Second Time Around
Indigo Girls Lyrics

The second time around, you know it really got me down.
The singer is feeling defeated after experiencing disappointment for the second time in a row.

Sister don't you judge it, just keep it to yourself now. And
The singer is asking for non-judgmental support from their friend or ally and requesting that any negative opinions be kept private.

If you ain't got nothing good to say, don't say nothing at all.
The singer is emphasizing the importance of withholding negative comments that are not helpful or uplifting.

I go bitten by the bitter bug, and now I just can't get enough Of ill will and my own conceit. I'm weary of the world it seems. I'm weary of the world, weary of the world it seems.
The artist acknowledges that they have become caught up in a cycle of negative thinking which has left them feeling drained and hopeless about the world.

It's sort of always gone my way. I'm just a little bit off these Days. Like I've had hard knocks all my life, like I'm a Bible Belt wife. Like I didn't see it coming, like I didn't walk it Willingly.
The artist reflects on their current struggles, feeling as though life has thrown them a curveball and made them feel like an outsider in a world that was once familiar to them.

See, I never want to sing again. La la la like a butterfly. Without my wits about me, without my heart in line. Third time's a charm and this mine.
The singer expresses a sense of defeat, feeling lost and disconnected from their passion. The phrase 'third time's a charm' suggests that they have been unsuccessful in the past but hope for better luck in the future.

You said you heard Loretta sing and felt the loneliness Seeping in. The cowboys made you uneasy, you're a God-fearing lesbian. So you learn not to yearn and you Take it on the chin again.
The singer recounts a conversation with a friend who has shared their own struggles. They have learned to 'take it on the chin' when faced with adversity, but the experience is still painful and isolating.

Here's what I find about compromise-Don't do it if it Hurts inside, cause either way you're screwed, eventually You'll find. You may as well feel good; you may as well Have some pride.
The artist advises against compromising one's own values and well-being for the sake of pleasing others. They encourage prioritizing self-care and feeling a sense of pride in one's decisions.

Come August we'll go to Cherokee and hear Loretta do Her thing. Pack it into the Indian casino and make the Hillbilly scene, kick up our heels and join in.
The artist looks ahead to an upcoming trip with their friend to see Loretta perform. They anticipate the joy of being immersed in a community of like-minded people and fully engaging in the experience.

Are you my ally or my enemy? Do you have Self-loathing or empathy? Can you keep me in your prayers Sister. Can you keep me in there somewhere? And Sister if you ain't go nothing good to say:don't say Nothing at all.
The artist questions their friend's loyalty and support, asking for affirmation that they are not alone in their struggles. They again request that any negative comments be kept to themselves if they are not helpful or encouraging.