Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell were born in Inglewood,
California. The Campbell (formerly Atkins) sisters grew up as part of a large family of nine children in Inglewood, California. Their parents are Thomasina (An evangelist and choir director at the Evangelistic Church of God in Christ) and Eddie (a youth minister). Because of their proximity in age, the two singers grew up closer to one another than to any of their seven siblings. The sisters quickly entered the world of church choirs, traveling gospel shows, and some television productions. All nine Atkins children were on the Bobby Jones Gospel show on BET.
The sisters had their sights set on making music a career and enrolled at El Camino College to study voice. There they ran up against the divide between academic music studies and the popular musical world. "We had to study classical and sing arias, which was fine," Erica told the Times, "but the teachers would tell us if we sang anything else it would damage our instrument." The sisters tours with the 1995 Michael Matthews traveling gospel show Mama I'm Sorry and Sneaky. Each sister subsequently toured as a backup singer for a variety of R&B acts including Brandy.
A meeting with producer Warryn Campbell led to their song publishing deal with the giant EMI music conglomerate and a series of songs that landed on the soundtracks. They wrote "Dance" and performed it with Robin S. for the soundtrack to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle; "Let Go, Let God" for The Prince of Egypt Inspirational, one of three soundtrack albums for the film; and songs of theirs were recorded by Yolanda Adams and 702. At the same time, Mary Mary as a musical entity took shape.
The sisters' profile in the gospel industry was raised when their songs "Time To Change" and "Yeah" were recorded by Yolanda Adams on the Mountain High... Valley Low CD. The duo was subsequently signed to Columbia Records/C2 Records and decided to perform under the name Mary Mary, honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. They were first gospel act to record for the industry giant Columbia Records since Tramaine Hawkins in the mid-1990s. Their first single, "Shackles (Praise You)" became a crossover hit, being popular with gospel, R&B, and pop audiences. It was a Top 10 R&B and Top 40 pop hit, and peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the first gospel song in five years to crack the R&B top ten and gained wide exposure on the MTV video cable channel. The album was a huge success because it offered a younger, hipper version of gospel that audiences could relate to.
Their first album, Thankful (Mary Mary Album) in May 2000, which would go on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, and a second single, "I Sings". Peaking at #1 on the Gospel album chart and at #59 of the overall Top 200 chart, Thankful was certified Platinum for sales of 1 million copies in the USA. Both singles were also hits in the UK and Europe, and to this day remain popular with Christian youths in the US, Latin America, and Europe.
With their second album Incredible, the duo was able to maintain their success. The record, soon after its release, went to #1 on the Gospel chart, and was able to enter the Top 20 of the Top 200 album chart. Incredible was later certified Gold for 500,000 copies sold in the United States. The album's singles In The Morning and I Try became relatively large hits within the contemporary gospel nation.
After taking time off to have children, their third album Mary Mary appeared. It became the duo's first album to enter the Top 10 on Billboard and was later on certified Gold for sales of 500,000 copies. The first single "Heaven" containing a sample from seventies soul trio the Honey Cone's "Want Ads". Heaven made history and broke chart records as it had an unprecedented 9 week run as the #1 record on Billboard's Gospel Radio chart. The second single, "Yesterday", also became a hit, especially on the Adult R&B charts where it peaked at #10. On the R&B/Hip Hop chart, the song became their second biggest hit since "Shackles" in 2000, reaching the #53 spot so far.
On October 10, 2006`, the recording group released their most recent album inspired by Christmas songs and is called A Mary Mary Christmas.
Slow Walk
Mary Mary Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
Time keeps moving on and it never rewinds
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
Tell me what you want tell me what you see
Where you wanna go what you wanna be if you have a dream
You can make it there with a lot of work and a lot of prayer
Double check it twice wait hold up slow down still gon' need advice
Someones gone before maybe talk to them then
After you do go and talk to him great is gonna come
Maybe not tonight take your time today futures looking bright
Got a lot of friends, led a lot of ends
Twitter you to trend in my Bentley Benz
But but you moving kind of fast
Keith Sweat you gotta make it last
Live every day like it's your last
But don't forget to have blast
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
Time keeps moving on and it never rewinds
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
The song Slow Walk by Mary Mary talks about the importance of cherishing the present moment and not letting it slip away. It begins with a repetition of the refrain "Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by," emphasizing the crucial nature of not squandering opportunities that come our way. Time is fleeting - it moves on and never rewinds. Hence, it is essential to seize every chance that presents itself.
The song then urges listeners to reflect on their aspirations and dreams. If one has a passion, they should work towards it with dedication and perseverance, and with a lot of prayer. The lyrics suggest taking things slow, being precise, and having a plan. Double-checking the plan before moving forward and seeking advice from someone who has been there before are essential steps in making significant progress towards our goals.
The second verse uses a metaphor of the fast pace of life represented in the singer's life. They have many friends and lead luxurious lives, but they emphasize that even in that world, it is crucial to take one's time and make life last, just like Keith Sweat's song. The lyrics suggest making every day count and not forgetting to have fun along the way.
Overall, Slow Walk is an uplifting song that encourages its listeners to stay present, think about their aspirations, and work hard towards their goals. It is a reminder to take our time, seek advice, and stay true to ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't miss this moment don't let it pass you by
Don't overlook the importance of this moment because it won't come again.
Time keeps moving on and it never rewinds
Time always moves forward and cannot be turned back.
Tell me what you want tell me what you see
What are your aspirations and goals? How does your future look to you?
Where you wanna go what you wanna be if you have a dream
What are your desired accomplishments? What are your aspirations?
You can make it there with a lot of work and a lot of prayer
With dedicated effort and faith, you can achieve your aspirations.
If you take you time gotta be precise gotta have a plan
Take the appropriate amount of time, create a specific plan and stick to it.
Double check it twice wait hold up slow down still gon' need advice
Review your plan and receive guidance from others before executing.
Someones gone before maybe talk to them then
Communicate with those who have previous experience in your desired field or have achieved similar goals.
After you do go and talk to him great is gonna come
After you gain enlightenment and understanding, success is more likely.
Maybe not tonight take your time today futures looking bright
Success may not occur immediately, but with persistence and time, the future appears promising.
Got a lot of friends, led a lot of ends
I have many acquaintances and financial resources.
Twitter you to trend in my Bentley Benz
I am wealthy enough to drive a luxurious car and be popular on social media.
But but you moving kind of fast
However, it appears that you are rushing through life.
Keith Sweat you gotta make it last
Take time and effort to make your accomplishments last, as Keith Sweat's song 'Make It Last Forever' expresses.
Live every day like it's your last
Live in the moment and appreciate every day as if it were your last.
But don't forget to have blast
Don't let your focus on the future prevent you from enjoying the present moment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERICA ATKINS-CAMPBELL, TRECINA ATKINS-CAMPBELL, WARRYN CAMPBELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind