David started singing in church in North Carolina when she was four years old and, aged five, joined her first gospel group, The Mission Of Love. At age 10, David moved to New York City with her mother and attended the Fame School of Performing Arts, graduating in 1984. She contributed to the film 'Ghostbusters' (1984), studied medicine and, by 1991, auditioned for musicals. Touring internationally with the Broadway musical, 'Mama, I Want To Sing', Michelle ended up in Germany, where she sang in the gospel group, The Golden Gospel Singers (1992-1994).
After her move to The Netherlands in 1994 David was a part of many more musical and gospel productions in both The Netherlands and the United States, including 'The Sound Of Motown', 'The Glory Of Gospel' and 'R.E.S.P.E.C.T.'. She sang background vocals for Michael Bolton and Diana Ross and in 2002 became a member of Dutch vocal group, Big, Black & Beautiful.
David started working with Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen (members of Amsterdam-based bands Lefties Soul Connection and Beans & Fatback) and released three albums with them: The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 1 (2015), The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 2 (2016) and The Gospel Sessions Vol. 3 (2018).
The albums were originally credited to Michelle David alone (entitled 'The Gospel Sessions'), but over time The Gospel Sessions started feeling like a band name. By the time The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 4 (2020) came out, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions was the official name of the band.
In April 2021, they changed their name to Michelle David & The True-tones. All 'Gospel Sessions' albums are now listed as such on all streaming platforms, so most scrobbles will end up there.
By and By
Michelle David Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been a long
Long time
But you're always
On my mind
I'm trying hard
So hard
To be by your side We don't have
To be
Far away across the seas
Just know I'm
Trying to see
How I can get to you
No river too deep
No mountain too high
Through rain and snow
I'll make it back home
I'll carry on
Both day and night
Christmas eve i'll be by your side
We've been waiting
For so long
Trying for me
To get back home
Many
Distractions around me
I'll be there this Xmas time
And I can't wait
To be
In your presence
Finally
It's what both our souls really need
Rejoicing delightfully, HEY (Bridge Choir)aaahhhh
No river too deep
No mountain too high
Through rain and snow
I'll make it back home
I'll carry on
Both day and night
Xmas eve i'll be by your side (2x)
(Adlibs by all)
OOHHHHHHH - By your side (2x)
By your side (harmony x4)
Ooohhh (slow ending)
The lyrics to "This Christmas" by Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions convey a deep longing to be reunited with a loved one during the holiday season. The singer expresses how this person is constantly on their mind, despite being separated for a long time. They are making a sincere effort to overcome any obstacles and be by their side, even if it means crossing rivers and mountains or enduring rain and snow. The determination to make it back home and be together on Christmas Eve is a central theme throughout the song.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of patience and endurance. The singer acknowledges that they have been waiting for this moment for a long time and have faced various distractions along the way. However, their desire to be in the presence of their loved one is unwavering. The song emphasizes the importance of this reunion, as it is what both souls truly need. The lyrics evoke a sense of joy and anticipation, with the bridge choir adding a delightful touch to the overall sentiment of the song.
Overall, "This Christmas" is a heartfelt and emotional ode to the power of love and the longing to be reunited with someone special during the holiday season. It captures the essence of the holiday spirit and the desire to be by the side of those we hold dear.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long
A significant amount of time has passed
Long time
An extended period
But you're always
However, you remain constantly
On my mind
In my thoughts
I'm trying hard
I am exerting great effort
So hard
An immense level of dedication
To be by your side
To be present with you
We don't have
We are not required
To be
Necessary
Far away across the seas
Distant, separated by vast bodies of water
Just know I'm
Simply understand that I am
Trying to see
Attempting to find a way
How I can get to you
The method to reach your location
No river too deep
No body of water is too challenging
No mountain too high
No elevated land formation is insurmountable
Through rain and snow
Despite adverse weather conditions
I'll make it back home
I will successfully return to my place of origin
I'll carry on
I will persist and continue
Both day and night
Throughout the entire day, including nighttime
Christmas eve I'll be by your side
On the evening before Christmas, I will be present with you
We've been waiting
We have been patient
For so long
An extended duration
Trying for me
Making efforts on my behalf
To get back home
To return to my place of origin
Many
Numerous
Distractions around me
Various things causing diversion or hinderance
I'll be there this Xmas time
I will be present during this Christmas period
And I can't wait
I am filled with anticipation
To be
To exist
In your presence
Being close to you
Finally
At long last
It's what both our souls really need
It is the essential requirement for both of our spirits
Rejoicing delightfully, HEY
Celebrating joyfully, expressing enthusiasm
No river too deep
No body of water is too challenging
No mountain too high
No elevated land formation is insurmountable
Through rain and snow
Despite adverse weather conditions
I'll make it back home
I will successfully return to my place of origin
I'll carry on
I will persist and continue
Both day and night
Throughout the entire day, including nighttime
Xmas eve I'll be by your side (2x)
On the evening before Christmas, I will be present with you
OOHHHHHHH - By your side (2x)
Expressing longing and desire to be with you
By your side (harmony x4)
In close proximity to you, together
Ooohhh (slow ending)
Drawing out the sound, concluding gradually
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Michelle David, Onno Smit, Paul Willemsen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Misterancker
Super
@elmortobeats5919
This is soul at its best.
@elmortobeats5919
@Rex Abdullah lols. you should make a video
@elmortobeats5919
@Rex Abdullah btw thats a fucking random, coment. i guess youre so excited you just had to tell someone, lmao
@annesophiecharbonnier1117
On vous vue à vichy ! Que du bonheur 💕
@josericardocarvalho7259
Coooool…! 👌
@a3degroot
14-03-2021...On stage NPO2... this IS the best remedie for now... praise and dance ...
@aureasalazar1134
Ppp
@aureasalazar1134
Por
Ñp
@derekhazzard1327
Well done Michelle - Proclaim Him!