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.
Walk Your Valley
Indigo Girls Lyrics
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And eat this simple fare
What you need is to feed on something
Warm and hand prepared
The ice at the edges
Waters, change is near
And send you, give in to
Walk your valley, walk your shadow
Afraid but on your feet
'Til your fire in the sky meet
So sick mad seas made me
Tossed at such a clip
How I clung to you, horizon
The captain of my ship
Your flame never faltered
Even in the fiercest wind
Even the strongest wick grows dim and sick
When it's burning at both ends
Walk your valley, walk your shadow
Afraid but on your feet
'Til your fire in my sky meet
There is nothing but now
Here's a cloth for your brow
You've done well
But it's time you rest awhile
You've taken on the whole world
Like a boy, like a girl
You're a full grown wonder
You're a child
All mis-believers
Speak with ease a cynic tongue
All is simple and loaded
Like buttons come undone
Like dreams and guns and questions
On fire but still alive
Unlock your best potential
[Incomprehensible] your sites on love tonight
Walk your valley, walk your shadow
Afraid but on your feet
'Til your fire in the sky meet
Walk your fire, walk your fire
Afraid but on your feet
'Til your fire in my sky meet
The lyrics of Walk Your Valley by Indigo Girls describe a person who has been through a lot of hardship, but has survived. The song offers encouragement and support for those struggling, telling them to put down their guns and take a break. The lyrics suggest that this person needs something warm and hand-prepared, implying that they need nurturing and care. The imagery in the song suggests that change is near or already underway. The ice at the edges of the waters is melting, indicating that the cold, harsh conditions may be coming to an end. The person is told to give in to their emotions and let their tears flow.
The chorus of the song encourages the person to keep walking, even though they may be afraid. They are urged to keep moving forward until their "fire in the sky" meets with another's. This suggests that they will find someone who shares their passion, creativity, or drive. The second verse speaks of sickness and the stormy seas of life, and how the person hung on to their hope of a better future. The captain metaphor refers to someone who has guided them safely through the storms of life. The final verse speaks of those who speak with ease and cynicism, and those who simplify everything. The song ends with a call to action, to unlock one's potential and focus on love.
Line by Line Meaning
It's over, hang your gun down
There's no need to keep fighting or be on guard, it's time to let your guard down.
And eat this simple fare
Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
What you need is to feed on something Warm and hand prepared
You need something comforting and made with care to nurture your soul.
The ice at the edges Waters, change is near
Change is approaching, but it's not quite here yet.
And send you, give in to And free your long imprisoned tears
Allow your emotions to flow and release any pent-up feelings you've been holding onto.
Walk your valley, walk your shadow Afraid but on your feet 'Til your fire in the sky meet
Continue moving forward, even if it's scary, until you reach your full potential.
So sick mad seas made me Tossed at such a clip How I clung to you, horizon The captain of my ship
Life has been turbulent, but holding onto your hope and dreams can make you feel like the captain of your own ship.
Your flame never faltered Even in the fiercest wind Even the strongest wick grows dim and sick When it's burning at both ends
Even when things are tough, your spirit remains strong but it's important to remember to take care of yourself and not burn out.
There is nothing but now Here's a cloth for your brow You've done well But it's time you rest awhile
Live in the present moment and take a break to recognize all that you've accomplished.
You've taken on the whole world Like a boy, like a girl You're a full grown wonder You're a child
You've faced life's challenges and grown up, but you still have a child-like wonder and sense of innocence.
All mis-believers Speak with ease a cynic tongue All is simple and loaded Like buttons come undone
Negative people are quick to doubt, but life is full of complexities and contradictions.
Like dreams and guns and questions On fire but still alive Unlock your best potential [Incomprehensible] your sites on love tonight
Even when things feel out of control, you still have the power to unlock your potential and focus on love.
Walk your valley, walk your shadow Afraid but on your feet 'Til your fire in the sky meet Walk your fire, walk your fire Afraid but on your feet 'Til your fire in my sky meet
Keep moving forward towards your passions, even if it's uncomfortable, until you find your place in the world and achieve your goals.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind