1) Gems (also known as GEM… Read Full Bio ↴More than one artist exists by this name:
1) Gems (also known as GEMS) is a Washington, D.C.-based dream pop duo. Comprised of Clifford John Usher and Lindsay Pitts, the group formally formed in August 2012. Previously, they went by the name Birdlips, having a more acoustic sound, before delving into their new style.
2) Gems was a power pop power trio from Kansas City, Missouri that was signed to the Titan label. The group produced their one and only single "Save Your Money" in 1978, which featured singer-songwriter/guitarist Gary Charlson doing the solo. It's since found a cult following among fans of power pop and new wave music.
3) Gems is a group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They sound like the Ronettes, if the Ronettes were a bunch of white guys that live in Munhall, PA. They have been off the radar for most of 2009, and have featured the musical and vocal stylings of: Cory Allen Paulo (New Shouts, Camera), Justin Chechile (Justin Andrew, Camera), Derek White (New Shouts, Derek White & the Monophobics, The Takeover UK), Jon Gunnel (Satin Gum), and Mario White
White Light
Gems Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
or is it time that’s killing me?
in the dusty sun
I could drink until I’m free
when it’s all done
in the daylight, chalk and bone
I was graceful
like a falling heavy stone
white light, white wine
(I can’t be a part of you)
I never wanted this for you
(I can’t be apart from you)
let my light shine
(I can’t be a part of you)
I don’t know how to get to you
(I can’t be apart from you)
as you’re leaving
shut the door and leave the keys
under the carpet
worn as thin as memories
with all our patterns
from what I’ve come to love and lost
paper lanterns
crushed and swallowed by the frost
white light, white wine
(I can’t be a part of you)
I never wanted this for you
(I can’t be apart from you)
let my light shine
(I can’t be a part of you)
I don’t know how to get to you
(I can’t be apart from you)
killing time
or is it time that’s killing me?
in the dusty sun
I could drink until I’m free
when it’s all done
in the daylight, chalk and bone
I was graceful
like a falling heavy stone
The lyrics of the song White Light by Gems suggest a feeling of being trapped and tortured by time. The opening lines question whether the singer is simply biding their time or if time itself is causing their suffering. The line "I could drink until I'm free" suggests that the singer is trying to escape their own thoughts through indulgence. The metaphor of being "graceful like a falling heavy stone" describes the feeling of being weighed down by a burden that pulls them slowly to the ground.
The chorus features the repetition of "white light, white wine" which serves as a contradiction of sorts. On one hand, white light has connotations of purity and hope, while white wine is associated with indulgence and pleasure. The line "I can't be a part of you" suggests a disconnect between the singer and the object of their desire. They admit that they never wanted what they have, but at the same time, they can't let go. The line "let my light shine" is an appeal for recognition, but the final line of the chorus "I don't know how to get to you" indicates a sense of helplessness and frustration.
The second verse continues the theme of leaving and losing, as the singer is being forced to let go of something they love. The metaphor of the "worn thin" carpet alludes to the idea of fading memories, and the line "crushed and swallowed by the frost" suggests a sense of finality and loss. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song reinforces the idea that the singer is trapped and unable to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
killing time
Passing time without any clear purpose
or is it time that’s killing me?
Reflecting on the possibility that time might be causing harm or distress
in the dusty sun
In a dry, deserted place under the bright sun
I could drink until I’m free
Using alcohol as an escape from reality
when it’s all done
When everything is said and done
in the daylight, chalk and bone
In broad daylight when everything is exposed and lifeless
I was graceful
Appearing poised and elegant
like a falling heavy stone
Despite the grace, feeling heavy and burdened
white light, white wine
The brilliance of purity and the indulgence of alcohol
(I can’t be a part of you)
Expressing the inability to fully connect and belong
I never wanted this for you
Feeling responsible for someone's unhappiness
let my light shine
Asking for the chance to let one's true self be visible
I don’t know how to get to you
Feeling a distance or disconnect from someone important
as you’re leaving
When someone is walking out of one's life
shut the door and leave the keys
Letting go and relinquishing control
under the carpet
Hiding something or burying memories
worn as thin as memories
Having lost emotional connections to something meaningful
with all our patterns
All the habits and routines that were once shared
from what I’ve come to love and lost
From all the things that were once cherished but are now gone
paper lanterns
Fragile and temporary objects that represent hope and beauty
crushed and swallowed by the frost
Destroyed and erased by the cold reality of life
Contributed by Jasmine O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.