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.
The Awakening: Dawn
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The snow is melting on the garden.
All our anxieties are in a box I mailed to Pluto.
And I feel like the sun.
Gonna burn it all away.
We rest our heads upon one pillow.
Beg for falling stars to break in our window.
And I feel like the wind.
Gonna blow it all away.
Pray to the 'I Don't Know' that made me.
Protect my Love, protect my friends, protect my baby.
I may have worries, but I'm not going crazy.
I feel like the rain.
Gonna wash it all away.
I can't breathe unless you're in my air.
I'm not here unless you're somewhere near.
When old age calls, we'll share a rocking chair.
And I feel like the dawn.
That light is getting near.
The lyrics of the song 'The Awakening: Dawn' by Cloud Cult are quite unique and beautiful. It describes a peaceful and serene moment where all the anxieties and worries are kept aside, and everything around feels like a new beginning. The first verse starts with the singer describing the arrival of dawn and how everything appears clearer and more meaningful. The use of 'airport' and 'landing' in the initial lines might be referring to a journey that the singer is taking. The snow melting on the garden could be seen as a metaphor for breaking the ice or shedding off the old layer of fear and doubts. The phrase 'All our anxieties are in a box I mailed to Pluto' portrays the idea of letting go and not being too concerned about things that have already been put away. The singer feels empowered and radiant like the sun, determined to burn away the past and start afresh.
In the second verse, the singer talks about sharing a bed and hoping for a miracle to happen. The metaphor of 'falling stars' breaking in the window alludes to a sense of awe and wonder towards the unpredictable nature of life. The 'evergreens blowing out their birthday candles' could represent the cyclical nature of life. The singer feels like the wind, capable of carrying away everything that doesn't serve a purpose. In the next few lines, the singer prays to the divine force to protect their loved ones and admits to having worries but not being overwhelmed by them. Like the rain, the singer wants to wash away all the negativity and emerge purified.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a message of hope, optimism, and a willingness to embrace change. It reflects the idea of letting go of the past, and instead, focusing on the present and the future. The use of nature-based imagery and metaphors adds to the beauty and depth of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
The airport's clear for a landing.
I have arrived to my destination safely.
The snow is melting on the garden.
Winter is coming to an end and spring is arriving.
All our anxieties are in a box I mailed to Pluto.
I have sent away all my worries and concerns to a faraway place.
And I feel like the sun. Gonna burn it all away.
I feel empowered and ready to overcome any obstacles in my way.
We rest our heads upon one pillow.
We are close and share an intimate connection.
Beg for falling stars to break in our window.
We hope for good luck and blessings to come our way.
Outside the evergreens are blowing out their birthday candles.
Nature is alive and celebrating its existence.
And I feel like the wind. Gonna blow it all away.
I am strong and capable of overcoming any challenges that come my way.
Pray to the 'I Don't Know' that made me.
I acknowledge a higher power that created me and give thanks.
Protect my Love, protect my friends, protect my baby.
I ask for the safety and well-being of my loved ones.
I may have worries, but I'm not going crazy.
I acknowledge my worries but know that they do not define me.
I feel like the rain. Gonna wash it all away.
I am cleansing myself of negative thoughts and emotions.
I can't breathe unless you're in my air.
My loved one is integral to my existence.
I'm not here unless you're somewhere near.
My loved one's presence is necessary for me to feel alive.
When old age calls, we'll share a rocking chair.
We plan to grow old together and share our lives.
And I feel like the dawn. That light is getting near.
I am hopeful and optimistic about the future.
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Berlin323
Beyond magnificent into a theological state of ineffable wonder and brilliance not unlike the conversion experience of Saint Theresa of Avila some centuries ago.In other words, it's got a good beat, u can dance to it I give it a ten.
Eli Doubleday
i feel like the rain, gonna wash it all away