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."
these days
Mandisa Lyrics
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Or breakin' in new shoes
And mornings when I can't find my phone
Nobody likes traffic or short nights
Or sit-ups or long flights
But sometimes that's just the way it goes
It's funny what you use to help me grow
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
God your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You're the only hope I've found
Lord you meet me in the madness
I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days
I can see a silver linin'
When the sun's not shinin'
Even when you choose to bring the rain
Oh there's freedom in believin'
I'm trustin' your leadin'
'Cause your Lord of all my joy and all my pain
So I'll learn to love these days
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
God, your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You're the only hope I've found
Lord you meet me in the madness
I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days
I could wait the hundred years
You gave me here the days when you near
The days when I was out there
Lookin' for what comes next
Oh, 'cause every minute, every hour, every day
Is such a gift and I'm content
I'm thankful for each day
So I'll learn to love these days
Life along the way
In the middle of the crazy
Your love is so amazing
Through the ups and downs
You're the only hope I've found
Lord you meet me in the madness
So I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days
I'll learn to love these days
The lyrics of Mandisa's song "These Days" express the idea that life is not always easy, but it's important to try to find joy in every moment. The singer lists a variety of common things that people tend to dislike, such as Mondays, bad news, and exercise, but acknowledges that sometimes difficult things are necessary for growth. The chorus emphasizes the importance of learning to love the present moment, even when things are challenging, because God's love can help us through anything. The second verse continues this theme of finding freedom and trust in difficult circumstances, and expresses gratitude for the gift of each day.
The message of the song is one of hope and resilience, reminding listeners to take a positive attitude towards life and trust in a higher power to guide them through tough times. The lyrics are presented in a catchy, upbeat melody with a pop-infused gospel sound, creating a sense of energy and empowerment to match the lyrics. Overall, "These Days" is a song that encourages listeners to find joy and hope in every moment, even when life is difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
I never liked Mondays or bad news
I don't enjoy hearing negative things on a Monday, or any unfortunate news in general
Or breakin' in new shoes
I don't particularly enjoy the uncomfortable feeling of wearing new shoes
And mornings when I can't find my phone
I dislike the feeling of frustration that comes when I misplace my phone in the morning
Nobody likes traffic or short nights
It's a common sentiment to dislike traffic or not getting enough sleep
Or sit-ups or long flights
And many people also dislike doing sit-ups or being on long flights
But sometimes that's just the way it goes
However, these are just a few of life's challenges that we all face from time to time
It's funny what you use to help me grow
But even in those challenging moments, I can look back and see how I've grown and learned from them
So I'll learn to love these days
Therefore, I am determined to learn to appreciate and find joy in each and every day
Life along the way
Embracing the ups and downs that come with life's journey
In the middle of the crazy
Even during the most chaotic and stressful times
God your love is so amazing
I am constantly reminded of the amazing love and guidance I receive from God
Through the ups and downs
Despite the highs and lows that come with life
You're the only hope I've found
I know that God is the only hope I can truly rely on
Lord you meet me in the madness
Even in the midst of chaos and confusion, I trust that God is there with me
I can see a silver linin'
I am able to find a glimmer of hope even in the darkest of situations
When the sun's not shinin'
During times when everything seems to be going wrong
Even when you choose to bring the rain
Even if hardships come my way, I trust that God has a plan for me
Oh there's freedom in believin'
Believing in God's plan gives me a sense of freedom and peace
I'm trustin' your leadin'
I am putting my trust in God's guidance
'Cause your Lord of all my joy and all my pain
I believe that God is in control of all aspects of my life, the good and the bad
I could wait the hundred years
I would happily wait a very long time
You gave me here the days when you near
As long as I have God by my side, I am content with any number of days
The days when I was out there
Days when I was lost and unsure of the future
Lookin' for what comes next
Wondering what my future held
Oh, 'cause every minute, every hour, every day
But I now understand that each and every moment is a gift
Is such a gift and I'm content
And I find contentment in knowing that each day is a precious gift from God
I'm thankful for each day
I am grateful for every single day, no matter the struggles that may come with it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: BRIAN GENE WHITE, BENJAMIN GLOVER, TONY W. WOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind