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.
Don't Give That Girl a Gun
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm ready to be ritious
Screaming in her ears
I'm not dignified anymore
You can't say I didn't call
I say I love you
She don't hear me anymore
I said now don't give that girl a gun
She's already won
She's already won
I made a bad connection
She says "I would have stayed"
I jumped ship abandoned my post
I didn't think I lost my way
But how the mighty falls
I saw her crack a smile
I don't got a chance of redemption
She don't believe in the American mile
So take the first shot baby
It will be real clean
I'm your girl-it's all me
And take the second shot baby
It'll be real cold
I'm your girl
Don't give that girl a gun
I said now don't give that girl a gun
She's already won
She's already won
Yeah
Yeah
I sing hold me closer
Oh something's happening
I can't belong again
And I said I doubt we ever will
Ever will again
I said don't give that girl a gun
I said now don't give that girl a gun
She's already won, already won.
The Indigo Girls’ “Don’t Give That Girl A Gun” is a thought-provoking song exploring a complex relationship dynamic. The song is narrated from the perspective of someone who is deeply entwined with a character referred to as “that girl” who is not in a good place emotionally. The singer has come to accept their powerlessness in the situation and recognizes that giving the girl a gun would be a terrible idea. The lyrics “Don't give that girl a gun / She's already won” express the belief that giving the girl a gun would be a final nail in the coffin, leading to an inevitable tragic end. Throughout the song, the feeling of desperation and hopelessness is ever-present, culminating in the repeating refrain of “She's already won.”
The second verse makes a reference to a past mistake made by the singer, indicating that they too have been burdened by difficulties, yet they understand that giving up is not the answer. The lyrics “I didn't think I lost my way / But how the mighty falls” hint at some sort of shame, perhaps relating to a past failed attempt to help “that girl.”
The song’s emotion is conveyed through the Indigo Girls’ signature harmonies and strong, yet simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. “Don’t Give That Girl A Gun” speaks in a way that is both universal and personal, as it outlines the feeling of helplessness, the complexity of the human psyche and the dehumanizing effect of a culture that thrives on violence.
Line by Line Meaning
A jury of my peers
I am ready to face the consequences of my actions, as determined by a group of people similar to me.
I'm ready to be rightous
I am willing to act morally and with integrity.
Screaming in her ears
Being loud and forceful in trying to get someone's attention or message across.
I'm not dignified anymore
I have lost my sense of self-respect or honor due to my actions or circumstances.
You can't say I didn't call
I have made an attempt to reach out or communicate in some way, and no one can claim otherwise.
I say I love you
I express sincere feelings of affection toward someone.
She don't hear me anymore
The person I am addressing is no longer receptive to my message or feelings.
Don't give that girl a gun
It would be dangerous to provide a weapon to this individual.
I said now don't give that girl a gun
I am emphasizing the previous statement about the potential danger of this person having access to a gun.
She's already won
This person has achieved her goals or has had some kind of victory.
I made a bad connection
I engaged in a relationship or interaction that turned out poorly or proved to be a mistake.
She says "I would have stayed"
This person has expressed regret or sadness regarding a past situation or decision.
I jumped ship abandoned my post
I fled or quit my responsibilities or obligations rather than completing them.
I didn't think I lost my way
I believed I was on the right path or acting as I should have been, but now I realize I was mistaken.
But how the mighty falls
Even those who seem powerful or successful can experience failure or downfall.
I saw her crack a smile
I witnessed this person displaying some degree of happiness or amusement.
I don't got a chance of redemption
I do not believe I can be forgiven or improved upon in any way.
She don't believe in the American mile
This person does not subscribe to or value certain traditional American beliefs or ideals.
So take the first shot baby
This could be interpreted as literally or figuratively encouraging someone to make the first move or action.
It will be real clean
This upcoming action will be straightforward or efficient and not leave any mess or complications behind.
I'm your girl-it's all me
I am fully committed to this relationship or endeavor and am putting all my effort into it.
And take the second shot baby
This could again be taken as a literal or metaphorical request for someone to take action or initiative.
It'll be real cold
This next step or action will be emotionally detached or callous.
Yeah
An expression of agreement or affirmation.
I sing hold me closer
I am asking for emotional or physical intimacy and support.
Oh something's happening
I sense that some important or significant event may be occurring or about to occur.
I can't belong again
I have become separated from something that was once very important to me and do not think I can regain that connection.
And I said I doubt we ever will
I express skepticism or pessimism about the possibility of achieving something we once had or desired.
Already won, already won
Another repetition of the idea that this person has achieved some significant victory or success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY ELIZABETH RAY, EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind