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
Pressing On
Vanessa Bell Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hard times all around, I wouldn't let it get me down, that's right
There were times when I thought that I was cursed, yes, I did
But I, I think that I've been through, through the worst
So I just keep pressing on, on and on
God knows I took the licking but I just keep on ticking
Oh yes, it has been rough but I'm blessed with special love
So I just keep pressing on, I'm gonna keep pressing on
Not a penny in my pocket and no more money in the bank
Oh, I tried to get along just to pay my bills and drew a blank
And through it all I still kept my faith
I didn't think for a moment that I would fail
Still I just keep pressing on, on and on
God knows I took some licking but I just keep on ticking
Pressing on, on and on
Oh yes, it gets so rough but I'm blessed with special love
Still I just keep pressing on, on and on
God knows I've took a licking but I just keep on ticking
Pressing on, on and on
Oh yes, it's been rough
It's gonna get harder as you get closer to your goal
But don't you give up, you can reach the top without selling, selling your soul
Through it all I still kept my faith
I didn't think for a moment that I would fail
So I just keep pressing on, on and on
God knows I took some licking but I'm gonna keep ticking
Pressing on, on and on
Oh yes, it gets so rough, well, I'm blessed with special stuff
Pressing on, you got to press, on and on
If you're gonna make in you got to take and press
Pressing on, on and on
Press on, it might get rough, it seems so tough
You have to press
You can do it
With God's help you can do it
The song "Pressing On" by Vanessa Bell Armstrong is a powerful gospel song that speaks to the perseverance and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song opens with the singer describing the difficulties she has faced and the moments when she thought she wouldn't be able to make it through the night. However, despite the hard times, she refuses to let it get her down and keeps pressing on. She sings about how she has been through some of the worst times of her life but has managed to find the strength to keep going.
The lyrics of the song convey a message of hope and resilience that is particularly relevant in times of hardship. The singer takes a positive outlook on her struggles, acknowledging the tough times but emphasizing the importance of faith, dedication, and perseverance. She reminds listeners that even when times get tough, we must keep pressing on, staying true to our goals and beliefs.
Overall, "Pressing On" is a motivational and inspiring song that encourages perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics serve as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and faith, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
There were days when I thought I wouldn't make it through the night
There were times when I felt like losing hope and giving in to my problems was my only option.
Hard times all around, I wouldn't let it get me down, that's right
Even though things were tough and challenging for me, I refused to be defeated.
There were times when I thought that I was cursed, yes, I did
At certain moments, I felt like I was destined for failure and nothing could change that.
But I, I think that I've been through, through the worst
However, I am convinced that the most difficult times are now behind me.
So I just keep pressing on, on and on
I continue to move forward, regardless of the obstacles and difficulties I face.
God knows I took the licking but I just keep on ticking
Even though I experienced hardship and setbacks, I remained persistent and persevered.
Pressing on, on and on
I won't give up or lose hope, I'll just keep moving forward.
Oh yes, it has been rough but I'm blessed with special love
Although my journey has been challenging, I am grateful for the love and support that has sustained me.
Not a penny in my pocket and no more money in the bank
I was broke and had no financial resources to rely on.
Oh, I tried to get along just to pay my bills and drew a blank
I attempted to make ends meet, but it was unsuccessful and I had no means to pay my bills.
And through it all I still kept my faith
Despite all my difficulties and struggles, I remained committed to my religious beliefs and spiritual convictions.
I didn't think for a moment that I would fail
I never allowed myself to believe that I would not succeed, no matter how challenging things got.
It's gonna get harder as you get closer to your goal
As you approach your objective, the challenges and obstacles you face will become tougher.
But don't you give up, you can reach the top without selling, selling your soul
However, you must not give up or compromise your values in order to achieve success.
Oh yes, it gets so rough but I'm blessed with special love
Even though things get difficult, I am fortunate to have special love and support that sustains me.
Pressing on, you got to press, on and on
To succeed, you must remain persistent and committed, even in the face of difficulty.
If you're gonna make in you got to take and press
In order to achieve success, you must be willing to persevere and overcome adversity.
Pressing on, on and on
You must continue to move forward, regardless of the challenges you face.
Press on, it might get rough, it seems so tough
Even during the most difficult and challenging times, you must persevere and continue forward.
You have to press
The key to success is perseverance and commitment even in the face of adversity.
You can do it
You have the strength and ability to overcome any challenge or obstacle that comes your way.
With God's help you can do it
With the support and guidance of your spiritual beliefs, you have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Contributed by Ella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Deltha Alston
on Yes He Loves Me
Lyric to the song I don't no why he cares