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.
Making Promises
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So far away, it makes me blue
I never mind just being alone
but I felt defeated and I let it show
You know I could have ridden the rainbow
And this once I needed you to let me know
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I'm gonna get it right this time
Who's gonna say you paid your dues
With the strung out sound man
and the promoter dude?
With a pat on the back just a little far down
You cut your teeth on a drinking crowd
Ah never mind you didn't make it
What's the point if you're never gonna shake it?
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I'm of two hearts and up all night
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I'm gonna get it right this time
And when the spring is coming around
And I'm feeling braver I'm gonna lay it down
And when the teenage hoodlums come out
I'm gonna give 'em a smile
And just a little doubt
Ah never mind you didn't make it
What's the point if you're never gonna shake it?
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I'm of two hearts and up all night
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
I'm gonna get it right this time
This song is about the struggle to stay true to oneself while also trying to please others and succeed in the music industry. The lyrics depict the internal conflict of being torn between wanting to ride the rainbow of success and wanting to maintain one's authenticity. The singer feels defeated and alone, longing for validation from someone else. They couldn't help but make promises, a sign of their desire to succeed, but they also feel the weight of their two hearts, unsure of what to prioritize.
The second half of the song focuses on the challenges of being a musician and the constant need to prove oneself. The lyrics describe the difficulties of "paying dues" and "cutting one's teeth on a drinking crowd," a reference to playing small shows and struggling to gain recognition. Despite the obstacles, the singer remains determined to "get it right this time" and not give up on their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
What am I gonna do with you?
The singer is unsure how to handle their distance from the listener.
So far away, it makes me blue
The distance between the singer and the listener is causing sadness.
I never mind just being alone
The singer is comfortable being alone.
but I felt defeated and I let it show
The artist felt defeated by the distance and allowed it to affect their behavior.
You know I could have ridden the rainbow
The artist had the potential for great success.
And this once I needed you to let me know
The singer expected the listener to provide support during a difficult time.
I couldn't keep myself from making promises
The singer made promises that they couldn't keep.
I'm of two hearts and up all night
The artist is conflicted and anxious over their broken promises.
Who's gonna say you paid your dues
The artist questions who will recognize the listener's hard work and dedication.
With the strung out sound man
The sound person is exhausted or worn out.
and the promoter dude?
The person responsible for promoting the event is not reliable or trustworthy.
With a pat on the back just a little far down
The recognition the listener receives is not enough or satisfying.
You cut your teeth on a drinking crowd
The listener gained experience performing for an audience that was difficult to please.
Ah never mind you didn't make it
The singer dismisses the idea of success.
What's the point if you're never gonna shake it?
The singer questions the purpose of trying if success is unattainable.
And when the spring is coming around
The artist anticipates a change or new beginning.
And I'm feeling braver I'm gonna lay it down
The artist plans to take a risk and share their talents with others.
And when the teenage hoodlums come out
The singer will encounter challenges or criticism from a younger generation.
I'm gonna give 'em a smile
The singer will maintain a positive attitude despite challenges.
And just a little doubt
The artist recognizes the possibility of failure.
I'm gonna get it right this time
The artist is determined to succeed on their own terms.
Contributed by Xavier R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Turtle28
One of my favorite IG videos! Love when Amy flashes us!! :)
Angie Davis
Love the old home movie touch! Animatons are great! It's sooo good to see y'all again ;o)
Luann Swanberg
so excited to see something new from you beautiful ladies! Thank you so much
The Kulits duo music and adventure
Wooow:)!!! This sooo beautiful song:)! Always love you Indigo Girls❤️❤️❤️:))
Gina K
I adore this song and this video.
tnmorgen
Great song!
plodmama
LOVE this!! Brilliant in every way :-) :-)
Diane L. Styma
love it. retro. classic and new!
Paul Sargeant
Great song & album
Julie Weber
i Love it!!!!