Indigo Girls - Closer To Fine on Letterman 1989

[@voxxpopulisuxx]

This album helped save my life...and Im a man...construction worker..married etc...

[@donnaadom8483]

Awesome!

[@datgrrl5698]

me too :)

[@shilohstore6086]

Father of three here...same

[@ldaick2358]

✌️

[@sleeken]

@@shilohstore6086 Sheesh are you ok!

[@MTRAdmiralty]

Dave and his bookers were really on the cutting edge of music back then - they gave Indigo Girls and REM their network TV debuts.

[@Keitarts]

He was also being remorseful about some personal/professional indiscretions during a certain time.

[@cubnation]

@MTRAdmiralty, Alanis Morissette too.

[@martham9980]

Yeah maybe, but he didn’t even know their names. I’m pretty sure the credit is theirs, not his.

[@michaelyolch79]

It's the music INDUSTRY that makes this happen...not Dave and his "bookers."

[@driftlesstrekker4709]

Don't forget Warren Zevon. Yes, Warren was around long before Dave, but didn't have anywhere near the following.

[@kenscar]

One of the best songs ever recorded. It still gives me chills, all these years and about 10,000,000 listens later

[@veganworldpeace2649]

I had goose bumps while listening & viewing the original Music Video from 33 years ago! I remember it then, because I was in college & in love with their Music. I have seen them in concert 4 times. I plan to see them in September.

[@bea78tles]

It's actually kind of strange to see a live version of this without the audience singing along!

[@burnyizland]

Haaaaaaaave ya met Galileo? Equally awesome.

[@kenscar]

@@burnyizland Agreed!

[@masonjarboe9926]

Five years strong and we still love this dearly!

[@girlgeniusnyc272]

They sing. They write. They play guitar. True artists!

[@hd-xc2lz]

They sing, they write, they play instruments... sadly once assumed of every musical act.

[@jimdombrowski2435]

And their activism is genuine and second to none. Yes they are incredible. And I am a 66 year old guy who made sure all 3 of his children were exposed to their great music and amazing harmonies. David Crosby often said, “ Everly Brothers, Indigo Girls and Crosby Stills & Nash were among the few with perfectly meshed harmonies”. RIP David, you were a very smart man when it came to recognizing musical genius!

[@MegKampen]

@@jimdombrowski2435 Ann and Nancy Wilson, The Carpenters

[@jimdombrowski2435]

Not my quote, David Crosby’s quote. Carpenters and Heart were great bands he did not mention. I happen to agree wholeheartedly with David Crosby on this one, from purely a harmony standpoint.

[@Paul47Tat]

I was actually in the audience with my friends at this taping.

[@strawberryseason]

Did the audience contain a lot of their fans? They seemed to get a big applause as they came out.

[@Paul47Tat]

I didn't seem out of the ordinary. I knew who they were because I worked at a record store at the time, and we would play the album. But they weren't that well-known yet. The audience liked them, though.

[@mrsjourney22]

So, I am really jealous of that.

[@WiiGame2000]

While I was watching this the first time, I was sure someone from that show would drop in to make such a comment, and here it is at the top! (lucky dog)

[@JMcLeodKC711]

So what was it like to watch lightning strike?

[@mikerosaasen785]

one of the best folk songs ever written.

[@letthereberock1]

One of the best songs ever written.

[@seheabol]

And she wrote it as a kid

[@Mark-v7y8t]

The best acoustic rock songs were written by Brian Miller and Mark Lonteen from Milwaukee.

[@target0069]

OH MY GOD THEIR LIVE PERFORMANCE SOUNDS ALMOST EXACTLY LIKE THEIR RECORDING!!!! THAT'S REALLY RARE THESE DAYS!! Just that one small fact makes me so happy to see.

[@TheAcquibajo]

HiTarget. Yes, aren't they amazing. I saw them in Santa Monica in the 90s and live the sound is so good I was transfixed the entire concert. I love those girls!!

[@target0069]

Mary Soard Yup. :)

[@glennorange]

I gotta disagree. This feels very different than their recording, especially with the mandola in the backgound. And I LOVES it!!

[@WiiGame2000]

Can't say the same for Milli Vanilli, who beat them out for the Grammy in '90 I think. Oh, well, hindsight, I guess (LOTS of hindsight in this case). :)

[@UncleEbenezer77]

As a fan of jam bands, i prefer it when the song doesn't sound like the studio recordings...You can just listen to the album if that's what you're looking for

[@catherinewilke5583]

This is magic. Saw them in concert for the first time this summer. My 10 year old sang her heart out.

[@jjzuc]

2 guitars, 2 voices, no auto tune, no sequencing, just pure talent!

[@JackKirbyFan]

This is really tricky strumming. They improvise a lot and change strumming patterns. It's a big tricky learn and you would never know it hearing it. That's how talented they are. I am always impressed with their guitar work. Best part is that the guitar doesn't overshadow their amazing singing. One of the best.

[@michaelsix9684]

such an amazing song, so poetic and profound

[@AndyKraig-np5qj]

I was born in 89 and this was always one of my Moms favorite songs. I think of her everytime I hear it. Beautiful song as well.

[@Killahboot]

It's because Amy stays straight as the rhythm guitar and Emily flies to wherever she wants to go. That's what creates that dichotomy that is heard.

[@LisaDawnn]

@3:40 when Amy taps her heart and points to the Universe and sings "closer I am to fine" .......my god , can anyone be more authentic behind her words? I am so blessed to have these women in life's musical background growing up (which, I still am) Blessed be.

[@mtoddy123]

LisaDawnn Thank you so much for pointing that out! OMG!!!

[@kemart537]

LisaDawnn they were just awesome. I saw them in Atlanta twice that summer and both shows was almost like a house party. We all had fun together

[@donnaadom8483]

Too true.

[@tammigissell2378]

That moment just brings me undone x Totally in it and committed to it x

[@clayjackson2833]

That's what you're supposed to do with acoustic guitars.

[@mypetcamera]

:D

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Damn, you're right. I've been using mine as a pillow at night but this makes way more sense.

[@irishguy200007]

When talent was a requirement to be a star.

[@richardcanedo1614]

Well, yes and no. Remember, they lost the Grammy for Best New Artist to Milli Vanilli, who looked great but who lip synched all their songs to someone else's singing. There are "no talent stars" in every generation -- and there are great talent stars, too. The Indigo Girls belong in the latter class; I love their music and their performance of it!

[@zachovington313]

Fuck yes it was.

[@mariehatton6268]

Now this is Fine.. .

[@missiedegon608]

@@richardcanedo1614 I didn't remember that!!! 💔💔💔

[@sanjulienne]

Talk about hitting a network TV debut out of the park, fuc*ing genius. So pure and so simple.

[@jeffpalmer4752]

At a time when “80’s music” was still over produced and artists didn’t typically write or even play their own music the girls were such a breath of fresh air. Not to mention impeccable song writing. They are so good!

[@tinadunne3946]

Thank you...so much

[@eliseleonard7556]

I used to go see them every weekend when they played at little five points in Atlanta. I agree with you 200%, impeccable kind of covers it! ❤️❤️

[@trippmiller6199]

Very meaningful lyrics

[@buckmanriver]

That time has not really change in mainstream music.

[@sanneg]

I love how the contrast between amy and emily is so big in this performance. Amy looks very punk-ish and Emily looks so girly and innocent. Even their guitars, amy's dark, emily's light. And When they make music together, they match perfectly. "Despite our differences" right? Anyway, I always love to see them so young. Amy is so adorable!

[@melaniefbritton]

When my daughter was young, trying to remember who was who, she said, Amy is dark and Emily is light, lol.

[@tonyberlant7421]

Amy’s range is so incredible. I thought she’s the lower voice, then here she’s the higher voice.

[@JacobFrey]

Amy is singing a lower part for the entire song.

[@sandrakeeley8960]

Love Amy's swagger, so darn cool, she is gorgeous!

[@soph3420]

Sandra Keeley... Got one of her guitar picks from there show at the Kennedy Center in DC. So happy about that.

[@sandrakeeley8960]

Wow, lucky!! Treasure that pick and think of where its been! The Indigo Girls are touring the UK soon but I sadly can't make it ... but, who knows, miracles may happen!

[@soph3420]

Sandra Keeley Upon further inspection, the guitar pick says Indigo Girls on it. Way freaking cool.

[@sandrakeeley8960]

Nice! Have you been an Indigo Girls fan for long?

[@soph3420]

Sandra Keeley Yes, since my freshman year in college, 1989. Yourself?

[@beckykueng3017]

LOVE Amy's footwork here!!! The way they "feel " their music makes me smile and lifts my spirit in this world of too much anger and distance . Thanks ladies !!!😊

[@tothelighthouse9843]

My god they sound incredible. The clarity & tone on Emily's voice.

[@ohiopics]

They are simply the best most underrated musicians….excellent musicians and songwriters. Love them.

[@carlawestlund4429]

Yeah my sister Karen Westlund introduced me to Soo much good music.and was in Arizona when this album had just been released..I love them as I love my sister.i haven't seen my little sister in years..and I always think of her ..when I this song is played or liked other songs ..comes to mind 😢😢😢😢😢😂😂😂

[@ohiopics]

@@carlawestlund4429 ❤️

[@terryv]

How are they underrated? I’d say they’ve been very highly rated.

[@garygrainger9511]

This was the moment I fell in love with Emily, Amy and their music. And I'm still loving them. This song always gets me in a better place.

[@MsStaceysclass]

Just watched them perform this classic in 2018 with The University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra, middle aged women like me, singing these comforting wise lyrics. Then came to this vid, seeing their "baby" faces and youthful energy reminding me of my daughter. Feelin emotional. Much love, Indigo Girls.

[@cyndykated1083]

They are using this in new Barbie movie..2023❤

[@angelaakins2574]

I was watching when this aired. I'm still a huge fan. From first hearing them at age 17, the Fat Fry in Cali 20 years ago to Dr. Pepper park last year.

[@WhirlwindWinery]

This Letterman episode was my introduction to the Indigo Girls. Immediately loved them and have got every album ever since and have rarely been disappointed. Always great lyrics and harmonies. Thanks for posting this.

[@markmorelli4152]

me to

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@markmorelli4152 #MeToo

[@oneplay]

Me as well. Saw them on Letterman, went out and bought the album next day.

[@lucylovesgreyson]

im only 12, and their music speaks to me

[@Gayseball]

Is this still true now that you’re 21?

[@EsmereldaPea]

@@Gayseball I was wondering the same thing. I'm almost 60 and their music still speaks to me as strong as it did when it first came out.

[@missiedegon608]

@@Gayseball I imagine Little Greyson is the one that didn't stand the test of time :/

[@doricetimko5403]

I hope it still does ❤

[@patrickjaroch5084]

they hve gotten better with age and time. the most honest thing in music. so good so so good

[@fluidikons]

True that. As amazing and mind blowing as that debut was, the best was yet to come.

[@yasminmcewen3749]

Still The BEST! Many great thanks to these everlasting classy gals! I have gotten thru some mighty tough times all bc of them :) Indigo Girls = Soul Savers!!! Much Love to Emily & Amy 🎵💝🎸

[@MarkFomAlbany]

I saw this the night it aired and they hooked me. Great lyrics, melody, and harmonies. Bought the album, played it to death, and told everyone about them. Word of mouth made that first album successful, and today those people I told are bigger IG fans than I am!

[@WiiGame2000]

Thanks for spreading the love! (for all I know someone you told, told me)

[@EEdanceGal]

Amy looks SO cool in her ripped up pants. I didn't discover them for a few more years, but heck, I was in elementary school so I have an excuse.

[@ljgsuper]

Damn, Emily in addition to being a mega talented musician and songwriter was HOT back in the day. I cant remember the year, but it was something like 28-29 years ago, I was at the NOLA jazz fest, I was walking on Royal Street carrying my son who was little. There was this group of girls playing guitars and singing harmonies in a glass storefront doorway. I'm pretty sure it was an antique furniture store. There were a dozen or so people who stopped and listened. THEY SOUNDED GREAT! After they finished, we all clapped and I said "you guys sound just like the Indigo Girls." They got up to leave and Amy took her index finger and brushed my cheek and said, "that's cuz we are, hon, your son looks just like you." That's my brush with greatness.

[@Amy_M_G]

great memory - thanks for sharing

[@adhdswamphag]

I first heard of Indigo Girls when I had Pink's CD as a kid and the were on the song Dear Mr President, and from then on I was obsessed!

[@WiiGame2000]

Now that (for me) is a very interesting way to have been introduced to them (being someone who found them within 1-2yrs of this album while in college). I'd never known they worked with Pink. Great story!

[@Tutone66]

I've seen them perform this song live as part of Lilith Fair but never saw this version till now. This Letterman version is awesome. Love the Indigo Girls. I agree, most new acts don't get to sit with Dave. Glad he had them on, even just for a few minutes.

[@SpritMatterMan]

I bought my first capo to learn how to play this song on the guitar. Amazing performance!!! Brava!!!! P.S., I had the biggest crush on Amy,...Strange Fire!!!

[@remygarrison1451]

Man. This song- what a great hook. Have loved these girls since I first was privileged to hear them in 1990.

[@airstrip101]

When they make it to the Hall of Fame, this clip will be featured. Nice performance for a studio with horrible acoustics. Rock on!

[@WiiGame2000]

true that

[@Mountainbunnyinnature]

It's 2020 now

[@bluedancelilly]

Always an amazing song!!! They are truly my favorite musical group of all time! Just saw them in concert last night. Such a treat!

[@NoCoverCharge]

I was lucky to live in the same town when they first started so many gigs I saw them play at very small places ! Love them

[@lishkathelittlegypsy]

Holy shit, this song still gives me goosebumps! They are AMAZING!!!

[@VelvetCelieste]

This was the first time I ever heard of the IG. I search and searched until I found this album. After all these year I am still a fan. Love love love the Indigo Girls!

[@marybethwelchcollins6673]

Simply the best. I feel this every bit as much in 2023 as I did back then!

[@mjd111]

So fortunate to have these beautiful souls during our lifetime. They are true artists and musicians writing their own music and strumming those guitars. 🤙☮️🎤🎸🏳️‍🌈❣️

[@glennwood4300]

I had forgotten how great this song was. Glad I happened upon it again.

[@dannylaird1682]

saw them 3 times so far. once back in 1990 at the state theatre- they were amazing, once again in Allentown/Bethlehem,PA ( don't remember date) and again was 2000 something and they gave me goosebumps every time. I love them. they were my musical inspiration when I was learning to play the guitar. I learned every one of their songs as each album came out ( even Emily's VERY difficult solos. major accomplishment for me).

[@JacobFrey]

Incredible vocal performances! And nobody else could've sung it like that.

[@mikeharrison1868]

I'm gonna see them in Manchester, UK, in a few weeks time; ❤

[@noahstone9246]

Sometimes First Performances Are 💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SafiaOs]

I love the mandolin in the background and The Indigo Girls rock!

[@BenjaminLukoff]

Takes me right back to high school. So glad I got to see them in Seattle last weekend with my wife and kids.

[@jenniferlapidus2229]

Dinner with my then-boyfriend and brother in Boston, circa1989. This song comes on the radio and my brother is like “Oh have heard of this new band, the Indigo Girls? They’re great.”

[@jamesmcgrory6391]

Saw them open in 1989 for REM in Birmingham. Thought to myself “who are these guys… probably gonna be terrible..” then saw them come out, and as an acoustic player myself I was mesmerized. Then Stipe came out and sang on Kid Fears and I was absolutely hooked. Tremendous talent

[@phychomaniac26]

Just imagine writing this song... truly profound

[@ToddGrigsby]

Indigo Girls were amazing, and that song really ages well. Love it.

[@jadedprincessk]

...some of the finest lyrics I have ever heard...

[@karenhilker8074]

Dave loved these 2 ladies. Had them on many times. I've always loved their music. Great musicians!

[@cincodelisa]

Amazing... I saw them in concert back in the day... I couldn't hear them nearly as clearly as I can here. What an incredible gift - some people say to "listen for your story" in other people's lives... I've heard it in tons of their songs and I'm a "breeder"! lol THEY ROCK!!!!!!!!! AMEN GALS!!!!! Y'all my Hers! I got music back at 1 year of sobriety and I heard GOD everywhere... EVERYWHERE! EVERYWHERE! It is my PROGRAM!

[@amiekim]

I love the vintage VHS distortion. So authentic! 😂

[@brucedillinger9448]

Oh yeah!! I sure remember this! My introduction to these amazing women was this performance. Immediately went out and got the CD. Have seen them a couple times and they always deliver.

[@loZoneranger560]

I remember hearing this song for the first time. I worked at a county Human Services org. and was talking with a co-worker when I said, "Wait a second" when I heard it coming over the agency piped-in music. We both stood there and heard a song that would never leave us....so beautiful.

[@keriskousen5232]

Awesome! Fun to see this! (Wow, Amy's jeans are SO in style again!!)

[@FirstGaCav]

That's freakin' awesome....period

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

+Johnny Davidson *DAMN RIGHTS*

[@MrCarl220]

Such great guitar work!

[@taiiraaven9796]

Oh my gosh, Amy looks SO HOT in that one... It's so endearing how nervous she was!!!! I'm going to get ripped pants like that...

[@vickiwagner3511]

Man they are consumatte musicians..those lyrics just slay me, and those harmonies!

[@105robmajor]

I saw them a few years ago down in a little theatre in Redwood City, CA and it was truly one of the best concerts I have been to. I was in awe of their pure perfect vocal harmonies that brought back memories of the Everly Brothers. The lyrical content of their songs, however, much richer than anything that Don and Phil ever did. I was amazed by the number of guitars in the rack that was clearly visible off stage. After each song, their guitar technician will quickly come out, take away the two guitars they just used and hand them two new ones. Joni Mitchell is the only other artist I have seen who brings so many guitars with her. In her case, each has a specific tuning for each individual song.

[@helenemoranville8272]

And this year they used that song for The Barbie Movie!

[@norwegianblue2764]

Grew up with the girls. They were awesome. So were Guadalcanal Diary, Drivin' n' Cryin', Black Crowes, Mary My Hope, and more. The 80's were a magical time for local music in Atlanta. Not to mention everything that was going on in Athens at the same time.

[@driftlesstrekker4709]

I saw them in Peoria last year and Kevin Kinney opened up for them. Most of the crowd had no clue who he was. It was cool though.

[@JQ1960-inri1]

Where have the Indigo Girls gone? I haven’t heard their music in years. Love their music and beautiful harmony.

[@r.fuentez1482]

Icons. So underrated.

[@kimberlysmithKYA]

I’m seeing them in concert next week. I’m so excited!!

[@NTav540]

Painfully.

[@KellyODo]

I don’t know why but I cried watching this

[@jengable4888]

They are so talented ! I had their music on cassettes ! Yes...cassettes folks !

[@danrode104]

Female version of Brewer & Shipley... Very nice..

[@claibourne6662]

Just absolutely amazing live musicians.

[@WiiGame2000]

I think anytime anyone would approach you and open with "I'm trying to tell you something about my life ..." it would tend to get an arresting level of attention ... a listening beyond average pedestrian "careless" listening. 30 years of loving this song and that just now occurred to me. That tells me that Emily (the primary author, I believe) was just f-in brilliant in how she chose to open this song (besides the attention-getting strumming just before). This line sets the frame of mind for everything that follows. It makes you want to listen and know more about the singer's life, most of which are things a great number of people could identify with or easily imagine. Masterful.

[@gtrrobster]

Excellent. I have heard this song too many times to count. But it is great to see it performed live at its time of release. I especially like the first 2 or 3 of their records, when it was more based on acoustic duo and harmonies. As far as Letterman goes, it would have been nice if he knew which one was which and had their last names! But you can't knock him for not asking meaningful questions. All he really had time for was to ask them about their hometown, and to mention they were on tour with REM and VFs.

[@michelleshelhamer1189]

They are so tremendously talented 💜❤

[@animalhq]

Wow, thanks for that walk down memory lane. I guess 1989 really was in the 80s. It's hard to remember Emily as such the low-femme Southern lady look. And how can you not love Amy as she gets up close and personal with that mic?

[@markslima1557]

what an incredible performance! miss these girls so much!!

[@henrikibsen6258]

Wow, Emily. What a voice ay. Poetess.

[@AndyKraig-np5qj]

Wow how beautiful is this song!!!

[@lanett53stinkyowl16]

First time they went t.v. indigo girls play attention to the writing as well dance live your life being ALIVE

[@bluedancelilly]

The best musical duo of all time!!

[@kevinjones5560]

Hall & Oats, Seals & Crofts, The Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, there have been many greats.

[@juckimal]

fucking amazing. I just came across this song the other day. Wow. this was music and writing and special people. The harmony and lead vocal is simple amazing.

[@geraldthesaint5457]

They’re just pure gold

[@driftlesstrekker4709]

Double platinum, actually

[@danaventura5998]

Sounded great!

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

My sister is graduating from college in May, this song is for her.

[@gangoffour6690]

Always sounding great. Love the vocal harmonies.

[@katwashere194]

This song got me thru some rough times. I still love it

[@philochristos]

I was late. I didn't discover them until 1991, but I sure was glad I did.

[@glennorange]

I was 18 years old...overload of feels!

[@felicialightfoot2380]

Beautiful!

[@longsnapper5381]

HAR-MO-KNEE!! Love the Girls.....

[@dyanovitz]

Just saw them tonight in Bethesda. They rock with same passion that they did in this video 22 years ago. These girls are simply amazing ! Great show tonight, Amy and Emily. Phenomenal

[@sarahcarpenter4610]

Talent, Freedom!!!

[@marsharupe8112]

They had me hooked the first time I heard this track and the rest of the CD that followed. I own everything they've ever put out.

[@ericwaldo5034]

1989....They made music beautiful again....so beautiful to see them young and nervous....so cute!!

[@ericwaldo5034]

Indigo Girls....dumb ass Mr. Letterman. I do love me some D. Letterman, though.

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

Absolutely beautiful

[@TheGunnCat]

This song always makes me cry.

[@dartmouthhoop]

Same

[@BellaKathleen]

Favorite song 😻