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.
We Made Up Your Mind for You
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We think you can do it.
Do you think you can do it?
You can't fall down, 'cause everyone is watching you.
They don't think you can do it.
It's your chance to prove it.
How are you doing?
You just gotta go through it.
And you can't fall down, 'cause everyone is watching you.
They need to see you do.
You need to see you do it.
How are you doing?
The lyrics to Cloud Cult's song We Made up Your Mind for You depict the pressure of living up to others' expectations, particularly when taking on new challenges. The first verse sets the tone by declaring that it's time to remove the metaphorical training wheels and attempt something new. The song then poses the question to the listener, "Do you think you can do it?" While the song focuses heavily on external pressure, it also acknowledges the need for self-motivation.
The phrase "You can't fall down, 'cause everyone is watching you" is repeated in both verses, emphasizing the weight of the audience's expectations. This line creates a sense of heightened pressure and nerves for the listener. However, the song concludes with a final question: "How are you doing?" This offers a sense of empathy to the listener, acknowledging that the process of taking on new challenges can be difficult, regardless of what others may or may not believe.
Overall, "We Made up Your Mind for You" is a song that touches on themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the pressure to succeed. It offers a reminder to listeners that while others may set expectations, ultimately it is up to the individual to find the motivation and confidence to achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Today is the day we take off your training wheels.
Today marks the end of your protected and sheltered existence, as we push you towards independence.
We think you can do it.
We believe in your abilities and skills.
Do you think you can do it?
We encourage you to have confidence in your own abilities to accomplish what lies ahead.
You can't fall down, 'cause everyone is watching you.
The burden of expectations is upon you; you must avoid failing, as you find yourself subject to scrutiny from the people around you.
They don't think you can do it.
There exist people who do not have faith in you.
It's your chance to prove it.
This is your moment to demonstrate your competence and ability to exceed expectations thoroughly.
How are you doing?
We ask about your status, as concerns the progress or success of the task you set out to accomplish.
You can't stop now, although there are walls all around.
You're faced with obstacles on your path to success, but you must persist.
You just gotta go through it.
You need to persevere and overcome the challenges facing you.
They need to see you do.
Other people are keen on witnessing your accomplishments and abilities in action.
You need to see you do it.
It is of utmost importance that you understand your own abilities and the extent of your potential as you overcome these challenges.
How are you doing?
We question your progress towards accomplishing the objectives set before you.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JACK LOGAN, TODD MCBRIDE, ROB VEAL, MIKE GIBSON, JOHN CRIST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
findingacause
By far one of my favorite songs, it completely applies to my life. <3 Seriously, these people are geniouses.
ZombieFried
"Do you believe in you, cause no one can do that for you." So true.
Always Falling Short
This is, quite possibly, the greatest song ever.
Lua Mano
this guys are JUST something i cant descrive :) thank you!!!
arthuro11111
When they perform this live they say "Mother Hubbard" ... the use of the word doesn't take away from the message of the song, in fact I think it increases it if anything, but hubbard works just as well. Great song, great message. "You can decide that you'll be all right."
Kevin Mosier
I love how you can hear Shawn Neary's voice so well in this one... Wapsipinicon-y.
rome8180
Exactly. They practically never curse. And so when they do it has far more impact than when other bands do.
Jerry Harrison
Lets quit debating over word usage. Just enjoy the point of this song. Endure, strive, be the best you can, don't listen to that pessimistic voice you hear, just keep pressing onward. You'll be just fine.
Noelle Choy
soo great
Flig5
If you hear Nicki Minaj or some such..."musician" say fuck, it's expected and mundane, whereas when you hear it on a Cloud Cult track, it jumps out because it's so rare to hear it come from them.