Most of her career has been as lead singer for The Staple Singers. She first recorded solo for the Stax subsidiary Volt in 1969. Subsequent efforts included a Curtis Mayfield-produced soundtrack on Curtom, a nod to disco for Warner Bros. Records in 1979, a stab at electro-pop with Holland-Dozier-Holland in 1984, and a collaboration with Prince in the late 1980s and early 90s (producing the two solo albums Time Waits for No One in 1989 and The Voice in 1993, and various other collaborations). Staples has a rich contralto voice that has neither the range of Aretha Franklin nor the power of Patti LaBelle. Her otherworldly power comes instead from a masterful command of phrasing and a deep-seated sensuality expressed through timbre manipulation. Both the Staple Singers and Mavis found fresh audiences stemming from their participation on the CD Rhythm, Country and Blues, and in 1996 she issued Spirituals and Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson. Her next recording project didn't land for another eight years, although Have a Little Faith on Alligator Records became her highest profile release in years.
Staples released a new album for Anti- Records titled We'll Never Turn Back on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on songs of the civil rights movement and includes two new original songs.
See also:
Wikipedia
Official Site
Every Step
Mavis Staples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow
Change my pace
I get tired and lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired and lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
The lyrics of Mavis Staples's song "Every Step" are quite simple yet meaningful. The song talks about the journey of life, and how at every step of the way, "grace" has been found. The use of the word "grace" here could be understood as a form of divine intervention or assistance that has been received throughout life. The singer acknowledges that at times, they may be leading or following in life, but the important aspect is to change pace when necessary, to avoid getting tired and losing one's way. However, irrespective of the path chosen in life, the "lord" will always guide and support the individual every step of the way, as the lyrics state, "My lord he knows me every step of the way."
It's interesting to note that the song's message is quite universal, which is why it resonates with many listeners. The lyrics don’t seem to allude to any specific religious beliefs, but rather to a sense of faith that exists within humanity. The message of the song could encourage listeners to reflect on their own journey of life, the struggles they may face and how they need to adapt to the changing circumstances. Furthermore, the song could inspire people to hold onto hope and faith, knowing that they are not alone, but have divine guidance through their journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Every step of the way
Throughout my journey, at every point in time
I found grace
I discovered a divine assistance or favor, helping me achieve things I couldn't on my own
If I lead or follow change my pace
Whether I'm in charge or following someone, I need to adjust my speed to meet the requirements of the situation
I get tired and lonely lose my way
At times, I become exhausted, isolated, and directionless
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Despite how I feel, I am always known and cared for by my higher power
My lord he knows me every step of the way
No matter the severity of my exhaustion or loneliness, my God is always present and understanding
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My faith grants me the assurance that no matter how much I lose my way, there is always a purpose and a plan for my life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JEFFREY SCOT TWEEDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marce.goodnews
LYRICS
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow
Change my pace
I get tired and lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
Every step of the way
I found grace
If I lead or follow change my pace
I get tired and lonely lose my way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
My lord he knows me every step of the way
@tomvalpo9361
The music director for Blacklist is amazing. Major props.
@TheIndiegator
Always these unkown songs from the Blacklist.And they always turn out to be the greatest <3
@typrsn1
Yes indeed.
@WinstonGuitar
I think this is the third song from Blacklist I stopped dead in my tracks to go and find - one other being Line of Fire by Junip.
@54dobes
+Winston Guitar -- going to check out Junip :) thanks!
@KhristianK
+Pam Marston dude you will feel better a lot, if you gonna check out the whole soundtracks of that series! :)
@JoniFlies
We should make a list with the best songs from Blacklist :D
@mabroukiahmed
Blacklist brought me here
Vive La france
@danthebeachman
Absolutely wonderful! Mavis Staples! What an Artist!! I never tire listening to her!
@user-lc7vo3rn1n
Bless Mavis -- enough to keep you going on a tough day.