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.
sings
Mary Mary Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drowning in memories so sweet like honeybees
Taking my time, I've been waiting for something to give
But all life does it take, take, take away from me
The world goes on turning, the seasons still change
We rearrange our lives
The best of intentions can't cover up pain
But we know that we'll give them a try
So sing me awake, I've been sleeping for far too long
Tying my heartstrings 'round empty promises
Breathing in slow, I've been searching for someone to love
But all love does is break, break, break our hearts again
The world goes on turning, the seasons still change
We rearrange our lives
The best of intentions can't cover up pain
But we know that we'll give them a try
Cause a dream doesn't sound like a lie
And it's no wonder we can't stand the weather
We can't hold the heat in our veins
In between questions and answers
There's no room to just see today
The world goes on turning, the seasons still change
We rearrange our lives
The best of intentions can't cover up pain
But we know that we'll give them a try
Cause a dream doesn't sound like a lie
So sing me awake, I've been sleeping for far too long
In these lyrics, Mary Mary expresses a longing for awakening and a desire for change after a period of being dormant or stagnant. The opening line, "Sing me awake, I've been sleeping for far too long," suggests a state of being disconnected or unaware, perhaps metaphorically referring to a lack of personal growth or emotional fulfillment. The mention of "drowning in memories so sweet like honeybees" implies a sense of nostalgia and being consumed by past experiences, which may have hindered progress.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of waiting for something to happen or for a breakthrough, but feeling that life keeps taking away instead. This could represent a feeling of being stuck or feeling defeated by circumstances beyond one's control. Despite these challenges, there is still a recognition that the best of intentions cannot completely shield one from pain, yet there is a determination to keep trying and pursuing dreams. The line, "Cause a dream doesn't sound like a lie," emphasizes the importance of hope and the belief that dreams can still come true.
The verse "And it's no wonder we can't stand the weather, we can't hold the heat in our veins" suggests a sense of vulnerability or fragility in the face of life's challenges. The reference to questions and answers highlights the constant search for meaning and understanding, which may sometimes distract from experiencing the present moment. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the longing for awakening and the desire for change after a period of sleeping, both literally and metaphorically.
Overall, the song speaks to the human desire for growth, change, and a renewed sense of purpose after a period of stagnation or struggle. It offers a reminder to remain hopeful and persistent in pursuing dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Sing me awake, I've been sleeping for far too long
Please awaken me from my long period of unawareness and inactivity
Drowning in memories so sweet like honeybees
Feeling overwhelmed and consumed by nostalgic memories that are pleasurable yet potentially suffocating
Taking my time, I've been waiting for something to give
Patiently biding my time, eagerly anticipating a breakthrough or progress
But all life does it take, take, take away from me
However, life continually depletes and diminishes my resources and energy
The world goes on turning, the seasons still change
Despite our efforts and circumstances, the world continues its perpetual motion, and time keeps progressing
We rearrange our lives
We constantly modify and adjust our existence and priorities
The best of intentions can't cover up pain
Even with good intentions, pain and sadness cannot be easily concealed or erased
But we know that we'll give them a try
Nevertheless, we remain determined to make an effort and attempt to overcome challenges
Cause a dream doesn't sound like a lie
Because dreams possess the potential to become reality, they should not be dismissed as falsehoods
Tying my heartstrings 'round empty promises
Binding my emotions to empty assurances and unfulfilled commitments
Breathing in slow, I've been searching for someone to love
Taking deliberate, measured breaths while actively seeking a romantic connection
But all love does is break, break, break our hearts again
Unfortunately, love often leads to heartbreak and emotional pain once more
And it's no wonder we can't stand the weather
It is unsurprising that we struggle to tolerate the challenging conditions and circumstances
We can't hold the heat in our veins
We cannot sustain the passion and intensity within ourselves
In between questions and answers
Amidst the process of seeking answers and gaining knowledge
There's no room to just see today
There is no space left to simply embrace and appreciate the present moment
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Mary Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anraymcneil751
I sings for my freedom
Couldn’t ask for anything more
I want some Mary Mary
Everybody’s destiny destiny
Who rocks the party party
I sings for another year
I sings for second chances
I sings for better enhancements
Peace, you know what I mean
@E-RICH
like Tonto, Houncho Kimosabee
Butta's still here
No doubt I'm thankful Mommy
Life's beautiful
I'm laying back like a cuticle (Whoo!)
Past behind me, present look pleasant
Future the bomb
Far beyond I'm headed
Big Butta J-A-Y uh
Oh my Lord
Ain't nobody touching
So I still ain't tried
iCandy 'Keep Dat Nigga' (Live Performance) | Open Mic
[Verse 2: Erica]
Back when I was a little child it wasn't easy
Mama didn't always have a job
To take care of me
But I love her cause she tried so hard to do her best
But when she fell short God did all the rest
That's why...
[Chorus: Mary Mary]
I sing about what He's done
For me it's been so much
That I couldn't even tell if I tried
I sing just to let the whole world know
That we all got something to
Be grateful for so lift your voice
[Verse 3: Tina]
Couldn't possibly remember all
The things You've done
In my life I've seen some weary days
But with You I've overcome
Why wouldn't I say yes to You
When You gave Your life for me
Now I'll give mine to You
And I'm gone tell everybody
[Chorus: Mary Mary]
I sing about what He's done
For me it's been so much
That I couldn't even tell if I tried
I sing just to let the whole world know
That we all got something to
Be grateful for so lift your voice
[Bridge: Mary Mary]
You don't know like I know
What He's done for me
(What He's done for me)
Take a look at your life and you too will see
(You will see)
Ain't no way we've come this far all by ourselves
(By ourselves)
Many blessing great and small
Now let's take some time and that Him for them all
[Verse 4: BBJ]
Big Bro J-A-Y, you know I stay fly with my husky self
Mustard seed faith manifest mustard seed wealth
(Tis the season)
To open your vocals and go loco for do lo
I'm mad grateful cause the Merciful is faithful
Trials come but it's all good cause it makes you
It's not contrary, with the way Mary Mary
Carry these notes Baby Dubb
(Coast to coast)
Who rocks the party?
(BBJ rocks the party)
Who gets you hype?
(Mary Mary all night)
Ice shine bright like stars at twilight
Mary Mary get you wide open show you right
B to the B J-A-Y you know who
Hate to say I told you so but I told you
When it comes to this groove you gots
To get up off the wall and hit the dance floor boo
[Chorus: Mary Mary]
I sing about what He's done
For me it's been so much
That I couldn't even tell if I tried
I sing just to let the whole world know
That we all got something to
Be grateful for so lift your voice
@musicfan3323
Another amazing song vocally, musically and lyrically from two inspiring women
@siphiweafrika977
I love how they make partying with gospel music look so fun. I think I'll throw me a gospel party for my 20th birthday party, haha :) absolutely lovely
@chrisdukes1340
ñ
@tennillelockard2931
Erica and Tina can sing. I love this group! They make gospel enjoyable without it being boring!!! Love yall!!!
@unusedName1
I did not realize that Mary Mary was a gospel group until I looked at the lyrics. I ever danced this song thinking that it was just another urban soul theme. But I like it very much from the beginning. I just read the letters a minute ago and I started crying. God bless all of you.
@angelarivera9270
unusedName1 I did in 1999
@QueenSugar72
Until you read them? So you were just dancing without listening? 😂
@rosekansla9072
YOOO THIS SONG WAS MY JAM WHEN I WAS 9!!! Im 26 now, still jamming to this in 2019!!!! 🙌🙌🙌
@beverlymoore4527
It's now 2023!! And it's still true!!!
@dawnblozen1396
I absolutely love this song God did it all for me amd I will Sing for what hes done for meI did today in worship