Phillips began her musical career as a vocalist in the early 1980s, singing background parts for Christian artists such as Mark Heard, Randy Stonehill, and others. After a short time, Phillips was signed to a solo contract with Myrrh Records (under her given name) where she went on to record four Christian pop albums: Beyond Saturday Night, Dancing with Danger, Black & White in a Grey World, and, The Turning, which teamed her with producer and future husband T-Bone Burnett. Throughout the Myrrh period, Phillips wrote more and more of her own songs and several were Top 10 singles on Christian radio.
Since Cyndi Lauper was popular at the time and also had an high-pitched, idiosyncratic vocal style, Myrrh insisted on promoting her as "the Christian Cyndi Lauper." Phillips was never comfortable with this image, and it was a bone of contention between her and the label. She began using the name "Sam" professionally in 1988 when she left Myrrh Records and signed with Virgin Records, partially in order to distance herself from her somewhat embarrassing Myrrh-imposed persona.
Like many Christian artists before her, she expanded into more secular content at the new label. She released The Indescribable Wow, which featured the orchestrations of Van Dyke Parks. Cruel Inventions, which was released in 1991, included a guest appearance from close friend Elvis Costello, and she (with her husband) supported Costello on his 1991 tour. 1994's Martinis & Bikinis was widely praised by music critics and was even nominated for a Grammy Award; this was Phillips' first nomination.
In 1995, Phillips made her silver screen debut in the Bruce Willis blockbuster Die Hard With a Vengeance, in which she played a mute terrorist. She was originally supposed to have a speaking part in the film but it was decided that her character would be silent, since it made her appear much more imposing and lethal, although it also placed her in a more stereotypically femme fatale role at the same time.
In 1996, Phillips released Omnipop (It's Only a Flesh Wound Lambchop), which was more experimental musically and ended up being her worst-selling album to date. After releasing a contractual obligation "best-of" album for Virgin in 1999, the label dropped Phillips from their roster.
In 2001, Phillips signed with Nonesuch Records and released a stripped-down acoustic album called Fan Dance, which featured some of the most critically acclaimed songwriting of Phillips' career. Van Dyke Parks contributed string arrangements for a track or two. Phillips also began writing music for and scoring the television series Gilmore Girls, and even appeared on-screen during the final episode of season six, performing Taking Pictures. In 2004 she released A Boot and a Shoe, another collection of acoustic cabaret songs in the same vein as her previous album.
Sam returned with a new album don't do anything in 2008. In October 2009 Sam launched Long Play, an exclusively web-based membership site which promised subscribers 5 digital EPs and 1 full-length digital album over the course of about one year. A physical "best of" compilation of Long Play songs, titled Solid State, was released in June 2011.
Reflecting Light
Sam Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've worn out the world
I'm on my knees in fascination
Looking through the night
And the moon's never seen me before
But I'm reflecting light
I rode the pain down
Looked into your eyes
The lost open windows
All around
My dark heart lit up the skies
Now that I've worn out
I've worn out the world
I'm on my knees in fascination
Looking through the night
And the moon's never seen me before
But I'm reflecting light
Give up the ground
Under your feet
Hold on to nothing for good
Turn and run at the mean dogs
Chasing you
Stand-alone and misunderstood
Now that I've worn out
I've worn out the world
I'm on my knees in fascination
Looking through the night
And the moon's never seen me before
But I'm reflecting light
The lyrics of Sam Phillips's song Reflecting Light suggest a sense of exhaustion and introspection, as the singer navigates their way through life’s challenges. The opening lines, “Now that I’ve worn out, I’ve worn out the world” indicate a certain weariness and disillusionment, as though the singer has experienced a great deal and become disillusioned with the world around them. However, there is a hint of fascination and hope in the line “I’m on my knees in fascination”, which suggests that the singer is looking for something more meaningful in their life.
The subsequent lines speak to a transformative moment in the singer's life, as they looked into the eyes of someone special and found hope and light in the darkness of their heart. The use of the metaphor of open windows and lit skies evokes a sense of wonder and transcendence, highlighting the transformative nature of love and connection.
The final verse speaks to the notion of standing alone and being misunderstood, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself despite the opinions of others. The lyric, “Give up the ground under your feet, hold onto nothing for good” suggests a willingness to let go of attachments and expectations, and to embrace the uncertainty of the future. Ultimately, the song is a reflection on the human experience, and the search for meaning and connection in a chaotic and ever-changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that I've worn out
After experiencing everything, including life's highs and lows,
I've worn out the world
I'm tired of the world and everything it has to offer.
I'm on my knees in fascination
I'm at a point of awe and wonder, but still very vulnerable.
Looking through the night
Searching for something, possibly a deeper meaning, in the darkness of the universe.
And the moon's never seen me before
Feeling invisible and insignificant, as though he has never been noticed by anyone, even the moon.
But I'm reflecting light
Despite feeling insignificant, he is still shining and putting forth effort to create something worthwhile.
I rode the pain down
I went through significant struggles in life.
Got off and looked up
I stopped and tried to gain a better perspective on life.
Looked into your eyes
Connected with someone else emotionally.
The lost open windows
Opportunities and experiences that were once missed or forgotten.
All around
Present in daily life, but often overlooked.
My dark heart lit up the skies
A significant event or person made him see the world in a completely different way and brought light to his life.
Give up the ground
Let go of everything that one considers stable or foundational.
Under your feet
The things that you depend on most in life.
Hold on to nothing for good
Even the things that seem permanent won't stay forever, and at some point, everything will change.
Turn and run at the mean dogs
In the face of adversity, one should keep moving forward and face challenges head-on.
Chasing you
Difficulties and challenges will continue to arise.
Stand-alone and misunderstood
In difficult times, one may feel isolated and that nobody else can relate to their struggles.
Now that I've worn out
After experiencing everything, including life's highs and lows,
I've worn out the world
I'm tired of the world and everything it has to offer.
I'm on my knees in fascination
I'm at a point of awe and wonder, but still very vulnerable.
Looking through the night
Searching for something, possibly a deeper meaning, in the darkness of the universe.
And the moon's never seen me before
Feeling invisible and insignificant, as though he has never been noticed by anyone, even the moon.
But I'm reflecting light
Despite feeling insignificant, he is still shining and putting forth effort to create something worthwhile.
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Leslie Pillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shreya_pandey
Hey. I know what you mean.
I have an elder sister too.
Always felt like I had two sets of teenage years. Once with her, once later myself. :)
She introduced me to some amazing music, great books. Her room is a sacred space. And I miss her loads too.
:)
P.s- Gilmore girls <3
@superdrybonesbros4680
One of the most beautiful songs ever put together.
There is not a second of it that doesn't sound perfect.
I was introduced to
The Gilmore Girls in 2007 when I first started going out with my ( now wife ) and it really is NOT in my opinion a "girl show" at all.
Though I cannot imagine alot of guys even giving it a chance.
Great writing of characters and equal choice of actors/ actresses, music. It just doesn't have many mistakes and comedic timing is amazing !
I was introduced
@joannelucille
[Chorus]
Now that I’ve worn out, I’ve worn out the world
I’m on my knees in fascination, looking through the night
And the moon’s never seen me before, but I’m reflecting light
[Verse 1]
I rode the pain down, got off and looked up, looked into your eyes
The lost, open windows all around, my dark heart lit up the skies
[Chorus]
Now that I’ve worn out, I’ve worn out the world
I’m on my knees in fascination, looking through the night
And the moon’s never seen me before, but I’m reflecting light
[Verse 2]
Give up the ground under your feet, hold on to nothing for good
Turn and run at the mean dogs chasing you, stand alone and misunderstood
[Chorus]
Now that I’ve worn out, I’ve worn out the world
I’m on my knees in fascination, looking through the night
And the moon’s never seen me before, but I’m reflecting light
@nousername6911
Going on my 8th time of watching Gilmore Girls and every time this song is what I look forward to the most.
@kieferharmon8094
baby sloth ahaha
You’re not the only one😏
@Kay2be2mr
That's a lot!
@nousername6911
@Kay2be2mrwell yes but the viewings have been spread out over 13 years 😅
@jo-annayong6784
I’m looking at it now for the 5th time. I love this song and I love Luke and Lorelai together!
@JEMMAS2007
I love it too! It was also played at liz and tjs wedding party its their first dance song S4e21 :-D
@diseabook5135
Dear Gilmore Girls,
I started to watch you thinking you were just a show, but I was wrong. You are more than that, every year I rewatch this show, every year I cry, every year I learn more fun fact, and every year the Gilmore Girls inspire me to become a writer. Thank you for everything.
@blueisgr8380
gilmore girls is the best show in the entire world and nobody can change my mind
@m.j.333
I too have a ritual of watching this show once a year (during autumn when I can) and I realized too that I find more reasons to both cry and laugh. Top 5 best shows ever made.
@blueisgr8380
@Joi D yessss so true