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.
Ready to Fight
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've all this anger I've been holding in
I've got the vengeance of sixty million buffalo inside my heart (??)
You can tear me down, but I will not give in
I'm ready to fight
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I'm ready to fight
There's almost no one left to miss that's you (??)
Don't eat the bullshit of what's feeding you
I know it's hard to see how truly brainwashed you have all become
You can never make me into one of you
I'm ready to fight
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I'm ready to fight
I'm ready to fight
I'm ready to fight
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I'm ready to fight
I'm ready to fight
I'm ready to fight
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I'm ready to fight
I'm ready to fight
The lyrics in Cloud Cult's song "Ready to Fight" depict a person who feels weak and angry, but is determined to resist and fight back. The opening line, "I always thought that I was weaker than you," suggests a lack of self-confidence and perhaps a history of being bullied or oppressed. The singer has been holding in their anger, but now feels a surge of energy and power represented by the "vengeance of sixty million buffalo inside my heart." This image suggests a deep well of strength and determination, rooted in a connection to nature and a sense of justice. The singer declares that they will not give in or be torn down, and is "ready to fight" for their beliefs and values.
The second verse addresses an unknown person who is feeding on "bullshit" and has become "brainwashed." The singer sees through the deception and refuses to be assimilated or made "into one of you." The repetition of the chorus reinforces the theme of resistance and determination. The lyrics suggest that the fight is ongoing and requires a lifelong commitment. The repetition of "I'm ready to fight / I'll spend my whole life fighting" emphasizes the exhaustion and perseverance required to stand up against oppression and injustice.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ready to Fight" convey a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity. The singer is determined to resist and fight back, and draws strength from a connection to nature and a belief in justice. The lyrics encourage listeners to stand up for their beliefs and values, and to persevere even in the face of difficulty and opposition.
Line by Line Meaning
I always thought that I was weaker than you
I used to believe that you were stronger than me and that I am weaker.
And I've all this anger I've been holding in
I have a lot of anger inside me which I have been keeping to myself.
I've got the vengeance of sixty million buffalo inside my heart (??)
I have a strong feeling of vengeance inside me that is equivalent to the collective anger of sixty million buffalo (an expression used to signify a great amount of anger).
You can tear me down, but I will not give in
Even if you try to bring me down, I will not surrender or give up.
There's almost no one left to miss that's you (??)
There are very few people, if any, who would miss you if you were gone (an expression used to convey a sense of detachment or lack of attachment to someone).
Don't eat the bullshit of what's feeding you
Do not believe the lies that you are being told by those who manipulate or control you (an expression used to convey a sense of deception or falsehood).
I know it's hard to see how truly brainwashed you have all become
I understand that it is difficult for you to recognize how thoroughly you have been indoctrinated or manipulated (an expression used to imply strong influence or control over someone's beliefs or actions).
You can never make me into one of you
I will always remain true to myself and refuse to conform to your beliefs or ways of thinking, even if you try to change or influence me.
I'm ready to fight
I am prepared to defend my beliefs or values, even if it means facing opposition or resistance.
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I am willing to devote my entire life to the struggle for what I believe in (an expression used to convey a sense of dedication or commitment).
I'm ready to fight
I am still determined to fight, even if it means facing adversity or danger.
I'm ready to fight
I am ready to defend my principles or ideals, regardless of the consequences.
I'm ready to fight
I have made up my mind to fight, and nothing can deter me from my path.
I'll spend my whole life fighting
I will not give up or quit, and I am committed to fighting for what I believe in for as long as it takes.
I'm ready to fight
My resolve to fight is unyielding, and I will not be dissuaded or intimidated by any obstacle.
I'm ready to fight
I am prepared to take on whatever challenges lie ahead, without hesitation or fear.
Contributed by Dylan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.