Clouds
Derek Lyrics


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The heart of this country
Has fallen under attack
You're waging wars on yourself
With a monkey on your back
Gettin' high and gettin' by
It's a damn ole shame
When the flame goes out
The lights go out
With a needle in your vein
Well you better get on out
Or it's gonna take you down
Rain full of sin and doubt
Black Cloud
Johnny married Tina
And Tina, she got around
She tied up the hands of that workin' man
And drove the whole thing in the ground
Johnny, he'd been drinkin'
Just like the night before
When Tina walked into that living room
Well, the bottle hit the floor
Well you better get on out
Or it's gonna take you down
Rain full of sin and doubt
Black Cloud
Well you better get on out
Or it's gonna take you down
Rain full of sin and doubt
Well you better get on out
Or it's gonna take you down
Rain full of sin and doubt




Black Cloud
Black Cloud

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Derek's song "Clouds" paint a bleak picture of the struggles and hardships faced by individuals in society. The opening lines explore the idea of self-destructive behavior and the internal battles that people may face. The imagery of waging wars on oneself with a monkey on your back alludes to the burden of addiction or personal demons that can consume a person. The mention of getting high and getting by highlights the coping mechanisms that some may turn to in order to deal with their struggles.


The narrative then shifts to a story about Johnny and Tina, a troubled couple whose relationship is marred by dysfunction and instability. Johnny's drinking habits and Tina's unfaithfulness contribute to the deterioration of their partnership, symbolized by the metaphor of tying up the hands of the working man and driving the whole thing into the ground. The scene in the living room where a confrontation takes place further emphasizes the chaotic and destructive nature of their relationship, culminating in the shattering of a bottle on the floor.


The repeated refrain of "well you better get on out, or it's gonna take you down, rain full of sin and doubt, black cloud" serves as a warning or a plea for individuals to break free from their destructive patterns before they are consumed by them. The black cloud symbolizes the darkness and negativity that looms over those who are trapped in cycles of self-destruction and despair. The rain full of sin and doubt suggests a constant barrage of struggles and uncertainties that weigh heavily on those caught in its midst.


Overall, these lyrics convey a poignant message about the consequences of succumbing to destructive behaviors and the importance of breaking free from negative cycles before they lead to further downfall. The imagery and storytelling in the song paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by individuals in the face of inner demons, addiction, and toxic relationships, urging listeners to confront their own black clouds and find a way out towards a brighter future.


Line by Line Meaning

The heart of this country
The core values and essence of this nation


Has fallen under attack
Are under threat and in a state of crisis


You're waging wars on yourself
You are self-destructing and causing harm to yourself


With a monkey on your back
With an addiction or burden that you can't shake off


Gettin' high and gettin' by
Using substances to cope and survive


It's a damn ole shame
It's truly unfortunate and regrettable


When the flame goes out
When hope or passion fades away


The lights go out
And darkness takes over


With a needle in your vein
With a destructive habit that is consuming you


Johnny married Tina
A man committed to a relationship with a woman named Tina


And Tina, she got around
And Tina was engaging in casual relationships with others


She tied up the hands of that workin' man
She caused problems and difficulties for the hardworking man


And drove the whole thing in the ground
And led to the downfall or destruction of their relationship


Johnny, he'd been drinkin'
Johnny had been consuming alcohol


Just like the night before
Similar to the previous night


When Tina walked into that living room
When Tina entered the room where Johnny was


Well, the bottle hit the floor
The alcohol bottle fell to the ground in shock or anger


Rain full of sin and doubt
An overwhelming feeling of guilt and uncertainty


Black Cloud
A dark, oppressive presence looming over




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Casey Edgar, Casey Smalley, Derek Jones

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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