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.
On Your Honor
Amy Ray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm standing behind you, I am still here
They're mining your body, the scene of a crime
Did they do you one last favor, killing your blood line?
I'm here to relieve all the ones that fought for you
And fought for me
I want to relate, put away your hate, put away your hate
The breath of the night jar, the stars in the sky,
A killer for comfort, I'm not gonna lie to you
They paid off the piper with a government gun,
Whoever you came for, left all alone
Yeah, but I'm here to relieve all the ones that fought for you,
They fought for me
Yeah, I want to relate, put away your hate, put away your hate
Our father's house is a house of regret,
With rooms I can't sleep in and jokes I don't get
Now you're on your honor to be on my side
Surely there are some things that won't be denied
Yeah, I'm here to relieve all the ones that fought for you,
They fought for me
Yeah, I want to relate, put away your hate, put away your hate
The song "On Your Honor" by Amy Ray is a powerful statement about the aftermath of violence and a call for healing and understanding. The opening verse describes a photograph of someone with their fist in the air, presumably in a moment of resistance or protest. The singer stands behind this person, still present even after they have passed away. The line "They're mining your body, the scene of a crime" suggests that the person was killed as a result of their activism or resistance. The next line, "Did they do you one last favor, killing your blood line?" raises the question of whether there was deliberate targeting of this person's family.
The chorus then comes in, with the singer expressing the desire to "relieve all the ones that fought for you and fought for me". This is a call to honor the memory of those who have died fighting for social justice, and to continue the struggle in their name. The line "put away your hate" suggests that the singer recognizes the tendency towards anger and bitterness that can come as a result of violence and loss, and is urging for a more hopeful and compassionate response.
The second verse continues with the theme of violence and injustice, with references to a "killer for comfort" and the way in which those in power can use violence to silence dissent. The line "Whoever you came for, left all alone" highlights the sense of isolation and loneliness that can come with being a target of violence. Again, the chorus repeats, with the singer reaffirming their commitment to honoring those who have fought for justice.
The final verse takes a more personal turn, with references to a "father's house" that is filled with regret and jokes that are not understood. This suggests that the singer may have experienced some kind of trauma or dysfunction within their own family, making them more empathetic to the struggles of others. The line "Now you're on your honor to be on my side" is a call to action, asking the listener to stand up and support social justice causes.
Overall, "On Your Honor" is a powerful and haunting song that speaks to the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for healing in the face of violence and trauma.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a picture, your fist in the air,
I have a picture of you with your fist raised in protest.
I'm standing behind you, I am still here
I support you and stand behind you.
They're mining your body, the scene of a crime
They are investigating your body as if it's the site of a crime.
Did they do you one last favor, killing your blood line?
Did they do you a favor by killing your family to end their suffering and struggles?
I'm here to relieve all the ones that fought for you
I am here to ease the burden of those who fought alongside you.
And fought for me
And fought for our shared values and beliefs.
I want to relate, put away your hate, put away your hate
I want to connect with you and let go of any hostility or resentment.
The breath of the night jar, the stars in the sky,
The nighttime environment creates a comfortable atmosphere.
A killer for comfort, I'm not gonna lie to you
Something that may be harmful can feel comforting or soothing.
They paid off the piper with a government gun,
They bribed someone to do their dirty work with government resources.
Whoever you came for, left all alone
The people who were originally being sought after are no longer present.
Our father's house is a house of regret,
Our family history is filled with pain and sorrow.
With rooms I can't sleep in and jokes I don't get
There are places and situations that make me uncomfortable or remind me of difficult memories.
Now you're on your honor to be on my side
I am counting on you to stand with me and support me.
Surely there are some things that won't be denied
There are certain truths that cannot be ignored or brushed aside.
Yeah, I'm here to relieve all the ones that fought for you,
I am committed to helping those who fought alongside you.
They fought for me
Their fight was for our shared values and beliefs.
Yeah, I want to relate, put away your hate, put away your hate
I want to connect with you and let go of any hostility or resentment.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY ELIZABETH RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind