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 Makes Me Cry
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I pray they're resting in a better place
I think of memories of years gone by
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of soldiers across the sea
Sometimes I wonder why it's them instead of me
But for my freedom they give their lives
Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of family, I think of home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
Cause love can reach out into a silent night
And that's why Christmas makes me cry
Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
I think of Mary and the virgin birth
And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
That He would send His only Son to die
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
Tears of faithfulness and tears of hope
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
And sometimes Christmas makes me
Oh, sometimes Christmas makes me
Christmas makes me cry
Christmas makes me cry
In Mandisa's song "Christmas Makes Me Cry," she talks about how Christmas reminds her of the people she has lost, the soldiers who are away from home, and the importance of family and personal connections. The line "I think of loved ones who've passed away" shows that even though Christmas is a time of joy and happiness, it can also be painful and emotional for some people. Mandisa also mentions soldiers who are fighting for their country's freedom and those who may feel lonely and isolated during the holiday season. She stresses the importance of love and reaching out to those who may feel alone.
The most powerful message of the song comes from the lines "I think of Mary and the virgin birth, And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth, That He would send His only Son to die." These words encapsulate the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice that was made for humanity. The lyrics remind us that Christmas is not just about receiving presents or having a good time, it is about recognizing the immense value of life and the blessings that we have been given.
Mandisa's song is a heartfelt and emotional tribute to the holiday season, which brings together love, family, and faith. It reminds us that despite our differences and hardships, we all have a reason to celebrate and be grateful.
Line by Line Meaning
I think of loved ones who've passed away
I reminisce about the people I have lost
And I pray they're resting in a better place
And out of love, I pray that they have found a better place in the afterlife
I think of memories of years gone by
I am reminded of memories from past Christmases
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
And sometimes those memories can bring tears to my eyes during this holiday season
I think of soldiers across the sea
I consider the brave soldiers fighting in other countries
Sometimes I wonder why it's them instead of me
I have questioned why it is the soldiers fighting over there and not me
But for my freedom they give their lives
But I remember that these soldiers give their lives to protect the freedom I enjoy
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
And this thought of sacrifice can make me emotional during this holiday season
Tears of faithfulness, tears of hope
I shed tears out of faithfulness and hopefulness
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
My tears at Christmas are those of happiness because I believe
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
I believe that the world can find peace if everyone seeks it, especially during Christmastime
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
And this hopeful and joyous thought can make me cry during this holiday season
I think of family, I think of home
I recall my family and my home
And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone
And I promise to pray for those who may be alone during this season
Cause love can reach out into a silent night
Because I believe that love can bring joy even in the darkest of times
And that's why Christmas makes me cry
This thought of love and hope can make me emotional during this holiday season
I think of Mary and the virgin birth
I contemplate the story of Mary and the birth of Jesus, born of a virgin
And I'm amazed by how much God thinks we are worth
And I feel grateful for God's love for us, as it reminds me how truly valuable we all are
That He would send His only Son to die
That God would send His only Son to die for us
And sometimes Christmas makes me cry
And this selfless act of love can make me emotional during this holiday season
Tears of faithfulness and tears of hope
I cry tears of commitment and optimism
I cry tears of joy at Christmas because I know
And my tears during Christmas are those of happiness since I believe in the goodness around us
There is peace on earth for every heart to find
I have faith that we can find peace on this earth, wherever we may be
And sometimes Christmas makes me
And at times, these emotions can overwhelm me
Oh, sometimes Christmas makes me
Oh, how at times, these emotions can take hold of me
Christmas makes me cry
This holiday season can cause tears of joy, love, and hope
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATTHEW WEST, MATTHEW JOSEPH WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind