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 Day
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lights on the trees
The sound of singing
I hear down every street
Families have gathered
From miles away
Oh, Merry Christmas
You see that old tree
Down Cotton Lane
Those lights keep shining
It's always the same
We hear the church bells
Ring out to say
Oh, Merry Christmas
It's Christmas day
Oh, Merry Christmas
It's Christmas day
Swing the lights and hang the stockings
Decorate with green and red
Made the cookies for old Santa
Made a runway for his sled
Singing carols on a sleigh ride
Gather 'round the manger scene
Open presents, read the letter
And together we will sing
Oh, Merry Christmas
Joy to the world
For every nation
For every boy and girl
Let's light a candle
For peace we pray
Oh, Merry Christmas
It's Christmas day
It's Christmas day
It's Christmas day
Let's light a candle
For peace we pray
Oh, Merry Christmas
It's Christmas day
Oh, Merry Christmas
It's Christmas day
The song "Christmas Day" by Mandisa captures the joyful spirit of Christmas. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of Christmas with snow-covered rooftops, lights on trees, and songs being sung on every street. Families have come together from miles away to celebrate this special day. The song reminds us of the time-honored traditions associated with Christmas, like decorating with green and red, hanging stockings, and making cookies for Santa.
The chorus invites us to celebrate the birth of Christ with joy and togetherness. We see the image of an old tree shining brightly on Cotton Lane, and we hear church bells ringing out the joyous news. The verse describes the sense of community and harmony that Christmas brings to all people regardless of their race, nationality, or religion. The song concludes by encouraging us to light a candle for peace, reflecting on the true message of Christmas.
In conclusion, "Christmas Day" is an uplifting song that captures the essence of Christmas. It reminds us to celebrate the joy of life with loved ones and to reflect on the message of peace that emanates from this season.
Line by Line Meaning
Snow covered rooftops
The houses are covered in snow, and it sets the festive and cozy mood
Lights on the trees
The neighborhoods are awash with bright lights on the trees, and it is a beautiful sight
The sound of singing
Everywhere one goes, a variety of Christmas carols and songs are heard being sung
I hear down every street
The singing can be heard from all directions, creating a cheerful atmosphere
Families have gathered
Loved ones have come from far and wide to be together for the holiday
From miles away
People have traveled long distances to be with those they love on this special day
Oh, Merry Christmas
A common expression of holiday cheer
It's Christmas day
Today is the day that everyone has been waiting and preparing for
You see that old tree
The focus now turns to a particular tree on Cotton Lane
Down Cotton Lane
A specific street where a memorable tree is located
Those lights keep shining
Despite the years that have passed, the lights on this tree continue to twinkle and charm those who see them
It's always the same
Although the world around us may change, some holiday traditions remain constant and familiar
We hear the church bells
The bells in the church tower are ringing, signaling the start of the Christmas service
Ring out to say
The ringing of the bells is a way of expressing the joy of the season
Swing the lights and hang the stockings
People are busy decorating their homes, hanging lights and stockings in preparation for the arrival of Santa Claus
Decorate with green and red
The classic colors of Christmas are being used in all the decorations
Made the cookies for old Santa
It is common to bake and leave out cookies for Santa Claus to enjoy on his annual visit
Made a runway for his sled
In anticipation of Santa Claus's arrival, families create pathways to guide him to the tree and the stockings
Singing carols on a sleigh ride
A fun activity during Christmas is to go on a sleigh ride while singing Christmas carols
Gather 'round the manger scene
A traditional Christmas scene depicting the birth of Jesus is an important setting for many families during the holiday
Open presents, read the letter
It is now time to exchange gifts and read letters of appreciation from loved ones
And together we will sing
Singing together during the festivities is a way of expressing joy and unity
Joy to the world
A common phrase used as a way of expressing the joy of the holiday season
For every nation
The celebration of Christmas is a global event, and it brings people of diverse cultures and backgrounds together
For every boy and girl
The holiday is universal and loved equally by children all over the world
Let's light a candle
A way of expressing hope for peace and goodwill during the holiday season
For peace we pray
The lighted candle represents a universal hope and prayer for peace in the world
It's Christmas day
The long-awaited day has finally arrived, and it is a time for family, love, and celebration
Oh, Merry Christmas
A joyous and heartfelt greeting between family and friends during Christmas
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: MICHAEL W. SMITH, CINDY MORGAN, WES KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ifeomaeruchalu3159
Thank you Mandisa for that feat. Thank you Michael for great music! Can play all day! A glorious music that fits the christmas season- A season of Joy and awe of God's Glory.
@juanitajones1548
Such a beautiful song. Always moves me to tears 😢
@maryannsmith4160
Me,too.Juanita..😂😂😂Merry Christmas to you and your family.from Grandma.🙏👼💙😊😊😊
@juanitajones1548
mary ann smith thank you. Hope you are having a great 2019 💜
@ThatBlondeCowgirlll__
LOVE THIS SONG I play it on my mega speaker all year around
@derekbackofen6
I never even heard of this song what a gorgeous song it easily now one of my favorites
@marypursall
Just love this song.
@nikkyttlyricsworship241
Its so nice to see you mature in your ministry. I pray that the Almighty continue to use you to touch His ppl in His name. Blessings Bro.
@patriciaraveling4940
Such a beautiful song
@zotulan
Most underrated christmas song of all time. I wish we could listen to this song on Danish radio stations.