Tamela J. Mann (born June 9, 1966) is an American actress and gospel singer, known for her role as Cora in Tyler Perry's plays, including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea's Family Reunion, Madea's Class Reunion, Meet the Browns, and What's Done in the Dark. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Mann was a featured soloist on several tracks while with Franklin's group, including "Don't Take Your Joy Away", "Now Behold the Lamb", and "Lean on Me", the latter of which also included Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, R. Kelly, and Bono. She released her own album, the Master Plan, in 2009.
Mann has also made appearances in movies such as Kingdom Come and Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Mann recorded some songs on the soundtrack for Diary of a Mad Black Woman, including participating in the song "Father (Can You Hear Me)". Mann is the wife of David Mann, who is known for his role as "Deacon Leroy Brown" in several of Perry's plays. Tamela Mann is known for her work with Tyler Perry.
Rickey Smiley (born in Birmingham, Alabama) is a standup comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality best known for his prank phone calls. The calls feature Smiley disguising his voice and carrying on a conversation with the recipient of the call.
Smiley graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL and Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and is known for informing audiences of his membership in his acts. Smiley is also a pianist, often playing the piano in his shows, and an organist and sometimes refers to himself playing it at his home church.
Smiley has two biological children, but has adopted eight others.[citation needed]
Smiley appeared as the host of the 2000 season of BET's "ComicView" program. He has also appeared on "Showtime at the Apollo", HBO's "Def Comedy Jam", HBO's "Snaps", "The Nashville Network", "Uptown Comedy Club", and "Comic Escape". He is known as one of the few "clean" African American comics, preferring to use humor rather than vulgarity to get laughs. His original comedy routines often feature the role-play of fictional characters such as "Bernice Jenkins" (AKA Granny Swims, Ms. Johnson or Mrs. Francis), "Lil' Daryl", "Rusty Dale" and "Beauford". Bernice Jenkins has a grandson named Rufus, who's a stereotype of the modern day "Gangsta". He is referenced in "Two Of My Toes Fell Off" and another prank phone call where Smiley calls a pharmacy.
I was down so low, there was no where to go
But Jesus heard my plee, and had mercy on me
He lifted my head, and raised me from dead
Healed my mind and steped in on time
[Bridge:]
No matter what you might be going through
Take it to the master and he'll see you right on through
[Chrous: choir]
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
Cast on him, all your fears
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
Cast on him, all your fears
Mary lost her faith, cause her brother has died
Jesus came forth and said lazerth be untied
No matter how bad you think it is
If you leave it at his feet he'll give you peace
[Bridge:]
No matter what you may be going through
Take it to the master and he'll see you right on through
[Chrous: choir]
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
Cast on him, all your fears
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
Cast on him, all your fears
Don't let nobody turn you around
Give it to Jesus
He'll never let you down
[Chrous: choir]
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
Cast on him, all your fears
Take it to Jesus, Keep it there
For all that U have done, you deserve my praise
Victories you have won, you deserve my praise
Because I am free, you deserve my praise
For blessing me lord, you deserve my praise
When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all he has done
my soul cries hallelujah! Lord you are the one that deserves all my praise [vamp]
For protecting me, you deserve my praise, for watching over me lord, you deserve my praise
For healing my body, you deserve my praise, for keeping me lord, you deserve my praise
back to vamp
I lift my hands open my mouth
I've Got A Feeling Everythings Gonna Be Alrite I Belive The Sun Will Shine
It Wil Always Turn To Light I Know Dat Troubles Gonna Last For A Little While But You Don't
Need To Worry Noooooooo [x2]
In The Morning The Sun Will Shine After The Night Every Thing Will Be Just Fine
These Thousand Trials Cant Last Always Theirs Gonna Be A Brighter Day.
You Say U Feel Like The Lords To Hard To Bare And The Lord He Hasn't Heard
Your Prayer Trust And Know That The Lord Will See You Through Walk In To Victory God
Is Give You Yeah...
[Choir:] Say It Will Be Alrite [x8]
GOD GAVE ME A FURTURE,
HE TOLD ME THAT I WAS CHOSEN,
PREDESTINED; ME FOR GREATNESS,
HE GAVE ME VICTORY,
THOU EVERY DAY MAY NOT BE SUNSHINE.
THOU SEASONS CHANGE IT WILL BE ALRIGHT.
DAILY I'M MAKING CONFESSIONS.
MY FAITH I DECREE
Ohhh
I'M FORGETTING ALL THOSE THINGS BEHIND ME.
SO I CAN FOCUS ON WHAT'S AHEAD
I'M BELIEVING EVERY THING GODS SPOKE TO ME
THIS WILL BE MY BEST DAYS (REPEAT)
I WILL FULFILL MY PURPOSE
WITH EACH STEP I'M MAKING PROGRESS
TO STRETCH MY FOCUS
LIVING OUT GOSD'S PLAN FOR ME
THOU EVERY DAY MAY NOT HAVE SUNSHINE.,
THOU SEASONS MAY CHANGE IT WILL BE ALRIGHT.
DAILY I'M MAKING CONFESSIONS.
MY FAITH I DECREE
Ohhh
I'M FORGETTING ALL THOSE THINGS BEHIND ME SO I CAN
FOCUS ON WHAT'S AHEAD
I'M BELIEVING EVERY THING GODS SPOKE TO ME
AND THESE WILL BE MY BEST DAYS (REPEAT)
I KNOW IT WILL
THE BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD OF ME
MY WORST DAYS ARE. BEHIND ME (REPEAT)
I DECREE
I DECLARE
FROM NOW ON
THE REST OF MY DAYS WILL BE MY BEST DAYS
OHHH
I DECREE
I DECLARE
FROM NOW ON
THE REST OF MY DAYS WILL BE MY BEST DAY
I DECREE
I DECLARE
FROM NOW ON
THE REST OF MY DAYS WILL BE MY BEST DAYS
I DECREE
I DECLARE
HEY, HEY
FROM NOW ON
THE REST OF MY DAYS WILL BE MY BEST DAYS
THIS WILL BE MY BEST DAYS
You may be wondering
What's gonna happen
How you gonna fix it?
With nowhere to turn
With the weight
So much weight on your shoulders
And it seems nobody cares
Oh, hold on
God's got the answer, yes he does
To those questions you don't understand
You don't have to worry
God's got, yeah, he has the master plan
Yes he does, oh
The father knows, what's best for you, yes he does
God always knows how to provide for you
He always, always see you through, yes he has
Hold on to what he's promised you
Hold on, God's got the answer
Oh, oh, to those questions, to those questions
My God, you don't understand, hold on
Hold on my brother, hold on my sister
Yes my God, he's got, he's got the master plan
Yes he does
Whatever it is, God's got it
You've been searching, he has it right there
My God has everything you need
I dare you to try him
I dare you to reach out for him
He's knocking, he's knocking
He wants to come in, he's on the outside
He has the answer, the master plan
My God has, he has it, he has the master plan
I've come to get my blessing
I've gotta get my breakthrough
The power of my praise
Gives me strength so I can press on through
So I gotta stretch
Stretch forth, reaching for my blessing
So I gotta press
Press forth, reaching for my blessing
{Gotta get my} gotta get my blessing
{I believe he'll work a} miracle
The power of my praise
Give me strength so I can press on through
Chorus
{So I gotta} Stretch
Stretchin for it, reaching for my blessing (3x)
Oh-Oh(after 1st & 3rd)
Bridge
I'm still believing for my miracle my faith says
It's special it's marvelous and it's wonderful
Wonderful
Vamp
Reach for it (4x)
The mark, the prize, the higher calling
Move towards it(4x)
The mark, the prize, the higher calling
Stretch for it(4x)
The mark, the prize, the higher calling
Leap for it(4x)
The mark, the prize, the higher calling
Yes, Gotta get my blessing(6x)
The mark, the prize, the higher calling
It's mine, gotta get my blessing(4x)
The mark, the prize the higher calling
Chorus:
Take Me To The King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart is torn in pieces
It’s my offering
Take Me To The King
Verse 1:
Truth is I’m tired
Options are few
I’m trying to pray
But where are you?
I’m all churched out
Hurt and abused
I can’t fake
What’s left to do?
Truth is I’m weak
No strength to fight
No tears to cry
Even if I tried
But still my soul
Refuses to die
One touch-will change-my life
Chorus:
Take Me To The King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn into pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon Your glory
And sing to You this song
Please Take Me To The King
Verse 2:
Truth is it’s time
To stop playing these games
We need a word
For the people’s pain
So Lord speak right now
Let it pour like rain
We're desperate
We’re chasing after you
Bridge:
No rules, no religion
I’ve made my decision
To run to You
The healer that I need
Chorus:
Take Me To The King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn to pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon Your glory
And to sing to You this song
Take Me To The
Lord we’re in the way
We keep making mistakes
Glory is not for us
Its all for You
Chorus
Take Me To The King
I don’t have much to bring
My heart’s torn to pieces
It’s my offering
Lay me at the throne
Leave me there alone
To gaze upon Your glory
And sing to You this song
Here I am again Lord
Asking for more
Fill me up completely
With the anointing oil
Not only my head
But every part of me
I'm yielded and humbly thine
A servant to thee
Anoint me Lord this day
As I go along my way
Let my life send forth a glow
Let the oil around me flow
Anoint me Lord
This day I pray
Amen
Broken hearts and lives
Can be mended anew
Just with one touch
Dear Lord from you
Let the oil and the wine
Bring healing divine
To every wounded soul
Verse 1: David
Here I am, a vessel unworthy of you
Here I am, my soul's crying out to you
Here I am, yielding my soul to you
Here I am, knowing you'll see me through
And I give my heart to you
Chorus:
Giving myself to you (knowing you'll see me through)
Knowing you'll see me through (and I give my heart to you)
Completely yours, here I am
Verse 2: Tamela
Wanting more of you
Here I am, a vessel unworthy of you
Here I am, my souls reaching out for you
Here I am, my hearts longing for you
And I'm giving,
Chorus:
Giving myself you you (knowing you'll see me through)
Knowing you'll see me through (I am giving)
Giving myself to you (everything that I am)
Knowing you'll see me through (completely yours)
Completely yours, I give you everything (everything)
My heart I bring (choir: my heart I bring)
This song I sing (choir: song I sing)
Tamela: Completely yours, I am desperately (choir: desperately)
David: Give all to the (choir: give all to the)
Tamela: I give you my destiny (choir: destiny)
Tamela: And I yielding my everything (choir: everything)
David: My heart I bring (choir: heart I bring)
Tamela: this song I sing (choir: song I sing)
Tamela: Completely yours
Tamela: I desperately (choir: desperately)
Tamela: Give all to the (choir: all to the)
Tamela: Your my destiny Lord (choir: destiny)
Tamela: I'm completely yielding all to the, I am,
Chorus:
Giving myself to you (knowing you'll see me through)
Knowing you'll see me through (giving myself to you)
Giving myself to you (giving my everything Lord)
Knowing you'll see me through (Both: knowing that you'll be there)
Completely yours (Tamela: I'm completely yours)
I give you everything
David: everything(choir: everything)
David: my heart I bring (choir: heart I bring)
David: song I sing (choir: song I sing)
Tamela: completely yours
desperately (David: giving all to the)
give all to the (Tamela: I give it to the)
Destiny (Tamela: your my destiny Lord)
Everything
My heart I bring
This song I sing (Tamela: here I am Lord)
Desperately (Tamela: desperately)
Give all to the (Tamela: give all to the)
Destiny (Tamela: ooooohhhhh)
Everything (Tamela: my everything)
My heart I bring (Tamela: my heart I bring)
Song I sing (Tamela: I'm desperately yielding Lord)
Destiny (Tamela: destiny)
Give all to the (Tamela: your my, everything Lord)
Destiny
Everything (Tamela: I completely give it to the)
My heart I bring (Tamela: all that I am)
Song I sing (Tamela: here I am my hands raised)
Desperately(Tamela: I'm desperately)
All to the (Tamela: I'm reaching to the)
Destiny (Tamela: completely yours, oh oh oooohhh)
Chorus:
Giving my self to you (Tamela: all that I am)
Knowing you'll see me through (Tamela: and I ever hope to be)
Giving myself to you (Tamela: is a vessel yielding)
Knowing you'll see me through (Tamela: yielding after the)
Completely yours (Tamela: here I am)
Tamela: here I am, I'm presenting my body a living sacrifice
Here I am (Tamela: holy and acceptable to the)
Step Aside
Hold on don’t give up
Don’t you worry you don’t have to cry
God sees, He sees what you’re going through
God is willing and He’s able
This didn’t catch Him by surprise
So if you would trust Him and just step, step aside
And be still; don’t question it
For these obstacles they were allowed
And know he wants to take you
Take you higher, higher you just hold on....
And know my God is willing; and he's able
This didn’t catch Him by surprise
So if we would trust Him and just step, step, step aside
Ohh! He is faithful.
My God is faithful to do what He said He would do
And if He said it I believe it
There is nothing He can’t do
If you stand on His Word
Cast your cares on Him
For He knows and He loves you
He did it for me and I thank Him
If you would step, oh if you step aside
And get out of his way
My God will work in your behalf; yes, he will
If you step, step
My God will do exceedingly and abundantly
of everything you can ask.
If you step...oh, if you step aside
and lean not to your own understanding
My God will work, he'll work in your behalf
If you get out of his way
And lean on Jesus
Just cast all your cares on him
My God will, he'll work it out; yes, he will
If you get out of his way
and lean on him
If you make one step, God will make two
There is no secret what he can do
If you step, step, step, ohhhh...ohhh, woo
If you watch God Work
You can't fix it on your own
You're not strong enough
If you lean on Jesus
Trust Jesus,
You tried everything else, you tried everything, everything else
Try Jesus, try Jesus, try Jesus, try Him
[Verse 1:]
Somewhere that I can go to ease my troubled mind
Somewhere that I can go to leave this world behind
Oh in His arms, that's where I want to be
Oh in His arms, that's where I find God's peace
[Chorus:]
And I find safety in His arms
Safety in His arms
I find peace in His arms in His arms that's where I want to be
[Verse 2:]
Somewhere that I can go when things don't seem right
When all my brightest days turns to my darkest nights
Oh in His arms, that's where I want to be
Oh in His arms, that's where I find God's peace
[Chorus:]
And I find safety in His arms
Safety in His arms
I find peace in His arms in His arms
That's where I want to be
There's safety in His arms to keep me free from harm
That peace that I will find to ease my troubled mind
There's safety in His arms to keep me free from harm
And that joy that I will find to ease my troubled mind
It's in His arms in His arms
That's where I wanna be
That is where I gotta be yeah wanna be
Chorus:
Ain't nothing gon' stop me now, Gotta keep on moving til I reach the Higher ground
My soul won't rest, the spirit won't let me (2x)
Verse One:
I won't be stopped by the enemy, I'm determined to run on and see what the end is gon' be Heaven is a place promised to me, I've gotta keep movin', 'cause I wanna see Jesus
Chorus (2x)
Verse Two:
Now is not the time to give up the race may be hard right now but this trouble won't last always
So I press on towards the prize of the high calling
Gotta keep movin', can't let nothing hinder me
Gotta keep movin' (4x)
It's the air that we breathe, that we move in him
It's the life that we live, should be in him
Oh precious, is the flow
That makes me, whiter than snow
No other, help I know
It's nothing but the blood of Jesus
That's why all that I am is
Everything that I have
We live and move and have our being
Everything I wanna be is
Oh precious is that flow
That makes me white as snow
No other help I snow
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
When I open my eyes and see all the blessing that he has
In store for me
He's gone to prepare a place for you and me
Where we will live eternally
Oh precious, is the flow
That makes me, whiter than snow
No other, help I know
It's nothing but the blood of Jesus
That's why all that I am is
Everything that I have
We live and move and have our being
Everything I wanna be is
Oh precious is that flow
That makes me white as snow
No other help I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Oh precious is that flow
That makes me white as snow
No other help I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
[Choir:]
I've Got A Feeling Everythings Gonna Be Alrite I Belive The Sun Will Shine
It Wil Always Turn To Light I Know Dat Troubles Gonna Last For A Little While But You Don't
Need To Worry Noooooooo [x2]
[Verse 1:]
In The Morning The Sun Will Shine After The Night Every Thing Will Be Just Fine
These Thousand Trials Cant Last Always Theirs Gonna Be A Brighter Day.
[Verse 2:]
You Say U Feel Like The Lords To Hard To Bare And The Lord He Hasn't Heard
Your Prayer Trust And Know That The Lord Will See You Through Walk In To Victory God
Is Give You Yeah...
[Choir:] Say It Will Be Alrite [x8]
You have longed for sweet peace
And for faith to increase
You have earnestly, so fervently
Oh, you really prayed
Oh, yes you have
But you cannot find rest
Nor be perfectly blessed
Until on the altar, until it's laid
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice?
Is it laid?
Your heart, does the spirit control?
Now, you can only
You can only be blessed
And have peace and sweet rest
After you have yielded unto the Lord
Your body and your soul
Oh yes
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart, does the spirit control?
You can only, only, only be blessed
And have peace and sweet rest (Peace and sweet rest)
After you have yielded him
Yielded him your body and your soul
That's all he wants
Everything, everything, everything
So, would you walk with the Lord (Walk with the Lord)
In the beauty of his light
Would you obey his word (obey his word)
Every day and every night
We will never know just what the Lord
Has to bestow upon his children until we
Give him complete control
Give him your heart (Give him your heart)
And your mind, your mind, your mind
Give him your spirit
(That's what he wants, that's he needs, that's he wants, that's what he needs. Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Your soul
(He wants your soul. That's what he wants, that's what he need, that's what he wants, that's what he needs.)
Give him your thoughts, give him your ways, your desire
[Verse 1:]
There's a time has come for you to realize
that you can trust me, 'cause you know I will provide.
I'll never leave you, I'll never leave you alone,
that's why my child you must hold on
[Chorus:]
Im in your corner (yeah yeah)
I hear you when ya call (hear you when)
Im in your corner (and i catch you when)
Catch you when you fall (yeah yeah)
Im in your corner (Oh yes i will)
See you through it all (im in your corner)
Im in your corner through it all
[Verse 2:]
Oh my child, I heard you when you called
and though you fell, I was there through it all.
Tests and trials come to make you strong
Thats why my child, you must hold on
[Chorus:]
Im in your corner (yeah yeah I will be there)
Hear you when you call (hear you when)
Im in your corner (and i catch you when)
Catch you when you fall (yes i will)
Im in your corner (I will be there)
See you through it all (hold on)
Im in your corner through it all (oooo i will)
[repeat chorus]
[Bridge:]
I hear you everytime you call (everytime you call) (and i will be there)
Be there to catch you when you fall (catch you when you fall)
I'll be there to see you through it all
On my name you just have to call
Father can you hear me
We need your love today
I know that you are listening
you hear men everyday
Father please hear us
and we will be ok
father we need you to heal families today
Father can you hear me
I'm calling on your name
Not budda nor muhammed
but it's jesus we cry out loud
Father just forgive us
Hear us when we say
We'll give ya, give ya, give you everything our lifes and souls today
Father you know we need it
I've never seen so much pain
We have the faith for now
Your victory we will gain
father you know we mean it
there's no more heart of stone
were ready for your power
now the sin is gone
[Lead:] Father
[Choir:] Can you hear me now
[x4]
[Choir:] He will say
[Lead:] He will say yes
[Choir:] yes, yes, yes, yes
[Lead:] say yes lord
[Choir:] yes, yes
[Lead:] yes to your will jesus, yes to your will
[Choir:] yes, yes
[Lead:] come on say yes
[Choir:] yes, yes, yes, yes
[Lead:] say yes
[Choir:] yes, yes
[Lead:] come on raise your hand an say yes
[Choir:] yes, yes
Ooh Lord can you heal even me lord see I'm comin to you lord just as
I am I'm in need of the blood of the lamb oh my oh my soul say yes