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.
Pretty
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're so pretty, would you stand beside me
Maybe they will think I am beautiful like you
You're so pretty, would you lay down by me
You're so pretty, would you lay down by me
Maybe you could help me feel beautiful too
Maybe we could finally feel in love
Maybe we could...
Maybe we could...
Maybe we could finally feel okay
The Cloud Cult song "Pretty" is a poignant reflection on the idea of beauty and companionship. The lyrics embody a sense of longing for acceptance and connection in a world that places so much value on outward beauty. By asking the listener to stand or lay down beside them, the singer seeks to find a sense of kinship and understanding. The repetition of the phrase "maybe they will think I am beautiful like you" highlights the often-unattainable standards of beauty that people feel pressured to meet. Rather than seeking validation from others, the singer turns to their companion, hoping that the closeness they feel will help them to see themselves in a more positive light.
The lyrics also suggest a desire to find deeper meaning in life. By asking "Maybe we could understand each other/Maybe we could finally feel in love," the singer emphasizes the importance of human connection in a world that can often feel isolating. The repetition of the phrase "maybe we could..." emphasizes the uncertainty and possibility that comes with seeking out these connections. By the end of the song, the tone has shifted from one of longing to one of hope, with the singer expressing the belief that maybe, just maybe, they could finally feel okay.
Overall, "Pretty" is a touching and introspective piece of music that speaks to the universal human desire for acceptance and companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
You're so pretty, would you stand beside me
You are beautiful, would you stay close to me
You're so pretty, would you stand beside me
You are beautiful, would you stay close to me
Maybe they will think I am beautiful like you
Perhaps people will find me beautiful if they associate me with you
You're so pretty, would you lay down by me
You are beautiful, would you lie down next to me
You're so pretty, would you lay down by me
You are beautiful, would you lie down next to me
Maybe you could help me feel beautiful too
Perhaps being close to you can make me feel beautiful as well
Maybe we could understand each other
Perhaps we could comprehend one another
Maybe we could finally feel in love
Perhaps we could experience the romantic feeling of love we've been seeking
Maybe we could...
Perhaps we could do something special together
Maybe we could...
Perhaps we could do something memorable together
Maybe we could finally feel okay
Perhaps we could finally have a sense of contentment
Contributed by Skyler O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@2_Elliot
Almost 14 years later and this masterpiece is finally about to reach 1 million views. I don't care if I have to listen to it 1000 times, it will reach 1 mill.
@kayleethegi5894
im there with you my friend, i always come back to this, and no one said it would be easy.
@TerenceReis
Dude..., yes, God, it's been almost one year since I first heard this song and it still makes me want to cry every time I hear it. God what a beautiful song.
@jeffmoir1
Just a post to bring this up the algorithm. This is such a beautiful band, song, and performance. Many years after hearing this
for the first time, this is still a favourite
@beherenow1972
This song has blasted me to another level of feeling/being since I first heard it six years ago. Thank you for being who you are.
@Totes108
"Thank you for being who you are." More people should hear this. Good one.
@cowabungask8r
Have another listen and get blasted back 12 years! Love the climactic finish!
@lucidexistance1
I heard this 15 years ago. Lol. You don't matter. Lmfao.... I'm lonely and wish the best for you
@Dannyboysraceshit
There are some serious hippie dippie sappy sods in the Cloud Cult Universe man whoooweee! Lol!
@Hirome_Satou
This is my favorite song by these guys, Brilliant lyrics, and that drummer and the violinist are freaking amazing.