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 Departure: Today We Give Ourselves To The Fire
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light up your fire, I know it's scary.
It's cold in your ribs, cuz you say they came and burned you down.
Not gonna take it. They can't put your fire out.
We will sing 'til there's nothing left to be sung.
Not gonna take it. They can't put our fire out.
I am alive. I promise I'm a well intentioned explosion.
Here comes the light. Give me that light.
The lyrics of the song The Departure: Today We Give Ourselves To The Fire by Cloud Cult are powerful and thought-provoking. The song is about resilience and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances. The opening lines, "Put out your hands, I know it's scary, Light up your fire, I know it's scary" suggest that taking control and moving forward can be a scary thing. The lyrics address the idea of being burned down and betrayed, yet not allowing that negativity to defeat us. This is exemplified through the lyrics "It's cold in your ribs, cuz you say they came and burned you down. Not gonna take it. They can't put your fire out."
The lyrics continue to inspire strength and endurance, with the line "We will sing 'til there's nothing left to be sung." This phrase also represents an acceptance of the limited time we have on this earth, and the need to make the most of it. The chorus of "Today we give ourselves to the fire" further emphasizes this idea of being brave and taking risks. The song ends with the lines "Here comes the light. Give me that light. Today we give ourselves to the fire.", suggesting that there is hope and a brighter future out there waiting for those who are willing to embrace it.
Overall, The Departure: Today We Give Ourselves To The Fire is a powerful and inspiring song. Its lyrics encourage listeners to face their fears, rise above negativity, and embrace a bold, fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Put out your hands, I know it's scary.
I understand that extending yourself is frightening, but take the risk and reach out.
Light up your fire, I know it's scary.
It can be daunting, but ignite your passion and embrace it despite the risks.
It's cold in your ribs, cuz you say they came and burned you down.
You feel an emptiness because you were hurt and lost something valuable.
Not gonna take it. They can't put your fire out.
Don't allow others to diminish your spirit, for your flame cannot be extinguished.
We will sing 'til there's nothing left to be sung.
We will express ourselves through music until our message is heard and understood to its fullest extent.
Not gonna take it. They can't put our fire out.
Collectively, we refuse to let anyone quell the energy and passion we share.
I am alive. I promise I'm a well intentioned explosion.
I am present, full of vitality, and my energy aims to create something positive and meaningful.
Here comes the light. Give me that light.
A new dawn approaches and I ask to be illuminated by its radiance.
Today we give ourselves to the fire.
We will fully commit ourselves to our passions and allow the flame within us to consume and move us forward to new heights.
Contributed by Lucas V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Carina Contreras
Cloud Cult is amazing. Saw them live in Philly on this tour. Even more amazing live. They paint during their shows
naffy0325
AMAZING SONG!!!! Just saw them Tuesday and they were SO GREAT! ♥♥♥
Albert Abril
I fall in love with the Cello Player. Love the chorus.
DonkeyFun101
This is one of my absolute favorites. Love it! :D
Jordan Mertens
they're one of the few existing entities that makes me want to live
Jordan Mertens
they keep getting better. beautiful people
Haydee Salgado
I’m still listening to this years later ❤️
Jordan Mertens
yes. cloud cult are epic
Zach Ridgway
Cloud Cult is one of the most under-rated bands out there. I went to school with Arlen, the new drummer, and can say that if the rest of the members are as he is, they are very special, open-minded, and artistic people. The new album, "Love", is going to be absolutely amazing! I can't wait! Just pre-ordered it, and will get it a month before the official release.
gary
they are so good it makes me want to die