Bell Armstrong performed on the 1st Annual Soul Train Awards ceremony. Her 1986 album Following Jesus won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Gospel Album - Solo in 1988. She is also a seven time Grammy Award-nominee.
The cover of Armstrong's 1987 Billboard-charting mainstream 7" single "You Bring Out The Best In Me."Vanessa enjoyed a slice of mainstream success in the late 80's. Her self-titled 1987 Jive Records debut yielded the Billboard-charting hit "You Bring Out The Best In Me," as well as the club favorite "Pressing On." [1][3] The next year's follow-up album Wonderful One featured a cover of the Labi Siffre anti-Apartheid anthem "Something Inside So Strong." The song was later remade in 1995 by Armstrong along with Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, and a host of other gospel artists as a tribute to Rosa Parks. The song was serviced to radio stations to play on the 40th anniversary of the civil rights icon's arrest.
Armstrong appeared on Broadway in 1991 in a production of Don't Get God Started. "Always," a Marvin Winans composition that anchors the play, also appears on Armstrong's 1987 self-titled album. Her Broadway role lead to a cameo appearance in the Oprah Winfrey TV special The Women of Brewster Place. Armstrong was also chosen to record the theme to the popular 80's NBC sitcom Amen.
Vanessa Bell Armstrong took a 3 year self-imposed hiatus from recording before releasing A Brand New Day under a new deal with Tommy Boy Gospel in 2001. Vanessa was presented with a lifetime achievement award during 2004's Gospel Superfest.
Armstrong's 2007 album, Walking Miracle, is her first release in 6 years, and blends traditional gospel fare like "So Good To Me" (produced by Smokie Norful) with contemporary songs like "Til The Victory's Won" (produced by Fred Jerkins III) and the title track (produced by Rodney Jerkins). The latter song was inspired by Armstrong's son who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Good News Blues
Vanessa Bell Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pick up your pace and don't you be late
I'm hear to tell ya about the good news
Somethin' about the path that we choose y'all
Wisdom has built this house now
Integrity will bring your pride out
If you know how to pray the situation out
Prayer is the answer, there is no doubt
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
He won't stop blessing you
What he'll do is keep testing you
And a beggar is no less than you
Cause' one day it could be you
So get your folks together for some church y'all
Some good music and prayer in service won't hurt y'all
Even if you don't believe in the preacher
It's bound to be a few things she could teach you
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
These are the greatest days of our test
You need to be working with a made up mind
Walk by faith nor by sight and all you
Battles you know he will fight
The sky changes colors in there many ways
The world is going to be a better place someday
Love and Unity if you just believe
Than all your blessings you will receive
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Monday we held it together and
Wednesday we had stormy weather and
Friday we prayed it all better and
Sunday we heard the news
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer still works
Prayer prayer still works
Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s gospel song “Good News” inspires listeners to keep their faith in God as they persevere through difficult times. The first verse urges the listener to keep moving forward and not to be late to meet their destiny, which is highlighted in the “good news.” Armstrong then emphasizes the importance of prayer and integrity, as she sings that wisdom has built a foundation of faith, and integrity is necessary for pride. The bridge declares that one can always count on prayer, and the chorus echoes the power of prayer.
The second verse encourages listeners to come together and attend church, even if they do not have faith in the preacher or unknown aspects of the religion. Armstrong acknowledges the reality of difficult days but consistently reminds the listener to hold onto their faith in prayer. The song concludes on a final testament to the power of prayer, repeating the message of the chorus.
Line by Line Meaning
We've come this far by faith
We have made it this far on our journey by believing in something greater than ourselves.
Pick up your pace and don't you be late
Don't delay, and keep moving forward to reach your goals.
I'm here to tell ya about the good news
I have a message of hope and positivity to share with you.
Somethin' about the path that we choose y'all
There is something important about the choices we make in life.
Wisdom has built this house now
This foundation of knowledge and understanding has been built over time.
Integrity will bring your pride out
Having strong values and morals will help you take pride in yourself and your actions.
If you know how to pray the situation out
If you have faith and pray, you can overcome any difficult situation.
Prayer is the answer, there is no doubt
Prayer is a powerful solution to many of life's challenges.
He won't stop blessing you
God will continue to bestow blessings upon you.
What he'll do is keep testing you
Challenges and obstacles are a way for God to test your faith and character.
And a beggar is no less than you
No one is less important or valued than another person, regardless of their circumstances.
Cause' one day it could be you
One day you could find yourself in a difficult position, and would hope to be treated with respect and empathy.
So get your folks together for some church y'all
Gather your loved ones to attend church and connect with your faith.
Some good music and prayer in service won't hurt y'all
Attending a church service with uplifting music and prayer can only do you good.
Even if you don't believe in the preacher
If you are unsure about the preacher's message, there may still be something valuable to take away from the experience.
It's bound to be a few things she could teach you
There is always something to be learned from another person's perspective.
These are the greatest days of our test
These are challenging times, but they are also times for us to grow and prove our strength.
You need to be working with a made up mind
You need to have a firm decision and determination to achieve your goals.
Walk by faith nor by sight and all your battles you know he will fight
Trust in your faith and God to help you overcome any obstacles.
The sky changes colors in there many ways
The beauty and vastness of the sky is a reminder of the wonder of the world.
The world is going to be a better place someday
Hope for a brighter future and the belief that we can make the world a better place sustains us.
Love and Unity if you just believe
With a belief in love and the power of unity, we can achieve great things.
Than all your blessings you will receive
By living with love and unity, we will attract blessings into our lives.
Prayer still works
A reaffirmation that prayer is a powerful tool for positive change.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY JOE SHAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Deltha Alston
on Yes He Loves Me
Lyric to the song I don't no why he cares