Their first release in 1985 was a seven-inch single named "Crazy Game", with the B-side "Everybody's Waiting (for Someone to Come Home)". That same year, the Indigo Girls released a six-track Extended play album named "Indigo Girls", and in 1987 released their first full-length album, Strange Fire, recorded at John Keane Studio in Athens, Georgia, and including "Crazy Game". With this release, they secured the services of Russell Carter, who remains their manager to the present; they had first approached him when the EP album was released, but he told them their songs were "immature" and they were not likely to get a record deal.
They were signed to Epic Records in 1989 and won the Grammy for best contemporary folk album later that year (for their self titled release) Some of their hit songs include "Galileo," "Closer to Fine," and "Shame on You."
Aside from being musicians, Ray and Saliers are activists, constantly supporting causes like gun control, women's rights, Native American rights, environmental protection, the abolition of the death penalty, and as lesbians themselves, LGBT rights. They constantly devote their time and money to such causes, often playing benefit concerts.
Ray and Saliers both have side projects. Ray owns and founded Daemon Records, an independent label based in Decatur. She also has a career as a solo artist, and has released two albums thus far. Saliers is the part owner of Watershed, a restaurant and wine bar in Decatur.
Together, the Indigo Girls are constantly touring. Their new album, Poseidon and the Bitter Bug, was released March 24, 2009.
1 2 3
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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With drugs of initiation, bottom of the barrel that drops
I understand your causes, sympathize the motivation
But all the details of this war are just self-infatuation
1 2 3
Nothings for free
4 5 6
Manic blood runs thick my friend, are you looking for a clean escape?
What's left when the locks have all been broken, young children of authority?
How long can you be agile, dancing between the alter and the mercy seat?
Here's a chance to make a choice, are you aware of the fire beneath your feet?
1 2 3
Nothings for free
4 5 6
Pick up the sticks and go home
The basement lies within us, the fear comes through the door
There's nothing left between us, the fear becomes a roar
Once that wheel is in motion, don't you lose what you have found
I'm talking about that burning wheel of tongues, everything that makes it go
around
We're all born in the devil's scorn, they want to see you die
Are you true? Everything they say is a lie
1 2 3
Nothings for free
4 5 6
Pick up the sticks and go home
The Indigo Girls’ song, “1 2 3,” is a commentary on the chaos and destruction brought about by war and addiction. The lyricist describes attempting to find someone's heart amidst the tumultuous environment of the Bowery-to-brimstone scene. They recognize the causes and motivations behind the situation but see that ultimately the details of war and addiction are driven by self-obsession. Here the singer implores us to make a choice, to recognize "the fire beneath our feet," and to understand that we have the power to make a difference in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
From the bowery to the brimstone, I tried to find your heart
I searched every low place and high point for your love
With drugs of initiation, bottom of the barrel that drops
I used drugs to try and connect with you, but reached the lowest point of desperation
I understand your causes, sympathize the motivation
I comprehend your reasons and support your intentions
But all the details of this war are just self-infatuation
However, the intricate components of this battle are just selfishness
1 2 3
Nothings for free
Actions have consequences and there's always a price to pay
4 5 6
Pick up the sticks and go home
Stop your destructive behavior and leave before it's too late
Manic blood runs thick my friend, are you looking for a clean escape?
There's a strong desire to get away from it all, but the madness is still within
What's left when the locks have all been broken, young children of authority?
When those in power lose control, what's left for those they governed?
How long can you be agile, dancing between the alter and the mercy seat?
You can't keep living a double life, walking between good and evil forever
Here's a chance to make a choice, are you aware of the fire beneath your feet?
This is an opportunity to decide which side to take, though risks abound
The basement lies within us, the fear comes through the door
We all have dark, hidden places within, but fear can bring them to the surface
There's nothing left between us, the fear becomes a roar
The fear has taken over, ruining what once was between us
Once that wheel is in motion, don't you lose what you have found
Once something starts, don't forget what you've gained thus far
I'm talking about that burning wheel of tongues, everything that makes it go around
I'm discussing the unstoppable cycle of speech that fuels the fire
We're all born in the devil's scorn, they want to see you die
We're all born into a harsh world that wishes for our demise
Are you true? Everything they say is a lie
Can you be trusted? Because the things said about you are false
1 2 3
Nothings for free
Actions have consequences and there's always a price to pay
4 5 6
Pick up the sticks and go home
Stop your destructive behavior and leave before it's too late
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Amy Elizabeth Ray, Emily Ann Saliers, Elizabeth Cooper Seay, Chris McGuire, Scott Bland, Bryan Lilje
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind