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 resided 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 was billed as Mandisa (with no last name) on the show since the shows Hollywood
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".
Mandisa passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 47 in her home in Nashville, Tennessee.
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."
Overcomer
Mandisa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watching people drive by
T mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing's really going right
Looking for a ray of hope
Whatever it is you may be going throughI know he's not gonna let it get the best of you
You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under
'Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when he reminds you
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
Everybody's been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Ooh, You're not alone
Just take a breath, don't forget
Hang on to his promises
He wants you to know
You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under
'Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when he reminds youThat you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
The same man, the great I am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of you
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing he can't do
He's telling you
You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
You're not going under
'Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when he reminds you
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
See don't quit, don't give in
You're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in
You're an overcomer
Don't quit, don't give in
You're an overcomer
You're an overcomer
The lyrics to Mandisa's song "Overcomer" is an encouraging message for those who may be going through tough times. The first verse paints a picture of a person feeling stuck and overwhelmed with life's challenges, looking for a glimmer of hope. The chorus reassures the listener that they are not alone, and that they have what it takes to overcome their difficulties. The lyrics reference God as the source of strength and comfort, urging the listener to hold onto His promises and remember that He is always holding them.
The second verse reminds the listener that everyone goes through struggles in life, but that they should not despair. They should take a breath and remember that God wants them to know that they are capable of overcoming whatever challenge they're facing. The bridge of the song drives home the message even more, reminding the listener that the same God who overcame death is living inside of them, ready to empower them to overcome their own challenges.
Overall, "Overcomer" serves as a reminder to listeners that they are not alone, and that with God's help, they are capable of overcoming anything they face in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Staring at a stop sign
Feeling stuck in life and not sure which direction to take.
Watching people drive by
Feeling like everyone else is moving forward in life while you are standing still.
T mac on the radio
Having distractions or entertainment to try to take your mind off of your problems.
Got so much on your mind
Feeling overwhelmed and burdened with various worries and concerns.
Nothing's really going right
Experiencing a difficult season where it seems like nothing is going well.
Looking for a ray of hope
Searching for something positive to hold onto in the midst of a challenging situation.
Whatever it is you may be going through
Acknowledging that everyone has their own struggles and hardships.
I know he's not gonna let it get the best of you
Believing that God can help you overcome your difficulties and won't let them defeat you.
You're an overcomer
Affirming that you have the strength and courage to overcome your challenges.
Stay in the fight 'til the final round
Urging you to persevere and not give up prematurely, as victory may be close at hand.
You're not going under
Encouraging you that you will not drown or be overwhelmed by your struggles.
'Cause God is holding you right now
Reminding you that God is with you in your difficult season and is sustaining you.
You might be down for a moment
Acknowledging that you may experience moments of feeling defeated or discouraged.
Feeling like it's hopeless
Feeling like your situation is beyond repair and there is no way out.
That's when he reminds you
Affirming that God can provide reminders of his love and provision even in difficult seasons.
The same man, the great I am
Referring to God as the almighty Creator who reigns over all.
The one who overcame death
Reminding that Jesus overcame death through his resurrection and therefore has power over all things.
Is living inside of you
Teaching that God dwells within his followers and empowers them to overcome their struggles.
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
Encouraging you to maintain your faith and focus on God during difficult seasons.
On the one who holds your life
Reminding you that God is in control and has a plan for your life.
There's nothing he can't do
Affirming that God is capable of all things and can bring about victory in your struggles.
Don't quit, don't give in
Urging you to persevere and not give up in the face of your struggles and hardships.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Sentric Music, Songtrust Ave
Written by: BENJAMIN GLOVER, CHRISTOPHER E. STEVENS, DAVID ARTHUR GARCIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@coralyrivera7031
Just found out you have passed away and flash backs on how much this song helped me through my process in life nay you be in the arms of the Jesus
@isaacsmithlin4069
Amen😔🙏❤️🩹👑🌄🦋 she's in Heaven with Jesus
@gailolson8255
😢
@PSCTUpdates
I came for the same reason. RIP :(
@deidremartin5247
a beautiful soul who will be missed. She is now with her best friend Jesus
@annetdale2630
That song was epic. So sad. Rest in peace Mandisa🙏🏻
@theonestekabagema773
Who still believe that Jesus is King in this crazy generation. Rest in Heaven Mandisa❤
@ashleyedwards2230
I'm crazy for Jesus. Jesus is King!
@emscholtz2892
Rest in Heaven Mandisa🙏❤️
@RepentAtNightOfficial
I still believe and I’ll never not believe it. Jesus saves all who accepts him in their heart and it doesn’t mean he’ll always save you in this life.