They released the follow up album Saturday Night in 1997. The release featured the hit single "Request Line." A remix with different lyrics and raps by Queen Latifah followed.
Given a high-profile spot on the all-star compilation Roll Wit tha Flava as their first recording opportunity, Zhané lived up to the pressure and came away with one of the hip-hop party anthems of all time, "Hey, Mr. DJ." Jean Norris and Renee Neufville initially met while both were studying music at Philadelphia's Temple University (Norris is originally from Rhode Island, Neufville from Jamaica). After meeting Naughty by Nature member Kay Gee, Zhané impressed the producer enough to go right into the studio to record for Roll Wit tha Flava. When "Hey, Mr. DJ" was released as a separate single as well, it hit number six on the pop charts and earned the group a contract with Motown in 1994. Their debut album, Pronounced Jah-Nay, produced two further Top 40 hits ("Groove Thang," "Sending My Love") and went gold by the end of the year. Zhané kept busy during 1995-1996 with spots on tracks by Busta Rhymes and De La Soul as well as new songs of their own on the NFL Jams and NBA 50th Anniversary compilations and the soundtracks to Higher Learning and A Low Down Dirty Shame -- the latter, "Shame," became their fourth Top 40 hit. Norris and Neufville returned with a new LP in 1997, co-produced by Kay Gee, Eddie F., and themselves. It peaked just outside the Top 40.
Color
Zhané Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do we judge on just a look?
Why can't we search a little further?
And tell me why can't it stand for something good?
Has it ever dawned on you, my brother
That she exemplifies the one pure mother?
When you could have the best of something real
1 - What's in the color of a sky as black as night?
The color of the earth reflecting all the rays of light?
The sea, at times it's dark, a quiet strength to see you through
What's in a color, but beauty?
What's in a color?
Seems as though we've been through this before
Looking desperately for something more
More of what we need to carry on
And more of what should be in spite of all
Have you seen looks of pain or smiles upon my face
It has been too long and far too much a price to pay
Well, I'd love to see the day when I would never have to say
Repeat 1
The Zhané song "Color" is a powerful commentary on the issue of judging people based on their color. The lyrics inquire about why people tend to judge each other based on what they look like, rather than trying to look a little deeper to discover the truth about someone's character. The song questions why people can't come together and "stand for something good" instead of focusing on superficial differences.
The lyrics urge the listener not to let someone slip away due to preconceived notions about who they are based on their appearance. The song encourages the listener to recognize the beauty in all colors and not to judge someone based on something as trivial as the color of their skin. The song urges people to see others for who they really are, beyond the surface level.
Some possible interpretations of the song "Color" include a critique of racism, colorism, and prejudice based on appearances. The song could also be interpreted as a call to action for people to look beyond societal norms and challenge the status quo. The song's lyrics are underscored by a funky beat and jazzy instrumentation, which provides a strong groove for the important message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do we judge someone on their color?
Why do we base our opinions on external appearances?
Why do we judge on just a look?
Why do we make assumptions based solely on physical appearance?
Why can't we search a little further?
Why can't we look deeper and beyond surface-level characteristics?
And tell me why can't it stand for something good?
Why can't our judgments be based on positive qualities rather than physical appearance?
Has it ever dawned on you, my brother
Have you ever considered, my sibling
That she exemplifies the one pure mother?
That she embodies the epitome of a nurturing figure?
Please don't let her slip right through your fingers
Don't miss out on the opportunity to have her in your life
When you could have the best of something real
When you could experience the best of genuine connection
What's in the color of a sky as black as night?
What significance do we place on the color of the sky at night?
The color of the earth reflecting all the rays of light?
What about the color of the earth reflecting the light it receives?
The sea, at times it's dark, a quiet strength to see you through
Even the dark color of the sea can provide a sense of tranquility and inner strength
What's in a color, but beauty?
What is the true value of a color if not its aesthetic appeal?
Seems as though we've been through this before
It appears that we've faced this issue previously
Looking desperately for something more
Desperately seeking greater meaning or depth to our relationships
More of what we need to carry on
More of what is necessary to persevere and continue on
And more of what should be in spite of all
And more of what is deserved despite any external factors
Have you seen looks of pain or smiles upon my face
Have you witnessed both my expressions of suffering and joy?
It has been too long and far too much a price to pay
It has been too difficult and costly for me
Well, I'd love to see the day when I would never have to say
I hope for the day when I no longer have to utter these sentiments
Repeat 1
Refer back to the first set of lyrics
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JEAN EVALYN NORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind