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.
Out On The Farm
Amy Ray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We got things that infect, things we can't shake and a rep
Oh it might seem to mean all your starry eyed dreams
will come true but my friend something's haunting them
And so what we made was mediocre and brave
We tried hard but see isolation breeds that beast
Out on the farm on my worst days
I just hang my hat and I watch them graze
all happy and dumb of what's to come
but I get so bored out on that killing floor
Should we ford the stream to the other dream
Break the bank see what we're worth
communicate?
Or start all over again
make this farm our friend?
Put the broken beasts out of their misery
knowing what we know instead of what we hate
do we hang our hats and just let it be?
In the song "Out On The Farm" by Amy Ray, the lyrics showcase a sense of discomfort and unease with living on a farm. The opening lines suggest a warning that spending time on this farm may result in harm due to infections and a bad reputation. Amy Ray sings of how it may appear that one’s dream will come true on a farm, but there is an underlying feeling of something haunting them. The song takes a turn discussing how hard they tried to make something mediocre and brave, but isolation breeds a beast that ultimately destroys any potential.
The lyrics present the idea that the animals on the farm are happy and dumb, not realizing the fate that they will face. Amy Ray gets so bored on the farm and feels trapped and stuck by the “killing floor.” The song concludes with the question of whether to continue living on the farm or to abandon it and start anew. It addresses the idea of letting go of what one hates and instead embracing what they know. The lyrics of “Out on the Farm” are poignant and showcase the importance of a sense of belonging and purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
It might do you harm hanging around this farm
Living and staying on this farm can cause physical and emotional harm due to diseases and a negative reputation.
We got things that infect, things we can't shake and a rep
There are contagious diseases and a negative reputation associated with the farm that cannot be easily erased.
Oh it might seem to mean all your starry eyed dreams will come true but my friend something's haunting them
Despite the initial perception that dreams can come true on the farm, there is an underlying and haunting issue that cannot be ignored.
And so what we made was mediocre and brave
Despite the farm's shortcomings, we tried hard and exhibited courage to make the best of the situation.
We tried hard but see isolation breeds that beast
The farm's isolation leads to negative consequences, such as the spread of diseases and breeding of dangerous animals.
Out on the farm on my worst days
During difficult times, being on the farm exacerbates emotions and circumstances.
I just hang my hat and I watch them graze
As a temporary escape, the singer finds solace in watching the animals graze.
all happy and dumb of what's to come
The animals are oblivious to the dangers and negative aspects of the farm.
but I get so bored out on that killing floor
The farm can become monotonous and emotionally draining, particularly in areas like the slaughterhouse.
Should we ford the stream to the other dream
Should we try to cross the metaphorical stream to reach another dream or goal?
Break the bank see what we're worth communicate?
Should we take risks and communicate with others to achieve our goals, even if it may result in financial strain?
Or start all over again make this farm our friend?
Should we try to start anew and change our outlook towards the farm?
Put the broken beasts out of their misery
Should we euthanize the sick and dying animals?
knowing what we know instead of what we hate
Should we base our decisions on what we know rather than what we dislike or fear?
do we hang our hats and just let it be?
Should we accept and endure the farm's hardships or leave it behind and move on?
Contributed by Violet N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
sanneg
Beautiful performance! I love it so much.
C Hill
This performance is my absolute favorite. Was this a released song? What's it about other than hating being a carnivore? Is it crazy that I think of Prince's "Little Red Corvette" as well? I grew up listening to a g-rated version, I thought it was just about horses, didn't know real lyrics
veganstud
what does her shirt say? I always try to figure it out.
C Hill
Me too bc it's kinda my actual name.