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.
Hand Me Downs
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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I've helped them all to dismount
I've followed so many down
I take their hand me downs
All with hope
All with hope
That emptiness brings fullness
And loss of love brings wholeness
All with hope
That emptiness brings fullness
And loss of love brings wholeness
To us all
Everything that I believe
Crawls from underneath the streets
Everything I truly love
Comes from somewhere far above
Everything that I believe
Is wrong with you is wrong with me
Everything I truly love
I love in you and I love in me
So give me hope
Give me hope
That emptiness brings fullness
And loss of love brings wholeness
To us all
You swear you can't swim the river
(I've become the beggar now)
(you've become the saint somehow)
But I saw you running to jump in
(I've become the beggar now)
(you've become the saint somehow)
I swore I'd never be your sinner
(I've become the beggar now)
(you've become the saint somehow)
Til I held your sin
Hand me downs
Now you ask me why I'm here
The same as you
I'm scared, it's fear
I've become the beggar now
And you've become the saint somehow
Twist the words and place the blame
And tell me now aren't we the same
Tripping in our yellow feet
Checking underneath our sheets
For some hope
Give me hope
That emptiness brings fullness
And loss of love brings wholeness
Give me hope
Give me hope
That emptiness brings fullness
And loss of love brings wholeness
To us all
The song "Hand Me Downs" by the Indigo Girls speaks to the idea of shared experiences and the ability of the human spirit to persevere through trials and tribulations. The first verse discusses the singer's experience of helping others come down from difficult situations, such as addiction or emotional turmoil. The idea of taking "hand me downs" is a metaphor referring to the passing down of life lessons and advice from one person to another. The singer believes that even in the midst of pain and loss, there is hope that these experiences will lead to personal growth and wholeness.
The second verse touches on the idea that the things we love and value in others are often reflections of the best parts of ourselves. The singer suggests that there is a shared human experience and that what we perceive as flaws in others are often present in ourselves. Here, the idea of hope is re-introduced as a means of finding unity and healing through shared experiences.
The bridge of the song introduces a conversation between two people. The singer acknowledges that both parties have gone through their share of struggles and are seeking hope and support from each other. The repeated phrase "I've become the beggar now, you've become the saint somehow" suggests a role reversal and a recognition that we all need help and support from others.
"Hand Me Downs" is a poignant song that speaks to the human experience of hope, perseverance, and the power of shared experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
I've taken so many down
I've helped numerous people defeat their obstacles and challenges.
I've helped them all to dismount
I have assisted them in getting off their horses which symbolizes getting through their problems.
I've followed so many down
I've followed numerous people and joined them on their journey to overcome their struggles.
I take their hand me downs
I accept the items and ideas that they share with me with an open mind.
All with hope
I do all of this with the hope that negative experiences will lead to positive outcomes.
That emptiness brings fullness
I believe that emptiness can lead to fulfillment.
And loss of love brings wholeness
I believe that losing love can bring completeness.
Everything that I believe
All of my beliefs about life and love,
Crawls from underneath the streets
originates from the underground or unseen.
Everything I truly love
Everything that I genuinely adore,
Comes from somewhere far above
originates from a higher or more elevated place.
Is wrong with you is wrong with me
The things that you and I share as common faults are identical.
I love in you and I love in me
I love the good qualities present in others as well as myself.
You swear you can't swim the river
You think that you're incapable of crossing the river.
(I've become the beggar now)
(I have nothing left and I must ask everyone for help now.)
(you've become the saint somehow)
(you have become a holy figure and can assist me in need.)
But I saw you running to jump in
But I saw you eagerly trying to swim across.
I swore I'd never be your sinner
I promised to never do anything to harm you.
Til I held your sin
Until I realized that I have committed the same transgression as you.
Now you ask me why I'm here
You now ask me why I'm in this place or situation with you.
The same as you
Facing the same problems as you.
I'm scared, it's fear
I'm frightened, it's sheer terror.
Twist the words and place the blame
Manipulate what was said and attribute the fault to others.
And tell me now aren't we the same
Then ask, really aren't we so similar?
Tripping in our yellow feet
Tripping and making mistakes on our path to move forward.
Checking underneath our sheets
Examining our insecurities and vulnerabilities.
Give me hope
Provide me with optimism
That emptiness brings fullness
That feeling unfulfilled can lead to fulfillment.
And loss of love brings wholeness
That losing love can bring wholeness.
To us all
To everybody.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AMY ELIZABETH RAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind