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.
Our Deliverance
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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Where now it's melting, the solid frost was once a veil on greener landscapes we would see
Beneath my surface the water's heating
And steam comes up and out the tears you see me shine
For every strange and bitter moment there was never a better time
For every pleasure exacts its pain
How you hurt me how you were good to me
Beneath my surface a song is rising
It may be simple while it hides its true intent
We may be looking for our deliverance but it has already been sent
It's in the night fall when the light falls
And what you've seen isn't there anymore
It's in our blind trust that love will find us
Just like it has before
They're sending soldiers to distant places
X's and O's on someone's drawing board
Like green and plastic but with human faces
And they want to tell you it's a merciful sword
But with all the blood newly dried in the desert
Can we not fertilize the land with something else
There is no nation by god exempted
Lay down your weapons and love your neighbor as yourself
In the night fall when the light falls
And what you've seen isn't there anymore
It's through our blind trust that love will find us
Just like it has before
"Our Deliverance" by Indigo Girls revolves around the themes of change, loss, and love. The opening stanza speaks about how change is inevitable and nothing is ever truly lost, implying that everything is meant to happen for a reason, leading to a "prophecy." The lyrics also speak about how something that once seemed unyielding, like solid frost, can melt and reveal greener pastures. This metaphor applies to the song's general motif of things being hidden, only to be revealed by time.
The second stanza speaks about how every pleasure comes with pain, and the singer acknowledges the role played by their lover in shaping their life. They talk about a mournful train beneath their window that inspires bad poetry, adding a tinge of humor to the song's melancholic tone. There is an upbeat note to the verse as well, as the singer acknowledges that a song is rising from within them, born out of their pain.
The chorus of the song speaks about the search for deliverance, which is already here. The singer talks about how nighttime represents a change, and what was there earlier is gone. They posit that love will always find us - a simple sentiment, but effective in talking about how love is the one thing that remains constant throughout our lives.
The final stanza talks about the current war climate, painting a picture of soldiers as emotionless individuals relegated to someone's drawing board, with "green and plastic" facades masking their true identities. The singer talks about how we need to move beyond the violence and start loving our neighbors as ourselves, something that can fertilize and nourish the Earth.
Line by Line Meaning
Now we can say that nothing's lost and only change brings round the prophecy
Change is inevitable, and it is what brings about the future events that have been predicted. Loss is not truly possible because it is only through change that something new can come about.
Where now it's melting, the solid frost was once a veil on greener landscapes we would see
The obstacles that once hindered our view have now disappeared, revealing a more hopeful and promising future.
Beneath my surface the water's heating and steam comes up and out the tears you see me shine
I may be going through some tough times, but I am also experiencing personal growth and transformation.
For every strange and bitter moment there was never a better time
Even in the midst of difficulties, there are still reasons to appreciate life and find joy.
For every pleasure exacts its pain
Everything in life comes with a price, and pleasure is not exempt from this rule.
How you hurt me how you were good to me
Although you caused me pain, you also brought me happiness and taught me valuable lessons about love and relationships.
Beneath my window a mournful train that makes me smile at my bad poetry
Sometimes the sad things in life can unexpectedly bring us moments of joy or humor.
Beneath my surface a song is rising, It may be simple while it hides its true intent
I am feeling inspired and hopeful, and although my current situation may seem ordinary, I know that something greater is coming.
We may be looking for our deliverance but it has already been sent
We are searching for something that has already been given to us - the love and support of those around us.
It's in the night fall when the light falls, And what you've seen isn't there anymore
The world is constantly changing, and sometimes the things we once knew or relied on are no longer present in our lives.
It's in our blind trust that love will find us, Just like it has before
Love has a way of finding us when we least expect it, and sometimes it requires us to trust in the unknown.
They're sending soldiers to distant places, X's and O's on someone's drawing board
People in positions of power are making decisions that have very real and devastating consequences for those directly involved.
Like green and plastic but with human faces, And they want to tell you it's a merciful sword
Those in power paint war as something righteous and just, but in reality, it is often a way to maintain control or act out aggression.
But with all the blood newly dried in the desert, Can we not fertilize the land with something else
Instead of continuing to perpetuate violence and destruction, we should find ways to use our resources to promote healing and growth.
There is no nation by god exempted, Lay down your weapons and love your neighbor as yourself
No country or person is inherently superior or more deserving of love and compassion. It is up to all of us to create a better, more peaceful world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind