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.
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 to Cloud Cult's "Today We Give Ourselves to the Fire" call out to all those who have been hurt or oppressed to stand up and embrace their inner strength. The song speaks to the fear that many feel when faced with challenges, but encourages them to overcome it by igniting their passion, their "fire". By doing so, they can rise above the pain they may have endured and stand firm in their beliefs.
The lyrics acknowledge the cold feeling that can arise from the pain of being burned down, but state unequivocally that this fire will not be put out. The chorus urges us to sing until there is nothing left to be sung, indicating the need to rise up and fight against oppression or injustice until it is defeated.
The words "I am alive. I promise I'm a well intentioned explosion" emphasize the power and potential in all of us. We all have the capacity to create change and leave a meaningful impact on the world, just as fire can both destroy and bring warmth and light. The song ends with the powerful line "Today we give ourselves to the fire," indicating a willingness to take the leap, embrace the challenge and let our inner fire consume and transform us.
Line by Line Meaning
Put out your hands, I know it's scary.
Do not be afraid to seek help even if it scares you.
Light up your fire, I know it's scary.
Do not be afraid to pursue your passion even if it seems daunting.
It's cold in your ribs, cuz you say they came and burned you down.
You feel empty inside because someone hurt you in the past.
Not gonna take it. They can't put your fire out.
Do not let others diminish your self-worth or prevent you from achieving your goals.
We will sing 'til there's nothing left to be sung.
We will persevere until we have exhausted all possibilities.
Not gonna take it. They can't put our fire out.
We will not let anyone extinguish our passion or drive.
I am alive. I promise I'm a well intentioned explosion.
I am full of life and energy and intend to use it positively.
Here comes the light. Give me that light.
Hope and positivity are on the horizon and I want to embrace them.
Today we give ourselves to the fire.
Today we commit to pursuing our passions and overcoming any obstacles in our way.
Writer(s): RICHARDSON MINOWA CRAIG ANDREW
Contributed by Vivian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.