Of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's is mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
[Hook 2:]
Won't you join us, Won't you join us
(Come On)
Celebrate the King who we serve
(Come On)
Won't you join us, Won't you join us
(Come On)
Take a stand for the Living Word
(Come On)
Won't you join us, Won't you join us
(Come On)
shine your light in the dark (yeah)
Won't you join us, Won't you join us
don't be ashamed of the Gospel
be dedicated and committed
oh yeah oh
reach out to him
don't be afraid
experience his incredible love
be not conformed to this world
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind
oh oh oh oh
The song "Mighty" by Kierra Kiki Sheard is a powerful declaration of faith and praise to God. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song with a call to dedication for the one who deserves more than words in a simple song. The singer expresses gratefulness even in times of trouble, knowing that it won't last too long because of the greatness of God. The chorus repeats the phrase "Nobody greater" emphasizing God's incredible power and love that is always showing up in our lives. The bridge speaks of the joy and strength that God gives to those who believe, and the worthiness of just the thought of Him makes the singer want to lift her hands. The song calls on listeners to join in celebrating and taking a stand for the Living Word.
The repeated phrase "Nobody Greater" is a powerful affirmation of faith that acknowledges God's greatness and reinforces the idea that there is no one as powerful and loving as Him. The bridge of the song reminds listeners of the incredible joy and the peace that surpasses all understanding that comes from knowing and having a relationship with God. The call to action in the chorus is a reminder that believers must always take a stand for their faith and never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Dedication to the one, who deserves more,
Acknowledging the one who deserves more than a basic dedication.
More than my words in a simple song
The dedication required is more than just words in a song.
So grateful, when I'm in trouble
Grateful for being rescued during times of trouble.
I know it won't last too long
Confidence that the trouble won't last long.
Nobody greater
There is no one greater than Him.
Yes, He's incredible
Acknowledging how incredible He is.
Always showing us
Always providing a demonstration of His power.
That his love is strong
That His love is powerful.
So amazing is his grace
His grace is so incredible.
When He picks me up every time I fall
He is always there to help me up when I fall.
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
He is a great and mighty God, powerful and supreme.
You are all we need and more
Acknowledges God is all we need, and so much more.
We will never fight battles to long
We will never have to fight our battles alone for too long.
Cause we serve a great and mighty
Because we serve an incredibly powerful God.
The savior
He is the savior of all humanity.
Of the universe
He reigns over the entire universe.
The Messiah, King of us
He is the anointed one and king of all people.
His joy is strength and
His joy gives us strength and power.
He gives the peace that surpasses all I can understand
His peace is more than I can comprehend.
So worthy, just the thought of him
He is so worthy, just thinking about Him makes me want to praise Him.
Makes me want to lift my hands
I want to lift my hands in worship.
Won't you join us, Won't you join us
Inviting others to join in the celebration of God.
Celebrate the King who we serve
Celebrate and worship the King we serve.
Take a stand for the Living Word
Stand up for the truth of the Gospel.
shine your light in the dark (yeah)
Be a shining light in darkness.
don't be ashamed of the Gospel
Don't be ashamed of the good news of Jesus Christ.
be dedicated and committed
Be devoted and committed to Him.
reach out to him
Connect with Him through prayer and worship.
don't be afraid
Don't be afraid to approach Him.
experience his incredible love
Experience His amazing love for us.
be not conformed to this world
Don't conform to the ways of this world.
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind
Transform your mind by renewing it through God's word.
Lyrics ยฉ EMI Music Publishing
Written by: ANGEL CHISHOLM, J. SHEARD, KIERRA SHEARD, STEVEN JOSEPH COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
๐ Chelsea Daley โค
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Dedication to the one, who deserves more,
More than my words in a simple song
So grateful, when I'm in trouble
I know it won't last too long
Nobody greater
Yes, he's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When He pick me up every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are all we need and more
We will never fight battles too long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The Savior, Of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
His joy is strength and He gives peace, that surpasses all I can understand
So, worthy, just the thought of him
Makes me want to lift up my hand
Nobody greater
Yes, He's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When he picks me up, every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are, all we need more
We will never fight battles too long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The Savior, of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Celebrate the King who we serve
(Come on)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Take a stand for the Living Word
(Come on)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Shine your light in the dark (yeah)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Don't be ashamed of the Gospel
Be dedicated, and committed
Oh, yeah, oh
Reach out to him, don't be afriad
Experience his incredible love
Be not conformed to this world
But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Frida Felix
"Mighty"
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
[Verse 1:]
Dedication to the one, who deserves more,ย
More than my words in a simple songย
So grateful, when I'm in troubleย
I know it won't last too longย
[Chorus:]
Nobody greaterย
Yes, He's incredibleย
Always showing usย
That his love is strongย
So amazing is his graceย
When He picks me up every time I fallย
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)ย
You are all we need and moreย
We will never fight battles to longย
Cause we serve a great and mightyย
[Hook:]
The saviorย
Of the universeย
The Messiah, King of usย
I'm talkin bout the great and mightyyyyyย
He's is mightyย
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
[Verse 2:]
His joy is strength andย
He gives the peace that surpasses all I can understandย
So worthy, just the thought of himย
Makes me want to lift my handsย
[Chorus:]
Nobody greaterย
Yes, He's incredibleย
Always showing usย
That his love is strongย
So amazing is his graceย
When He picks me up every time I fallย
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)ย
You are all we need and moreย
We will never fight battles to longย
Cause we serve a great and mightyย
[Hook:]
The saviorย
Of the universeย
The Messiah, King of usย
I'm talkin bout the great and mightyyyyyย
He's is mightyย
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
Ohh..Ohh...Ohh...Ohh...Ohhย
[Hook 2:]
Won't you join us, Won't you join usย
(Come On)ย
Celebrate the King who we serveย
(Come On)ย
Won't you join us, Won't you join usย
(Come On)ย
Take a stand for the Living Wordย
(Come On)ย
Won't you join us, Won't you join usย
(Come On)ย
shine your light in the dark (yeah)ย
Won't you join us, Won't you join usย
don't be ashamed of the Gospelย
be dedicated and committedย
oh yeah ohhhย
reach out to himย
don't be afraidย
experience his incredible loveย
be not conformed to this worldย
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mindย
oh oh oh oh hooooo
๐ Chelsea Daley โค
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Dedication to the one, who deserves more,
More than my words in a simple song
So grateful, when I'm in trouble
I know it won't last too long
Nobody greater
Yes, he's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When He pick me up every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are all we need and more
We will never fight battles too long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The Savior, Of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
His joy is strength and He gives peace, that surpasses all I can understand
So, worthy, just the thought of him
Makes me want to lift up my hand
Nobody greater
Yes, He's incredible
Always showing us
That his love is strong
So amazing is his grace
When he picks me up, every time I fall
Great and mighty, He's so powerful (You are)
You are, all we need more
We will never fight battles too long
Cause we serve a great and mighty
The Savior, of the universe
The Messiah, King of us
I'm talkin' bout the great and mighty
He's mighty
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Celebrate the King who we serve
(Come on)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Take a stand for the Living Word
(Come on)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Shine your light in the dark (yeah)
Won't you join us, won't you join us
(Come on)
Don't be ashamed of the Gospel
Be dedicated, and committed
Oh, yeah, oh
Reach out to him, don't be afriad
Experience his incredible love
Be not conformed to this world
But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Imani Njeri
This song is amazing!!! Our God is mighty ๐
Sierra Compton
Have you heard "God I Love You" by Kevin D Jimison yet??? If not, go check it out! That song is a blessing!
Joshua Derrico
Mighty is really a copy of Michael Jackson beat it.
MsYencko
This live version is so dope! Every time I listen to this song, I wanted to whip my hair too! Love being young and unashamed of the gospel. Glory be to God!
JaeTech Studios
Love KiKi she always has so much energy in her praise!
Kossi Scott
๐Jesus is mighty. He is timeless, from ages to ages. Thank you Jesus for using Kierra Sheards as a vessel of praise. Thank you Heavenly Father. Wow๐คฒ๐ฝ
Danny Joe
IKR! I wish she did a video recording for You Are. That song is bangin but imagine watching it live.... CRAZY!!!!!!
James Dill
So true it's a could be another experience
Bettina Lounkokobi
I love this girl. She's young but so committed to the Lord. I really hope she doesn't change.