Meaning of "Fugitive" by Indigo Girls

The lyrics of "Fugitive" delve into the internal struggles and conflicts that reside within the speaker's soul. The opening line, "I'm harboring a fugitive, a defector of a kind," sets the stage for a metaphorical journey. The fugitive represents an inner conflict or a part of the speaker's identity that they cannot hide, represented by "drinks of my wine." The speaker is willing to give their last breath to keep this hidden part alive, showing their deep commitment and connection to it.

As the song progresses, the themes of uncertainty and the consequences of choices are explored. The line, "Are they coming for us with cameras or guns? We don't know which but we gotta run," highlights the fear and uncertainty the speaker feels about the outside world discovering their hidden truth. The sense of not knowing what's to come and the need to constantly evade capture creates a sense of tension and urgency.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of regret and the realization that choices have consequences. The line, "A day in the Sun dancing alone, Baby, I'm so sorry now," suggests that the speaker's pursuit of personal freedom and exploration may have come at a cost. They acknowledge that the lessons they have learned won't benefit their partner, indicating a sense of guilt for dragging them into this tumultuous journey.

The concept of hiding oneself is a significant theme throughout the song. It reflects the need to protect and shield their internal struggles and pain from the outside world. The repeated plea to "hide yourself from me" and the reciprocal promise to "hide myself for you" encapsulates the mutual desire to shield one another from the consequences of their choices.

In the final verse, the image of standing without clothes, dancing in the sand, and feeling the freedom to kiss the damned, represents the liberation and authenticity that the speaker seeks. They want this idyllic state to be remembered as the ideal way of being, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and embracing the unknown.

Ultimately, "Fugitive" explores the complexities of the human experience, the need for self-protection, the consequences of choices, and the desire for freedom and authenticity.