Donald Lawrence has been an inspiration to many.Lawrence took on The Tri-City Singers after a friend vacated his position as musical director.[1] (NOTE: The three cities that The Tri-City Singers come from are Spartanburg, SC, Gastonia, NC, and Charlotte, NC.[2])
The group debuted in 1993 with A Songwriter's Point Of View on a then-brand-new independent record label called GospoCentric Records. The set debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Charts.[3] The group's follow-up release Bible Stories would top those same charts when it arrived in 1995.[4] It was the first to be billed as Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers and featured black church-ubiquitous hits such as "A Message For The Saints", "I Am God" and "Stranger". The album was released on Lawrence's newly minted label Crystal Rose Records which was distributed through Sparrow Records.
In 1997, Donald Lawrence produced the live portion of Karen Clark Sheard's Grammy-nominated Finally Karen debut. Lawrence & Tri-City also released the seasonal Hello Christmas the same year. Later, Lawrence signed a contract with the Island Records imprint Island Inspirational. Though a live recording did take place for release,[1] the album never materialized.
In 2000, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers signed to EMI Gospel. To promote the new album, a maxi CD of the lead single "Testify" to the mainstream. House remixes by Junior Vasquez sent the song to #33 on Billboard's Mainstream Dance Charts.[5] When tri-city4.com was finally released in late summer 2000, the set peaked at #2 on Billboard's Top Gospel Charts and #13 on Billboard's Heatseekers Charts.[3] The album also got a profile boost from the all-star standout "God's Favor", featuring vocal turns from Karen Clark Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Kelly Price.
Lawrence waited almost two years before delivering the follow-up Go Get Your Life Back in early 2002. "The Best is Yet to Come", a song sonically much in the vein of the previous smash "Testify," was chosen as the album's lead single. This release featured guest appearances from Ann Nesby (formerly of Sounds of Blackness) and gospel pioneer Bishop Walter Hawkins. The momentum continued with the 2003 release of Restoring The Years, a greatest hits album featuring two new songs.
The next album would mark a fresh start for Donald Lawrence. I Speak Life was his first solo album, the debut for his newly inked recording contract with Verity Records, and also the first release under his new sublabel Quiet Water Entertainment. Though the album was without The Tri-City Singers, guest appearances were plenteous. Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Faith Evans, Richard Smallwood, and Carl Thomas all contributed to the album. Even jazz notables Ramsey Lewis and Lalah Hathaway were on hand for a remake of the Bible Stories classic "Don't Forget To Remember". The effort earned Lawrence a total of 7 Stellar Award nominations, and 6 wins.[6]
In March 2006, The Tri-City Singers announced that they would retire, but not before one last live recording.[7] Finale: Act One and Finale: Act Two were released simultaneously on April 4, 2006. Each release was a CD/DVD set that chronicled the audio and video of one half of the concert, with packages that locked into one another respectively. A special edition of Finale was later released with both CDs and DVDs. The blowout concert included guest appearances from Bishop Walter Hawkins, Karen Clark Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Daryl Coley, LaShun Pace, Darwin Hobbs, and many other gospel luminaries.
The album's lead single "The Blessing Of Abraham" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance in December 2006.[8] His sophomore solo album, The Law of Confession Part I was released in February 2009. Donald said in an interview that The Law of Confession, Part II will be released soon, but he's focusing on other projects.[9]
Dance In The Spirit
The Tri-City Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew that i should to love it
It's gonna be fine
And tell me what you want babe
Can't quit because i would try to admit
I knew that i should to commit
Step on your line
And tell me what you want babeNow if i could
That you told me that i couldn't there
I'm coming baby i'm coming
Now that i could
You the only one that no want care
Sleeping on my pillow
Dance in the night
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
Dance in the night
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
I don't wanna break your wall or something
That i knew inside your heart
Full of me inside your heart
Don't you pull and push your feel or something
I can be with you dance all on night
Why do you pretty all on night
Now if i could
That you told me that i couldn't there
I'm coming baby i'm coming
Now that i could
You the only one that no want care
Sleeping on my pillow
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
Dance in the night
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
You're calling for more
What you want speak for
Just calling baby baby just calling
Then you've been hide it
Did you tell me before
The rule that you want follow
Dance in the night
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
Dance in the night
With you tonight
In the spotlight yeah
In the spotlight
The lyrics of "Dance In The Spirit" by The Tri-City Singers embody a sense of urgency and longing, suggesting a theme centered on love, companionship, and the desire to connect deeply with someone. The opening lines accentuate the need to seize the moment, emphasizing a mindset that views time as precious and not to be wasted—a reflection of the singer's realization that embracing love is essential. The plea to understand what the partner wants indicates a willingness to invest in the relationship, highlighting the importance of communication and alignment in desires and intentions. The recurring call to "tell me what you want, babe" acts as an invitation for openness, underscoring the need to navigate the complexities of their feelings together.
Within this lyrical structure, there is an apparent struggle with vulnerability and commitment. Phrases like "I can't quit because I would try to admit" point to the difficulty of expressing true emotions, while simultaneously acknowledging the necessity of commitment when it comes to a meaningful relationship. The metaphor of stepping on lines could symbolize crossing boundaries—both emotional and physical—as the singer grapples with the delicate balance of being close to someone while respecting their space. It hints at a desire to engage but not overwhelm, painting a picture of a complicated yet passionate connection that remains meaningful.
The chorus reinforces the imaginative portrayal of intimate moments shared between the singer and their partner, from dancing in the spotlight to sharing a pillow at night. The recurring desire to "dance in the night" evokes imagery of joy, romance, and celebration. The spotlight metaphor suggests a longing for recognition and validation of their relationship, indicating that they want not just to exist together but to fully embrace their love in a way that is appreciated and acknowledged. The duality of intimacy and being in the limelight creates a space where the two can share their feelings without fear of outside judgment, allowing for a public acknowledgment of their bond.
As the song unfolds, it conveys an ongoing conversation between the two individuals, with the refrain questioning the notion of rules surrounding their relationship. "You're calling for more" implies a push for deeper engagement, while "What you want speak for" highlights a continued emphasis on understanding each other's needs and desires in real-time. The call-out to "just calling baby baby just calling" evokes a playful yet serious tone, indicating the complexities of affectionate communication. The blend of yearning, joy, and vulnerability presented in the lyrics crafts a multifaceted landscape of love that invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships, invoking thoughts about community, personal connection, and the dance of emotions that intertwine in the space of romantic involvement.
Line by Line Meaning
Make it the time naver to be wasted
Emphasize that this moment should be cherished and not squandered.
I knew that i should to love it
I realized that embracing this experience is essential for my happiness.
It's gonna be fine
I have confidence that everything will turn out well.
And tell me what you want babe
I am eager to understand your desires and needs.
Can't quit because i would try to admit
I find it difficult to give up because I must acknowledge my feelings.
I knew that i should to commit
I understand the importance of being dedicated to this relationship.
Step on your line
I want to enter your personal space and connect more deeply.
And tell me what you want babe
Please share your thoughts and desires with me.
Now if i could
If it were possible for me to act on my feelings.
That you told me that i couldn't there
You previously expressed doubt about my ability to take action.
I'm coming baby i'm coming
I am making my way towards you, ready to connect.
Now that i could
Now I finally have the opportunity to engage.
You the only one that no want care
You seem to be the only one indifferent or unresponsive.
Sleeping on my pillow
You are occupying my thoughts, as if you were here beside me.
Dance in the night
Let us embrace the joy and freedom of dancing together.
With you tonight
This moment is meant for us to share together.
In the spotlight yeah
This experience is vibrant and highlighted, drawing attention to our connection.
In the spotlight
We are at the center of this beautiful, shared experience.
Dance in the night
We should revel in the night through joyful, spontaneous movement.
With you tonight
I want to celebrate this evening with you by my side.
In the spotlight yeah
Let this moment shine, filled with energy and happiness.
In the spotlight
We deserve to bask in the attention of our joyful connection.
I don't wanna break your wall or something
I have no desire to intrude upon your emotional defenses.
That i knew inside your heart
I am aware of the feelings you keep hidden within you.
Full of me inside your heart
Your heart holds space for me, even if it's not always expressed.
Don't you pull and push your feel or something
Avoid sending mixed signals; be honest about your feelings.
I can be with you dance all on night
I am ready to share a joyful night of dancing and connection with you.
Why do you pretty all on night
What makes you so captivating and beautiful during this time together?
Now if i could
If only I had the chance to fully express my emotions.
That you told me that i couldn't there
You previously indicated that my efforts might be in vain.
I'm coming baby i'm coming
I am approaching you, ready to make my affections known.
Now that i could
Now I have the ability to step forward in our relationship.
You the only one that no want care
You appear to be the sole individual who is unresponsive to my feelings.
Sleeping on my pillow
Thoughts of you fill my mind, as if you are resting next to me.
Dance in the night
Let's enjoy the freedom of movement and joy under the night sky.
With you tonight
This evening is meant to be shared with you specifically.
In the spotlight yeah
Our connection shines brightly, affirming the joy of our union.
In the spotlight
We are highlighted in this moment of togetherness and celebration.
Dance in the night
Embrace the music and create memories through dancing together.
With you tonight
Sharing this experience with you brings me immense joy.
In the spotlight yeah
Our shared happiness is truly remarkable and noticeable.
In the spotlight
Our connection deserves to be celebrated and witnessed by all.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: King Tris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind