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.
No Way to Treat a Friend
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was thinking "Hey, I've got love to ease my mind."
Then I got to the car, and I was staring at your scars
Thinking "Hey, this ain't no way to spend my time."
I want a true love affair, not this touch-and-go in the air
You know I don't know if I'm coming or I'm down
I don't want a love touch and go, I want a feeling I only know
Or else you can't get me out of this town.
And I was thinking "Hey, you're in love again."
Then I heard you laugh, honey, you were laughing at the past
I was thinking "This ain't no way to treat a friend."
You were laughing at the past, you were smiling through your glass
Watching cars drive away in your mind
You were hoping I would leave, honey, I was dreaming I could stay
This ain't no way to spend my time.
(At this point, recent versions have a guitar solo, while early
versions include a bridge with the following lyrics:
This ain't no way to treat a friend
This ain't no way to see me
I'm looking for the end
This ain't no way to treat a friend.)
I want words, I want touch, maybe that's a bit too much
For someone so far removed from what we used to claim
If you be cruel, I'll still be kind, I've got it in my mind
I'm in love with you, I ain't gonna play your game.
If you want my advice, don't say it's wrong if it feels right
Don't push me down just to see me crawl
I'll be crawling on your floor, I'll be reaching for the door
I'll be crawling right out of your eyes
Honey, I'll be walking right out of your eyes
Baby, I'll be walking right out of your eyes
The Indigo Girls' "No Way to Treat a Friend" is a bittersweet song about the complications that arise in relationships. The lyrics describe the singer's feelings after spending time with a lover - at first, she is feeling "mighty fine" and thinks she has found love to ease her mind, but as soon as she gets into her car, she begins to notice the emotional scars on her lover's body and realizes that things are not as perfect as they seem. Furthermore, she doesn't want a love affair that is only "touch-and-go" and wants to experience a deep, meaningful connection, something she calls a "feeling I only know." The song's chorus repeats the sentiment that this isn't the way to treat a friend, highlighting the tension between the desire for a romantic relationship and the need for mutual respect.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more intense and desperate, as the singer struggles with her feelings for her lover. She longs for words and touch but is fearful that she's asking for too much, and she is determined to keep her dignity intact even as her heart aches. The song's final verse is especially powerful, as the singer warns her lover not to try to undermine her or make her feel small, as she'll leave and never look back. It's a poignant reminder that even in the midst of love's trials, we need to keep our own well-being in mind.
Overall, "No Way to Treat a Friend" is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. It highlights the push-pull between the desire for intimacy and the need for respect and agency, and it reminds us that sometimes the best thing we can do is walk away.
Line by Line Meaning
When I walked you to the door, I was feeling mighty fine
I was happy when I walked you to the door
I was thinking 'Hey, I've got love to ease my mind.'
I felt comforted by love
Then I got to the car, and I was staring at your scars
I noticed your emotional wounds
Thinking 'Hey, this ain't no way to spend my time.'
I realized this wasn't a good use of my time
I want a true love affair, not this touch-and-go in the air
I desire a real, committed relationship
You know I don't know if I'm coming or I'm down
I'm unsure of my feelings in this situation
I don't want a love touch and go, I want a feeling I only know
I crave a unique, meaningful connection
Or else you can't get me out of this town.
Otherwise, I won't be able to leave this place
When I saw you smile, it was just one look into your eyes
Your smile made me feel happy
And I was thinking 'Hey, you're in love again.'
I thought you were falling in love
Then I heard you laugh, honey, you were laughing at the past
You were laughing about previous experiences
I was thinking 'This ain't no way to treat a friend.'
I thought it was disrespectful to our friendship
You were laughing at the past, you were smiling through your glass
You were reminiscing and enjoying a drink
Watching cars drive away in your mind
You were lost in thought, watching cars go by
You were hoping I would leave, honey, I was dreaming I could stay
You wanted me to go, but I wanted to stay
I want words, I want touch, maybe that's a bit too much
I desire emotional and physical intimacy
For someone so far removed from what we used to claim
Considering how we used to be, this may be too much to ask
If you be cruel, I'll still be kind, I've got it in my mind
Even if you're mean, I'll remain kind
I'm in love with you, I ain't gonna play your game.
I'm in love with you, but won't participate in your manipulations
If you want my advice, don't say it's wrong if it feels right
Trust your instincts, don't second-guess yourself
Don't push me down just to see me crawl
Don't mistreat me for your own amusement
I'll be crawling on your floor, I'll be reaching for the door
I'll try to leave if you treat me poorly
I'll be crawling right out of your eyes
I will be gone from your thoughts and desires
Honey, I'll be walking right out of your eyes
I will be distancing myself from you
Baby, I'll be walking right out of your eyes
I will be removing myself entirely from your life
Contributed by Cole O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Angie Davis
Amazing Amy.... woohoo, thanks for sharing!
sanneg
Wow, thanks for uploading!
irma found
LOVE it! where/when is this from?