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.
Please Remain Calm
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tablecloth cape, embroidered number 8 sayin'
'I am a proud man, I am a proud man'
Dancin' to the beat of a mother coming down, sing it
Please remain calm
Please remain calm
I wouldn't blame you if you'd rather stay in bed
We'd go smilin', we'd go down smilin'
Dancin' to the beat of a mother coming down, take it
Please remain calm
Please remain calm
Calm
This is a test of the emergency broadcasting system
This is a test, this is only a test
You can stand single file, put your head between your legs
You can stop drop and roll 'cause this is only a test, kick it
The first stanza presents a scene of an unconventional individual, who dresses in a combination of an astronaut helmet and a tablecloth cape with an embroidered number 8. This person is proud of their eccentricity and dances to the beat of a "mother coming down", which can be interpreted as a description of a song or rhythm that connects them to a higher power or a sense of purpose. The repeated command to "please remain calm" is a juxtaposition to the chaotic and unusual scene that is presented, suggesting that even amidst the strange and confusing aspects of life, we must try to remain composed and clear-headed.
The second stanza brings up the theme of perception and judgment, as the singer notes that it can be hard to distinguish between a prophet and a crackpot. This suggests that people who may seem unusual or even crazy on the surface may have insights or ideas that are worthy of consideration. The final lines of the stanza suggest a willingness to face the unknown with a sense of humor and resilience, as they declare that they will go down smiling while dancing to the beat of the same "mother" that was mentioned before.
Overall, "Please Remain Calm" seems to be a call for acceptance of the weirdness, chaos, and uncertainty that is inherent in life. The repeated refrain of "please remain calm" acts as a reminder to try to maintain a sense of peace and clarity in the face of the unknown, and the descriptions of eccentric characters and confusing situations illustrate the idea that there is value in being open to the strange and unexpected.
Line by Line Meaning
His Sunday best includes the helmet of an astronaut
He is dressed in an extraordinary way for a special occasion, wearing an astronaut's helmet.
Tablecloth cape, embroidered number 8 sayin'
He is wearing a cape made of a tablecloth, and it has the number 8 embroidered on it.
'I am a proud man, I am a proud man'
He feels proud of himself and is proclaiming it by saying 'I am a proud man' twice.
Dancin' to the beat of a mother coming down, sing it
He is enjoying the music and dancing to the rhythm of it, urging others to do the same.
Please remain calm
A request is made that everyone stay calm.
It's hard to tell the difference of a prophet from a crackpot
It can be difficult to distinguish between someone who prophesizes and someone who is a crazy person.
I wouldn't blame you if you'd rather stay in bed
It is understandable if someone wants to stay in bed and avoid the possible chaos outside.
We'd go smilin', we'd go down smilin'
Even in the face of danger or death, they would keep smiling.
Dancin' to the beat of a mother coming down, take it
The artist continues to enjoy the music and share it with others, urging them to 'take it'.
Calm
The word 'calm' is repeated to emphasize the importance of remaining calm.
This is a test of the emergency broadcasting system
A testing message plays, warning people that this is only a drill.
This is a test, this is only a test
The message is repeated to make it clear that this is not a real emergency.
You can stand single file, put your head between your legs
People are advised to stand in a line and crouch down, putting their heads between their legs.
You can stop drop and roll 'cause this is only a test, kick it
People are also advised to stop dropping and rolling, and not to panic because this is just a test.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.