Sixpence None The Richer — A Million Parachutes
Album: Divine DiscontentAvg rating:
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Length: 6:02
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Like a million parachutes
The snow's coming down
I'll lock up the front door
And turn the lights down
In the glow of the street lights
I see them descend
Like a million parachutes
Small men on a mission
[Chorus]
I miss the warmth
And I miss the sun
I miss the ocean
I miss everyone
And I miss the bridges
That span across the bay
Tonight, it seems like ages ago
Like a million parachutes
the snow still falls
The dogs are asleep now
There's no one to call
I'll put on some records
And wait for the light
Under those million parachutes
Now a blanket of white.
[Chorus x2]
The snow's coming down
I'll lock up the front door
And turn the lights down
In the glow of the street lights
I see them descend
Like a million parachutes
Small men on a mission
[Chorus]
I miss the warmth
And I miss the sun
I miss the ocean
I miss everyone
And I miss the bridges
That span across the bay
Tonight, it seems like ages ago
Like a million parachutes
the snow still falls
The dogs are asleep now
There's no one to call
I'll put on some records
And wait for the light
Under those million parachutes
Now a blanket of white.
[Chorus x2]
Comments (95)add comment
It snowed here in Alaska two days ago, May 3. There shouldn't be snow in May. Almost makes me want to move south.
Almost, but not really.
Almost, but not really.
I love that organ sound!
My issue is that there are so many songs that sound like this.
This is lovely.
victory806 wrote:
Never heard "Everybody must get stoned"?!?!
Bob Dylan is a brilliant lyricist for a couple of reasons, one of which is, he doesn’t repeat himself. Songs such as this have no staying power since they show a determined lack of imagination and talent. Ho-hum.
Never heard "Everybody must get stoned"?!?!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes Sundays, also Innocence Mission
Definitely getting a Sundays vibe from this, especially the vocals.
Yes Sundays, also Innocence Mission
I had to check if this song was written in 2020 
Definitely getting a Sundays vibe from this, especially the vocals.
coloradojohn wrote:
I could have sworn this was the singer from the Sundays ... but after checking, she's not !
This, like some songs by The Sundays, just breaks my heart into a million tiny pieces...but I love it — its power is staggering; her voice is ethereal, the music is solid and soaring...and the sentiments are bittersweet and cutting. AMAZING, especially as I prepare for the journey ahead: a month in Santa Fe and the following month in Sun Valley. Let the healing begin! and here's hoping I'll be able to tap into RP at some points along the way...but, if not, a lifetime of tunes is in my head, no small thanks to God and RP!
I could have sworn this was the singer from the Sundays ... but after checking, she's not !
victory806 wrote:
...said 18 years after it was released, with no perceptible irony.
Songs such as this have no staying power
...said 18 years after it was released, with no perceptible irony.
Ha, these lyrics are apropos to our situation now with the stay at home order! I miss the bridges that span the bay..i miss everyone, etc!!
There's millions of parachutes coming down right now in Anchorage. I hope they stop their invasion before it is time to drive home.
Bob Dylan is a brilliant lyricist for a couple of reasons, one of which is, he doesn’t repeat himself. Songs such as this have no staying power since they show a determined lack of imagination and talent. Ho-hum.
Bowie's 'Everyone says Hi' would be a lovely response to this.
That's a very nice song.
Beautiful song - love her voice.
A beautiful song.
ah, this is my favourite song off this album, thank you so much for playing it!
Was walking around downtown Toronto one cold wintery day, light snowfall, this song comes on my player. Sublime moment.
Snooky wrote:
This type of "living the life I profess" is much more effective. Well stated.
Leigh Nash & Mark Slocum, formerly of Sixpence are on record as being Christians...their origins, early work & initial audiences were all drenched with conservative Christianity. At some point they sought a broader forum. Leigh is on record about inevitable impediments that come when touting a "Christian Band" label...it restricts exposure. Thus, some Christians in the music industry repackage their evangelistic message with veiled language & couch it among the genre of pop music. Sixpence & now, Leigh Nash in her new solo career seems to be continuing in this manner & the formula seems to work. Leigh's "Christian" witness/testimony is in her upstanding character & life that she lives...she's the real deal, a very credible & humble-spirited person. She sees this as her ministry as opposed to wearing a big Cross & hitting fans over the head with a Bible
gotta love the girl.
This type of "living the life I profess" is much more effective. Well stated.
Love the Hammond B-3 (organ)! Very nice, overall.
"minds are like parachutes...sometimes they just don't work."
I BASE jump, wonder what that means . . .
This, like some songs by The Sundays, just breaks my heart into a million tiny pieces...but I love it — its power is staggering; her voice is ethereal, the music is solid and soaring...and the sentiments are bittersweet and cutting. AMAZING, especially as I prepare for the journey ahead: a month in Santa Fe and the following month in Sun Valley. Let the healing begin! and here's hoping I'll be able to tap into RP at some points along the way...but, if not, a lifetime of tunes is in my head, no small thanks to God and RP!
Shimmering.
wondertoofar wrote:
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
Hate to keep this discussion going on too long but my first thought about a band labeled as "Christian" is that they ONLY write and play songs with a Christian theme or message. That is probably my prejudice (being non-religious) sneaking in. I don't listen to Christian music because I feel like I am being preached to and I had enough of that growing up Catholic.
Having said all that, I think "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison is a great song.
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
Hate to keep this discussion going on too long but my first thought about a band labeled as "Christian" is that they ONLY write and play songs with a Christian theme or message. That is probably my prejudice (being non-religious) sneaking in. I don't listen to Christian music because I feel like I am being preached to and I had enough of that growing up Catholic.
Having said all that, I think "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison is a great song.
cc_rider wrote:
Actually the Qur'an does obligate Muslims to testify to the truth that "there is but One God and Muhammed is his Prophet." But they are also relieved of further responsibility—i.e., if the person hearing the testimony choses unbelief, the consequences are on the listener. The Muslim, having testified, is not responsible for the refusal of the listener to believe.
Contrast with some really obnoxious Christians ('so-called') who won't get out of your face if you refuse to believe exactly what they say you should believe.
So the thing is, a 'Muslim' or 'Buddhist' band does not have the same intentions as a 'Christian' band: Muslims and Buddhists are not OBLIGATED to spread the word of their religion.
Actually the Qur'an does obligate Muslims to testify to the truth that "there is but One God and Muhammed is his Prophet." But they are also relieved of further responsibility—i.e., if the person hearing the testimony choses unbelief, the consequences are on the listener. The Muslim, having testified, is not responsible for the refusal of the listener to believe.
Contrast with some really obnoxious Christians ('so-called') who won't get out of your face if you refuse to believe exactly what they say you should believe.
minds are like parachutes...sometimes they just don't work.
wondertoofar wrote:
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian"...
It's unfortunately a lot simpler than that in my opinion, and it has little to do with religion per se. "Christian Music" is a well understood musical genre to the American Music Industry. As such it has been gifted with a nifty label, and we sheep (no pun intended) often go along with all sorts of marketing classification schemes, regardless of whether it benefits us as consumers.
I can think of alot of music with Christian themes to some of their songs that in no way, shape, or form, fits the Christian Music demographic. Doesn't stop people from trying to put them in the bin with bands that do.
Ok... its also human nature to want to classify things into neat and comfortable boxes. But I think people are discouraged by the "industry" from breaking those natural tendencies. This is WHY Radioparadise is so very very valuable to us. Its a person (or a few I suppose) who want to share music with you. They don't need to position their content to fit the demographic they are trying to sell to... so they don't care if you go "WTH? This isn't what I expected to hear".
Gee... I really lost the thread there. I guess I agree that pigeonholing is bad... people should stop doing that stuff... and umm... yay Bill? Ok, that's it.
ploafmaster wrote:
But my oh my, wouldn't a set of Chomsky lyrics be really cool? Or at least thought provoking?
Chomsky writes lyrics, too? Or just linguistics?
interesting voice. who is this girl ?
ahoylola wrote:
i agree. many people wander too far from the music itself and try to find meaning from what they feel is "the message".
Is there really a "message" in this tune?
Sometimes a band just happens to be good AND believing.
Not being snarky, I agree with your agreement.
I ,too find it interesting and inexplicable.
This is delicious. Never thought I'd enjoy a Sixpence song enough to make me think about buying an album.
Soaring. Love the piano.
Outstanding, in my ears.
wondertoofar wrote:
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
I'll offer one explanation. One of the principles of Christianity is 'evangelism', aka 'spreading the good news of Jesus Christ'. This is a basic tenet of Christianity, that Christians are OBLIGATED to try and convert as many people as possible. Obviously some groups are more aggressive than others, but it explains why Mormons have such a strong missionary program (although not everyone believes Mormons are Christians, but that's another discussion).
So the thing is, a 'Muslim' or 'Buddhist' band does not have the same intentions as a 'Christian' band: Muslims and Buddhists are not OBLIGATED to spread the word of their religion.
Just a thought.
I kind of like 'Sixpence', and not just because they're local kids.
c.
Oh dear, pretty insipid, as is all their music that I have heard, but it was short, sweet, didn't last long so I sucked it up and waited patiently for the next song.flyfree wrote:
Probably a fear of Christian fundamentalism -- the need to identify and separate. Isn't that most most labeling is about? Brain food....
Leigh Nash & Mark Slocum, formerly of Sixpence are on record as being Christians...their origins, early work & initial audiences were all drenched with conservative Christianity. At some point they sought a broader forum. Leigh is on record about inevitable impediments that come when touting a "Christian Band" label...it restricts exposure.
Thus, some Christians in the music industry repackage their evangelistic message with veiled language & couch it among the genre of pop music. Sixpence & now, Leigh Nash in her new solo career seems to be continuing in this manner & the formula seems to work. Leigh's "Christian" witness/testimony is in her upstanding character & life that she lives...she's the real deal, a very credible & humble-spirited person. She sees this as her ministry as opposed to wearing a big Cross & hitting fans over the head with a Bible
gotta love the girl.
very pretty, very tenacious 
Pretty........tedious.
A lovely tune, but there are many better kick ass songs on this CD, beginning with the first "Breathe Your Name". I'd hope there'd be room for more from these guys on RP.
Now gimme A Million Pair-A-Shoes and I'll be *really* happy. 
I like these guys. A 7 for Sixpence.
I like these guys. A 7 for Sixpence.If you like this, you will probably like Leigh Nash's (the vocalist here) new album, Blue on Blue, which has more of a pop sound than Sixpence.
What about Harri Krishna bands? Harri-Harri Rama! Love a bit of monk-rock!
wondertoofar wrote:
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
i agree. many people wander too far from the music itself and try to find meaning from what they feel is "the message".
wondertoofar wrote:
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
Probably a fear of Christian fundamentalism -- the need to identify and separate. Isn't that most most labeling is about? Brain food....
hippiechick wrote:
I do like the sound of her voice. And I think they are a god band, even though they are considered a "Christian" band.
I'm curious about this distinguishing of bands labeled "Christian". If we have a band in which some or all the members believe in anything else we don't label them as whatever that belief is followed by band. For example a Buddhist band or a Muslim band. This only happens for Christian bands.
This doesn't stop with bands either. Curious. Don't you think? What do you think is behind that?
GunnerXP wrote:
Surprising to hear from Sixpence; I was sure this band was dead. In any case, not a bad tune.
Acutally they broke up right after they released this album. I was kind of sad about it, though I thought this album didnn't live up to their previous one, which is probably my favorite album ever.
Baby_M wrote:
I rather liked "Kiss Me." Not every song is, or should be, a two-chord rap-metal rant against globalization, SUVs, and running water, with lyrics by Noam Chomsky.
But my oh my, wouldn't a set of Chomsky lyrics be really cool? Or at least thought provoking?
I do like the sound of her voice. And I think they are a god band, even though they are considered a "Christian" band.
I was thinking more like earlier Fleetwood Mac, Future Games time frame....
snurfer wrote:
i thought i heard mazzy star... 
the sundays.
i thought i heard mazzy star...
GunnerXP wrote:
A million parachutes? That seems a little excessive...
Surprising to hear from Sixpence; I was sure this band was dead. In any case, not a bad tune.
They're snowflakes, Gunner... a million isn't excessive.
A million parachutes? That seems a little excessive...
Surprising to hear from Sixpence; I was sure this band was dead. In any case, not a bad tune.
larz wrote:
This sounds just like that "The Best Day of the Year" song by Shane Nicholson on here. Same chord progression, anyway.
i can hear that, a little.
i really appreciate this tune. :)
Sixpence is one of my favorite bands. They have great, great songs that sound pure to me. The lyrics are profound and worth a careful read, if you haven't. Don't be mislead byt their covers ("There she goes") or by the easy "Kiss me", though, is a beautifully written, melancholic poem.
And boy: you gotta love that girl and her astonishing angelic voice.
Did I say they're one of my favorites?
Alex
jstevep00 wrote:
. . . And everyone lighten up, it's not their fault people fell in love with "Kiss Me" and the radios played it into oblivion. It's just a harmless, sacharine (sp?) love song. Just about every band does one of those in their career.
I rather liked "Kiss Me." Not every song is, or should be, a two-chord rap-metal rant against globalization, SUVs, and running water, with lyrics by Noam Chomsky.
I really like the carefree sound of this band....did they do more than two albums or am I really out of touch here?
Simply elegant!
This sounds just like that "The Best Day of the Year" song by Shane Nicholson on here. Same chord progression, anyway.
I can never, ever, forgive 6p ntr for their dreadful, horrific, meritless cover of the La's "There She Goes." Suck, suck, suck. Just mentioning it makes me feel dirty.
yes this song reminds me a lot of the sundays too. wish harriet wheeler had some new stuff to listen to.
fubarsnafu wrote:I'll second that.
Damn nice.
Damn nice.
Regarding the Innocence Mission... I'd be up for some "Black Seep Wall" around here... anyone got it?
This is a great song to end the workday on. Mellow and an opening that blows you away. I like it! 
For those who like this vibe...and the Innocence Mission vibe...I got a new act from Brooklyn NY called Last Town Chorus....watch for them...female singer plays lap steel.
I'm astonished that there isn't more Sixpence in the RP rotation. They have some wonderful songs. In particular I would _love_ to hear "Melody of You" (the live bootleg version) on here. I think a lot of people would really like it. I was a little disappointed by the album version, though -- more poppy, stronger drum track. I really liked the mellowness of the live version.
-David
Wow! That's a pretty good song for that band. It's encouraging.
What a beautiful song. I love the imagery it conjures in my mind. Sixpence may not be the best ever, but they write some damn good pop songs. I've been a fan for years now. And everyone lighten up, it's not their fault people fell in love with "Kiss Me" and the radios played it into oblivion. It's just a harmless, sacharine (sp?) love song. Just about every band does one of those in their career.
I wish I could play music that well while sleepwalking ;)
utopiapark wrote:
You obviously haven't listened to all of Divine Discontent . . . Provoked by your comment I listened to Birds of my Neighborhood, and I have to say that I think you're just partial to Innocence Mission. I would have to say that it is quite untrue that thier "accompaniments are consistently interesting and varied". To me it just sounds like Nylon acoustic every song. May not be as polished (drum machine) as Sixpence but it's certainly not varied . . . I heard acoustic on almost every single track. Plus you're comparing a band with a folk inclination to a band with a definite rock background . . . oh and as for the sleepwalking comment . . . the Sleepwalking Matt Slocum writes every song and does string arrangements and other mundane sleepwalking musician things in the band . . .
collinsr wrote:
She has an amazing voice which is repeatedly squandered by the bottomless abyss of blandness turned in by her sleepwalking bandmates. Is that even a human playing the guitar here? It sounds like a drum machine! Compare this to, for example, the Innocence Mission, whose accompaniments are consistently interesting and varied. It's such a shame.
You obviously haven't listened to all of Divine Discontent . . . Provoked by your comment I listened to Birds of my Neighborhood, and I have to say that I think you're just partial to Innocence Mission. I would have to say that it is quite untrue that thier "accompaniments are consistently interesting and varied". To me it just sounds like Nylon acoustic every song. May not be as polished (drum machine) as Sixpence but it's certainly not varied . . . I heard acoustic on almost every single track. Plus you're comparing a band with a folk inclination to a band with a definite rock background . . . oh and as for the sleepwalking comment . . . the Sleepwalking Matt Slocum writes every song and does string arrangements and other mundane sleepwalking musician things in the band . . .
She has an amazing voice which is repeatedly squandered by the bottomless abyss of blandness turned in by her sleepwalking bandmates. Is that even a human playing the guitar here? It sounds like a drum machine! Compare this to, for example, the Innocence Mission, whose accompaniments are consistently interesting and varied. It's such a shame.
Sorry, I'm not much impressed. Sounds like a second-rate Sundays song.
Very much a drone A-B song (ta-da, ta-da, ta-da) - no inventive rhythms, no passion - arrrgh.
MOR for Gen Y. 
- Riff
- RiffOoo, that's good stuff!
Mot wrote:
I loved Kiss Me! Just a sweet, whimsical, popish ditty that always made me smile.
My thoughts exactly. :D
zborgerd wrote:
Ignore the ridiculous "Kiss Me" song that was overplayed on the radio.
I loved Kiss Me! Just a sweet, whimsical, popish ditty that always made me smile.
The opening riff is worth a million bucks......
I can't help it. I love Leigh Nash. She has such a sweet and soft voice. The other band members are great musicians, and they all write fantastic lyrics.
I urge anyone that like this song to pick up one of their CDs. Ignore the ridiculous "Kiss Me" song that was overplayed on the radio. Sixpence has CDs full of other fabulous tunes that put that one to shame. Most of them are very melodic and meaningful as well. Fun stuff. Reminds me of old times with someone who loved these tunes as well.
briandel wrote:
Very nice. I always kind of liked "Kiss Me" even though everything told me that I shouldn'tkind of cheezy, it was played on the radio constantly and it was part of a soundtrack to some dopey teeny bopper crapfilm. Still liked it though. Something about a very feminine voice just grabs me. Kind of like The Sundays or Mazzy Starr or Beth Orton. . . or Til Tuesday, which is next. Very nice.
Or Shivaree, or... Sam Phillips.
Sometimes you can't let band history distract from a nice song. I like the melody, the singing, the style. I read about some of the comparisons to the Sundays, and a few others....this song reminds me of the best of the Innocence Mission...another group with a few killer tracks...chiming guitars and all.
Very nice. I always kind of liked "Kiss Me" even though everything told me that I shouldn'tkind of cheezy, it was played on the radio constantly and it was part of a soundtrack to some dopey teeny bopper crapfilm. Still liked it though. Something about a very feminine voice just grabs me. Kind of like The Sundays or Mazzy Starr or Beth Orton. . . or Til Tuesday, which is next. Very nice.
Sixpence AND Better Than Ezra... wow. THERE's an appropriate lineup. A band that sucks and Sixpence.
I thought this was The Sundays at first. I was afraid they were slipping...
<-( Wah....my uploads from this CD got a "sorry" response.
ick.
Is this the same band that did that dippy whiney ditty "Kiss Me"?
I detested that tripe.
I like this song. It's sweet. I little trite, but sweet.
The first time I saw Sixpence live was when they opened for Better Than Ezra on the Garden tour. I had no idea of who they were other than that "Kiss Me" song that was played on FM to death. I was captivated by them. Leigh Nash is fantastic.
This song continues in their grand tradition. I remain impressed. :)
Very appealing
utopiapark wrote:
I know I started thinking the same thing when you posted. Hmmm? maybe he's playing yours? Funny. Anyway. I'm like you. I went intending to buy something else and listened to this and bought it and have loved the entire CD. Not a bad song really . . . But then again I've been a fan of theirs for many years.
Our uploads may have collided. I had uploaded it and saw it was "Added" but then later in the day it changed to "Bad Upload." Bill asked that I re-upload it. Bit of a mystery there, I guess. I'd be most happy to share the credit with you. After all, GMTA. It is a wonderful song, and CD altogether. I checked your uploads and saw you tried a few more. I was thinking about Down and Out of Time, too. Love the lyrics! In additon, I thought about Tonight and Waiting for The Sun, but thought they might be too popish. I also uploaded Paralyzed, but it's gone to "Probably Not" status.
First play brought us a score of 8 -- that's a monster response so far! :)
Mot wrote:
You did? Hmm.
I know I started thinking the same thing when you posted. Hmmm? maybe he's playing yours? Funny. Anyway. I'm like you. I went intending to buy something else and listened to this and bought it and have loved the entire CD. Not a bad song really . . . But then again I've been a fan of theirs for many years.
Very underrated band--Matt's (can't remember his last name) lyrics often sound like something I would write. And the voice is amazing. Loved their album before this one... especially "can't get you" and "love"
utopiapark wrote:
I uploaded this . . Thanks for playing it Bill. It sounds like RP to me . . I hope everyone enjoys it.
You did? Hmm.
Within about 5 minutes of hearing this tune on Sixpence's web site, I had ordered the CD on Amazon. Uploaded it immediately upon receiving it. The entire CD is wonderful. Thanks for playing it so soon Bill & Rebecca!
I uploaded this . . Thanks for playing it Bill. It sounds like RP to me . . I hope everyone enjoys it.
Bob Dylan is a brilliant lyricist for a couple of reasons, one of which is, he doesn’t repeat himself. Songs such as this have no staying power since they show a determined lack of imagination and talent. Ho-hum.
Bob's issue is the lack of an editor though - he never really leaves me wanting more. Generally the opposite.