Mandisa grew up in Citrus Heights, California (Sacramento County) and graduated from El Camino Fundamental High School. She then attended American River College in Sacramento where she studied Vocal Jazz. Then she was off to Fisk University in Tennessee and graduated with a bachelor's of music degree with a concentration in vocal performance. Mandisa currently resides in the suburban Nashville community of Antioch, Tennessee. When she auditioned for American Idol in Chicago, she asked the judges to call her "just Mandisa", and she has been billed as Mandisa (with no last name) on the show since the shows Hollywood round. Mandisa was a backup singer for famed Christian author and speaker Beth Moore. She has stated her musical influences run the gamut from Whitney Houston to Def Leppard.
Idol judge Simon Cowell made several comments about Mandisa's weight during her audition. When he first saw her, he quipped are we "going to have a bigger stage this year." Later, when Paula Abdul commented that Mandisa had a "Frenchie" growl to her voice, Cowell responded that a more apt comparison would be to France itself. These were among comments that drew the ire of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, and would be one of the reasons Mandisa would entitle her 2007 album "True Beauty".
According to the Stronger Songfacts, the 11 tracks of Mandisa's 2011 album What If We Were Real encourage shining the light on whom we really are, including both the good and the bad; the theme of the record also coincided with Mandisa's public struggles with food addiction and weight loss. "A struggle is a struggle, and Jesus is there through it all," the singer explained. "He is there in compassion and grace. I have found that what He has spoken to me through these songs has been encouraging and I think that'll be true for other people who are going through their own hard times."
Christmas Bell Medley
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas Day
City sidewalks
Busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
A feeling of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every
Street corner you'll hear
Silver Bells, Silver Bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Strings of street lights
Even stoplights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home
With their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all
This bustle you'll here
Silver Bells, Silver Bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Silver Bells, Silver Bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Soon it will be Christmas Day
Hark! how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say,
"Throw cares away."
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From ev'rywhere
Filling the air
Oh how they pound
Raising the sound
O'er hill and dale
Telling their tale
Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer
Christmas is here
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
On, on they send
On without end
Their joyful tone
To ev'ry home
Caroling, caroling, now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling thru the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling thru the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling up and down
Christmas bells are ringing
Mark ye well the song we sing
Gladsome tidings now we bring
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing!
Caroling, caroling, near and far
Christmas bells are ringing
Following, following yonder star
Christmas bells are ringing
Sing we all this happy morn
"Lo, the King of heav'n is born!"
Ding dong, ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
The first part of the song "Silver Bells, Silver Bells, it's Christmas time in the city, ring-a-ling, hear them ring, soon it will be Christmas Day" describes the excitement and anticipation of Christmas in the city. The hustle and bustle of people shopping and children laughing create an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration. The sound of silver bells, streetlights, and stoplights create a symphony of joyous sounds that reminisce the spirit of Christmas for everyone.
The second part of the song "Hark! how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, 'Throw cares away.' Christmas is here, bringing good cheer, to young and old, Meek and the bold" expresses the message of the meaning of Christmas, which is to come together with loved ones and make the most of the moment. The bells signify a call for togetherness and the joyous Christmas spirit. The carolers spreading their message of good cheer with their joyful melodies invoke a fairytale land signifying that Christmas is a time to be happy and share that happiness with others.
The lyrics of this song beautifully depict the joyous and vibrant atmosphere of Christmas in the city. It provides a sense of anticipation and excitement that comes with the holiday season, reminding us that Christmas is a time to be with family, friends and to spread love and cheer.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver Bells, Silver Bells
The song starts with the mention of silver bells, which represent the holiday season and the joy it brings.
It's Christmas time in the city
The lyrics indicate that it's the holiday season, specifically Christmas time, which is celebrated in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
This line describes the sound of the silver bells ringing, which brings a festive and joyful atmosphere.
Soon it will be Christmas Day
This line is a reminder that even though it's not Christmas Day just yet, it is quickly approaching and anticipation is high for the festivities it brings.
City sidewalks
The song shifts to a description of the environment, referencing the sidewalks that are bustling with holiday shoppers.
Busy sidewalks
This line reinforces that the sidewalks in the city are crowded and active during the holiday season.
Dressed in holiday style
The sidewalks and their surroundings, like many things during the holiday season, are decorated in festive, cheerful holiday decor.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
The air is charged with a distinct, recognizable feeling of Christmas for those tuned into the holiday season.
Children laughing
This line paints a picture of children happily enjoying holiday cheer and finding joy in the season.
People passing
A simple observation of people casually walking around during the shopping season.
Meeting smile after smile
This line reinforces the positive, happy atmosphere of people encountering others during the holiday season and exchanging joyful interactions.
And on every street corner you'll hear
This line describes the ubiquity and pervasiveness of the sound of silver bells during the season - so much so that the expectation is you'll hear it everywhere.
Strings of street lights
The song shifts to a description of holiday decorations, pointing out the lights in the streets.
Even stoplights
The observation expands to include typical urban fixtures, like traffic signals that are dressed up with holiday decor.
Blink a bright red and green
The lights described are of the signature red and green typically associated with the holiday season.
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
This line frames the decorations and commercial aspects of the holiday season, highlighting a specific kind of holiday activity in shoppers rushing home with their purchases.
Hear the snow crunch
This line reminds us of the cold winter weather people endure during the season that gives off the distinct sound of snow crunching underfoot.
See the kids bunch
This line describes a common holiday sight of children of all ages huddled together to enjoy the delights of the season.
This is Santa's big scene
This line demonstrates the spirit of the season - Santa's arrival - as an exciting event that everyone looks forward to every year.
And above all this bustle you'll hear
The line refers to how even above the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, the sound of the joyful silver bells is still audible and heartwarming.
Hark! how the bells
The song changes to a new section that reflects on the sound of the silver bells as something to listen and pay attention to, indicating something special about the holiday season.
Sweet silver bells
The bells are sweet and pleasant, and are thought to symbolize a time of joy and celebration.
All seem to say, 'Throw cares away.'
The sound of the bells is interpreted as something that can make people forget their worries, helping them to relax and enjoy the moment.
Christmas is here
This line represents the arrival and excitement of the holiday season.
Bringing good cheer
The mood of the song, and the holiday season in general, is one of good cheer and positivity.
To young and old
The holiday season is inclusive, and brings joy to people of all ages.
Meek and the bold
The season stands to offer bounty and blessings to people of all dispositions and beliefs, from the humble to the brave.
Ding, dong, ding, dong
This is the onomatopoeic sound of bells ringing, conveying a spirit of joy and celebration.
That is their song
The sound of the bells can be interpreted as symbolic of the Christmas spirit, and serves as a reminder of the many reasons that make the holiday season special.
With joyful ring all caroling
This line paints a picture of people singing and spreading holiday cheer in harmonious and joyful fashion.
One seems to hear
The sound of the bells can be interpreted as an all-encompassing and prideful sound that seems to reach all corners and crevices of the world.
Words of good cheer
This line refers to the messages of hope and positivity that are associated with the holiday season.
From ev'rywhere filling the air
The message of the season - of love and hope - can be felt everywhere people look and turn during the holiday season.
Oh how they pound, raising the sound
This line describes how the sound of bells can be melodic and rhythmic, pounding strong and making their presence felt.
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale
This line evokes a sense of the story-telling tradition of the holiday season, taking the message of Christmas to far and wide places.
Gaily they ring while people sing
The line is jolly and playful, indicating a universal sense of joy and celebration shared by all.
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here
The song circles back to its core message, reinforcing that the season stands for good cheer, hope, and positivity.
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
The famous and catchy chorus further emphasizes the joy and festivity of the season.
On, on they send
This line describes how the sound of the bells can be heard continuing on far and wide to all corners of the earth.
On without end
This line reinforces the idea that the spirit of the holiday season is eternal and everlasting.
Their joyful tone to ev'ry home
The line signifies how the sound of the bells and the spirit of the season can reach into homes everywhere, bringing cheer and light into people's hearts.
Caroling, caroling, now we go
The song shifts to a new section that frames people singing together, caroling as a community.
Christmas bells are ringing
This line reinforces the image of the bells ringing loud and true, signifying the arrival of the holiday season.
Joyous voices sweet and clear
The voices of the carolers are joyful and evoke cheer, lighting up everyone's spirits.
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
The carolers seek to spread their joy to anyone who may be feeling down or sad during the holiday season.
Ding dong, ding dong
The repeating of the onomatopoeic bell sounds solidifies the sense of merriment and festivity the song exudes.
Caroling, caroling thru the town
The song shifts to a new setting, describing the carolers walking through town, spreading joy and spirit wherever they go.
Mark ye well the song we sing
This line serves as an invitation to pay careful attention to the carolers' message of hope and cheer, indicating the power of music in spreading these messages.
Gladsome tidings now we bring
The carolers share the good news, or gladsome tidings, that the holiday season brings, reinforcing the positive message and spirit of hope embodied by the holiday season.
Caroling, caroling, near and far
The song returns to the idea that the message is universal and expansive, spreading near and far.
Christmas bells are ringing
The sound of the bells is a universal sound that represents the arrival of the holiday season across the globe.
Following, following yonder star
The image of following the star suggests a journey, of traveling a long distance to reach a destination that holds great significance and meaning.
Christmas bells are ringing
The repeating of the sound of the bells serves as a refrain which helps in internalizing the message of the song and the joyousness of the holiday season.
Sing we all this happy morn
This line celebrates the new day, a day of deep and meaningful happiness.
"Lo, the King of heav'n is born!"
The singer invokes the message of Christian tradition - of the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of heaven - which is the central meaning of the holiday season for many people.
Ding dong, ding dong
The repeating of the onomatopoeic sound of the bells helps in bringing the song to a satisfying conclusion and leaving an enduring impression of the joyousness of the holiday season.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind