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."
I'm Every Woman
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatever you need
Anything you want done baby
I'll do it naturally
Cuz I'm every woman (every woman)
It's all in me
It's all in me
I'm every woman
It's all in me
Anything you want done baby
I'll do it naturally
I'm every woman
It's all in me
I can read your thoughts right now
Every word from A to Z (woh woh woh)
I can cast a spell
Secrets you can't tell
Mix a special groove
Put fire inside of you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
Then instantly, I will appear
Repeat Chorus
I can sense your needs
Like rain unto the seeds
I can make a rhyme
Of confusion in your mind
And when it comes
To some good old-fashioned love
I got it, I got it
got it got it baby
Repeat Chorus
I ain't braggin'
Cuz I'm the one
Just ask me
Ooh it shall be done
Don't bother to compare
I got it got it
got it got it baby
Repeat Chorus
I'm every woman (Chaka!)
I'm every woman (Chaka!)
Hehehe my girl!
The lyrics of Mandisa's "I'm Every Woman" speak to a woman's ability to fulfill any need or want of their partner. The singer exudes confidence and competence, indicating that no request is too big or small, and all can be fulfilled naturally. As the chorus repeats, "I'm every woman, it's all in me," the singer proclaims that they possess all the qualities needed to meet any desire of their partner. The lyrics highlight the singer's ability to read their partner's thoughts, cast spells, mix special grooves, and even appear in moments of danger or fear. The singer is confident in their ability to provide everything that their partner requires in life, including good old-fashioned love.
Line by Line Meaning
Whatever you want
I am willing to provide any request you make
Whatever you need
I am able to fulfill any need that you have
Anything you want done baby
No task is too difficult for me to accomplish for you
I'll do it naturally
I am capable of completing any task without difficulty
Cuz I'm every woman (every woman)
I possess the unique abilities of every woman
It's all in me
I have the power within myself to accomplish anything
I can read your thoughts right now
I am able to determine your thoughts at this moment
Every word from A to Z (woh woh woh)
I am aware of every detail of your thoughts and actions
I can cast a spell
I have the power to control situations through my words and actions
Secrets you can't tell
I am aware of information that is kept hidden from others
Mix a special groove
I can create a unique environment to fit your specific desires
Put fire inside of you
I am able to ignite passion and desire within you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
I am there to protect and comfort you in times of need
Then instantly, I will appear
I will always be there whenever you need me
I can sense your needs
I am aware of your current and future needs
Like rain unto the seeds
I am able to nourish and provide growth to aspects of your life
I can make a rhyme
I am able to turn confusion into coherence through expression
Of confusion in your mind
I am able to clarify thoughts and provide direction for you
And when it comes
In the area of
To some good old-fashioned love
When it comes to affection and romantic desire
I got it, I got it
I am fully capable and confident in my abilities
got it got it baby
I am skilled and proficient in all areas of love
I ain't braggin'
I'm not boasting or overestimating my abilities
Cuz I'm the one
I am the person with the abilities to fulfill your needs
Just ask me
All you have to do is request my assistance
Ooh it shall be done
I will ensure that your desires are satisfied
Don't bother to compare
There is no other person or entity that can compare to me
I'm every woman (Chaka!)
I possess the talents and abilities of every woman
Hehehe my girl!
Expressing admiration and support for women
Contributed by Lucas D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.