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/
Spotlight
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The world is looking for someone to show them the daylight
But it's not me I am not the one
For simple love look to the Son
Spotlight get me out of this spotlight
It looked okay but somehow it doesn't feel right
A lifelong dream now reality
Big time, high life
Shattered hopes and disillusioned insight
He can give it to you and He can take it away
Just as sure as the morning is the start of day
Sometimes in your life
The world is going to put you under the spotlight
It's easy to follow not hard to pursue
You won't know that it happened to you
The lyrics to Sixpence None the Richer's song "Spotlight" speak to the pressure and expectations that come with fame and success. Lead singer Leigh Nash sings of the big time and bright lights, and how the world is always searching for someone to show them the daylight - to be a role model and leader. However, she admits that she is not the one for this job. Instead, she urges listeners to look to the Son (which can be interpreted as either the Son of God or simply the sun in the sky) for simple love and guidance.
The chorus of the song features the plea, "Spotlight get me out of this spotlight," as Nash expresses discomfort with the sudden attention and scrutiny that come with fame. She had always dreamed of success, but now that it's a reality, she's feeling disillusioned and unsure. She reminds listeners that success can be fleeting - "He can give it to you and He can take it away" - and that it's important to stay true to yourself and your values, even when the world is watching.
Overall, "Spotlight" is a reflection on the ups and downs of fame, and a reminder to stay humble and grounded even in the midst of success.
Line by Line Meaning
Big time, bright lights
The world is full of glitz and glamour.
The world is looking for someone to show them the daylight
People seek a way to make sense of things around them.
But it's not me I am not the one
I am not the savior the people seek.
For simple love look to the Son
Love can be found in Jesus Christ.
Spotlight get me out of this spotlight
I want to be free from the worldly pressures of fame.
It looked okay but somehow it doesn't feel right
Fame can seem desirable, but it may not bring true fulfillment.
A lifelong dream now reality
Achieving success can be a dream come true.
I never thought that it could happen to me
I never expected to become famous.
Big time, high life
Fame can bring great reward, but it can also be hazardous.
Shattered hopes and disillusioned insight
Fame can bring dashed hopes and distorted perspectives.
He can give it to you and He can take it away
God is in control and can grant or take away worldly success.
Just as sure as the morning is the start of day
Success and failure are inevitable parts of life.
Sometimes in your life
At times, you may face challenges in life.
The world is going to put you under the spotlight
People may hold you to high expectations and put pressure on you to succeed.
It's easy to follow not hard to pursue
Success can seem easy to attain, but it requires hard work and dedication.
You won't know that it happened to you
You may not realize you have achieved success until it has already happened.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHEW PRESTON SLOCUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind