As an artist, she has toured extensively throughout the United States, sometimes performing up to twenty shows a month. In November of 2005, Jocelyn released her debut album, This Life. Upon the release of This Life, she embarked on a two-month national tour. With just her gear and clothes, Jocelyn traveled solo 13,000 miles across country, playing thirty-two shows in twenty-five states. The tour was in support of Habitat for Humanity’s Operation Home Delivery. She toured again in 2006 with the release of her second album, Unplugged and Unorganized: a stripped-down acoustic EP that highlights her wide range of songwriting styles and pitch-perfect voice. This three-month tour took her across the country performing in an eclectic mix of restaurant/bars, vineyards, festivals, and music cafes. Jocelyn is currently working on her next studio album, The Immeasurables.
When not performing and touring as an artist, Jocelyn co-writes with a number of songwriters including Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer, Rick Hahn (Celine Dion, Taylor Dayne) and Grammy nominee Bobby Tomberlin (Faith Hill, Diamond Rio).
Spectrum
Jocelyn Scofield Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
We were light and paper thin
And when we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colors on our skin
Until we let the spectrum in
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
When we come for you
We'll be dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
And when it's time to pray
We'll be dressed up all in grey
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream our names aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from the graves
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every color illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Jocelyn Scofield's "Spectrum" is a song about coming into oneself and embracing one's true identity, a message that is conveyed through the use of colors as a metaphor for "skin" and "identity". In the beginning of the song, the lyrics describe the singer and their cohorts as "cold and clear" with "no colors on our skin", representing their lack of individual identity. However, as the song progresses, they begin to welcome different colors or traits into their lives, becoming more vibrant and unique. The phrase "Say my name" is repeated throughout the song, and with each repetition, it represents a newfound affirmation and validation of their true selves, as seen through the illuminating colors.
The second half of the song takes a darker turn, with the mention of blue, grey, metal, and silver. This may represent a societal pressure for uniformity or conformity being pushed upon the individuals who have rejected that in the beginning of the song. They also speak of returning dressed in black, which could be seen as a symbol of mourning, oppression, or perhaps reclaiming their identity. The line "We'll drag bodies from graves" could be interpreted as the metaphorical killing of outdated societal norms that have held them back in the past. The final repetition of "Say my name" represents the ultimate triumph of the individual over societal norms and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
When we first came here
At the start of our journey or upon arrival, we had no idea what we were up to.
We were cold and we were clear
We had no emotions, opinions or judgments as we were oblivious to the situation that surround us.
With no colors on our skin
We had nothing to show despite being alive.
We were light and paper thin
Our existence was fragile and had little to no impact.
Until we let the spectrum in
We finally accepted life and all of its beauty, despite its many shades and complexities.
Say my name
Notice me, acknowledge me, confirm the existence of my identity.
As every color illuminates
As we embrace the rainbow of life and the diversity of its individuals, a sense of enlightenment exudes and radiates.
We are shining
We are embracing life and its splendor, and living through it openly.
And we will never be afraid again
We have overcome our apprehensions and will no longer be confined by ignorance, social norms or prejudice.
When we come for you
The artist has taken charge of their destiny and is coming for change.
We'll be dressed up all in blue
In preparation for the journey or task ahead, the singer has gained a sense of peace and tranquillity in their soul.
With the ocean in our arms
The artist has become one with their environment, embracing it instead of taming it.
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
The singer is reaching out and extending healing and love to others.
And when it's time to pray
The singer seeks a sense of purpose beyond mere existence.
We'll be dressed up all in grey
The singer is facing a situation that requires a level of impartiality and separation of emotions.
With metal on our tongues
The artist is being careful with their words, in order to not trigger any negative consequence.
And silver in our lungs
The artist is cautious with the air they breathe, as words have power and are able to affect one's core.
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
They will return, but as a force that is unstoppable and unwavering.
And you'll scream our names aloud
Their impact and influence will be felt and acknowledged.
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
The artist is so focused and driven that their basic needs become secondary to their mission.
We'll drag bodies from the graves
They are willing to go through great lengths, even if it involves unearthing long-forgotten or repressed thoughts or belongings.
Say my name
Their name has become synonymous with triumph, change and progress.
As every color illuminates
Each person has their own shade of life and it is beautiful.
We are shining
The artist shines and exudes their own light, not overshadowing others, but walking along them.
And we will never be afraid again
The singer has gained a sense of clarity and strength that was not present originally.
Writer(s): Paul Epworth, Florence Leontine Mary Welch
Contributed by Liam G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sultan Portakal
[Verse 1]
When we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colours on our skin
We were light and paper thin
And when we first came here
We were cold and we were clear
With no colours in our skin
Until we let the spectrum in
[Pre-Chorus]
Say my name
And every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
[Chorus]
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
[Verse 2]
And when we come for you
We'll be dressed up all in blue
With the ocean in our arms
Kiss your eyes and kiss your palms
And when it's time to pray
We'll be dressed up all in grey
With metal on our tongues
And silver in our lungs
[Pre-Chorus]
Say my name
And every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
[Chorus]
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
[Bridge]
And when we come back we'll be dressed in black
And you'll scream our names aloud
And we won't eat and we won't sleep
We'll drag bodies from the ground
[Refrain]
So say my name
And every colour illuminates
And we are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
[Chorus]
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
Say my name
As every colour illuminates
We are shining
And we will never be afraid again
[Outro]
Say my name
We are shining
Say my name
Say my name
And we will never be afraid again
Elina Keskinen
I know this came out 9 years ago but I keep coming back to it as it's one of the best vocal performances I've heard to this day
Dove
Wow, she has great technique. Her singing is flawless.
Jocelyn Scofield
Paloma Garduno thanks. great name.
Avery Gibson
This is amazing I didn't expect that at all.
Beautiful voice ❤️
Jocelyn Scofield
ImakeucryxD :) thanks.
PalmurcioWorld
this is the best cover I've heard of this song, seriously
Jocelyn Scofield
thanks so much!
Arthur Carvalho
I now remember a funny thing - I first became a fan of you when you posted this video. It's truly shocking that it's been 3 years! Thank you for allowing us to hear you sing.
Seykken
Same here ❤
chris scott
I accidently stumbled across this and WOW...I found myself coming back to watch it again and again. amazing. definitely looking forward to hearing more