In 2001, she released her first solo album, Stag. That year, she toured solo with the Butchies as her band. Then in 2005, her second solo project, Prom was released. In December of 2006, Amy released Live From Knoxville, a live recording from a show at Blue Cats in October of 2005. In August 2008 she released her latest album Didn't It Feel Kinder, this is the first album she made with the help of a producer, Greg Griffith.
All three albums were released on Amy's independent record label, Daemon Records.
Fans of the Indigo Girls can expect a rawer, punkier, and rockier sound.
Measure of Me
Amy Ray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know he does and I guess he should
I dress like him, I take him down
He gets embarrassed when his friends come around
I want to take him to the show,
I'm crossing over what you know
Is it the boy you need in me,
Come on now social,
I want you to be
Come on now graceful,
I want you to be
Come on now special,
I want you to be
I want you
And so this is the measure of me,
Even though it shouldn't be
The lion lays down with the lamb
I can't do it, so I ain't worth a damn
Come on now social,
I want you to be
Come on now graceful,
I want you to be,
Come on now special,
I want you to be
Come on now social,
I want you to be
The lyrics of Amy Ray and the Butchies's song "Measure of Me" reflect the struggle of having one's identity and worth judged by society's standards. The singer acknowledges that the boy she likes may see her as "damaged goods" because of her non-conformist appearance and behavior. She wants to share her interests with him, but fears his reaction when he is around his friends. She questions whether he is interested in the boy that she is or the girl that she could be if she changed for him. The chorus of the song reinforces the message that she wishes to be accepted by society's standards, as she pleads for the boy and the world to be more social, graceful, and special. She feels like she fails to meet these expectations and her worth is measured by them.
The lyrics of "Measure of Me" can be interpreted in multiple ways. On the surface, they speak to the struggles of queer people to fit in and be accepted by society. But the song's message extends beyond that. The singer's doubts about her worth and the importance of conforming to societal standards are universal themes. The song also explores the conflict between individuality and conformity, and the constant pressure to fit into the society's norms. Overall, "Measure of Me" is a plea for acceptance, but also an invitation to celebrate one's uniqueness and to acknowledge that worth shouldn't be measured by external standards.
Line by Line Meaning
The boy he thinks I'm damaged goods
He perceives me as someone who is flawed and unworthy.
I know he does and I guess he should
I understand why he would think that way about me.
I dress like him, I take him down
I adopt his style and bring him out of his comfort zone.
He gets embarrassed when his friends come around
He is ashamed of being associated with me in front of his peers.
I want to take him to the show,
I desire to introduce him to my interest and lifestyle.
I'm crossing over what you know
I am venturing beyond the conventional norms and expectations.
Is it the boy you need in me,
Are you attracted to the masculine traits and qualities in me?
Or the girl that you could be?
Or are you intrigued by the possibility of exploring and questioning your own gender identity?
Come on now social,
I urge you to be more outgoing and engage with others.
I want you to be
I desire for you to exhibit this behavior.
Come on now graceful,
I encourage you to be more elegant and refined.
Come on now special,
I implore you to embrace your unique qualities and stand out.
And so this is the measure of me,
This is how I am judged and evaluated by others.
Even though it shouldn't be
Despite the fact that it should not be the criteria for judgment.
The lion lays down with the lamb
The powerful and the meek coexist peacefully.
I can't do it, so I ain't worth a damn
I am unable to achieve this harmony, so I am worthless.
Come on now social,
Once again, I urge you to be more outgoing and engaged.
I want you to be
I want you to adopt these commendable qualities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shajar Rehman
Amy ray proved herself a legendary rockstar with this masterpiece
rick williams
maybe the best song i've ever heard. i'm a man who loves great music. this song is THAT kind of music. it makes me FEEL. i'm not sure what, exactly, but there are just these feelings when i hear a great song. i've loved this song for several years now and it's better with each listen. Amy Ray is a goddess at my house! The indigo girls are probably the best folk rock/pop act since CSNY or maybe just ever. I've seen them 7 times and they always just kill.
rick williams
one of the best rock songs i've ever heard....right up there near the top.
MK
The kind of song you find after years and not find anything like that for years again.
Stephen Carroll
Hypnotic, engaging, moving....you just feel it
Angie Davis
As a matter of fact.... this particular song has been like a theme song of my own life.
Angie Davis
I would like to say that this tribute video for Amy was beautifully done.... kudos! She has been an influence and a major factor in my life for over 20 years.... and is THE inspiration behind my own music. Awesome job. She doesn't get near enough credit for all she has done in music as well as with her activism.
michelle mackness
one of the most beautiful songs i have ever heard
P
Love this song.
Casie Fox
Amy Ray saves my soul on a daily basis.