Clouds
The Go-Betweens Lyrics
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They aren't up in the sky.
I cupped them with my hands
and reached up high.
I said to these clouds,
"no more am I blind.
I have to see straight
and that will make me unkind."
Visions of blue,
I'm angry, I'm wise.
And you, you're under cloudy skies.
Blue air I crave, blue air I breathe
They once chopped my heart the way you chop a tree.
Told to equate achievement with pain
I took their top prize and paid them back with rain.
Visions of blue
I'm angry I'm wise and you.
You're under cloudy skies.
Blue air I crave blue air I breathe
they once chopped my heart the way you chop a tree.
Told to equate Achievement with Pain
I stole their top prize and paid them back with rain.
Visions of blue I'm angry I'm wise and you.
You're under cloudy skies. Visions of blue
Perverse and strong and you.
You're under cloudy skies.
What I did once I now do everyday.
The Go-Betweens' song Clouds presents a metaphorical reflection on individualism and personal growth. The lyrics offer a poetic perspective of life's ups and downs, painting them as emotional weather patterns. The first verse introduces the idea of the clouds not being in the sky, but rather being held in one's hands, suggesting that the things that shape our lives are often within our control.
In the chorus, the singer describes being angry and wise, seeking blue air after feeling like someone has "chopped" their heart. The line "Told to equate achievement with pain" highlights the societal expectation to sacrifice oneself to succeed, a theme that is common throughout the album that the track appears on, 16 Lovers Lane. The singer then contends that they have "stole their top prize and paid them back with rain," contrasting the value of personal achievement and growth with external markers of success.
The song's final verse concludes with a sense of empowerment, as the singer declares that what they once did they now do every day, suggesting that they have embraced their own path independent of societal norms. Ultimately, the track presents a message of self-determination and a rejection of convention in favor of individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
The clouds are here
The singer is experiencing a time of darkness and uncertainty.
They aren't up in the sky.
The clouds the singer refers to are a metaphorical representation of their state of mind, not actual physical clouds in the sky.
I cupped them with my hands and reached up high.
The singer is trying to take control of their emotions and change their perspective on life, hoping for better days.
I said to these clouds, 'no more am I blind. I have to see straight and that will make me unkind.'
The artist is acknowledging their need to confront their struggles head-on and take a more assertive approach to life, even if it means being harsh to others.
Visions of blue, I'm angry, I'm wise. And you, you're under cloudy skies.
The artist is seeing things clearly and has gained wisdom from their experiences. However, they recognize that others may still be struggling to find their way.
Blue air I crave, blue air I breathe. They once chopped my heart the way you chop a tree.
The singer longs for a sense of freedom and clarity in their life, but has been hurt in the past by others, possibly a romantic partner.
Told to equate achievement with pain. I took their top prize and paid them back with rain.
The singer has faced pressure from society or loved ones to prioritize success over their own well-being, but has decided to rebel against this mindset and pursue their own path, even if it means making others unhappy.
Visions of blue I'm angry I'm wise and you. You're under cloudy skies.
The artist reaffirms their clarity and wisdom, and acknowledges that those around them may still be struggling in their own way.
Visions of blue. Perverse and strong and you. You're under cloudy skies.
The artist is feeling empowered and unafraid to be themselves, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations. They acknowledge that others may see them as strange or unconventional.
What I did once I now do every day.
The artist has made a significant change in their life and has decided to commit to it fully.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN, ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Nigelxman
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Means so much to me and takes me back to a really wonderful place.
@mrman8342
yeah me too
@DJ_Camov
this song is like a nice drive through Kensington on a sunny day
@wombatcarebundanoon942
Love it...and I am only just finding this wonderful band now. Better late than never. What a rich vein of fantastic, emotive, and life affirming Aussie music to tap into.what a gift!
@shanemckenna9416
You’re right. Australian music in the eighties was the best.
@zensurfmaster
A beautiful,overlooked album...still sounds great.
@meowzer999
Love it all but especially the oboe.
@johnnypoker46
Absolutely gorgeous lilting song!
@cask8553
It's so good that I am still playing it after 37 years.
Really hits home...
@robertoc2485
32 years! Released in 88!