When she was 18, she moved to Nashville, where she was signed by BNA Records (a label of Sony BMG Music Entertainment). Her debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, was released on April 30, 1996, and was certified gold six months later. The album gave her international fame and produced her two biggest hits, “Ten Thousand Angels” and “Guys Do It All The Time”. McCready also appears with Lorrie Morgan, Sara Evans, and Martina McBride on CMT's Girl’s Night Out special. Mindy then released the next year "If I Don't Stay The Night." It spawned 3 singles, "What If I Do", Other Side Of This Kiss", and "You'll Never Know." Overseas "O Romeo" was released. None were very successful. Still the album sold over 500,000 copies, and went Gold. In 1999 McCready released "I'm Not So Tough." The first single released was "All I Want Is Everything." When it failed to break the top 50, BNA Records and Mindy went separate ways, said to be over creative differences. After the split the album received little promotion and became a commercial failure.
In April of 2000, she was signed by Capitol Records. She released a self-titled album with Capitol in 2002 to disappointing sales, and was dropped by Capitol later that year.
McCready was once engaged to actor Dean Cain. In 2005 she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and spoke of her problems with domestic abuse, depression, and drug abuse. Mindy McCready admitted her ex-boyfriend Billy McKnight had beat her frequently and they had a tumultuous relationship, and that she had tried to commit suicide. She also revealed that she had seen her ex-boyfriend Billy McKnight recently and that she needs help. Her father was on the show and said that she is often in denial about her problems and that he wanted her to get help and supported her. She also spoke of how growing up her mother wasn't very loving and encouraging and as a result McCready suffers from poor self-esteem. She is now known mostly for her trouble with the law. Talking to Oprah Winfrey, McCready hoped that her story would encourage and help others, even if it's only one girl in the world. "You know what we're all hoping?" Oprah said to Mindy. "That you are that girl."
Mindy gave birth to son Zander Ryan McCready on March 25, 2006. On April 9, 2012, McCready gave birth to her second child, a son named Zayne. The child's father, record producer David Wilson, was found dead in his home on January 13, 2013, of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Following Wilson's death, McCready released a statement in which she referred to him as her "soulmate" and "life partner". A little over a month later, on February 17, Mindy committed suicide by the same means.
All That I Am
Mindy McCready Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Strong as a saint, weak as a sinner
When I'm in your arms I'm so complete
You bring out what's inside of me
A woman with a mind
A body with a soul
A heart full of love
I love the way you understand
All that I am
I'm a member of the modern world
But sometimes I'm still an old fashioned girl
You make me laugh, you let me cry
I finally found a man who's not afraid to try
A woman with a mind
A body with a soul
A heart full of love
That won't let go
I love the way you understand
All that I am
I'll hold on as long as I can
And keep lovin' you with all that I am
In Mindy McCready's All That I Am, the singer portrays her vulnerability and strength through alternating descriptions of her character. She asserts that she has two sides to herself, and her emotions and actions can range from tough to tender, strong to weak, and saintly to sinful. Despite this duality, she feels complete when she is in the arms of her lover, who brings out the best in her. She describes herself as a woman with a fully realized persona and a heart full of love, and she is grateful that her partner understands and accepts her.
McCready's portrayal of herself as an independent, complex woman is both refreshing and empowering. She notes that she is a member of the modern world, yet still holds onto old-fashioned values. She finds solace in her partner's ability to make her laugh and cry and describes how she has finally found a man who is not afraid of taking risks in love. Throughout the song, McCready affirms that she is committed to her partner and will continue loving him with all that she is.
All That I Am is a beautiful tribute to self-love and acceptance and a celebration of a mutually supportive and loving relationship. The song's message is one of empowerment through vulnerability, and McCready's earnest delivery captures this sentiment perfectly.
Line by Line Meaning
I can be tough, I can tender
I have different sides to me, I can be strong or vulnerable depending on the situation
Strong as a saint, weak as a sinner
I can be morally strong or flawed depending on the situation
When I'm in your arms I'm so complete
Being with you makes me feel whole and happy
You bring out what's inside of me
You help me express my true self
A woman with a mind
I have intelligence and opinions
A body with a soul
I have emotions and depth beyond just physical appearance
A heart full of love
I have a lot of love to give
That won't let go
My love is strong and committed
I love the way you understand
I appreciate and love how you get me
All that I am
Every aspect of me, good and bad
I'm a member of the modern world
I live in the present and understand current issues
But sometimes I'm still an old fashioned girl
I have traditional values and beliefs despite living in the modern world
You make me laugh, you let me cry
You bring me joy and comfort, but also allow me to express my sadness
I finally found a man who's not afraid to try
I found someone who is willing to take risks and face challenges with me
I'll hold on as long as I can
I will stay committed to you for as long as possible
And keep lovin' you with all that I am
I will continue to love you with every part of me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEBORAH ALLEN, KYE FLEMING, MARY ANN KENNEDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind