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/
Us
Sixpence None the Richer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That we don't always fit quite hand in glove
But we live inside of a mystery
And my heart often fails to contain
And I know that words are not enough
When I think of all the endless love
That you give to me in my time of need
Ask for my hand you know I'll give it
And if you're cold I give you warmth
And I don't care if it's unfair
'cause I would sacrifice myself
Now that I know
The only thing that matters
Us [Repeats]
It's hard to say what road we're traveling down
Sometimes it leads us to some awful towns
But we somehow keep, both our hands and feet
On the floorboard and the steering wheel
Ask for my hand, you know I'll give it
And if you're cold I give you warmth
And I don't care if it's unfair
'cause I would sacrifice myself
Now that I know
The only thing that matters
Us [Repeats]
There was a time I lost my, eyes
There was a day I wasted
Too much of your golden light
Ask for my hand
You know I gave it I give you warmth
And I don't care if it's unfair
'cause I would sacrifice myself
Now that I know
The only thing that matters
You're the only that matters
You're the only that matters
Us [Repeats]
The lyrics to Sixpence None the Richer's "Us" express the dedication and commitment to a relationship, despite its challenges. The song recognizes that love is not always perfect, and even in the midst of difficulties, the singer is willing to give her all to the relationship. The first verse describes the mystery of love and how it can overwhelm the heart. The second verse acknowledges that the road to love can be rocky, but the couple keeps moving forward together. The final verse talks about how the singer lost her way in the past but has now found clarity and is willing to sacrifice anything for the person she loves.
The chorus repeats the phrase "the only thing that matters" and highlights the importance of the relationship above all else. The singer promises to give her hand and warmth to her partner, no matter what. She is willing to sacrifice herself for love.
Overall, "Us" is a powerful love song that recognizes the beauty and struggle that comes with all relationships. It is a reminder to remain committed and dedicated, even when times get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
I know we often feel the rub of love
I know that our love isn't always easy and we face challenges.
That we don't always fit quite hand in glove
We are not always compatible or perfectly matched with each other, but that's okay.
But we live inside of a mystery
Our relationship is complex and full of unknowns that we cannot explain.
And my heart often fails to contain
Sometimes the love and emotions I feel for you are so intense that I cannot control them.
And I know that words are not enough
I understand that words alone cannot express the depth of my love and gratitude for you.
When I think of all the endless love
Reflecting on the limitless love you give me makes me feel grateful and overwhelmed.
That you give to me in my time of need
You always support and love me during my difficult times.
Boy, it's high time these words were said [will sell]
I realize it's finally time to express my love and appreciation for you.
Ask for my hand you know I'll give it
I'm willing to commit to you in every way and support you through thick and thin.
And if you're cold I give you warmth
I will always provide comfort and support to you when you're hurting or feeling alone.
And I don't care if it's unfair
I understand life isn't always fair, but I'm willing to make sacrifices for you.
'cause I would sacrifice myself
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make our relationship work, and put you first.
Now that I know The only thing that matters Us [Repeats]
Now that I realize our love is the most important thing in life, I want to cherish and protect it.
It's hard to say what road we're traveling down
It's difficult to predict what the future holds for us, and what obstacles we may face.
Sometimes it leads us to some awful towns
Sometimes our relationship can lead us to dark and difficult places.
But we somehow keep, both our hands and feet
Despite the difficulties we face, we are still able to hold on to each other and stay together.
On the floorboard and the steering wheel
We are in control of our relationship, and we are both driving and navigating it.
There was a time I lost my, eyes
There was a time when I lost my vision, my direction, and my purpose in life.
There was a day I wasted too much of your golden light
There was a time when I took you for granted and didn't appreciate the love and light you brought into my life.
You're the only that matters You're the only that matters Us [Repeats]
You are the most important thing in my life, and I want to prioritize our love above all else.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATTHEW PRESTON SLOCUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind