Ayiesha Woods (born July 2, 1979 in Long Island, New York) is a contemporary Christian musician signed to Gotee Records. She has released two studio albums on Gotee: Introducing Ayiesha Woods (2006) and Love Like This (2008). Woods is known for the hit songs "Happy" and "Big Enough" from her debut album. Her musical style is a distinct mix of several genres, predominantly including pop, soul, urban and rock.
After having an interest in musicianship and singing during her childhood, Ayiesha Woods released an independent album in 2004, What You Do to Me, and went on to receive three Gospel Music Marlin Awards that year, including "New Artist of the Year". Gotee Records manager TobyMac discovered her music while visiting Jamaica, and Woods was eventually signed onto the record label. Her Grammy Award-nominated debut album, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, was released in June 2006. The album's single "Happy" garnered popularity on Christian radio in the U.S., and Woods received a Dove Award nomination in 2007, as well. She appeared at several major Christian music festivals during mid-2008, and soon afterward her second album, Love Like This, was released in September.
I want to stay in Your presence all day
And I don't care if the time slips away
There's no place I'd rather be
When You're here surrounding me with Your love, oh
And I'm finding out that nothing compares
With these endless moments we share
Now I have peace of mind
Fulfillment of a greater kind when I'm with You
And I, I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And I, I've never known love like this before
Lord, You take my breath away, oh yeah
Lord, I can't imagine not having You here
And I find it so amazing what I feel when You're near
When it's just me and You there's nothing that I can't do
So take me away, I never want this to end
And I, I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And I, I've never known love like this before
Lord, You take my breath away
I am surrounded by Your love, it's everywhere
And all that I am is Yours forever
And I, I've never known love like this before
And my heart is Yours
Lord I, I've never known love like this before
You take my breath away
And I, I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And I, I've never known love like this before
You take my, my breath away
No record deal, no dream fulfilled, no three minute video
No catchy jingle, no big hit single playing on the radio
Can make me happy
Can make me feel the way you do
Can make me happy
I wanna make you happy too
No flashy cars, no movie stars, no man, woman, boy or girl
No fancy things, no diamond rings, nothing in the whole wide world
Can make me happy
Can make me feel the way you do
You make me happy
I want to make you happy too
You make me happy
You make me feel the way I do
You make me happy
I wish the whole world knew you too
No I cannot count the ways you have made my life so blessed
All I know is that you came and made beauty of my mess
And you make me happy
You make me feel the way I do
You make me happy
You ever had a day
When you're on such a spiritual high
When you're feeling strong
'Cause you've got all of heaven on your side
Ever had a day
When your confidence is high
And you feel like nothing can make you fall
Or even compromise
But what about those days
When you're not feeling so strong
And you cry ?cause you don't know what to do
Thinking that you're all alone
And what about those times
When so much is on your mind
And everything you've tried to forget
You just can't seem to leave behind
Don't you wish that every day was an easy day
And there was nothing that you couldn't do
But if every day was an easy day
You'd never be able to say that Jesus brought you through
You ever had a day
When tomorrow didn't count
'Cause you were caught up in the moment
On cloud nine without a doubt
You ever had a day
When you knew yesterday was gone
And there was nothing that even mattered
'Cause you already knew you won
But what about those days
When you just don't understand
And just when you're getting up
It seems you're falling down again
What about those times
When it's not so easy to believe
When doubt causes you to only
Go by what you see
Don't you wish that every day was an easy day
And there was nothing that you couldn't do
But if every day was an easy day
You'd never be able to say that Jesus brought you through
Only if every day was an easy day
If every day was an easy day
Don't you wish that every day was an easy day
And there was nothing that you couldn't do
But if every day was an easy day
You'd never be able to say that Jesus brought you through
If every day was an easy day
This is the day that the Lord has made
And I will rejoice and be glad in it
Said this is the day that the Lord has made
And I will rejoice and be glad in it
What about them days?
What about them days?
What about them days?
You gotta go through something
Pardon me, your epidermis is showing, sir
I couldn't help but note your shade of melanin
I tip my hat to the colorful arrangement
Cause I see the beauty in the tones of our skin
We've gotta come together
And thank the Maker of us all
We're colored people, and we live in a tainted place
We're colored people, and they call us the human race
We've got a history so full of mistakes
And we are colored people who depend on a Holy Grace
A piece of canvas is only the beginning for
It takes on character with every loving stroke
This thing of beauty is the passion of an
Artist's heart By God's design, we are a skin kaleidoscope
Ignorance has wronged some races
And vengeance is the Lord's
If we aspire to share this space
Repentance is the cure
We're colored people, and we live in a tainted place
We're colored people, and they call us the human race
We've got a history so full of mistakes
And we are colored people who depend on a Holy Grace
Well, just a day in the shoes of a color blind man
Should make it easy for you to see
That these diverse tones do more than cover our bones
As a part of our anatomy
We're colored people, and they call us the human race
We're colored people, and we all gotta share this space
We're colored people, and we live in a tainted world
You turned water into wine, how extraordinary
Gave sight to the blind, still I carry
My own load when You told me
To take Your yoke ?cause Yours is easy
And even though my issues seem trivial
You alone are never to imperial
It's just the way that You love me
It's enough to convince me
And I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That You're big enough, but You're big enough, yeah
So I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand that You're big enough
But You're big enough, Jesus
You turned darkness into light keep my lamp burning
And You are my everything
There's no denying, Your love is so amazing
And even though my problems seem typical
Nothing for You is ever too difficult
You never have reservations, love without limitations
And I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That You're big enough, but You're big enough, yeah
So I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That You're big enough, but You're big enough
Oh, no matter how I try to get around it, I'm reminded
Wherever I go I'm totally surrounded
It's all about You, I can never doubt You
Even if I wanted to
And I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't wanna believe
That You're big enough, but You're big enough, yeah
And I don't wanna box You in
You've been doing big things since the world began
Sometimes I just don't understand
That You're big enough, but You're big enough
That You're big enough, that You're big enough
Sorrow is a lonely feeling
Unsettled is a painful place
I've lived with both for far too long now
Since we've parted ways
I've been wrestling with my conscience
And I found myself to blame
If there's to be any resolution
I've got to peel my pride away
Just between you and me
I've got something' to say
I wanna get it straight
Before the sun goes down
Just between you and me
Confession needs to be made
Recompense is my way to freedom now
Just between you and me
I've got something to say
If confession is the road to healing
Forgiveness is the promised land
I'm reaching out in my conviction
I'm longing to make amends
So, I'm sorry for the words I've spoken
For I've betrayed a friend
We've got a love that's worth preserving
And a bond I will defend
Just between you and me
I've got something' to say
I wanna get it straight
Before the sun goes down
Just between you and me
Confession needs to be made
Recompense is my way to freedom now
Just between you and me
I've got something to say
In my pursuit of God, I thirst for holiness
As I approach the Son, I must consider this
Offenses unresolved, they'll keep me from the throne
When I look around me
All that I see is the work of the greatest artist
Creation sings - reminding me
That you are the greatest artist
So won't you...
Take my life
Paint it right
On your canvas display the beauty of your light
'Cause I'm your tapestry
And your love covers me
You're the greatest artist there will ever be
'Twas your blood that was shed
Crimson red
In an effort to save us all
So until this painting is done
Draw me under the Son
Cause it's your sweet name that I'll call
So that you can...
Take my life
Paint it right
On your canvas display the beauty of your light
'Cause I'm your tapestry
And your love covers me
You're the greatest artist there will ever be
Everything there is was made by your hand
Won't you make my life what you want it to be
I want to stay in Your presence all day
And I don't care if the time slips away
There's no place I'd rather be
When You're here surrounding me with Your love
I'm finding out that nothing compares
With these endless moments we share
Now I have peace of mind
Fulfillment of a great kind when I'm with You
And I... I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And, I... I've never known love like this before
Lord, You take my breath away
Lord I can't imagine not having You here
And I find it so amazing
What I feel when You're near
When it's just me and You
There's nothing that I can't do
So take me away
I never want this to end...
And I... I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And, I... I've never known love like this before
Lord, You take my breath away
I am surrounded by Your love (it's everywhere)
And all that I am is Yours forever
And I... I've never known love like this before
My heart is Yours
And, I... I've never known love like this before
Been down and out, down for the count
Took the hardest round that life could bring
Stressing it, worrying
Crying 'bout every doggone thing
Back to the wall, slow to the crawl
Steady falling or so it seems
Life is hard, can leave a scar
But that don't mean it's gotta stay that way
We can let it break us down
Or we can turn it back around, only get stronger
If we don't walk away
Stand on up and fight this thing
Don't run from the pain
Grit your teeth and take a swing
Sometimes we get saved by the bell
But those times when it don't go so well
We gotta stand up and fight for it
We gotta stand up and fight for it
Just so you know you're not alone
The promise says you can do all things
It's up to you what you gonna do
You can't lose if you've got his strength
To add to that I've got your back
Better believe I'm down for the ride
Big or small keep pressing on
And everything is gonna be alright
We can let it break us down
Or we can turn it back around, only get stronger
If we don't walk away
Stand on up and fight this thing
Don't run from the pain
Grit your teeth and take a swing
Sometimes we get saved by the bell
But those times when it don't go so well
We gotta stand up and fight for it
We gotta stand up and fight for it
We've got a right to be free
No matter how things may seem
If there's a way out but sometimes it takes a fight
Keep your head up high and your eyes on the prize
And don't let it pass you, don't let it pass you by
Don't walk away
Stand on up and fight this thing
Don't run from the pain
No, no, no
Sometimes we get saved by the bell
But those times when it don't go so well, yeah
Sometimes we get saved by the bell
Those times when it don't go so well
You gotta stand up and fight for it, oh yeah
Gotta stand up and fight for it, yeah
What you gonna do?
What you gonna do?
You gotta fight for it, yeah
Oh, gotta fight for it, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Tell me what you gonna do?
You gotta fight for it
You gotta stand up, gotta stand up
Tell me what you gonna do, yeah?
I admit I've messed up enough friendships
To last one lifetime
I gave up and I quit when I thought that
Time was on my side, oh, oh
But I'm learning how to love
And my excuses are enough
So show me
Please show me
'Cause I don't wanna lose You
Please don't ever leave me
Don't You know I need You?
And this is only me, transparent
Ooh, as transparent as I can be
Tell me if it's too much to ask
For Your forgiveness
I don't guess I expect
For You to ever forget, no, oh
But I'm learning how to love
So if my conditions seem too much
Then show me
I need You to show me
'Cause I don't wanna lose You
Please don't ever leave me
Don't You know I need You?
And this is only me, transparent
Oh, as transparent as I can be
Where do we go from here?
Where do we go from here?
'Cause I don't wanna lose You
Please don't ever leave me
Don't You know I need You?
And this is only me, transparent
Oh, as transparent as I can be, ohh
Oh, as transparent as I can be
As transparent as I can be, ohh
And I know you've been through more things than most
And it always seems as though it'll never get any better
But there's something you should know
You're never alone
No matter how it all began
It's not how it has to end cause
I believe in new beginnings
No matter what they say
Yesterday is over
It's over
And though tomorrow can't be promised
Today's a brand new day and love lasts forever, forever
I believe, I believe
I believe in new beginnings
And I know you've been hurt before and you don't wanna try no more
Said you already closed the door to that part of your heart
But you can love again
In time your heart will mend
Before it's all over
You'll be doing fine
I believe in new beginnings
No matter what they say
Yesterday is over
It's over
And though tomorrow can't be promised
Today's a brand new day and love lasts forever, forever
I believe, I believe
I believe in new beginnings
I ain't living in yesterday
New beginnings gonna come my way
It's what I believe
And you ain't got to be feeling down
New beginnings are gonna come around
Don't you believe?
I believe in new beginnings
No matter what they say
Yesterday is over
It's over
And even though tomorrow is not promised
Today's a brand new day and love lasts forever, forever
I believe, I believe
Here I am standing
I am the evidence of what Your love can do (can do)
You are the reason that I am believing
Your love will carry me through
And every moment leads me to the truth
Every moment brings me back to you
Whenever I breathe
Whenever I sing
When I face the day
All I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
Even through tears, sorrow and pain
You stay the same and all I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
Your love is alive...
You are the giver of all that have
What can I give to You? (to You)
Please take my heart
I owe you my life
I offer it all to You
And every day I want the word to see
That your love is alive and well in me
Whenever I breathe
Whenever I sing
When I face the day
All I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
Even through tears, sorrow and pain
You stay the same and all I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
Your love is alive...
And I feel Your love all around me
Whenever I go it surrounds me...
Whenever I breathe
Whenever I sing
When I face the day
All I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
Even through tears, sorrow and pain
You stay the same and all I can say is
Your love is alive
Your love is alive
I learned a long time ago that not everyone is on my side
Had to figure out that life was more than trying to get by
Had my hopes and dreams trampled on and laid to the side
But I survived
Because of Your love
I don't have to be afraid anymore
Because of Your love
I'm stronger than I ever was before
And I can do anything - I can do anything, it's true
It's all because of You
You inspire me to live
With every breath that You give
And I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for You
You're the reason for my songs
(And where I belong) is right here with You
Because of Your love
I don't have to be afraid anymore
Because of Your love
I'm stronger than I ever was before
And I can do anything - I can do anything, it's true
It's all because of You
Sorrow and pain know my name and I've stood face to face with shame
That was then, You're here now
And I am never going back
I'm never going back again
(All because of what you've done) - it's all about Your love
(All because of what you've done)
Because of Your love
I don't have to be afraid anymore
Because of Your love
I'm stronger than I ever was before
And I can do anything - I can do anything
Because of Your love
I don't want to be afraid anymore
Because of Your love
I'm stronger than I ever was before
And I can do anything - I can do anything
And I can do anything - I can do anything, it's true
Never been the kind that the world defined as being some trendy, top, super model
Never been the one you could call a swan even though my mama said that they oughtta
So say a prayer for the girl with the hand me downs and the pig tails in her
One for me, one for you cause we never knew that God don't even care
If you've got the walk and ain't got the talk
And ain't got the stuff that they dream dream of
Cause there'll be a beautiful day
Cause I... I, I'm gonna be a beauty!
I'm gonna see God y'all, and I'm gonna be a beauty!
Tell me you believe it
I'm a long way from home but I'm passing through
Seem like everything is so artificial
Cause everything that we see in the magazines or even on TV is so superficial
It's like a virus, I can't describe it, how shallow we can be
We say true beauty comes from the inside but all that we can see
She's got the walk - he's got the talk
And they've got the stuff the world dreams of
But there will be a beautiful day...
Cause I... I, I'm gonna be a beauty!
I'm gonna see God y'all, and I'm gonna be a beauty!
Tell me you believe it
What you see ain't what you get
Cause you ain't seen nothin' yet
What they see ain't who you are
Cause you're gonna be a shining star.
Cause I... I, I'm gonna be a beauty!
I'm gonna see God y'all, and I'm gonna be a beauty!
You've been told so many times before that love will give up on you
'Cause it is never been the kind of door
That you could just walk through and now you're so afraid
And so unsure that love will fill your life but don't believe the lie 'cause
Not even for a minute, one day you will believe it
'Cause I'm here and I will never give up on you
Let my love start to fill it and let your heart start to feel it, oh
I will never give up on you
Let me ask a simple question, what are you looking for?
Peace of mind, joy inside or is it something more?
'Cause everything you need is waiting at the door
What are you waiting for? You don't have to search no more, 'cause
Not even for a minute, one day you will believe it
'Cause I'm here and I will never give up on you
Let my love start to fill it and let your heart start to feel it, oh
I will never give up on you
Ooh, and I will be the one to be real with you
'Cause I'm here for you always and forever
And I will be the one to hold your hand
'Cause I'm that kind of friend and I'll never leave, no, yeah oh
No, not even for a minute, one day you will believe it
'Cause I'm here and I will never give up on you
Let my love start to fill it and let your heart start to feel it, oh
That I will never give up on you
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
No, no, no, no, never, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
I will never give up on you, no, no
I will never give up on you, no, never
'Cause him instruct me to take de word and put in me heart
No find me a betta way fa me fi have a new start
Fa de word dem a truth and demma sit around fi ages
Dem na have na life unless we take 'em off eh pages
Tell me Lawda - shall I be effective?
Only tru de word by your spirit be directed
So let de world dema think what the want to
Me only here to please e one me hafi answer to
Dema think I crazy
Because maybe
I take thy word
And I apply it literally
Dema say dat a dis one a gwan of eh' deep end
Because me na wanna follow de world and be different
But I tell ya - when it's all said and done
What can they say about me - but that I followed de word - and took it literally
So if ya mark me fi crazy - I don't mind
'Cause me living up a lifestyle all of the time
I will understand
If they can't comprehend
All of the time we spend
'Cause it's beautiful
When you speak to me
Whispering softly
Love sweet melodies
That are beautiful
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they just don't know what you do to me
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they'll never know
What you do to me
Clothing me in righteousness Lord
I must confess
I hold you to your promises
That are beautiful
You've become my everything
Your presence makes me weak
'Til there are no words to speak
But "Oh so beautiful"
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they just don't know what you do to me
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they'll never know
What you do to me
They don't really know what you do to me
They don't understand how you make me free
When we're all alone and it's me and you
There's not enough expression for the things you do
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they just don't know what you do to me
I'm in love with you
So in love with you
And they'll never know
What can I do to make you smile again?
How can I prove that I've got your best interest at hand
My love for you is more than anything you'll ever know
So if you need me to show you - say it
'Cause I don't mind
And you don't have to hold your head down
Walking 'round disappointed
I'll do anything but let you down
Can I get a little credit
If you need me to show you - say it
'Cause I don't mind
Where is your faith
Haven't I proven myself before
If the window is closed
Won't I open a door
'Cause my love for you is more than anything you'll ever know
So if you need me to show you - say it
'Cause I don't mind
I put the sun in the sky
And I make the moon shine at night
But you are the apple of my eye (yes you are)
So if you need me to show you - say it
And you don't have to hold your head down
Walking 'round disappointed
I'll do anything but let you down
Can I get a little credit
If you need me to show you - say it
You ask me where does my joy lie
I tell you in all that I do for Christ
You want to know how I am fulfilled
I tell you in doing my Father's will
You think it strange when I tell you
That it's what I live for and die if I have to
There's nothing more satisfying than knowing I'm pleasing
The one who matters most
So if I make you smile
And the words that I sing make you feel better
Then I know that it's all worth while
'Cause nothing completes me more than doing what matters most
Your will is planned 'til the end of time
How I fit in only you define
The meaning for my existence
I can't deny you - no room for resistance, no
The only one who makes sense of it all
Still trying to understand why my name you've called
But I'm created to praise you
It's what I'm made for and it's what I'll do
So if I make you smile
And the words that I sing make you feel better
Then I know that it's all worth while
If you've ever been in love, then you will understand the sweet mystery
Between a man and a woman
Truly a phenomenon - just how it comes to be
Oh out of all the people in this world,
You were meant for me
And out of all the plans He has for you
I'm a part of your destiny
And I want the world to know
That you are the only one
Baby it's incredible, just how you make me feel
Our God has been so generous I couldn't ask for any more
It was you that He made me for and I love you
Tell me do you really know
Just what it means when I say "forever"
I will settle for eternity
Just to see your spirit free
Every time we are together
I can't imagine how my life would be if I had to do it without you
Oh baby can't you see, I'll do anything
Whatever it takes to prove
And I want the world to know
That you are the only one
Baby it's incredible, just how you make me feel
Our God has been so generous I couldn't ask for any more
It was you that He made me for and I love you
It couldn't be a better time
For you to come into my life
The Father knew just what I would need when
He gave you to me
And I realize - our love was written in the skies
It's as unchanging as the beautiful sunrise
I see heaven when I look in your eyes
Lord You told me about a place
That I can go to lay all of my burdens down
And You showed me there is a way
That I can be free and the lost can be found
Won't You take me there?
Where I could see You and living is worship
No place like Your presence
And I wanna be there with You, You, You
I wanna be there with You Lord
It's in this place to my knees I fall
I seek Your face and nothing else matters at all
I lose myself in finding You
Where there's no me and only You can
Where I could see You and living is worship
No place like Your presence
And I wanna be there with You
Is it real, what I feel? Am I just dreaming?
Can I stay in this place with You?
Where I could see You and living is worship
There's no place like Your presence
And I wanna be with You
Won't You take me there?
There's no place like Your presence
And I wanna be there with You
Won't You take me there?
Won't You take me there?
Wanna be with You, gotta stay with You
I wanna be right where You are
Wanna be with You, gotta stay with You
I wanna be right where You are
Wanna be with You, gotta stay with You
I wanna be right where, right where You are
Wanna be with You, gotta stay with You
I wanna be right where, right where You are
Wanna be with You, gotta stay with You
[Verse1]
I know you feel it all around
There's no escaping it
You want to come in closer
But your afraid of it
This thing I'm speaking of
Its everlasting love
And its available
And one day,
You will know the truth
And it could make you free
(oh)And one day,
I know you'll surrender
And let love in
Oh, I believe in one day(ay, ay)
I believe in one day(ay, ay)
[Verse2]
You know that,
I've been praying for you
For some time now
Been hoping and believing
That you will come around
And it's alright if your not ready
'Cause His love will wait
What ever it takes
And when you've had enough
This everlasting love
Will be available to you
[Chorus]
(oh)And one day,
You will know the truth
And it could make you free
(oh)And one day
I know you'll surrender
And let love in
Oh, I believe in one day(ay, ay)
I believe in one day(ay, ay)
Love, love(x2)
People are people
And everybody needs a little
Love, love(x2)
People are people
And everybody needs some love
I've praying for you
and I still believe(yeah)
That one day,
You will know the truth
And it could make you free
(oh)And one day,
I know you'll surrender
And let love in
Oh, I believe, I believe
That one day,
You will know the truth
And it could make you free
(oh)And one day,
I know you'll surrender
And let love in
Oh, I believe in one day(ay, ay)
I believe in one day(ay, ay)
(Oh)One day,
You will know the truth
He left her hanging at the end of her rope
No ultimatum, nowhere to go
It's nothing new, it happens everyday
Love is a gift that we just throw away
It's like a never ending cycle of selfishness
When will we ever see past this darkness
Lord please open our eyes to realize that
Love can't wait
We've got to see the urgency
And love is all it takes
To light the flame in you and me
You see her crying on the world news
Would it be different if she was you?
It's the sad state of humanity
Becoming desensitized and hypnotized, tell me
What kind of world will we live in if we don't change?
I see the writing on the front page, last days
We cry open our eyes to realize that
Love can't wait
We've got to see the urgency
And love is all it takes
To light the flame in you and me
It only takes a spark to make
A flame that burns around the world
From you to me, from me to them
Lord ignite this heart again
Love can't wait
We've got to see the urgency
And love is all it takes
To light the flame in you and me
Love can't wait
We've got to see the urgency
And love is all it takes
To light the flame in you and me
Love can't wait
I come into this place Burning to receive your peace I
come with my own chains From wars I've fought for my own
selfish gain You're my God and my Father I've accepted
your Son But my soul feels so empty now What have I
become Lord come with Your fire Burn my desire Refine
me Lord, my will has deceived me Please come and free
me Refine me Refine me My heart can't see When I only
look at me And my soul can't hear When I only think of
my own fears They are gone in a moment You're forever
the same Why did I look away from you How can I speak
Your name All that I can do is lift my heart and soul to