Muses (sacred poetry) is often seen with a pensive expression; Terpsichore (choral dance and song) is often seen dancing and carrying a lyre; Thalia (comedy) is often seen with a comic mask; and Urania (astronomy) carries a pair of compasses and the celestial globe. Greek "mousa" is a common noun as well as a type of goddess: it literally means "art" or "poetry". According to Pindar, to "carry a "mousa"" is "to excel in the arts". The word derives from the Indo-European root "men-", which is also the source of Greek "Mnemosyne" and "mania", English "mind", "mental" and "monitor", Sanskrit "mantra"
Throwing Muses first, in 1994, which delayed the release of "University" until 1995. "University" gave the band their first national U.S. hit, "Bright Yellow Gun". The album was very favorably reviewed but it did not sell well, which resulted in them being dropped from Sire. Throwing Muses released their seventh album, "Limbo", which was followed by a tour. However, the band disbanded in 1997 as Kristin Hersh went on to continue her solo career. In March 2003 Throwing Muses came back with their eighth album, "Throwing Muses", which also saw the return of Tanya Donelly who provided backing vocals on the album.