They recorded a demo (which now circulates as 'The Original Demos') and eventually an album, 'The Fatherless and the Widow' for R.E.X. Records in 1993. The record featured Chris Dodds (of Slocum's band Love Coma) on drums. Shortly after the release of the album, Slocum left Love Coma to pursue Sixpence full time. The band added Tess Wiley (guitar), J.J. Plasencio (bass) and Dale Baker (drums) for 1995's 'This Beautiful Mess'. Both albums, with featured the group's early explicit Christian contemporary music sound, were produced by Armand John Petri.
In 1997, the group signed to Steve Taylor's Squint Entertainment and prepared for the release of a self-titled album, with their work slowly began garnering attention from a wider audience. In 1999, "Kiss Me" was released as a single, propelling Sixpence into the national pop spotlight. This song was also notably used in the romantic comedy film 'She's All That'. The next year, the band recorded a cover of Britpop originators The La's "There She Goes", which became their second hit single. This recording was added to Sixpence's self-titled album, an album that received several releases, as a 13th track.
'Sixpence None the Richer', featuring a confessional, melodic sound reminiscent of contemporary power pop bands as well as the softer side of earlier classic rock groups, provided both a critical and commercial breakthrough for the band. The group, made up then of Leigh Nash with Dale Baker, Matt Slocum, Sean Kelly, and Justin Cary, had both "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes" as top 40 hits receiving lasting airplay, and the parent album took the #1 slot on Billboard's 'Top Contemporary Christian' chart. In terms of the group's religiously inspired melodies and lyrics, they had evolved to even more of a subtle, emotionally minded focus based on personal storytelling rather than proselytizing.
The band had a follow up album ready to release, but Squint Entertainment started to fall apart. Though leaving the band in limbo for several years, they still toured to an enthusiastic fan-base. Finally, Squint Entertainment was taken over by Word Records, allowing Sixpence None the Richer to record the album 'Divine Discontent', which was released in October of 2002. It differed significantly from the first pre-release version of the album that had circulated, with five songs removed and six added, but still received some positive critical reviews.
On February 26, 2004, Matt Slocum announced via a letter to CCM Magazine that the group had disbanded. That same year, Best of was released, which also collected some of the Divine Discontent outtakes, and tracks from compilations.
Matt Slocum has started a new band, the Astronaut Pushers which released their debut EP in 2005. He has also recorded and performed with the seminal ambient rock group Hammock. Leigh Nash released her debut Solo Album Blue on Blue on 15 August 2006 on her personal label, One Son Records. The first single, My Idea of Heaven, was released to USA radio the week of 14 July 2006.
In November 2007, Sixpence None the Richer reunited. The band has released a new EP, entitled My Dear Machine, with tour dates planned throughout 2008 in the States and Europe. In October 2008, they released their first Christmas album entitled, The Dawn of Grace.
Website: http://www.sixpencehq.com/
I Won't Stay Long
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The state of depression that I'm walking in
Got the impression that I won't stay here long.
I know I am like this but still I don't know what to do.
The sky is darkening I can feel it in the air.
My heart is sinking I know winter's on its way.
I know I am like this but still I don't know what to do.
I know there's a way to get this another day.
When will I know if there's a way for me?
I want to lie in the sand and have the sun shine on me.
Is that way too much to ask?
The first verse of "I Won't Stay Long" by Sixpence None the Richer paints a melancholic picture of a character at a crossroads in their life. The leaves falling are a symbolic reminder that things end, and change is inevitable. The cadence of the opening line gives a sense of urgency, as if the character has an invisible force compelling them towards something different. The second line sets the scene as one of depression, but it's unclear what the cause of the depression is. The third line is a glimpse of hope, as the character acknowledges that they won't be in this state forever. However, the final line betrays an uncertainty about what steps to take to move on.
The second verse continues the bleak mood, with the sky darkening welcoming the onset of winter. The character's heart is sinking along with the sun, suggesting a deep sense of sadness. The line "I know I am like this" repeats from the first verse, reinforcing the idea that the character feels stuck in a rut. The line "Oh sister, show me what to do" is a cry for help, reaching out to someone who may have answers or guidance.
The chorus is a longing for something better, something beyond this current state of mind. The character recognizes that there must be a way to feel better, to have another chance at happiness. The desire to lie in the sand and have the sun shine on them is a simple, yet powerful visualization of warmth and comfort.
Overall, "I Won't Stay Long" is a song about struggling with depression and feeling adrift in life. The lyrics convey a sense of uncertainty and longing, while the melancholic melody echoes the mood of the words.
Line by Line Meaning
Leaves are falling and something's calling me here.
I sense a change coming, something or someone is attracting me to this place.
The state of depression that I'm walking in
I am currently experiencing a state of sadness and despair.
Got the impression that I won't stay here long.
I have a feeling that I won't remain in this place for too long.
I know I am like this but still I don't know what to do.
I am aware of my emotional state but I am unsure how to improve it.
The sky is darkening I can feel it in the air.
The weather is changing, and it's getting colder and darker outside.
My heart is sinking I know winter's on its way.
I feel a deep sadness because I know that the difficult times are ahead of me.
Oh sister, show me what to do.
I need guidance and support from someone close to me.
I know there's a way to get this another day.
I believe that there's a chance for me to feel better in the future.
When will I know if there's a way for me?
I am questioning when or how I will find the path towards healing.
I want to lie in the sand and have the sun shine on me.
All I desire right now is warmth, comfort, and peace.
Is that way too much to ask?
I am hoping that my simple request will be fulfilled with ease.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
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