Indigo Girls — Closer To Fine
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Length: 3:56
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I'm trying to tell you something 'bout my life
Maybe give me insight between black and white
And the best thing you ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously
It's only life after all, yeah
Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores
And I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Closer I am to fine, yeah
And I went to see the doctor of philosophy
With a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
He never did marry or see a B-grade movie
He graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind
Got my paper and I was free
And I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Closer I am to fine, yeah
I stopped by the bar at 3 A.M.
To seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
And I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
Twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before
And I went in seeking clarity
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
We go to the doctor, we go to the mountains
We look to the children, we drink from the fountain
Yeah, we go to the Bible, we go through the workout
We read up on revival, we stand up for the lookout
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine
Closer I am to fine
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Maybe give me insight between black and white
And the best thing you ever done for me
Is to help me take my life less seriously
It's only life after all, yeah
Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores
And I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Closer I am to fine, yeah
And I went to see the doctor of philosophy
With a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
He never did marry or see a B-grade movie
He graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind
Got my paper and I was free
And I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Closer I am to fine, yeah
I stopped by the bar at 3 A.M.
To seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
And I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
Twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before
And I went in seeking clarity
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
We go to the doctor, we go to the mountains
We look to the children, we drink from the fountain
Yeah, we go to the Bible, we go through the workout
We read up on revival, we stand up for the lookout
There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in a crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive (The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine
Closer I am to fine
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Comments (231)add comment
My favourite song ever.
The hottest of shit.
This track came on RP while I was driving through the High Desert of CA, and I was so excited I accidentally flipped my pink convertible entirely over onto the shoulder, and landed right side up. <3
Always liked this song but this is the first time I carefully listened to the lyrics.
Fine, very fine. -hehe-
Fine, very fine. -hehe-
Deepest apologies to a very good friend of mine who first played this to me when I was distracted and I replied - are you playing me a Jesus song?
No he was playing it to me because he knew I was closer to fine. Sorry bud.
If you don't want to sing this or Billy Bragg's Waiting for the great leap forward every time they come on we probably won't be the closest of friends.
No he was playing it to me because he knew I was closer to fine. Sorry bud.
If you don't want to sing this or Billy Bragg's Waiting for the great leap forward every time they come on we probably won't be the closest of friends.
This song will now forever be associated with the most excellent Barbie movie because it's used as the transition piece when Barbie travels from Barbieland to "The Real World." It's just a shame that they didn't put it on the actual soundtrack!
10 all day, every day
Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
Seek not....and you shall find.
Remember exactly on which TV show I first heard these girls singing this track. Following weekend, I had the CD.
This is the sound of college for me. Oberlin class of 1996.
Patron saints of uncool high school girls everywhere.
I always like the little "whoop" one of them does after "I went to the doctor..."
Yup fantastic! Always.
9 --> 10
I like the Kool Aid
I like the Kool Aid
A penny whistle...or a fife?
I always get them confused.
I always get them confused.
They are like the kid in class everyone hates. Just a bit too eager, a bit too teacher pleasing with perfect grades and well-behaved.
When this song comes on, I must sing along. Those are the rules.
gemtag wrote:
What I was going to say, but way past student for me.
I'm well past those days, too, but this song takes me right back there.
What I was going to say, but way past student for me.
I'm well past those days, too, but this song takes me right back there.
teapot wrote:
What I was going to say, but way past student for me.
This song will always be a classic. Great music and lyrics. It captures angsty student days to a T. A+ for having the guys from Hot House Flowers playing on the tune.
What I was going to say, but way past student for me.
This song will always be a classic. Great music and lyrics. It captures angsty student days to a T. A+ for having the guys from Hot House Flowers playing on the tune.
acrolect wrote:
I suspect it's not even true that *you* don't care, since you took the time to comment about it. I also have a suspicion or two of why that might be.
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
I suspect it's not even true that *you* don't care, since you took the time to comment about it. I also have a suspicion or two of why that might be.
Can't believe this is almost 30 years old. Then as now, kind of catchy, but the lyrics are kind of lame. "I woke up with a headache like my head against a board"? Come on, that's just phoning it in.
thewiseking wrote:
Is that like yelling, "SNEAK ATTACK!", before attempting to attack sneakily?
Regardless, still love The Indigo Girls, especially this song.
one does not say "i'm gonna tell you somethin bout my life"
one just comes out and says it!
Show Don't Tell is pretty basic. Gonna have to give these girls a C+
one just comes out and says it!
Show Don't Tell is pretty basic. Gonna have to give these girls a C+
Is that like yelling, "SNEAK ATTACK!", before attempting to attack sneakily?
Regardless, still love The Indigo Girls, especially this song.
Hannio wrote:
This is how they looked 12 years ago... everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
For some reason that is exactly how I imagined they looked.
This is how they looked 12 years ago... everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
acrolect wrote:
The macho hyperbole that no one cares what "these broads" were thinking is pathetic. It must be the 'however' that sets your opinion apart. However, if they're singing, are they not thinking? Did you write without thinking? Seems that way. Shut up and type.
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
The macho hyperbole that no one cares what "these broads" were thinking is pathetic. It must be the 'however' that sets your opinion apart. However, if they're singing, are they not thinking? Did you write without thinking? Seems that way. Shut up and type.
acrolect wrote:
Never understood this attitude. Music is if nothing else a form of communication. And it is particularly effective at expressing feelings and emotions with others can identify. Do you think people might feel emotional about political issues on occasion?
And for what it's worth, people with southern accents can be just as disgusted with moronic politicians as anyone else.
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
Never understood this attitude. Music is if nothing else a form of communication. And it is particularly effective at expressing feelings and emotions with others can identify. Do you think people might feel emotional about political issues on occasion?
And for what it's worth, people with southern accents can be just as disgusted with moronic politicians as anyone else.
The first Indigo Girls song I ever heard and still probably my favorite, though it now has plenty of competition.
With out paying attention to words my tone gave it a 9...IMHO
On_The_Beach wrote:
Ah, another Trump supporter.
Also, it's not actually possible to shut and sing at the same time.
you nailed it..
Ah, another Trump supporter.
Also, it's not actually possible to shut and sing at the same time.
you nailed it..
Ah, and the cynics, posers, h8ers and hipsters chime in. Great song, great group, meaningful, lovely lyrics. Just saw them again at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra backing them up, and it was absolutely wonderful. And their politics are just fine by me.
acrolect wrote:
Is it possible to make any less sense? I think you've just won some kind of stupid award.
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
Is it possible to make any less sense? I think you've just won some kind of stupid award.
one does not say "i'm gonna tell you somethin bout my life"
one just comes out and says it!
Show Don't Tell is pretty basic. Gonna have to give these girls a C+
one just comes out and says it!
Show Don't Tell is pretty basic. Gonna have to give these girls a C+
The first few listens of this song I swore it was some kind of zen koan: "The less I seek my source for some definitive, the closer I am defined." Eventually, I realized my error - but I still like my lyric.
acrolect wrote:
Ah, another Trump supporter.
Also, it's not actually possible to shut and sing at the same time.
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
Ah, another Trump supporter.
Also, it's not actually possible to shut and sing at the same time.
Still as crappy today as it was when it was originally released.
Yuck. (Yes, I know that's not very constructive.)
always been a catchy tune; however no one cares what these broads political thoughts are. Shut up and sing
I first heard this song at the end of the second season of Transparent. As intelligent and insightful... plus it's a nice tune!
rdo wrote:
Pretty hot, huh?
Pretty hot, huh?
Reminds me of that Southpark episode where "Janet" Garrison goes to the Les Bos nightclub.
Great song, meaningful lyrics and fantastic music. I haven't heard it in a few years so I may have over-rated it but hell, the song reminds me of happier times. I mean, we really were happier back then.
Normally I like this song, but not today... dropped it from a 6 to a 4. Let's see how I feel next time it plays. (lol)
Hannio wrote:
For some reason that is exactly how I imagined they looked.
Pretty hot, huh?
For some reason that is exactly how I imagined they looked.
Pretty hot, huh?
A breath of fresh air whenever I hear it. Thanks for being psychic!
Why am I tearing up? This song just took me back to college days; OMG, greatest time of my life.
Terrific song and harmonies. Guitar work rocks it too.
Flipmode wrote:
I love these lyrics.
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma... hope you be having a marvelous September, Flipmode...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
I love these lyrics.
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma... hope you be having a marvelous September, Flipmode...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
(former member) wrote:
For some reason that is exactly how I imagined they looked.
For some reason that is exactly how I imagined they looked.
(former member) wrote:
I love these lyrics.
We go to the Bible.
We go through the workout.
We read up on revival.
We stand up for the lookout.
There's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line,
and the less I seek my source for some definitive,
the closer I am to fine...
I love these lyrics.
ottojschlosser wrote:
Yeah, me too. I hate this song.
This song always takes me back to grad school, where I pursued a fine young woman who loved this music...
Yeah, me too. I hate this song.
Despise these two - they're pretenders at folk's throne.
hippiechick wrote:
Me too Honey
Yes, this song is marvelous... love it...
Me too Honey
Yes, this song is marvelous... love it...
perpetual barf
This song always takes me back to grad school, where I pursued a fine young woman who loved this music...
This is weird. This song used to get on my nerves,but now I kinda like it once in a while.
"The less I seek my source for some definitive, the closer I am to fine"
I'm not sure if a truer line has ever been sung.
I'm not sure if a truer line has ever been sung.
Great album. 
romeotuma wrote:
Yes, it is a 10 to me... love this song...
Me too Honey
Yes, it is a 10 to me... love this song...
Me too Honey
camatcba wrote:
Okay, I think we get the point. Run along now. 
I gave this a 9, but might bump it to 10, just to see your emoticonical-pyrotechnics again.
I gave this a 9, but might bump it to 10, just to see your emoticonical-pyrotechnics again.Great lyrics.
Not one of their best. Would rather hear Ghost, Joking, Chickenman, World Falls, Land of Canaan, Shed Your Skin...
OK, the lyrics are kind of cool. I understand that they are both talented, I like at least one of their songs - yet, somehow, this. . .just doesn't do a thing for me. Different strokes I guess.
I have that same reaction. Heard this so many times back when it was new, plus it was covered by so many local performers in my scene at the time (myself included, till I got tired of it). When I listen to it today with fresh ears, it's pretty cool, considering this was (I think?) their debut or maybe 2nd album.
I didn't get into many of their albums after this, and in general their lyrics are a little too earnest for me now and often make me cringe. But this album was pretty ground breaking at the time. We're all so used to them now...
That being said, I could go a few years without hearing it again :) and I totally get folks who think this is gack-worthy.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
I didn't get into many of their albums after this, and in general their lyrics are a little too earnest for me now and often make me cringe. But this album was pretty ground breaking at the time. We're all so used to them now...
That being said, I could go a few years without hearing it again :) and I totally get folks who think this is gack-worthy.
michaelgmitchell wrote:
Bumped up to a 7. I've ripped these ladies in the past, for whatever reason. Just LISTENED to this fully, without prejudice and distraction. The harmonies and vibrancy are quite something. I have a fresh appreciation for this tune, now. Perhaps I don't need to hear it for a while, though.
Bumped up to a 7. I've ripped these ladies in the past, for whatever reason. Just LISTENED to this fully, without prejudice and distraction. The harmonies and vibrancy are quite something. I have a fresh appreciation for this tune, now. Perhaps I don't need to hear it for a while, though.
Only have ever like one of their songs: Sugar Tongue. All others remind me of fingernails on the chalk board.
This is good music. Performed by two talented gals. What the **** is wrong with you people? I give it a 10 now because of you naysayers. Indigo girls, fortunately, do not need your approval.
marcello wrote:
Dear God,
Please help johnjconn, his ears are bleeding. The pain and clotting blood are preventing him from hearing the wonderful harmonies in this fine song.
Your humble servant,
PJB
PS. Please help marcello, he is confusing Lady GaGa with the Indigo Girls
I couldn't agree more, I get such a bad feeling in my stomach from this tasteless crap
johnjconn wrote:
johnjconn wrote:
Dear God
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
Dear God,
Please help johnjconn, his ears are bleeding. The pain and clotting blood are preventing him from hearing the wonderful harmonies in this fine song.
Your humble servant,
PJB
PS. Please help marcello, he is confusing Lady GaGa with the Indigo Girls
Yes, it could be worse. Bad night, bad day, even RP is playing bad for me. Everything will be ok when this song ends.
I couldn't agree more, I get such a bad feeling in my stomach from this tasteless crap
johnjconn wrote:
johnjconn wrote:
Dear God
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
2nd that. This is just aweful.
johnjconn wrote:
johnjconn wrote:
Dear God
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
If you have any mercy, please,please make this stop. My ears are bleeding.
If you make it stop, I promise I'll never ask for anything else,,ever!
your grateful friend,
Mankind
Barenaked Indigo Girls?
One of my favorite tunes from a pair of skilled vocalists.
I stopped by the bar at 3 am to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend. I woke up with a headache like my head against a board, twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before, and I went in seeking clarity.
Why is it always thus?
I stopped by the bar at 3 am to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend. I woke up with a headache like my head against a board, twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before, and I went in seeking clarity.
Why is it always thus?
Ahhh, indigo girls. All my early-90's lonliness, excitement, love and angst, put together by two fine musicians. Love it!
The Malli Vanilli of our time.
There is so much better folk music out there than these trite tarts.
There is so much better folk music out there than these trite tarts.
lysisphere wrote:
You love these gals, doncha...
Agreed, this is a great song. Its refreshing.
Ditto!
You love these gals, doncha...
Agreed, this is a great song. Its refreshing.
Ditto!
romeotuma wrote:
This really is a magnificent song...
You love these gals, doncha...
Agreed, this is a great song. Its refreshing.
This really is a magnificent song...
You love these gals, doncha...
Agreed, this is a great song. Its refreshing.
I think this is a great song, with great lyrics, period. College, and especially grad school, is much more a ticket to higher wealth than it is to higher knowledge. Economists call it "loss signaling" (something I learned in grad school). All those years and a near fortune in tuition give a pretty good indication that you are committed to something. If you just want real knowledge though, well, I'd say buy the book instead. That's my 2 cents anyway.
'i spent four years prostrate to the higher mind, got my paper and i was free'
on the cusp on graduation, this speaks to me. beautiful song.
on the cusp on graduation, this speaks to me. beautiful song.
Have to admit that hook is killer.
vit wrote:
Nonsense! When you're halfway through a degree and you've already spent untold thousands of dollars you'd be a fool to throw all that time and money away by dropping out. Everybody tells you, you need a university degree these days to get a decent job. So kids go to these halls of learning and sit through 4 years, many of them not giving a rat's ass about what they are studying, just so they can get a piece of paper to shove under a prospective employer's nose. I loved university, I consider it to be my church of reason, but that's not how many of the students see it. And, like any church, there's a lot of dogma you have to swallow. That didn't bother me but I can see how it could rub many the wrong way.
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
Nonsense! When you're halfway through a degree and you've already spent untold thousands of dollars you'd be a fool to throw all that time and money away by dropping out. Everybody tells you, you need a university degree these days to get a decent job. So kids go to these halls of learning and sit through 4 years, many of them not giving a rat's ass about what they are studying, just so they can get a piece of paper to shove under a prospective employer's nose. I loved university, I consider it to be my church of reason, but that's not how many of the students see it. And, like any church, there's a lot of dogma you have to swallow. That didn't bother me but I can see how it could rub many the wrong way.
dmax wrote:
No. Those critiquing need to demonstrate their ability to critique, including their ability to understand music in the big picture sense, as well as the critiqued offering.
It's not right to generate this kind of rejoinder:
"I don't like this song."
"Then you're an idiot."
Instead of attacking the critic - especially in the face of a well-formed critique - the responder is obligated to create a defense of the song. That's how dialogue works, and we seem to have periodically forgotten that here.
In a nutshell: No Ad Hominem
No. Those critiquing need to demonstrate their ability to critique, including their ability to understand music in the big picture sense, as well as the critiqued offering.
It's not right to generate this kind of rejoinder:
"I don't like this song."
"Then you're an idiot."
Instead of attacking the critic - especially in the face of a well-formed critique - the responder is obligated to create a defense of the song. That's how dialogue works, and we seem to have periodically forgotten that here.
In a nutshell: No Ad Hominem
About an hour ago, I watched the episode of The Office where Jim and Andy drunkenly sing this song.
lmic wrote:
One doesn't have to be a poet to know poetry that is uninspiring and insipid.
One doesn't have to be a guitar player to like a particular player and dislike another.
One doesn't have to be an artist to dislike Leroy Neiman.
That said, I *like* this song a lot.
Yes, the line in question is elitist, but it comes from their own perspective and is honest and sincere, which, for me, goes a LONG way.
For those critiquing the lyrics, let's see your poetry.
One doesn't have to be a poet to know poetry that is uninspiring and insipid.
One doesn't have to be a guitar player to like a particular player and dislike another.
One doesn't have to be an artist to dislike Leroy Neiman.
That said, I *like* this song a lot.
Yes, the line in question is elitist, but it comes from their own perspective and is honest and sincere, which, for me, goes a LONG way.
Am I the only queer girl not into the Indigo Girls? But I do like this song.
holborne wrote:
I hear you, but it does seem that a lot of post graduate institutions and universities are set up as money making facilities, were you have to jump though certain hoops and pay your check for the needed degree.... without getting useful information from people who don't care or are not really knowledgeable or are full of themselves but not useful.
The worst song lyric ever, in the history of the world:
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
I hear you, but it does seem that a lot of post graduate institutions and universities are set up as money making facilities, were you have to jump though certain hoops and pay your check for the needed degree.... without getting useful information from people who don't care or are not really knowledgeable or are full of themselves but not useful.
vit wrote:
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
"Pin-brained limpet" will make an excellent name for my next band!
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
"Pin-brained limpet" will make an excellent name for my next band!
I am NOT an Indigo Girls fan, but this tune and "Joking" on their live album are indeed outstanding.
lmic wrote:
Gold medal in spectacular point-missing. . . .
For those critiquing the lyrics, let's see your poetry.
Gold medal in spectacular point-missing. . . .
For those critiquing the lyrics, let's see your poetry.
holborne wrote:
*Rummages for dead-horse beatin'-stick . . . ah, here it is!*
This came out when I was in grad school, having just completed, two years before, a whirlwind eight-year BA. Loved the album—still do—but I'll admit to some discomfort with that lyric, but from this perspective: it is so sad that there are some folks in college with that attitude. The institutions themselves encourage the attitude (pressure to get out in four years, mottoes like "Education for Efficiency," the official theme at Montana State when I would teach there a couple of years later), but it's a shame.
Free? From a higher education? From believing that your professors were "higher minds"? Sad, indeed.
The worst song lyric ever, in the history of the world:
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
*Rummages for dead-horse beatin'-stick . . . ah, here it is!*
This came out when I was in grad school, having just completed, two years before, a whirlwind eight-year BA. Loved the album—still do—but I'll admit to some discomfort with that lyric, but from this perspective: it is so sad that there are some folks in college with that attitude. The institutions themselves encourage the attitude (pressure to get out in four years, mottoes like "Education for Efficiency," the official theme at Montana State when I would teach there a couple of years later), but it's a shame.
Free? From a higher education? From believing that your professors were "higher minds"? Sad, indeed.
pleasant song..... why don't bars stay open past 2a.m. anymore (or at least where I live)
kayakkate wrote:
clearly, this listener does not know Indigo Girls well. he should read my article "Southern Misfits: Politics, Religion and Identity on the Music of Indigo Girls" in the summer 2007 issue of Southern Quarterly. just glad this listener won't be there to ruin my fun when i see
them in concert next month.
um, I LIKE the indigo girls and would love to see them in concert so I have NO IDEA what you are talking about. my comment was only "Christian friends?" in response to another listener's comment which was the following:
which seems to infer they are Christian. I was merely asking someone to explain further about this comment, as in, are the Indigo Girls christian? and do they really have "christian friends" or was that comment meant sarcastically? Just asking for clarification on another person's comment.
clearly, this listener does not know Indigo Girls well. he should read my article "Southern Misfits: Politics, Religion and Identity on the Music of Indigo Girls" in the summer 2007 issue of Southern Quarterly. just glad this listener won't be there to ruin my fun when i see
them in concert next month.
um, I LIKE the indigo girls and would love to see them in concert so I have NO IDEA what you are talking about. my comment was only "Christian friends?" in response to another listener's comment which was the following:
"Indigo Girls, please go back home and hug your Christian friends but get the fuck out of here  " |
Sucks a trillion times.
There you go. I shall.
casey1024 wrote:
casey1024 wrote:
Enjoy the sounds. That is all.
Enjoy the sounds. That is all.
Great tune! The IGs occasionally have their moments: this song is one of them. The lyrics are somewhat juvenile and simplistic, but they had the good sense to craft the song with a laser-eye on their strength: their seamless vocal harmonies. Reminds me of what the Everly Brothers could do with little or no effort! I think that the IGs work very hard on their vocals and I, for one, really appreciate their efforts
Give me a break.
vit wrote:
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
vit hits the nail on the head here.
Yep, the Indigo Girls were two genuine philosophers who saw the whole sham for what it was worth but, even though they were adults, stayed and got the degree anyway.
A couple of real rebels, these two. Kicked the bourgeoisie square in the balls, uh HUH. Give me a break.
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
vit hits the nail on the head here.
Yep, the Indigo Girls were two genuine philosophers who saw the whole sham for what it was worth but, even though they were adults, stayed and got the degree anyway.
A couple of real rebels, these two. Kicked the bourgeoisie square in the balls, uh HUH. Give me a break.
Mandible wrote:
Christian friends?
clearly, this listener does not know Indigo Girls well. he should read my article "Southern Misfits: Politics, Religion and Identity on the Music of Indigo Girls" in the summer 2007 issue of Southern Quarterly. just glad this listener won't be there to ruin my fun when i see
them in concert next month.
Christian friends?
clearly, this listener does not know Indigo Girls well. he should read my article "Southern Misfits: Politics, Religion and Identity on the Music of Indigo Girls" in the summer 2007 issue of Southern Quarterly. just glad this listener won't be there to ruin my fun when i see
them in concert next month.
I am not a huge IG fan, but I like this song. I find it interesting that this song has stimulated some visceral comments. I don't know if IG are Christian, but the lyrics "the less I seek my source, the closer I am to fine" seems to suggest that the secret of life cannot be found in church, in university or by indulging in adventure, but rather by living life in the moment. Just about anyone can benefit from being more present to their existence. Is that such a subversive message?
To put it another way: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why it's called 'The Present'". I feel that living life consciously is truly a gift. This song helps to remind me of that. I like it.
To put it another way: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why it's called 'The Present'". I feel that living life consciously is truly a gift. This song helps to remind me of that. I like it.
Rickvee wrote:
"Smelly cat, la la laaaa"
I had only just graduated from college when this song was released. Very fitting tune. And fun tp play on guitar. The whole album is excellent.
"Smelly cat, la la laaaa"
catsoup wrote:
Or someone who saw those four years for what they really are.
i felt that way too when i was just graduating. i then went on to get a master's and a ph.d. i have been a university professor for 22 years. i wish i had students like emily and amy. my god, they can critique their feelings and the world around them.
Or someone who saw those four years for what they really are.
i felt that way too when i was just graduating. i then went on to get a master's and a ph.d. i have been a university professor for 22 years. i wish i had students like emily and amy. my god, they can critique their feelings and the world around them.
marcello wrote:
Christian friends?
Indigo Girls, please go back home and hug your Christian friends but get the fuck out of here
Christian friends?
I had to bump up to 9
if you have a problem with the lyrics then just listen to the music. then you will give it a 9 (or maybe 10)
if you have a problem with the lyrics then just listen to the music. then you will give it a 9 (or maybe 10)
Indigo Girls, please go back home and hug your Christian friends but get the fuck out of here
philbertr wrote:
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
I think holborne raises a valid point. If the author of that lyric equates the four years she spent in university studying philosophy to prison - "got my paper and I was free" - she should try walking in the moccasins of someone who never had the opportunity to do anything but enter the job market right out of high school.
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
I think holborne raises a valid point. If the author of that lyric equates the four years she spent in university studying philosophy to prison - "got my paper and I was free" - she should try walking in the moccasins of someone who never had the opportunity to do anything but enter the job market right out of high school.
shmuelman wrote:
That is a vivid and astute observation, also somewhat humorous.
One of the most annoying, sanctimonious, and humorless bands ever to make it to the big time. I am only familiar with their radio hits - I couldn't stand to listen to a whole album - but their fundamentalist political correctness and straightforward earnestness is what turns many people off to folk music. Whenever you go to bluegrass or folk festival you run into a band that emulates them, usually fronted by a woman in Guatemalan peasant costume. This is the time that most people go to get their meals.
That is a vivid and astute observation, also somewhat humorous.
philbertr wrote:
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
Well seriously think about it. The line talks about college right? College ain't mandatory. So if you really feel like you spent four years ass-in-the air to the man, then you didn't get sh*t from all that time and money you wasted there. That means you're a spoiled brat who was too much of a pin-brained limpet to drop out.
Now if the line's about high school where it's a lot tougher to drop out then it makes more sense — especially when you consider how repressive that is. But college? Repressive? Only a spoiled brat would think so.
holborne wrote:
Or someone who saw those four years for what they really are.
The worst song lyric ever, in the history of the world:
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
Or someone who saw those four years for what they really are.
Emily Saliers wrote Closer To Fine. She's a thinker, and has quite a way with words. Like many of her songs, it's based on a combination of personal and observed experiences. Check it out:
Emily Saliers interview
Emily Saliers interview
a_genuine_find wrote:
very cool dude!
very cool dude!
The less I seek my source for some definitive, the closer I am to fine...
Indigo Girls - Closer to GOD...
holborne wrote:
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
The worst song lyric ever, in the history of the world:
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind,
got my paper and I was free.
Only a couple of obnoxious, spoiled, upper-middle class brats could come up with that lyric.
WOW!! Someone is really, really sensitive about something here, I wonder if he/she even knows what it is?
interesting the emotion these two seem to inspire, on both sides of the hormonal fence, can't deny the harmony, though, it is excellent
never fails to give me goosebumps.....not sure why....thank you Bill
Saw them live in Austin years ago on the UT campus. God, was that ever a show. Just the ladies and a few of the band members in a small room with no more that 150 people. The BEST GD show I have seen.
Fine, very fine. -hehe-
You got me to read the lyrics. Been ages. Thanks. I saw them for the tour of this album in a nice small little outdoor venue next to the Cuyahoga River down in the Cleveland Flats. A wonderful concert with a wonderful summer evening as accompaniment. Matthew Sweet opened.