The Land Of Canaan is in Decatur, Georgia???

You never know where the winds of fate might find you. Such was the case for young Emily who had just moved with her family from Connecticut to Decatur, Georgia.  Emily’s father Don was taking the position as a Professor of Theology at the esteemed Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta.

As with any move there was much anticipation as to how things will work out. How will the new job go? How will my family be affected? Will we like the new place we are living? These are all legitimate questions that a father would ask himself. One would never assume that the question be asked “How will this move affect the world of pop music?” No, that wasn’t on the short list of questions that the Salier’s family were asking themselves as they made their way south.

Daughter Emily spent her time growing up in Decatur, Georgia where in school she met Decatur native, Amy Ray. At some point in high school the 2 got together they started performing together as Sailier’s and Ray. They both shared a passion for singing and songwriting. Both went off to college out of state and after a year of being homesick, found them back in Decatur where they resumed their singing careers as the “Indigo Girls.”

The duo had a raw acoustic sound. They had a very powerful style that emphasized the “rock” in Folk Rock. They had very interesting vocal harmonies that were not always in parallel with one another, sometimes blending 2 separate parts together in a mysteriously beautiful way.

The Indigo Girls are a rarity in pop music, that being a singer/songwriting female DUO. Only the Judd’s of country music fame have had equivalent success as a female tandem. Female duos are not to be found in pop music. There are several trios to note such as Wilson/Phillips and Sister Sledge and several girl bands like the Go-Go’s or the Pussy Cat Dolls but nere’ will you find another duo that has had success remotely to that of the Indigo Girls.

There first big hit was in 1989 with the song called “Closer To Fine”. It reached 22 on the pop charts but immediately gained the group a core following of which I am one.

Included on the album was a song titled “Land Of Canaan.” It is certainly a favorite among the fans of the Indigo Girls and features the kind hard pushing aggressive style they have been come to be known for. The title makes reference to the biblical land of Canaan that was a most desirous locale in what is now current day Israel. It was an area which was considered prosperous and abundant and the term “land of Canaan” is used now as a metaphor for prosperity and abundance.

The lyrics speak of a scorned lover not putting up with the doubts of another anymore.

The first verse and chorus reads:

You can go to the east
to find your inner hemisphere
You say we’re under the same sky babe
You’re bound to realize honey, it’s not clear
I’m not your promised land
I’m not your promised one
I’m not your land of Canaan
Waiting for your under the sun

I’m lonely tonight, I’m missing you now
I’m wanting your love and you’re giving it out.
I’m lonely tonight, I’m lonely tonight, I’m lonely tonight. …..

With biblical reference in consideration, the song is an anthem that empowers women to demand respect in relationships. It reinvigorates their self-worth. Essentially saying, “DON’T string me along while you try to find yourself. I’m valuable and my feelings matter.”

The song is highlighted by an incredible acoustic lead guitar solo that proves that they are no musical slouches. It’s one of those solos that automatically put a smile on your face.

The group has gone on to last 25 years. Not only have they inspired countless musicians, they have set the bar high as social activist for various causes.

Decatur, Georgia may not be the “promised land” but it sure will go down in history as giving the world the Indigo Girls who are incredibly unique and as priceless as pearls.

Songs to listen to

Closer To Fine 

Land Of Canaan

Hammer And A Nail

Galileo

Virginia Woolf

You and Me Of The 10,000 Wars