The oldest of six siblings, Adams was raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Sterling High School in Houston in 1979. After graduating from University of California Berkeley, she began a career as a schoolteacher and part-time model in Houston, Texas. Eventually she gave up teaching to perform full-time as a lead singer.
Musical career;
Beginnings;
Adams attracted the attention of Thomas Whitfield and Sound of Gospel Records as a lead singer in the Southeast Inspirational Choir. She signed a recording contract with Sound of Gospel which yielded her first album Just As I Am in 1987.[4] In 1990, she signed to Ben Tankard's independent label Tribute Records and released Through The Storm.
Two years later, Adams followed with Save the World, which included her first signature song "The Battle Is The Lord's". Her next release was 1995's More Than A Melody, which featured production work from Ben Tankard, O'Landa Draper, and BeBe Winans. The single "Gotta Have Love," from that album featuring Tony Terry on background vocals, gained mainstream notoriety and was her first single and music video. Yolanda... Live In Washington, released the following year, featured versions of material from her first two albums. The footage from this recording was released as a collection of two videos on VHS initially, and later as a single set on DVD.
Songs from the Heart was her final release for Verity Records and included "Only Believe" which was popular songs on contemporary radio. The album also included "Still I Rise," a dedication to Rosa Parks which was inspired by the Maya Angelou poem of the same name.
"Fragile Heart", was dedicated to the memory of Yolanda's long time road manager who died in 1998. Adams' first significant attention outside the urban contemporary gospel arena came with the release of Mountain High... Valley Low in 1999 on Elektra Records. Several mainstream artists and producers helped in the production of this album including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men), James "Big Jim" Wright (Mariah Carey, Nicole C. Mullen), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Brandy), and Keith Thomas (BeBe & CeCe Winans). The album went Platinum in 2000 and won her a Grammy Award. Notable singles from the album include Yeah", "Fragile Heart", and "Open My Heart".
In 2000, Adams released a Christmas album, and in 2001 she released a live album (The Experience). The Experience netted Adams a second Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Believe, which included the hit "Never Give Up" was released in 2001. She would later go on to perform this song at "The Salute to Gospel Music" at the White House during President George W. Bush's administration. Believe was certified Gold in 2002. The Divas Of Gospel, with Albertina Walker (queen of gospel), was also released in 2001.
Yolanda recorded a song for the 2003 film, Honey titled "I Believe" that played during the last scene in the final dance.
Adams was also a judge for the 2nd annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.
Back after break;
After nearly four years without releasing an album, Adams returned in 2005 with Day By Day. Although charting higher than Mountain High...Valley Low on the Billboard 100, and Billboard R&B Albums Chart, It didn't get a RIAA certification. The album featured the singles "Be Blessed," "Someone Watching Over You," "This Too Shall Pass", and "Victory" which was prominently featured in the movie The Gospel. After ending her long association with Atlantic Records, They released a greatest hits collection entitled The Best of Me in May 2007. Adams signed with Columbia Records in 2007. Columbia released What a Wonderful Time, her second holiday collection in October 2007. "Hold On" was released as the lead single.
2008-Present;
In 2007 after releasing her holiday album with Columbia, She stated in different interviews that she was currently in the planning stages for a new album. Her official website states that it will be a duets project including possible collaborations with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Natalie Cole, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, and Mary Mary. In a interview with Commercial Appeal. Adams stated that Chaka Khan, and Shirley Caesar might be on the new project also. In March 2009, she was interview by a FOX station in Houston, where she stated that her women's clothing line and new album is still in progress. The new album is currently untitled, and will be out in the last quarter of the year. She stated that the new album will be full of dance tracks. Adams' may do a secular album in the future.
Adams' song "Hold On" is included in a compilation in support of Barack Obama's campaign entitled 'Yes We Can: Voices of a Grass Roots Movement'.
Adams performed the National Anthem at the 2009 BCS National Championship game between the #1 University of Florida and #2 University of Oklahoma in Dolphin Stadium (Miami, Florida).
Personal life;
In 1997, Yolanda Adams married former NFL player Tim Crawford. The couple divorced in August 2004. They had one daughter, Taylor Ayanna, in 2001. Yolanda served as a spokesperson for the FILA Corporation's Operation Rebound, a program that addressed the concern of inner city schoolchildren. On October 15, 2008, Yolanda Adams' mother Carolyn Jean Adams died.
More Than a Melody
Yolanda Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So listen carefully, there music inside each word
I am the Composer of the melody of life
Take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help carry on(carry on)
Verse 2:
I am the music within the inner ear
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare I'll draw near
I am the rythym to every beat of your heart
If you place your trust in me I'll never ever part
Let Me be your song you'll; never have to walk alone
I will help you carrrryy on(onnn)
Pre-chorus:
When the notes are formed(They make)
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
The music inside the music;that lifts me when i'm down(i'm more
than)
More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more
than
More than just a melody(More than just a ryhme)
More than just a rhyme; more than just a melody;come unto me
Chorus:
Ohh,ohhhhh,ohhh,ohh
ohh,ohh,ohh,oh,ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
More than just a melody(i'm your closet friend i'll be there to
the end)
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll
never
have to be alone,now)
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you
realize
that iam)
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because
I am
more)
More than just a melody(more than just a song to sing more than
the
beat moree,morree)
More than just a melody(More than anything you've experienced
i'm
more yeh)
More than just a
melody(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
More than just a melody(Yes,Yes i'm more)
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
The lyrics of Yolanda Adams's song "More Than a Melody" are a proclamation of faith and reliance on God. In the first verse, the singer presents God as the composer of the melody of life, the one who speaks peace to the storms and guides people along. She says that God's voice can be heard in the still of a moment and that there is music inside each word. The second verse deepens the metaphor by presenting God as the music within the inner ear and the rhythm to every beat of the heart. The singer pleads with the listener to trust in God and allow him to be their song so that they will never have to walk alone.
The pre-chorus expands on the idea of the music inside the music, suggesting that there is something more profound than the notes or the lyrics alone. There is a connection to God that lifts the singer up when they are down. The chorus repeatedly declares that God is more than just a melody or a rhyme, a song to sing or a beat. He is the closest friend who will be there until the end, the shelter in the time of the storm, the one who makes trouble pass, and more than anything one has experienced.
Overall, the lyrics are an ode to God as a source of comfort and strength, a guide through the ups and downs of life, and an eternal companion.
Line by Line Meaning
In the still of a moment; my voice can be heard
I can be heard in moments of silence, listen carefully
So listen carefully, there's music inside each word
Pay attention, each word has meaning and music within
I am the Composer of the melody of life
I am the creator of life's music
Take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
Follow me and I will guide you
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I am the leader, join me in creating beautiful music
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
I can calm any storm, even the wind listens to me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
Let me be your companion, I will never leave you alone
I am the music within the inner ear
I am the sound within you
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare I'll draw near
Listen to me, I will come closer to you
I am the rhythm to every beat of your heart
I am the beat that keeps you going
If you place your trust in me I'll never ever part
If you trust me, I will always be with you
When the notes are formed(They make)
When the music is created
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
It creates a unique sound that is the essence of the music
The music inside the music;that lifts me when I'm down
The underlying music that uplifts me in tough times
(I'm more than) More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more than
I am more than just the music, I have a greater purpose
More than just a melody(More than just a ryhme)
I am more than just a tune or words
Come unto me
Seek me out, I am here for you
More than just a melody(i'm your closet friend i'll be there to the end)
I am your closest friend, I will be with you until the end
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll never have to be alone,now)
I provide shelter in difficult times, you will never be alone
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you realize that iam)
When you realize who I am, troubles won't last forever
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because I am more)
You don't have to live each day alone, I am more than just a tune
(More than just a song to sing more than the beat moree,morree)
I am more than just a song, I am the essence of the music
(More than anything you've experienced i'm more yeh)
I am more than anything you have experienced
(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
I am so much more
(Yes,Yes i'm more)
Yes, I am more
More than just a melody
I am more than just a tune
More than just a melody
I have a greater purpose
More than just a melody
I am here for you
Lyrics © MICHAEL PHILLIPS MUSIC LTD
Written by: AARON LINDSEY, PARKES STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tyrese Walker
Verse One:
In the still of a moment; my voice can be heard
So listen carefully, there music inside each word
I am the Composer, of the melody of life
So, take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help carry on, carry on
Verse 2:
I am the music within the inner ear
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare, I'll draw near
I am the rhythym to every beat of your heart
And, If you'll place your trust in me I'll never ever part
So, let Me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help you carry on, on
Pre-chorus:
When the notes are formed(They make)
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
The music inside the music;(It lifts me when I'm down, I'm more than)
More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more than
More than just a melody(More than just a rhyhme)
More than just a rhyme; more than just a melody;come unto me
Chorus:
Ohh,ohhhhh,ohhh,ohh
Ohh,ohh,ohh,oh,ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
More than just a melody(I'm your closet friend I'll be there to the end)
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll never
Have to be alone,now)
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you realize that I am)
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because I am more)
More than just a melody(more than just a song to sing more than the beat more,more)
More than just a melody(More than anything that you can spend me on, spend me on I am)
More than just a melody(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
More than just a melody(Yes,Yes I'm more)
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
Tyrese Walker
In the still of a moment; my voice can be heard
So listen carefully, there music inside each word
I am the Composer of the melody of life
Take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help carry on(carry on)
I am the music within the inner ear
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare I'll draw near
I am the rythym to every beat of your heart
If you place your trust in me I'll never ever part
Let Me be your song you'll; never have to walk alone
I will help you carrrryy on(onnn)
Pre-chorus:
When the notes are formed(They make)
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
The music inside the music;that lifts me when i'm down(i'm more
than)
More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more
than
More than just a melody(More than just a ryhme)
More than just a rhyme; more than just a melody;come unto me
Ohh, ohhhhh, ohhh, ohh
ohh, ohh, ohh, oh, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
More than just a melody(i'm your closet friend i'll be there to
the end)
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll
never
have to be alone, now)
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you
realize
that iam)
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because
I am
more)
More than just a melody(more than just a song to sing more than
the
beat moree, morree)
More than just a melody(More than anything you've experienced
i'm
more yeh)
More than just a
melody(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
More than just a melody(Yes, Yes i'm more)
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
Tyrese Walker
In the still of a moment; my voice can be heard
So listen carefully, there music inside each word
I am the Composer of the melody of life
Take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help carry on(carry on)
I am the music within the inner ear
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare I'll draw near
I am the rythym to every beat of your heart
If you place your trust in me I'll never ever part
Let Me be your song you'll; never have to walk alone
I will help you carrrryy on(onnn)
Pre-chorus:
When the notes are formed(They make)
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
The music inside the music;that lifts me when i'm down(i'm more
than)
More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more
than
More than just a melody(More than just a ryhme)
More than just a rhyme; more than just a melody;come unto me
Ohh, ohhhhh, ohhh, ohh
ohh, ohh, ohh, oh, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
More than just a melody(i'm your closet friend i'll be there to
the end)
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll
never
have to be alone, now)
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you
realize
that iam)
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because
I am
more)
More than just a melody(more than just a song to sing more than
the
beat moree, morree)
More than just a melody(More than anything you've experienced
i'm
more yeh)
More than just a
melody(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
More than just a melody(Yes, Yes i'm more)
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
P Doe
Yolanda should re-release this awesome song. She is so gifted and blessed. We love you Yolanda!
Trevor Jensen
Yes this song gets me thru life
Carolettia Perkins
@Alisa Brown 6
ELLIOT BROCK
L
Alisa Brown
I Love Yolanda's Music & Song Everyday & Anytime we Pray. 💖
Tyrese Walker
Verse One:
In the still of a moment; my voice can be heard
So listen carefully, there music inside each word
I am the Composer, of the melody of life
So, take upon my yoke learn of me, I'll be your guiding light
I am the Director, Be part of My symphony
I speak peace unto the storms; even the winds obey Me
Let me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help carry on, carry on
Verse 2:
I am the music within the inner ear
Hearken unto my voice, I'll declare, I'll draw near
I am the rhythym to every beat of your heart
And, If you'll place your trust in me I'll never ever part
So, let Me be your song, you'll never have to walk alone
I will help you carry on, on
Pre-chorus:
When the notes are formed(They make)
They make a special sound(the music inside the music)
The music inside the music;(It lifts me when I'm down, I'm more than)
More than the beat of time(so much more)more than the lyric more than
More than just a melody(More than just a rhyhme)
More than just a rhyme; more than just a melody;come unto me
Chorus:
Ohh,ohhhhh,ohhh,ohh
Ohh,ohh,ohh,oh,ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
More than just a melody(I'm your closet friend I'll be there to the end)
More than just a rhyme(Shelter in the time of the storm;you'll never
Have to be alone,now)
More than just a melody(trouble won't last always when you realize that I am)
More than just a rhyme(you won't to live each day alone because I am more)
More than just a melody(more than just a song to sing more than the beat more,more)
More than just a melody(More than anything that you can spend me on, spend me on I am)
More than just a melody(Morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee)
More than just a melody(Yes,Yes I'm more)
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
More than just a melody
Candice j
My mother would play this over and over ..thankful for it. past few years have been trying ....this song brings back good memories .
ELLIOT BROCK
O
A Scott
Candice j yeah my aunt would play this album all the time when I was young ☺️😊
CoDaC35
Candice j lol my mom plays this nonstop too