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.
outside of your skin
Cloud Cult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forget the words that you think you were saying.
'Cause your thoughts seem to be thinking otherwise.
'Cause your feelings seem to be feeling otherwise.
Otherwise.
Otherwise
Take your broken pieces and use them for protection.
Use them for protection.
Take your strong pieces and use them for living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside
You've got to suck it up, even though they spit you out.
Take it in,
Take it in.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living on the outside of your skin.
The song "Living on the Outside of Your Skin" by Cloud Cult is a deep reflection on the human condition, self-preservation and survival. The first stanza talks about communication and the inherent vulnerability that comes with it. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of their preconceived ideas and listen to what they truly feel and think. Despite our best intentions, we can misunderstand ourselves and others. This creates a dissonance between our thoughts and feelings. The chorus emphasizes this sentiment by repeating "Otherwise, Otherwise". Cloud Cult suggests that it is important to admit to ourselves that we do not always know what we or others truly feel and think.
The second stanza continues this reflection on self-care and survival. The lyrics advise the listener to use their broken pieces for protection, while also using their strong pieces to live fully. The chorus repeats that we need to live on the outside of our skin, implying that we need to be true to ourselves and not hide behind a facade. The final part of the song encourages the listener to endure, to swallow the pain, and to continue living even when they feel rejected and broken.
Overall, Cloud Cult's song "Living on the Outside of Your Skin" is a poignant reflection on honesty, vulnerability, and survival. It encourages the listener to accept their own brokenness and strengths and to live fully in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Come and speak to me, my friend.
Please talk to me, my friend.
Forget the words that you think you were saying.
Do not worry about the specific words you were previously saying.
'Cause your thoughts seem to be thinking otherwise.
Your actions do not match what you are thinking.
'Cause your feelings seem to be feeling otherwise.
Your emotions do not match what you are expressing.
Otherwise.
This is not the expected behavior.
Take your broken pieces and use them for protection.
Use your past difficulties as a form of protection for the future.
Use them for protection.
Use your past difficulties as a tool to guard against future harm.
Use them for protection.
Use your past difficulties as a defense mechanism.
Take your strong pieces and use them for living on the outside of your skin.
Use your inner strength to live your life outwardly.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Live your life with openness and courage.
You've got to suck it up, even though they spit you out.
You must persevere through difficult times, even if others try to bring you down.
Take it in,
Accept the challenges and keep moving forward.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living life with honesty and authenticity, even when it's tough.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living life as your true self, without fear or shame.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living life with resilience and strength.
Living on the outside of your skin.
Living life with courage and vulnerability.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Damn, Dave!
Every time this song plays, I expect Eric B. & Rakim to start their verses, and then I'm like: "oh yeah, it's Cloud Cult."
The way this song evolves is fantastic.
Shae
Great song! I love Cloud Cult!
TeenieWheat
Looooooove this song i wish it was longer
Dr. Jeremy Dunks
Man I miss this sound. There used to be a really great blog called The Sneeze that turned me onto Cloud Cult. I miss them both.
Daniel Personius
The lyrics are good, but the music's soso
R Lau
I thought the same thing the first 5 times I heard it.... and then it’s like one day, I LOVED it. It is one of those songs that has to be played on max volume ... or it just doesn’t have the same affect. (And I’m not even a loud music type of gal). It’s been 8 years.... Give it another go...