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.
I'll Change
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the construct of our days through the thinning of the trees.
Why can I only build a house of cards?
That gets blown to pieces with the fall's first fickle breeze.
When I feel that stirring, the illicit kiss.
That's just the cool tongue of the devil with a sucker in his midst.
[Chorus:]
I owe you an apology too many thanks and that's not all.
I've been running long before I learned to crawl.
My calendar lies crumbled laid to waste.
It's been scrawled on, thumbed through and changed.
Will this be the measure of my days?
Dinners and appointments and deadlines I can't make.
And when I start to see I start to see it making sense for me.
That's just hope springing eternally.
[Chorus]
Outside the summer's gone for good.
Dying impatiens stacked up wood.
My friend will get together to cook.
To talk about what happened to take a second look.
The master loves the servant who blind heeds him.
The husband the obedient wife.
The snake will always bite the hand that feeds him.
Even if you love him even if you save his life.
[Chorus]
In “I’ll Change,” the Indigo Girls explore themes of hope and growth amidst the chaos of life. The first verse uses imagery of suburban yards and the thinning of trees to represent the fleeting nature of our daily routines and the fragility of what we build. The singer feels helpless, unable to create anything of lasting value, and instead turns to temptation, represented by “the cool tongue of the devil with a sucker in his midst.” The chorus hints at possible redemption, with the singer acknowledging their mistakes and looking forward to changing for the better. The second verse reflects on the passing of time and the messiness of life, with a calendar “scrawled on, thumbed through and changed” and missed appointments. However, the singer sees a glimmer of hope, as things start to “make sense” and they feel more in control.
The final verse introduces more concrete images of friends coming together to cook and reflect on the past, and the master-servant, husband-wife, and snake-hand relationships emphasize the complexity and betrayals inherent in human connections. Yet, the chorus remains a beacon of hope, offering the possibility of growth and reconciliation. Overall, the song is an exploration of life’s messiness and the potential for growth and change, despite the inevitability of mistakes and setbacks.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out across suburban yards
Reflecting on the monotony and conformity of suburban life
To the construct of our days through the thinning of the trees.
Seeing through the superficial facade of daily life
Why can I only build a house of cards?
Feeling incapable of making anything that will last
That gets blown to pieces with the fall's first fickle breeze.
Realizing how easily things can fall apart
When I feel that stirring, the illicit kiss.
Noticing the temptation of something that is likely to lead to trouble
That's just the cool tongue of the devil with a sucker in his midst.
Recognizing the deceptive nature of temptation and corruption
[Chorus:] One day I'll change you'll be the first one that I call.
Promising to change for the better and seek help from a trusted friend
I owe you an apology too many thanks and that's not all.
Acknowledging the debt owed to a friend
I've been running long before I learned to crawl.
Feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for life's challenges
My calendar lies crumbled laid to waste.
Realizing the futility of trying to plan life to the minute
It's been scrawled on, thumbed through and changed.
Admitting that life is unpredictable and plans are subject to change
Will this be the measure of my days?
Asking if this chaotic and unpredictable existence is all there is to life
Dinners and appointments and deadlines I can't make.
Struggling with keeping up with life's demands
And when I start to see I start to see it making sense for me.
Finding meaning in the chaos and unpredictability of life
That's just hope springing eternally.
Feeling renewed and optimistic about the future
[Chorus]
Reiterating the promise to change and rely on a friend for support
Outside the summer's gone for good.
Reflecting on the passing of time and the end of an era
Dying impatiens stacked up wood.
Observing the natural process of decay and death
My friend will get together to cook.
Finding comfort in the company of friends during difficult times
To talk about what happened to take a second look.
Reflecting on past events and learning from them
The master loves the servant who blind heeds him.
Noting the power dynamic in a hierarchical relationship
The husband the obedient wife.
Examining the traditional gender roles in a marriage
The snake will always bite the hand that feeds him.
Acknowledging the reality of betrayal and disloyalty
Even if you love him even if you save his life.
Realizing that even good deeds may not be enough to prevent harm from coming one's way
[Chorus]
Repeating the promise to change and seeking support from a friend
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind