What do they say about the pathway to adversity? About those noble intentions? I have contemplated writing this letter for well over a decade; it’s about time I transformed these thoughts into words. This note is a sincere expression of gratitude, albeit one that has taken 25 years to articulate. Allow me to elaborate.
My journey with the Indigo Girls began during my teenage years. I would listen to their music on my way to cross-country meets, bouncing along on worn vinyl seats along the backroads of Pennsylvania, or on the return trip, exhausted and muddy. I would play their tapes on my Walkman, the buttons clicking satisfyingly as I rewound to relive melodies that resonated within me. Emily and Amy’s lyrics spoke of superficial friendships; I had experienced my share of those. Their messages reassured me that it was alright—that I would discover genuine connections in time. Their songs conveyed themes of resilience, love, and the beauty of nature, during a period when few female artists were addressing such profound topics.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, most music seemed to focus on superficiality—songs like “Cold Hearted” and “Don’t You Want Me” dominated the airwaves, sending mixed messages about vulnerability and self-expression. The Indigo Girls, with their soaring harmonies and impactful lyrics, provided a refreshing alternative that was both articulate and inspiring.
I truly believe their music helped me navigate the tumult of adolescence and loneliness. A glimmer of hope began to emerge, suggesting that I could become a strong woman, just like them. It was a sliver of light in a dark time.
Fast forward seven years. My father’s sudden passing at 48 left me shattered. Just as I graduated college, I received the heartbreaking news while alone across the country. The world felt like it was collapsing, and joy seemed unattainable. I returned home to support my mother, managing household tasks while grappling with my grief. I cursed the sun for shining and the clouds for their beauty, feeling hollow inside.
I purchased Swamp Ophelia and began to listen, though not fully engaged, as I navigated life in a fog of sorrow. As I climbed the stairs one day, I heard “The Wood Song.” The lyrics struck me profoundly:
“But the wood is tired, and the wood is old,
And we’ll make it fine, if the weather holds
But if the weather holds, we’ll have missed the point
That’s where I need to go.”
In that moment, I found a lifeline. The music enveloped me, and for the first time in months, I felt the stirrings of hope and beauty. It brought me back to life, if only for a brief moment.
Fast forward another 15 years. I’m finally enjoying a night out as a mother of two, balancing my roles as an educator and part-time writer. At Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont, I eagerly anticipate seeing the Indigo Girls as I approach my 40th birthday.
Having seen them perform before, this experience was different. The energy was electric, and their passion radiated. These women—older but still vibrant—continue to inspire me to live boldly and authentically. Their music is a gift to the soul.
Two years later, I find myself driving cross-country with my family, playing “Get Out the Map” and “Closer to Fine” loudly, allowing the lyrics to resonate within me:
“Why do we hurtle ourselves through every inch of time and space
I must say around some corner I can sense a resting place
With every lesson learned a line upon your beautiful face
We’ll amuse ourselves one day with these memories we’ll trace.”
My youngest daughter, now 8, listens intently and declares, “I love the Indigo Girls.” I respond, “So do I, sweetheart.” I share stories from my youth, knowing that one day I will tell her about the stairs and the concert. Thus, the journey of a girl evolving into a woman continues.
Thank you, Emily and Amy, for enriching my life with your artistry. This note may have taken 25 years to compose, but like fine wine, it has matured beautifully, much like you both.
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In summary, the Indigo Girls have been a constant source of inspiration throughout the years. Their music has not only provided solace during difficult times but has also guided me in my journey as a woman, mother, and educator.