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.
Make It Easier
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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Don't like my garden's what I said
Although I'm working harder than last year
I'm still deep in the red
I am rowing as hard as I can
And they're selling me up a stream
I'm always one more step away
From the american dream
I got a chip on my shoulder
About the size of a mental block
I've got someone on the telephone
Trying to sell me a future in stock
Maybe I work too hard to be happy
And I should practice letting go
But it's hard not to rock the boat
When you're sailing against the undertow
[Chorus]
I want to slide into the black
And wear the black mask
I might not get what I lack
But it doesn't hurt to ask
If I want to sail
I need my life to be breezier
I said please god or someone
Make it easier
I went to Sunday school every Sunday
Swallowed the bait and I got the hook
When I needed something someday
I would read the good book
Tell me what does it take to get ahead
Sometimes I know I'd sell my soul
When it looks like everybody else is flying
And I'm crawling in the hole
Well maybe if I open my own business
Maybe if I buy a lottery ticket
Someone tell me what is the secret
To getting out of the thicket
Give me more than just a sample
I need a whole lot of glory
My life become an example
Of the american success story
[Chorus: x2]
Make it easier
Make it easier
The lyrics of Indigo Girls’ Make It Easier explore the idea of struggling to achieve success and happiness in a society that puts a great emphasis on material wealth and prosperity. The opening verse presents the singer as someone who is disillusioned by their current situation and longs for a better, more bountiful life. They are putting in a lot of effort to improve their circumstances, but things seem to be going nowhere. They feel like they are constantly being lied to and swindled by others who want to profit from their struggles. The singer feels like they are just one step away from realizing the elusive “American dream”, but they never quite seem to reach it.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer’s psyche and reveals a deeply-rooted sense of frustration and bitterness. They feel like they are carrying around a heavy burden, represented by the chip on their shoulder. Furthermore, they are constantly being bombarded with messages and promises of a better life, but they doubt the sincerity of these opportunities. They wonder if they are spending too much time and energy chasing happiness instead of just letting it come to them. Yet, giving up is not an option since the singer feels like they are fighting a current that is pulling them under. Finally, the chorus offers a plea for divine or supernatural intervention to make things easier.
Overall, the lyrics capture the essence of the American struggle that is familiar to many people. The pressure to succeed and achieve the status of wealth and prosperity is overwhelming and sometimes blurs the line between ethical and unethical behavior. It can be hard to find meaning in life when everything seems to revolve around financial gain.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm in search of greener pastures
I desire a better life
Don't like my garden's what I said
I am unhappy with my current situation
Although I'm working harder than last year
Despite my increased efforts
I'm still deep in the red
I am still financially struggling
I am rowing as hard as I can
I am exerting maximum effort
And they're selling me up a stream
Others are leading me astray
I'm always one more step away
Success always seems just out of reach
From the american dream
The idealized version of success in America
I got a chip on my shoulder
I am feeling resentful
About the size of a mental block
It is hindering my success
I've got someone on the telephone
Someone is trying to sell me something
Trying to sell me a future in stock
They are attempting to convince me to invest
Maybe I work too hard to be happy
I may prioritize work over happiness
And I should practice letting go
I should learn to release control
But it's hard not to rock the boat
It's difficult to avoid making waves
When you're sailing against the undertow
When success seems elusive
I want to slide into the black
I desire financial success
And wear the black mask
To hide my feelings of inadequacy
I might not get what I lack
Success may still elude me
But it doesn't hurt to ask
It's worth trying anyway
If I want to sail
If I want to succeed
I need my life to be breezier
I need things to be less difficult
I said please god or someone
I am praying for help
Make it easier
Reduce the difficulty of my situation
I went to Sunday school every Sunday
I have a religious upbringing
Swallowed the bait and I got the hook
I have been influenced by religious teachings
When I needed something someday
When I need help
I would read the good book
I would seek guidance from religious texts
Tell me what does it take to get ahead
What is required to succeed?
Sometimes I know I'd sell my soul
I am willing to make significant sacrifices
When it looks like everybody else is flying
When others are succeeding
And I'm crawling in the hole
And I am struggling to get ahead
Well maybe if I open my own business
Possibly opening a business is the solution
Maybe if I buy a lottery ticket
Perhaps taking a chance on luck is the answer
Someone tell me what is the secret
I am seeking answers to succeed
To getting out of the thicket
To overcoming obstacles
Give me more than just a sample
I need a comprehensive solution
I need a whole lot of glory
I desire significant success
My life become an example
I want to be a role model
Of the american success story
Of achieving the American Dream
Make it easier
Reduce the difficulty of my situation
Make it easier
Reduce the difficulty of my situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind