The Indigo Girls are Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. They met on the playground… Read Full Bio ↴The Indigo Girls are Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. They met on the playground in grammar school in Decatur, Georgia, USA, and have been playing together since high school.

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.

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Indigo Girls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now I know, "Spanish harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow in New York city

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You stand at the edge, while people run you through
And I thank the Lord, there's people out there like you
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark out side or light

This Broadway's got, its got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in
I go my way alone, grow my own
My own seeds shall be sown, in New York city
Subways no way , for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride, and the hobo he can drown

And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark out side or light

And now I know, "Spanish harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow in New York city
Subways no way, for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride, and the hobo he can drown

And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why

They know not if it's dark outside or light
They know not if it's dark outside or light

Overall Meaning

The Indigo Girls' "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" reflects on the stark contrast between the glamorous and opulent New York City, and the reality of its grimy lower class. The lyrics express the realization that the "Spanish Harlem" mentioned earlier in the song is not just a pretty phrase, but a real community with real struggles. The line "rose trees never grow in New York City" highlights the harsh truth that life in this city is difficult and often unrelenting.

The songwriter is grateful for encountering people who understand this reality and can empathize with the struggles of the working class. In contrast, the wealthy "sons of bankers, sons of lawyers" are ignorant to the harsh realities of life outside of their privileged world. They are unable to appreciate the beauty of nature as they are too busy chasing money and material possessions.

The song ultimately highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor in New York City and the importance of having a deep appreciation for the struggles of others.

Line by Line Meaning

Now I know, "Spanish harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I have come to realize that "Spanish harlem" is more than just a phrase or a poetic expression.

I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow in New York city
I used to believe that rose trees could grow in New York city, but now I understand that they cannot.

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You cannot truly understand the struggles of living in poverty until you have experienced it firsthand.

You stand at the edge, while people run you through
When you are living on the edge of poverty, people will take advantage of you and treat you poorly.

And I thank the Lord, there's people out there like you
I am grateful for the people who have helped me and supported me during my struggles.

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
People from all walks of life, including the wealthy and the poor.

Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
The children of the wealthy and privileged.

Turn around and say, "good morning" to the night
They live in ignorance of the struggles of the poor and have no concept of the harsh realities of life.

For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They are so disconnected from the realities of life that they are unable to recognize the struggles of those less fortunate.

They know not if it's dark out side or light
They don't understand the difference between a life of poverty and one of privilege.

This Broadway's got, its got a lot of songs to sing
There are plenty of opportunities for fame and success in the city.

If I knew the tunes I might join in
If I had the resources and talent, I could also make a name for myself here.

I go my way alone, grow my own
I am on my own path and trying to make my own way in the world.

My own seeds shall be sown, in New York city
I will succeed and plant the seeds of my own success here in New York City.

Subways no way, for a good man to go down
The public transportation system is not always a safe or reliable option for people living in poverty.

Rich man can ride, and the hobo he can drown
Only the wealthy can afford to travel comfortably, while the poor may struggle to survive.

And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I am grateful for the people who have helped me and supported me during my struggles.

While Mona Lisas and mad hatters
People from all walks of life, including the wealthy and the poor.

Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
The children of the wealthy and privileged.

Turn around and say, "good morning" to the night
They live in ignorance of the struggles of the poor and have no concept of the harsh realities of life.

For unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why
They are so disconnected from the realities of life that they are unable to recognize the struggles of those less fortunate.

They know not if it's dark outside or light
They don't understand the difference between a life of poverty and one of privilege.

And now I know, "Spanish harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I have come to realize that "Spanish harlem" is more than just a phrase or a poetic expression.