Indigo Girls' 'Closer to Fine' Lights Up the Big Screen in Barbie Epic

The Indigo Girls, the renowned folk duo, have made their mark on pop culture once again through an unexpected medium - Mattel's iconic Barbie. Their timeless hit, "Closer to Fine," has found its way into the heart of the Barbie universe, bringing a new depth to the character and a moment of sweet vindication for the band's loyal fans.

Since 1987, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, together known as the Indigo Girls, have been creating music that stirs the soul. Their musical journey is distinguished by sincerity and a profound connection to their beginnings, as evidenced by the fact that their career contains 15 studio albums. "Closer to Fine," the song that became the band's signature sound, was at first presented to the public as the first track of the album that held the band's name (1989). After earning their degrees, the duo engaged in some self-reflection, which led to the song that would later become an indispensable phenomenon in the world of popular culture.

"I searched here and I searched there, and if I just try to take it easy and get a little bit of knowledge and wisdom from different sources, then I’m going to be closer to fine." - Emily Saliers

Because of its infectious rhythm and chorus, the song quickly became a favorite for singing along to at karaoke bars, inside cars, and in college dorm rooms. It catapulted the Indigo Girls' debut album to the rank of double-platinum and helped them win a Grammy in the process.

Fast forward to 2023, "Closer to Fine" has found a new home in Greta Gerwig’s Barbieland. The song is a perfect fit for Barbie's (portrayed by Margot Robbie) existential journey in the movie, providing a soundtrack for her quest for meaning beyond her perfect doll life.

"Closer to Fine" made it into the movie scene and as part of the official trailer. This moment of recognition and appreciation for the song has sparked a resurgence of interest in the Indigo Girls' music, much to the delight of their fans.

The Indigo Girls' music has always been a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. Their songs, especially "Closer to Fine," have provided solace and representation for many, including singer-songwriter Katie Pruitt.

"You need all these different examples of who you’re allowed to be, and the answer is anybody — you’re allowed to be anybody." - Katie Pruitt

The Indigo Girls' journey hasn't been without its challenges. As openly queer women from religious Southern backgrounds, they have faced their fair share of prejudice and scrutiny. Their music and their identity have often been the butt of homophobic jokes, despite their immense talent and the impact of their music.

However, with time and cultural shifts, the Indigo Girls have found themselves being appreciated for their music and their authenticity. This newfound respect and recognition is a testament to their perseverance and their commitment to their art.

"We’re finally allowed to just be us. I guess we’ve stuck around long enough and it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s just Amy and Emily.’ We no longer are the brunt of a joke and we’re flourishing in certain ways in terms of this relevancy, which is gratifying." - Emily Saliers

The Indigo Girls have been pioneers, trendsetters, and above all, artists who have stayed true to their craft. The inclusion of "Closer to Fine" in the Barbie movie is a testament to their lasting impact on music and culture. It's a reminder that good music transcends time, genre, and societal norms. From the stages of local bars to the soundtrack of a global phenomenon like Barbie, the Indigo Girls have truly brought us 'Closer to Fine'.