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.
You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You better make a mighty good beat
You got your skin to sing a song
You better sing a super swell song
I got my skin to sing a song
I gotta sing a super swell song
I got my bones to make a beat
Let's pick up the beat!
The lyrics of Cloud Cult's You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat are both motivational and enthralling. The message of the song is clear: every individual has something unique to offer, and it's our job to utilize our talents and create something great. The opening lines of the song, "You got your bones to make a beat, You better make a mighty good beat," suggest that we all have the physical tools needed to create something impactful. The second half of the verse refers to our "skin" as an instrument to be used to "sing a song." In essence, the lyrics are encouraging listeners to dig deep, utilize their natural abilities and talents, and create something beautiful.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the message of the verses, with a back and forth between the lead vocalist and backing vocalists. The lead vocalist sings, "I got my skin to sing a song, I gotta sing a super swell song. I got my bones to make a beat, I better make a mighty good beat." This repetition drives home the point that we all have the ability to create something impactful, and it's up to us to put in the effort to do so. With the final line of the chorus, "Let's pick up the beat," the song crescendos, encouraging listeners to step up and create something amazing.
Overall, Cloud Cult's You Got Your Bones to Make a Beat is a powerful motivator, urging listeners to utilize their natural talents and create something impactful. With its catchy beat and memorable lyrics, the song is an excellent reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You got your bones to make a beat
You possess the foundation to create a rhythmic sound
You better make a mighty good beat
You should strive to produce an exceptional rhythmic sound
You got your skin to sing a song
You have a medium to vocalize a melody
You better sing a super swell song
You should aim to perform an excellent melody
I got my skin to sing a song
I have the capability of singing melody with my vocal cords
I gotta sing a super swell song
I am obligated to present an extraordinary melody
I got my bones to make a beat
I possess the foundation to create a rhythmic sound
I better make a mighty good beat
I should endeavor to produce an exceptional rhythmic sound
Let's pick up the beat!
Let's improve the tempo and rhythm of the music we are creating
Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alex E
My favorite song by this band