The band's founder and singer Craig Minowa has a degree in Environmental Science, and his environmental, political, and social awareness is reflected in much of Cloud Cult's music. (Note: Craig Minowa actually has stated he intentionally doesn't sing about environmental awareness because he lives it...he doesn't need to preach it) The band's self-created non-profit record label, Earthology Records, uses the most environmentally friendly methods available to ensure minimum damage to the environment.
After two solo LP's, The Shade Project (1995), and Who Killed Puck? (2000), Minowa's sudden loss of his two-year-old son and subsequent separation from his wife, Cloud Cult emerged with They Live On The Sun in 2003, combining concepts of Minowa with performances by cellist Sarah Young and drummer Dan Greenwood, who shortly became members of the band. This album was deeply personal and painful album for Cloud Cult and you don't often hear songs from it in concert.
Minowa continued to use music to cope with the loss of his son on the following album Aurora Borealis. This album did begin to branch out more into exploration of pain and loss instead of just feeling it.
Minowa reunited with his wife, and the next album is widely considered their crowning achievement. Advice From The Happy Hippopotamus involved collaboration from a variety of musicians and has garnered praise from critics, even being acclaimed as "a work of insane genius". This album is capped off with the "happy-go-lucky" song, Lucky Today. This album was selected by esurance to be animated into a commercial. This was a contest for the most environmentally sound band because esurance labels themselves as the paperless insurance provider.
On April 10th 2007 Cloud Cult officially released their sixth LP, The Meaning of 8 (although it was available for sale online in late January): the first single was titled "Take Your Medicine." In April 2008, the band followed it with Feel Good Ghosts.
In 2009 band announced a break till 2010, though they released limited re-releases of their albums Lost Songs from the Lost Years, They Live on the Sun and Aurora Borealis (the last two as a double-disc).
Their concerts are certainly a sight to be seen. Along with Minowa on Guitars (and other fun things), they have got bass, drums, violin and cello. There are two official band members who actually do very little music during the shows; Minowa's wife Connie and Scott are painters. They create original works of art during the show (breaking only occasionally to sing or sometimes Scott plays Trumpet). Then, at the end of the show, they silent auction these paintings off to the highest bidder.
Their official website is www.cloudcult.com.
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Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sorry I can't love you
I'm mashed potatoes and gravy
I'm sorry I can't love you
Once, twice, three times a lady
I'm sorry I can't love you
I'm mashed potatoes and gravy
The lyrics to "17 Three Times A Lady" by Cloud Cult are a blunt admission of the singer's inability to reciprocate love. The repetition of "once, twice, three times a lady" reinforces the idea that the person they are addressing is worthy of love and respect, but unfortunately, the singer is not capable of fulfilling that emotional connection. The metaphor of being "mashed potatoes and gravy" adds to the somber tone of the song, suggesting that the singer is stuck in a monotonous routine and cannot break free from it to pursue a meaningful relationship.
Overall, the song explores themes of regret, personal limitations, and the complexities of love. The phrase "three times a lady" is a reference to the classic Commodores song "Three Times a Lady," which was about a man expressing his love and appreciation for a woman in his life.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was written and performed by Cloud Cult's lead singer and founder, Craig Minowa, as an ode to his wife Connie, who passed away from cancer in 2002. The band's music is often deeply personal and reflective of Minowa's own experiences, making their songs particularly poignant and meaningful.
Another interesting fact is that Cloud Cult is known for their environmentally conscious approach to music-making, often incorporating sustainable practices into their recording and touring process. They have also founded the non-profit organization Earthology, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of musicians and promote sustainable living.
Here are the chords for "17 Three Times A Lady," as played by Cloud Cult:
Verse: D Am G D
Chorus: D Am G D
The song is played in common time at a moderate tempo, with a simple and repetitive chord progression that emphasizes the lyrics and vocal melody. The song has a melancholy feel, with the strumming pattern and gentle vocal delivery adding to the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Once, twice, three times a lady
I've loved you with all my heart and devotion, not just once or twice, but three times over.
I'm sorry I can't love you
Despite how much you deserve my love, I'm unable to reciprocate it.
I'm mashed potatoes and gravy
I'm just a simple, plain person like a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy.
I'm sorry I can't love you
No matter how hard I try, I just can't force myself to have feelings for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alec Timberlake
I have a signed poster from their 2007 Meaning of 8 tour. Craig signed it "Alec, thanks for being". it gets me out of bed. ❤
Gage Morgan
Ive almost ended it 20 times in a month but ive still got cloud cult.
Neal Klein
I feel moved to say, thank you for being. If their music helps you to keep being, then here I am hoping you keep listening. Sending love.
Sinkpehna RossFire
🎶😃🎶🤗...Through the Ages.... 6:00