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 God’s 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, Karen—herself a world-renowned vocalist—began 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."
Since I Found Christ
Kierra Kiki Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But he bless me, cause before him I put no idol
To his eyes only I wanna be pleasing
Since I let him in,
He gave my life a brand new meaning
Yeah, you may see me hangin' with a rapper
When we go to church our hands ain't clappin' any faster
Yes we in the world, but we not of it
I'm thinkin' nothin' of it
I know that you like me cause you like my swag
Me & Mali on the track, 'bout to kill it so bad
Yes, I do other music
But I'm still that same church boy
I ain't afraid to let you know
If you feel me make some noise
Since I found Christ
He made everything right
And I can sing about him everyday & night
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I may not have everything right
But I'm still glad I got him in my life
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Hello world
Wake up you've been sleeping in
And open up your ears
With the secret he's been keeping
It's out, no doubt
And here goes your sound bite
All opposing forces
This what gospel sound like
Association with the church got us lookin', watchin'
Scandals, hypocrisy or corrupted democracy
It's bad, true dat
God's raisin' up bosses
History in the makin', we already in the process
It's about time I got the new wave runner shoes
I can turn it like a Holy Ghost banner [?]
I'm tired of being under, so over here we [?]
Since I found Christ
He made everything right
And I can sing about him everyday & night
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I may not have everything right
But I'm still glad I got him in my life
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I use to run with, my old buddies
And bad things we use to do
We thought were funny
A bad girl & all
And all types of flaws
But now I look back & I'm kind of glad
That it's not the same
Cause without the man
I just might not be sane
But you made a way
Since I found Christ
He made everything right
And I can sing about him everyday & night
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I may not have everything right
But I'm still glad I got him in my life
Let me hear you say
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
The lyrics of Kierra Kiki Sheard's song "One" are all about being unashamed to express one's faith in God, even in a world that may not understand it. The opening verse speaks of the blessings that come from putting God first, and the freedom that comes from not being beholden to any other "idols." Sheard then goes on to describe how she can still be friends with non-religious people and work in non-religious musical genres, but still keep true to her faith. For her, lifting her hands in worship is not just a show — it is a genuine expression of her love for God.
The song's chorus is a joyful proclamation of the transformation that has come into Sheard's life since she found Christ. She is not perfect, but she is grateful for what God has done for her, and she is not afraid to sing about it. The bridge then goes on to speak about the importance of spreading the message of the Gospel, even in a world that may be hostile to it. Sheard acknowledges that the church has its flaws, but she believes that God is raising up new leaders and history is being made.
Overall, "One" is a song about being authentic in one's faith, not hiding it or apologizing for it, but also not using it as an excuse to judge or condemn others. Sheard's message is one of confidence and hope, that despite all the challenges of life, there is always a reason to keep the faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a producer, with no subtitles
I may not have all the answers or know exactly what I'm doing, but I trust in God to guide me in my journey as a producer.
But he bless me, cause before him I put no idol
My success comes from putting God first in my life, rather than any material possessions or worldly desires.
To his eyes only I wanna be pleasing
I strive to live a life that brings joy and honor to God, and not just to gain recognition or admiration from others.
Since I let him in, He gave my life a brand new meaning
My relationship with God has completely transformed my life and given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I never knew before.
Yeah, you may see me hangin' with a rapper
Even though I may be associated with the secular music industry or have colleagues who are not Christians, it doesn't mean I compromise my faith or beliefs.
When we go to church our hands ain't clappin' any faster
I don't try to be more showy or performative in my worship simply because I am a musician or in the public eye.
Yes we in the world, but we not of it
Although I exist in the same world as non-believers, my values, principles, and choices are guided by God's word and not by the culture or societal norms.
Know when I lift my hands, I'm thinkin' nothin' of it
My expression of worship is authentic and genuine, and not just for appearances or attention.
I know that you like me cause you like my swag
People may be drawn to my music or image because of my talent or personal style, but my faith and relationship with God is the foundation of who I am.
Me & Mali on the track, 'bout to kill it so bad
I have collaborations and creative projects with fellow artists, but I still aim to deliver a positive and uplifting message through my music.
Yes, I do other music
I may produce or perform music that is not explicitly Christian, but my faith and beliefs still influence my work and my message.
But I'm still that same church boy
Regardless of the genre or style of music I produce or perform, I identify and represent myself as a Christian and maintain my values and standards.
I ain't afraid to let you know
I'm not ashamed or hesitant to share my faith and my journey with others, even in the music industry or secular settings.
If you feel me make some noise
If my message resonates with you or if you support my mission, show your support and enthusiasm for it.
Hello world
I am addressing the world or the music industry as a whole.
Wake up you've been sleeping in
I am calling for anyone who has been complacent or apathetic to wake up and pay attention to the message and values that I represent.
And open up your ears
Listen to the positive and uplifting message that I have to share.
With the secret he's been keeping
I am sharing the message of God's love and redemption, which may have been neglected or overlooked by some.
It's out, no doubt
The message of the gospel is out and undeniable, and I am spreading it through my music and my platform.
And here goes your sound bite
I am giving the media or the industry something to talk about, but it is rooted in my faith and my values.
All opposing forces
Anyone or anything that challenges or opposes the message of the gospel.
This what gospel sound like
My music and my message is an example of what a positive and uplifting gospel message can sound like.
Association with the church got us lookin', watchin'
Being associated with the church or Christianity can bring scrutiny and attention from others, but I am not ashamed of my beliefs.
Scandals, hypocrisy or corrupted democracy
There may be negative aspects of the church or religious institutions, but that does not discredit the message of the gospel or the truth of God's love and redemption for all.
It's bad, true dat
I acknowledge that there are flaws or negative aspects of the church or religious institutions.
God's raisin' up bosses
Despite the flaws or challenges, God is still at work and raising up leaders or influencers who can spread his message in positive ways.
History in the makin', we already in the process
We are living in a time where there is a cultural shift towards positivity and inclusivity, and I am a part of that movement through my music and my message.
It's about time I got the new wave runner shoes
I am expressing my desire or ambition to succeed and make a positive impact in the music industry or the world at large.
I can turn it like a Holy Ghost banner
I have the capability to express my faith and my message in a way that is both creative and powerful, like a banner waving in the wind.
I'm tired of being under, so over here we [?]
I am tired of being held back or underestimated because of my faith or my values, and I am determined to break down those barriers and succeed on my own terms.
I use to run with, my old buddies
I used to associate with people who engaged in negative behavior or activities.
And bad things we use to do / We thought were funny
In the past, I engaged in negative behavior or actions that I now recognize as harmful or sinful.
A bad girl & all / And all types of flaws
I used to have negative qualities or flaws that I now recognize and strive to improve.
But now I look back & I'm kind of glad
I am grateful for my journey and my growth, even if it means acknowledging past mistakes and negative behavior.
Cause without the man / I just might not be sane / But you made a way
Without God in my life, I might have continued down a negative path or struggled with my mental health, but through my faith and relationship with God, I found a way to overcome those challenges.
Since I found Christ / He made everything right / And I can sing about him everyday & night / Let me hear you say / Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh / Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh / I may not have everything right / But I'm still glad I got him in my life / Let me hear you say / Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh / Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
The chorus reiterates how my relationship with God has transformed my life and brought me joy and fulfillment, even though I may still make mistakes or have challenges.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGEL CHISHOLM, J. SHEARD, KIERRA SHEARD, KORTNEY POLLARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind