Vickie Winans und… Read Full Bio ↴An Amazing gospel singer and true believer of God:
Vickie Winans understands a woman’s struggles. Fulfilling the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, this Grammy-nominated and award winning artist knows the complexities associated with womanhood. Her desire to share her joys, pains and the experiences of life is the impetus for her brand new CD, WOMAN TO WOMAN: SONGS OF LIFE. After 20 years in the music industry and 10 CD’s later, Winans has once again broken the mold and introduced a plethora of brand new music filled with hope, inspiration and healing for all God’s women and the men who love them.
WOMAN TO WOMAN: SONGS OF LIFE, Winans’ first CD since the 2003 GRAMMY-nominated BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER, which yielded even more hits such as, “Shake Yourself Loose,” and “We Need a Word from the Lord,” is a 10-year vision that Winans is thrilled to see come to fruition. “This is a project I’ve desired to create for a long time, explains Winans! I wanted to record music to help people get through life’s ups and downs. There is a song that addresses almost every situation we face in life on either one of the 2 disc set,” she states.
Speaking from experience, gospel’s hardest working woman has truly felt the thorns of life. “I’ve been through almost everything that a woman can possibly go through. I’ve been through divorce, sickness, poverty, losing a child, a near death experience, weight loss and gain,” explains Winans. Humorously she adds, “I tell people that I’ve been evicted, convicted, possessed, repossessed, the whole nine yards! But literally, I have been through it all.”
It was her search for healing that led to the birth of WOMAN TO WOMAN: SONGS OF LIFE. The 33-song musical collage spans the gamut of emotions in a way that everyone can relate to. But each song, like a piece of a puzzle, comes together with the restorative message of Christ. The double CD is a keen mixture of powerful live cuts and slick studio tracks all displaying a variety of styles and musical inspirations. The live portion of the project was recorded at Chicago’s House of Hope Church on May 12, 2006, to a packed crowd of about 10,000 people.
“It was such an amazing night,” Winans says of that incredible event. “An explosive and spiritual evening with an awesome band, orchestra, and singers, was topped off with the masterful hosting ability of Bishop T. D. Jakes. It was one of the most explosive experiences I have ever had,” she beams.
WOMAN TO WOMAN: SONGS OF LIFE captures the essence of that grand night of worship and praise. Bishop T. D. Jakes, who is Winans, mentor, friend and confidante, opened with the rousing, “Declaration of Change.” More memorable live cuts include the uplifting hand-clapper “Everyday Is a Good Day;” the spirited, African-tinged, “Alive Alive,” and the churchy sounds of the traditional, up-tempo cut, “Stretch Out.” She also pulls out a gospel favorite, the Hawkins’ classic “I Love You Lord,” and gives it a gut-wrenching twist like only Vickie Winans can.
One of the CD’s most profound songs is, “The Rainbow.” A gut wrenching ballad that is close to Vickie’s heart! “This song speaks about the promise that God gave to Noah,” she explains. “The rainbow was the sign of a covenant God made between Himself and Noah. God told Noah that the storm he had just come through would never happen again. God didn’t say that there wouldn’t be any more storms, but that He wouldn’t destroy the earth again by water.”
Another gut wrenching ballad is “Stand Up and Carry On,” written by her son Mario Winans. With its classic yet soulful vibe and backed by a wailing choir, the track is a pronouncement to everyone going through anything, to just hold on. Listeners of this cut will walk away knowing without a doubt they can “carry on.” She also focuses on the ups and downs of sisterly relationships on the heartfelt “You’re Still My Sister,” and the sincerity of her commitment to Christ pours out on the power ballad, “I Dedicate My Life.” “It’s Alright,” a downright jam, will calm the spirit of the most anxious believer with its confident ring of assurance.
Women share many different relationships in their lifetimes and Winans touches on them all with this project. Whether it’s a relationship between friends or sisters; husband and wife, or parent and child, she relates to each one of them - tackling the loss of a loved one on the melodic “Farewell,” and ministering to the brokenhearted on “God of Comfort.” If her oldest son, Mario Winans’ tear-jerking rendition of, “Thirty Reasons Why I Love You Mommie,” don’t bring a tear to your eyes, her second son, Marvin Winans, Jr’s, “You’re More Than a Mom,” will definitely have you crying for sure! “We Need Your Love” showcases the talents of Winans and her husband Joe McLemore. The laid-back cut “Never Separate” stresses the importance of friendships. It’s an appealing song with a smooth jazz feel and lyrics echoing the bond between best friends.
But her most important relationship, her relationship with Jesus Christ, continues to shine the brightest. “Falling in Love,” a relaxed prelude, finds Vickie singing sweetly to her Lord. “Madly in Love” is an infectious urban groove about a special spiritual love affair. “When I think of the song, ‘Madly in Love’ I think of Jesus,” says Vickie. “The first person that I think about in the morning is Jesus. I think and then I thank. I love Him and I fall in love with Him over and over again. I just can’t help myself.”
For the Best, Winans mobilized the best. Besides producing three quarters of the double CD herself, she brought in the “big boys” for this dynamic project, including famed producers Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins; Fred “Uncle Freddie” Jerkins, her platinum-selling son, Mario Winans; Warryn “Baby Dub” Campbell; Cedric & Victor Caldwell, Marvin Winans, Jr., and Steven Ford.
Vickie Winans’ Biography
The WOMAN TO WOMAN: SONGS OF LIFE CD is the perfect capstone for a 20-year career that has seen Vickie Winans receive many accolades including 6 Grammy Award nominations; 8 Stellar Awards, and an NAACP Image Award. In that span of time, she’s released 9 projects, with 2003’s “BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER” debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart.
It’s doubtful that Vickie’s parents knew that their 7th child would be a Billboard-charting gospel icon. But while singing her first solo in church at the age of 8, it’s certain that Aaron and Mattie Bowman saw something special in their daughter. Growing up in church in Detroit, MI, she honed her skills and belted out songs stunning audiences time and time again. Eventually, she connected with the Winans family who set her on the path to gospel superstardom. Decades later, Vickie Winans is not only known as an award-winning gospel recording artist, but she’s revered as a consummate business woman that heads of Viviane, Inc. where she manages herself and books hundreds of shows per year. She is also the President of her own record label, Destiny Joy Records. An actress and a comedienne as well, she’s so thankful for all that God has done for her.
Winans feels that her most rewarding accomplishments are the significant roles she plays in her family. She is a loving sister to her 11 brothers and sisters, (the Bowman family) and in 2003, Winans married her love, Joe McLemore in a lavish wedding in Las Vegas. Another one of her most satisfying jobs is her role as mother and grandmother. She’s the mother of hit producers and singers, Mario Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr., and grandmother to Mario Mendell Winans, II, her 10-year old grandson; and her 6-year old granddaughter, Skyler Destiny Winans.
Vickie Winans knows she’s a blessed woman and she’s eager to share her life’s experiences with everyone she comes in contact with. Her infectious personality and her thousand-watt smile will disarm the coldest stranger.
“Although I’ve had my share of heartaches, pain, and sickness over the years, I know that God has truly blessed me. It’s because of Him that I have a fantastic family, great friends, and a rewarding career!”
Already Been to the Water
Vickie Winans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(already been to the water)
And I've already been baptized
(already been baptized)
You know I've already been converted
(already been converted)
And I feel
(I feel, I feel, I feel alright)
(Every since I've given up sin, Hallelujah been born again, Hallelujah been born again)
Say it again, say it again
Well, I've already been to the water
(already been to the water)
And I've already been baptized
(already been baptized)
You know I've already been converted
(already been converted)
And I feel
(I feel, I feel, I feel alright)
Every since
(Every since I've given up sin, Hallelujah been born again, Hallelujah been born again)
You see I stepped in the water
(The water)
The water was a little cold
(was cold)
Chilled my natural body
(my body)
But it didn't disturb my soul
(my soul)
Then I moved on out
(on out)
Into the mighty deep
(the deep)
The water it came a moving
(came moving)
Up around my feet
(my feet)
Then I stepped a little bit further
(a little further)
And lit, lit, lit, a little further
(a little further)
Till it came around my waist
(my waist, let me thank you Jesus for your amazing grace)
You see he saved me
(he saved me)
He saved me
(he saved me)
He filled me with
(he saved me)
The Holy Ghost
(he saved me)
Now aren't you glad
(he saved me)
He saved your soul
(he saved me)
Can I get a witness
(Yes)
Can I get a witness
(yes)
Can I get a witness
(Yes)
Just one more Witness
(Yes)
Wait a minute, what's he's name
(Jesus)
What's he's name
(Jesus)
REPEAT
Let me thank you Jesus for your (amazing grace), you see he saved me
(He saved me)
The lyrics to Vickie Winans's song Already Been to the Water are a testimony to the singer's conversion and subsequent baptism in water. The repetition of "already been" in the song's chorus affirms the singer's conviction that she has already undergone this transformation, and that it has brought her peace and joy. She likens the feeling of being baptized to being born again, which suggests the spiritual significance of this act. The lyrics also describe the physical experience of being baptized, including the cold water that chills her body, yet doesn't disturb her soul. The singer thanks Jesus for his "amazing grace" and for saving her soul.
The song Already Been to the Water has a deeply personal meaning for Vickie Winans, who was raised in a strict religious household and began singing gospel music at the age of eight. She has said that her faith has sustained her throughout her life, including her struggles with divorce and financial difficulties. The song is also representative of the gospel music genre, which is characterized by its use of call-and-response, repetition, and themes of redemption, salvation, and hope. Interestingly, the song's use of water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal is a common motif in many religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I've already been to the water
I have already been baptized in the name of Jesus.
And I've already been baptized
I have already been immersed in water to receive salvation.
You know I've already been converted
I have already turned to follow Jesus and His teachings.
And I feel
I experience inward joy and contentment.
Every since
Ever since I gave up sin and accepted Jesus as savior,
(Every since I've given up sin, Hallelujah been born again, Hallelujah been born again)
I have experienced a rebirth in my spirit and soul.
You see I stepped in the water
I entered the baptismal waters.
(The water)
The water symbolizing the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.
Was a little cold
The water was physically cold.
(was cold)
The coldness represents the spiritual challenge of repentance.
Chilled my natural body
The cold water affected my physical body.
(my body)
Physical sensations are part of the baptismal experience.
But it didn't disturb my soul
My spirit was not affected by the water's temperature.
(my soul)
My spiritual essence remains pure even after being immersed in water.
Then I moved on out
I left the shallow part of the water.
(on out)
Spiritual growth involves moving beyond superficial experiences.
Into the mighty deep
I ventured into the deeper part of the water.
(the deep)
Deeper waters symbolize a stronger commitment to Jesus.
The water it came a moving
The water began to flow around me.
(came moving)
Baptism symbolizes being washed clean by the Holy Spirit.
Up around my feet
The water began to rise around my ankles.
(my feet)
Baptism washes away the sins committed by the feet.
Then I stepped a little bit further
I moved deeper into the baptismal waters.
(a little further)
A deeper commitment to Jesus requires a greater sacrifice.
And lit, lit, lit, a little further
I progressed even deeper into the water.
(a little further)
Baptism symbolizes dying to self and being reborn in Christ.
Till it came around my waist
The water level reached my midsection.
(my waist, let me thank you Jesus for your amazing grace)
The joy of being saved overwhelmed me.
You see he saved me
Jesus rescued me from my sins.
(he saved me)
Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus Christ.
He filled me with
Jesus bestowed upon me.
(he saved me)
Through the salvation experience.
The Holy Ghost
The Holy Spirit of God.
Now aren't you glad
Don't you feel happy.
(he saved me)
Being saved.
He saved your soul
He delivered your spirit.
Can I get a witness
Can someone affirm the truth of my testimony.
(Yes)
Yes, I agree with the testimony.
Wait a minute, what's he's name
Hold on, I need to ask this question.
(Jesus)
The name of our savior and redeemer.
REPEAT
Repeat the previous chorus and verses.
Let me thank you Jesus for your (amazing grace), you see he saved me
I express my gratitude for God's grace and salvation through Jesus.
Contributed by Alice H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Minnie Lee
I’m sitting here in the airport listening this! Thank you father God for all my blessings. I have been to the water!!!!
FraggleRockz
A gospel song telling you to give up sin instead of making excuses for it...this song is a gem 💍
Kris Blake
That’s a word!!🙌🏽
C Green
You said a mouthful!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
El P
It's 2019 and I don't care where you are, it's impossible TO NOT MOVE THIS SONG! Bless you Pastor Vickie!
Eddie Powers
You're right about that. If you're not moving to this, you are dead,..and even then I'm not too sure,
Rose Butler
Can I call jesus
Taylor Ann
It’s 2020 and this song still gets me out my seat and on my feet in the name of Jesus!
Julia Jewels
Lord the anointing all through this song. On my way to work felt like running on the train. The name Jesus is soooooo powerful.
nita johnson
One of my all time favorite gospel songs!