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.
You've Got To Show
Indigo Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't think I don't sense your caution way across the room
Or across the phone lines, big black ocean, conversation brief
We can't find a clear connection and I can't get relief
Why don't we both agree?
We're both afraid and too afraid to say
If I say count to three and move toward me
There are a thousand things about me
I want only you to know
But I can't go there alone
You've got to show
While you occupy me, I command my dreams each day
To bring you in me even thinly as the mornin' chases you away
I half believe if I just picture us we will come true
Wishful thinkin' or my hope's sinkin' half depends on you
Why don't we both agree?
We're both afraid and too afraid to say
If I said count to three and move toward me
Would you meet me half the way? (Would you meet me)
There are a thousand things about me
I want only you to know
But I can't go there alone
You've got to show me
Show me you are fully alive
If you want to fly you take this dive
If you want to kiss, kiss for real
I'll give you back everything you feel
Drive in space that peaceful place, you'd be my secret sharer
Front and back and all around the thin margin of error
I move too fast or move too slow or somewhere in between
But navigate your perfect distance, your getaway is clean
Why don't we both agree?
That we're both afraid and too afraid to say
If I say count to three and move toward me
Would you meet me half the way?
'Cause there are a thousand things about me
I want only you to know
I want only you to know
I want only you to know
But I can't go there alone
You've got to show
The lyrics of "You've Got To Show" by Indigo Girls are an honest and heartfelt plea for vulnerability and connection. The first verse alone sets the mood for the rest of the song, describing the singer's sense of distance and caution from the object of their affection. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "why don't we both agree?" adds a touch of desperation to the singer's plea, as they lay bare their vulnerability.
The second verse deepens the sense of longing, with the singer confessing that they think about the object of their affection constantly and even dream of them. However, they know that they can't make a connection alone, and that the other person must also be willing to take a risk and show themselves. The bridge brings a sense of yearning to the song, with the singer describing the connection they wish to have in vivid and visceral terms.
Overall, "You've Got To Show" is a deeply emotional song that explores the complexities of human connection and the difficulty of putting ourselves out there. By the end of the song, it's clear that while the singer is willing to be vulnerable, they can't do it alone - and that true connection requires both people to meet halfway.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes it's true I've gotten very moody over you
I am moody because of you
Don't think I don't sense your caution way across the room
I can sense your caution even from a distance
Or across the phone lines, big black ocean, conversation brief
Even on the phone, our conversation lacks clarity and depth
We can't find a clear connection and I can't get relief
I am unable to find a meaningful connection with you and I am unable to find peace
Why don't we both agree?
Let's come to a mutual decision
We're both afraid and too afraid to say
We are both scared and hesitant
If I say count to three and move toward me
If I ask you to take a step towards me
Would you meet me half the way? (Would you meet me)
Will you meet me halfway in this relationship?
There are a thousand things about me
I have many things that I want to share with you
I want only you to know
I want you to be the only one who truly knows me
But I can't go there alone
But I cannot do it alone
You've got to show
You need to take the initiative to show me that you care
While you occupy me, I command my dreams each day
While you are in my thoughts, I control my dreams every night
To bring you in me even thinly as the mornin' chases you away
To bring you closer to me, even if only in my thoughts as the morning comes and you leave
I half believe if I just picture us we will come true
I am hopeful that if I imagine us together, it will happen
Wishful thinkin' or my hope's sinkin' half depends on you
I am not sure if my hope is warranted, it depends on your actions
Show me you are fully alive
Prove to me that you are passionate about our relationship
If you want to fly you take this dive
Taking a risk is necessary to achieve great things
If you want to kiss, kiss for real
Be genuine in your expressions of love and affection
I'll give you back everything you feel
I will reciprocate your emotions
Drive in space that peaceful place, you'd be my secret sharer
Together we can find a peaceful place where we can share secrets
Front and back and all around the thin margin of error
We need to navigate our relationship with care and avoid making mistakes
I move too fast or move too slow or somewhere in between
I am inconsistent in how I approach our relationship
But navigate your perfect distance, your getaway is clean
But find the right balance and we can have a successful relationship
'Cause there are a thousand things about me, I want only you to know
I have numerous things I want to share with you that no one else knows
I want only you to know
I want you to be the only one who truly knows me
But I can't go there alone
But I cannot do it alone
You've got to show me
You need to take the initiative to show me that you care
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EMILY ANN SALIERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind