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/
Sister
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By mistakes, broken love, slaps in the face
But I'm trying to care, to dare to embrace your face
Hug him like a brother
Kiss her like a sister
Let it be my mother for now
Is pouring her wine
I heard she takes you in and gives you the words
You need said
If you'll be her brother
She'll kiss you like a sister
She'll even be your mother for now
Hug him like a brother
Kiss her like a sister
Let it be my mother
Let it be my father
I will be her brother
Kiss her like a sister
Come and be my mother forever
The lyrics to Sixpence None the Richer's song Sister Mother depict a longing for human connection and familial love amid a life of mistakes and broken relationships. The singer is searching for something or someone to fill the void in their life and hears of a maid in the street who is willing to take people in and offer them the words they need to hear. The song suggests a blurred boundary between different types of relationships, encouraging the listener to hug their brother like a sibling and kiss their sister like kin. Ultimately, the singer seeks a sense of permanence and belonging, asking for someone to "be my mother forever."
The lyrics of Sister Mother are evocative of the struggles of modern life and the desire to find meaningful connection in a chaotic world. By blurring the lines between different types of relationships, the song suggests that the love and support we need can come from unexpected sources. The maid in the street represents a symbol of hope and kindness amidst the singer's broken world. The song's ultimate call for someone to become "my mother forever" is a poignant reminder of the importance of finding a sense of home and belonging in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
My life is plagued
I am burdened by the troubles in my life
By mistakes, broken love, slaps in the face
I have been hurt by my own errors, failed relationships, and harsh treatment
But I'm trying to care, to dare to embrace your face
I'm making an effort to be compassionate, take risks, and accept you as you are
Hug him like a brother
Show him a warm and affectionate embrace as if he were your sibling
Kiss her like a sister
Give her a kiss of affection and familiarity like you would your own sister
Let it be my mother for now
Allow this person to act as my caretaker and protector in the absence of my own mother
I want to find where the maid in the street
I long to locate the woman I've heard about who wanders on the road
Is pouring her wine
She is pouring out her own pain and struggles
I heard she takes you in and gives you the words
Rumor has it she welcomes you and offers you wise counsel
You need said
The words of comfort and guidance that you require at this time
If you'll be her brother
If you treat her like your own sibling
She'll kiss you like a sister
She'll show you affection and support like she would her own sister
She'll even be your mother for now
She will act as a nurturing figure for you when you need it most
Let it be my father
Let this person serve as my protector and guide in the absence of my own father
Come and be my mother forever
Stay with me and care for me as a mother would, for all time
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHEW PRESTON SLOCUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind