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.
A Place
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a car crash
In a car crash
I am see through and you're invisible too
I am hoping, I will fall back into you
I will fall back into you (didn't mean it)
I am hoping, I will fall back into you
I will fall back into you
The lyrics of Cloud Cult's "A Place" speak to the complicated nature of relationships and the ways in which they can fall apart. The repetition of the phrase "in a car crash" suggests a sudden and violent event that disrupts the singer's sense of self and their relationship with another person. The use of the metaphor of transparency and invisibility is significant, as it speaks to the idea that in relationships, we are often stripped down to our most vulnerable and exposed selves. The singer is hoping to "fall back into" the other person, but acknowledges that their words may not accurately reflect their true feelings ("I will fall back into you (didn't mean it)"). Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of uncertainty and fragility, and a desire to find a sense of stability and connection amid the chaos of life.
Line by Line Meaning
In a car crash
At a point of unexpected, terrifying impact
In a car crash
At a point of unexpected, terrifying impact
In a car crash
At a point of unexpected, terrifying impact
I am see through and you're invisible too
I lack transparency, but so do you. Our emotions are clouded or hidden
I am hoping, I will fall back into you
I yearn to be comforted by the familiar, affectionate support of the person who knows me best
I will fall back into you (didn't mean it)
Expressing ambivalence, I simply pined for respite - not acknowledging the seriousness of the depression and desperation that prompted my cries for help
I am see through and you're invisible too
I lack transparency, but so do you. Our emotions are clouded or hidden
I am hoping, I will fall back into you
I yearn to be comforted by the familiar, affectionate support of the person who knows me best
I will fall back into you
I'll surrender to your safe haven and open my heart again
Contributed by Adam J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.