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.
Devotion
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a dirt road that is soon to be paved
Down to the site of my original establishment
And the west end family grave
Cause one day moves into two
(one day moves into two)
And I'm losing
(everything except for you)
And I would sing you a song of devotion
(I would sing you a song of devotion)
Yeah that's what I should do
(that's what I should do)
Blood runs thick and when it rains it pours down
(blood runs thick)
On the family tree on the fields of war
(the family tree on the fields of war)
I spend my time being broken hearted and grieving bound
(I spend my time being broken hearted and grieving bound)
Yeah I haven't much need to look forward
I just let a one day move into two
(one day moves into two)
I'm losing
Everything except for you
(everything except for you)
I would sing you a song of devotion
(I should sing you a song of devotion)
Book of days
(book of days)
The way things lay
(the way things lay)
That's just space and time
(that's just space and time)
I gave it up
(I gave it up)
All for a love
(all for a love)
That won't be defined
(that won't be defined)
I've had enough temporary acquisition
Building fences for no gain
(building fences for no gain)
Taking dead trees down before the winter freeze
(taking dead trees down before the winter freeze)
I said let em rot and fall where they may
Just let one day move into two
(one day moves into two)
I'm losing
Everything except for you
(everything except for you)
Ah yeah
I would sing you a song of devotion
(i would sing you a song of devotion)
That's what I should do
(i gotta let them fall where they may)
(cause one day moves into two)
It's the book of days
(I'm losing)
It's the way things lay
(everything except for you)
Now that's just space and time
(I)
(I would sing you a song)
I gave it up
(of devotion)
All for your love
(yeah)
That's what I should do
(that's what I should do)
That's what I should do
(that's what I should do)
Yeah
That's what I should do
(that's what I should do)
The song "Devotion" by Indigo Girls is about the singer's connection to their roots and family history. The song starts with the singer driving down a dirt road, surrounded by blooming mountain laurels, on their way to the site of their original establishment and family grave. The lyrics convey a sense of loss and grief, as the singer reflects on the passing of time, the fading of memories, and the changing of landscapes. Despite all of this, the singer finds comfort and solace in their devotion to someone or something that remains constant, most likely a loved one.
The song's recurring line, "one day moves into two, and I'm losing everything except for you," emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of loss. The singer seems resigned to the idea that everything eventually fades away, except for their devotion to this constant presence. The lyrics also touch on themes of family, war, and the passing of generations. The line "blood runs thick and when it rains it pours down on the family tree on the fields of war" suggests a deep connection to a family history that is marked by conflict and hardship.
Overall, "Devotion" is a poignant reflection on the fragile and fleeting nature of life, but also on the enduring power of love and devotion. The song conveys a sense of deep respect and reverence for the past, as well as a commitment to cherish and honor those who remain.
Line by Line Meaning
I pulled out with the mountain laurel blooming
I left when the flowers on the mountain laurel were in full bloom
On a dirt road that is soon to be paved
I traveled on an unpaved path that is going to be paved soon
Down to the site of my original establishment
I went back to the place where I first started my journey or where I made my home
And the west end family grave
I also visited the grave of my family members located in the west end
Cause one day moves into two
Time passes by so fast that one day quickly turns into two
(one day moves into two)
And I'm losing
I'm losing something or someone that I value
Everything except for you
I'm not losing my relationship with you
(everything except for you)
And I would sing you a song of devotion
I want to show you how much I care by singing a song of dedication
(I would sing you a song of devotion)
Yeah that's what I should do
Singing you a song of devotion is the right thing for me to do
(that's what I should do)
Blood runs thick and when it rains it pours down
Family bonds are strong and intense, and when things go wrong, they can be overwhelming
(blood runs thick)
On the family tree on the fields of war
The family tree has witnessed various wars and bloodshed
(the family tree on the fields of war)
I spend my time being broken-hearted and grieving bound
I often feel sad and mournful
(I spend my time being broken hearted and grieving bound)
Yeah I haven't much need to look forward
There's nothing much to look forward to as I'm stuck in sorrow
I just let a one day move into two
I let time pass by without doing much, and before I know it, one day becomes two
(one day moves into two)
Ah yeah I'm losing
Yes, I am losing something or someone important to me
Everything except for you
But I'm still not losing you, my love
(everything except for you)
I would sing you a song of devotion
My way of showing my dedication to you is by singing you a beautiful song
(i would sing you a song of devotion)
Book of days
The book that contains the storied record of each day in one's life
(book of days)
The way things lay
The way things exist or are arranged
(the way things lay)
That's just space and time
All these things are just mere concepts of space and time
(that's just space and time)
I gave it up
I surrendered or renounced something I had before
(I gave it up)
All for a love
For the sake of my love
(all for a love)
That won't be defined
A love that cannot be put into words or accurately described
(that won't be defined)
I've had enough temporary acquisition
I've grown tired of accumulating things that are ephemeral or impermanent
Building fences for no gain
I've built fences or barriers for no apparent reason or without benefit
(building fences for no gain)
Taking dead trees down before the winter freeze
I'm removing trees that will not survive the winter season
(taking dead trees down before the winter freeze)
I said let em rot and fall where they may
I decided to let the trees decay and follow nature's course
It's the book of days
The reference to the book of days again
(it's the book of days)
Now, that's just space and time
Again, space and time are merely concepts
(that's just space and time)
I gave it up
Still making sacrifices for my love
(I gave it up)
All for your love
Everything I do is out of love for you
(all for your love)
That's what I should do
Again, this is what I should do for my love
(that's what I should do)
Yeah, that's what I should do
Reiterating this is the right thing for me to do
(that's what I should do)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY ELIZABETH RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind