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.
Something Real
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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Tactician politician hold his head and wonder why
I'm always struck that much harder by the power of suggestion
By now I know the answer's always in the question
Now that we're done with that, why don't you warm the car
All of the fields are filled with fresh boys playing football
More than the weather chills, the bands practicing their drills
I've got to get back to something real with you
I had to call your parents to get your number again
I was either gonna be the prodigal or the banished friend
We were standing against an outside wall, I was afraid of what you'd say
It took me ten years to call you back but here we are today
Now that we're done with that, why don't you warm the car
All of the fields are filled with fresh boys playing football
More than the weather chills, the bands practicing their drills
I've got to get back to something real with you
So life has brought you this: two marriages and three kids
And me life as slick as ice that finally hit the skids
You're as sweet as you ever were
A slight sickness of regret washes over me
And in the end that's all I get
Now that we're done with that, why don't you warm the car
All of the fields are filled with fresh boys playing football
More than the weather chills, the bands practicing their drills
I've got to get back to something real
I've got to get back to something real
I've got to get back to something real with you
In the Indigo Girls' song "Something Real," the singer contemplates the power of suggestion and the importance of reconnecting with something genuine. The song begins with vivid images of a funeral juxtaposed with a midday full moon, and a tactician politician struggling to understand the world around them. The singer reflects on how easily influenced they are by suggestion and acknowledges that the answer to life's questions can often be found in the questions themselves.
The song then shifts to a more personal tone as the singer reconnects with an old friend after ten years of silence. They recount their initial fear of what the other person might say, but ultimately find comfort in the sweet familiarity of their relationship. The bridge brings in a contrast between the singer's life, which has "hit the skids," and the other person, who has settled down with a family. Despite the difference in their paths, there is a sense of longing to reconnect and find something real again.
Overall, "Something Real" speaks to the human desire to connect with authenticity in a world that often presents false or misleading messages. The song encourages listeners to look beyond the surface and embrace meaningful connections with others, even if it means facing our fears and taking risks.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen the sun on a funeral, the full moon in a midday sky
I have witnessed that which is unexpected and rare, causing me to question my perception of reality.
Tactician politician hold his head and wonder why
Even those in power have moments of perplexity and confusion.
I'm always struck that much harder by the power of suggestion
I am acutely aware of and easily affected by the influence of others' opinions and behavior.
By now I know the answer's always in the question
I have learned that the solution to any problem can often be found in its initial inquiry or understanding.
All of the fields are filled with fresh boys playing football
The world is flourishing with young men engaged in lively activity.
More than the weather chills, the bands practicing their drills
The atmosphere is filled with more than just a coldness from the climate, but also a sense of effort from musicians rehearsing.
I've got to get back to something real with you
I must reconnect with an authentic and genuine relationship with you.
I had to call your parents to get your number again
I had to resort to unconventional means to retrieve your contact information.
I was either gonna be the prodigal or the banished friend
I was uncertain whether my return to our connection would be met with acceptance, or be denied.
We were standing against an outside wall, I was afraid of what you'd say
In that moment, I was in a vulnerable position and anxious about your reaction to me.
It took me ten years to call you back but here we are today
Although a significant amount of time has passed, I have finally mustered the courage to reach out to you again and rekindle our bond.
So life has brought you this: two marriages and three kids
Time has led to you experiencing two unions and parenting three children.
And me life as slick as ice that finally hit the skids
My existence has been as smooth and seemingly perfect as ice, but has now taken a turn for the worse.
You're as sweet as you ever were
You have retained your kind and endearing nature.
A slight sickness of regret washes over me
A trace of remorse consumes me as I ponder what could have been.
And in the end that's all I get
Ultimately, that is my only takeaway or reward.
I've got to get back to something real
I must return to a truthful and sincere existence.
I've got to get back to something real
I must return to a truthful and sincere existence.
I've got to get back to something real with you
I must reconnect with an authentic and genuine relationship with you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind