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/
The Ground You Shook
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
wise as a serpent and gentle as a hillside white lamb
we heard your voice
we saw your choice
it's written on us
I wish I'd know you and learned the way to walk the narrow path
but I am grateful that you left your words to follow like a map
by which we might see
we heard your voice
we saw your choice
it's written on us
and we walk the ground that you shook
we read the words in your book
and learn how to break our own ground
all the lambs will roar beautiful sounds
The lyrics to Sixpence None the Richer's song "The Ground You Shook" are an ode to someone who the singer never knew but who seemed to be a great man. The lyrics describe this person as wise as a serpent and gentle as a hillside white lamb. Although the singer never met this individual, they express gratitude that this person left behind words to follow like a map. They sing about the lamp that this person left them, which they use to see within the dark land. The singer and the listeners walk the ground that this person shook and read the words in their book, learning how to break their own ground. The lyrics end with the idea that all the lambs will roar beautiful sounds.
The song appears to be about a person who had a great impact on the world but has since passed away. The idea that they were wise as a serpent and gentle as a hillside white lamb could signify that this person was knowledgeable but also compassionate. The line "within the dark land you gave us a lamp" could mean that this person brought light to a dark and uncertain world. The phrase "we walk the ground that you shook" suggests that this person had a huge impact on the world and that their influence can still be felt today. The use of the metaphor of a map and a lamp suggests that this person was a guide - someone who helped others find their way.
Line by Line Meaning
I never knew you but you seemed to be, to me, a great man
Although I never met you, it was clear to me that you were someone of great character.
wise as a serpent and gentle as a hillside white lamb
You possessed both the cunning intelligence of a serpent and the gentle nature of a lamb.
we heard your voice
Your words left a resounding impact on all who heard them.
we saw your choice
Your actions spoke louder than words, and we watched as you chose to walk the narrow path.
it's written on us
Your influence has left an indelible mark on our lives.
I wish I'd know you and learned the way to walk the narrow path
Although I regret not having had the opportunity to know you, I am grateful for the guidance you left behind to help me navigate life's challenges.
but I am grateful that you left your words to follow like a map
Despite my lack of personal connection to you, I am thankful for the wisdom you imparted through your words, which have become a guiding light for me.
within the dark land you gave us a lamp
In a world full of darkness and confusion, you provided a beacon of hope and clarity.
by which we might see
Thanks to your guidance, we are better equipped to navigate life's murky waters with greater confidence and understanding.
and we walk the ground that you shook
We are following in your footsteps, walking the same path you traversed and leaving our own mark on the world.
we read the words in your book
Your words continue to inspire us, and we turn to them again and again for guidance and comfort.
and learn how to break our own ground
You have taught us to be courageous and daring, to blaze our own paths and leave our own legacies.
all the lambs will roar beautiful sounds
Thanks to your example, we are empowered to make our voices heard and leave our own unique marks on the world.
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.