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.
Colors
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 song "Colors" by Zhané displays a strong message of unity, equality, and justice. It questions the reason behind judging someone based on their appearance or race. It encourages people to look past color and search for the good in everyone. The lyrics are thought-provoking, as they urge listeners to recognize that color is insignificant in the grander scheme of things. The song suggests that instead of focusing on differences, people should learn to celebrate diversity and look for the beauty in each other.
The lyrics of the song are reflective of the struggles that people of color face in society. It also aims to motivate people to embrace change and strive for positive action. The lines, "Has it ever dawned on you, my brother, that she exemplifies the one pure mother?" speaks to the importance of recognizing the unique qualities of individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do we judge someone on their color?
Why do we make assumptions about someone based solely on their physical appearance?
Why do we judge on just a look?
Why do we base our opinions on a single glance or impression?
Why can't we search a little further?
Why can't we take the time to learn more about someone before forming an opinion?
And tell me why can't it stand for something good?
And why can't our differences be used as a positive aspect instead of a negative one?
Has it ever dawned on you, my brother
Have you ever considered, my fellow human being
That she exemplifies the one pure mother?
That she represents the ideal, nurturing figure?
Please don't let her slip right through your fingers
Please do not let her go unnoticed or undervalued
When you could have the best of something real
When you have the opportunity to experience something genuine and worthwhile
What's in the color of a sky as black as night?
What determines the value of a sky that appears to be entirely dark?
The color of the earth reflecting all the rays of light?
The way in which the earth reflects the sun's rays and creates a range of hues?
The sea, at times it's dark, a quiet strength to see you through
The ocean can sometimes appear dark and mysterious, but it can also provide a calming and supportive presence.
What's in a color, but beauty?
What is the true essence of a color, if not its inherent beauty?
Seems as though we've been through this before
It appears as though we have discussed this matter previously
Looking desperately for something more
Searching anxiously for something greater or more meaningful
More of what we need to carry on
More of what is essential to continue living
And more of what should be in spite of all
And more of what ought to exist, despite any obstacles or difficulties experienced
Have you seen looks of pain or smiles upon my face
Have you witnessed my expressions of suffering or happiness?
It has been too long and far too much a price to pay
It has been a significant duration of time and required a high cost to reach this point
Well, I'd love to see the day when I would never have to say
I would greatly appreciate the day when I no longer have to express or acknowledge these difficulties.
Repeat 1
Repeat the meaning of the first stanza
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JEAN EVALYN NORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind