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.
Fly Away
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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Any place in this open mouthed world
Begs to be fed like a bed that beckons you, but you won't rest
Everyone's got a need to go
Most of us stick with our row to hoe
But not you, you're the black crow
With a straight line, and no time
For the birds of prey who wreck your nest
They set you on this course of your collision
I am a stop along your way
I am the words you'll never say
I crossed the great beyond of fear
I opened my eyes and saw us there, what a view
You went there too
Fly away little bird
Find the song in you that no one's heard
Strenghthen your wings as you sing your solo flight
Through this short life
Everyone's got a deep regret
We try to ground ourselves to forget
But your race to the end is neck and neck
You love them, you love them not
The birds of prey who wreck your nest,
Twice your size steal your best
They set you on this course of your collision
I am a stop along your way
I am the words you'll never say
I crossed the great beyond of fear
Opened my eyes and saw us there, what a view
And you went there too
But all along your chosen path are
Window panes and sheets of glass
That you won't see
You fly too fast
One day it will be over
Fly away little bird
The saddest song I ever heard
Was the one that I wrote you in my heart
That never made it to the world
The song "Fly Away" by Indigo Girls is a beautiful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to spread their wings and pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges that they may face. The lyrics of the song use the metaphor of a bird flying free to express the idea of breaking free from the constraints of society and following one's own path. The song begins by addressing a little bird, inviting it to fly away to any place in the world where it can find food and shelter. However, the bird is warned that there are birds of prey who may try to steal its freedom and its nest. Despite this, the little bird is determined to fly straight and true, without letting anyone or anything get in its way.
The chorus of the song encourages the little bird to find the song inside of itself that no one has ever heard, to strengthen its wings and take flight on its own. The song acknowledges that everyone has regrets and moments of doubt, but the little bird is determined to race to the end, even if it means colliding with the birds of prey who try to stop it. The second verse of the song highlights some of the obstacles that the little bird may face on its journey, including window panes and sheets of glass that it may not see. However, the song ends on a bittersweet note, with the singer recognizing that she will always be a stop along the little bird's journey, and that the saddest song she ever wrote was the one that never made it to the world.
Overall, the lyrics of "Fly Away" are a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to spread our wings and fly, even if it means facing challenges and obstacles along the way. The song encourages us to find our own voice and follow our own path, no matter what others may say or do to try to hold us back.
Line by Line Meaning
Fly away little bird
Encouragement to explore the vastness of the world
Any place in this open mouthed world
The world is there for anyone to explore
Begs to be fed like a bed that beckons you, but you won't rest
The world is full of opportunities, but they cannot be seized if we do not take action to pursue them.
Everyone's got a need to go
Everyone has a desire to explore the world and find their own path.
Most of us stick with our row to hoe
Many people are content to live a simple life and follow established routines.
But not you, you're the black crow
You are a nonconformist who chooses to seek their own path in life.
With a straight line, and no time
You are clear and decisive in pursuing your goals and do not waste time with distractions.
For the birds of prey who wreck your nest
You must protect yourself from those who seek to harm you or take what is yours.
Twice your size steal your best
Those who are stronger or more powerful may try to take away your accomplishments, but you must stay strong and persevere.
They set you on this course of your collision
Others may try to steer you off course, but ultimately you control your own path and choices.
I am a stop along your way
I am a temporary part of your journey, but not your final destination.
I am the words you'll never say
There are things we feel but cannot express in words.
I crossed the great beyond of fear
I overcame my own fears to find my own path and purpose in life.
I opened my eyes and saw us there, what a view
I gained a new perspective on life and the world around me.
You went there too
You also overcame your fears and found your own way in the world.
Find the song in you that no one's heard
Find your own unique voice and express yourself in a way that is authentic to you.
Strengthen your wings as you sing your solo flight
Strengthen your own abilities and pursue your goals with determination and focus.
Through this short life
Life is fleeting and time is precious.
Everyone's got a deep regret
We all have things we wish we had done differently in life.
We try to ground ourselves to forget
We try to distract ourselves from our regrets and negative feelings.
But your race to the end is neck and neck
Life is a race and we must stay focused to achieve our goals.
You love them, you love them not
There are people in our lives who can be both a blessing and a curse.
But all along your chosen path are
There will always be obstacles and challenges on any path we choose.
Window panes and sheets of glass
These obstacles may be invisible or hard to see, but they are still present and can be dangerous.
That you won't see
We cannot always anticipate the challenges that will come our way.
You fly too fast
We must slow down and be mindful of our surroundings to avoid obstacles and stay on course.
One day it will be over
Life is precious and we must make the most of the time we have.
The saddest song I ever heard
The most heartbreaking experiences in life can also inspire great art and creativity.
Was the one that I wrote you in my heart
The deepest emotions and most personal experiences are the ones that can never be fully expressed in words or art.
That never made it to the world
Some experiences and emotions are so personal and profound that they can never be shared with others.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY ELIZABETH RAY, EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind