There are two groups named The Cascades. One is a vocal group from the Unit… Read Full Bio ↴There are two groups named The Cascades. One is a vocal group from the United States active in the 60's and the other is a gothic rock band from Germany currently active.

1. The Cascades were an American vocal group best known for their hit single "Rhythm Of The Rain" in 1963. The name The Cascades is supposedly inspired by a nearby box of detergent. The group's membership consolidated as John Gummoe (born in Cleveland, Ohio, 2 August 1938) (lead vocals), Eddy Snyder (guitar), David Szabo (keyboardist), Dave Stevens (bassist), and Dave Wilson (drummer).

Their first release, "There’s A Reason", became a small regional hit, and, in summer 1962, they went to Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles and recorded a song which Gummoe had written in his Navy days while on watch during a thunderstorm. The musicians on the recording included the "Wrecking Crew" - Hal Blaine on drums, Carol Kaye on bass and Glen Campbell on guitar - and it was arranged by Perry Botkin. "Rhythm of the Rain" was issued in November 1962. It rose to # 2 on the U.S. pop charts in early 1963, and became a major hit in over 80 countries.

The Cascades continued to record, producing an album and several further singles, including the follow-up "The Last Leaf", but none matched the charm or success of their big hit.

2. The teutonic Gothic machine known as "The Cascades" emerged in the early 90's from Europe's rock capital Berlin. Their unique sound, forged by heavy guitar riffing, rich melancholic keyboard layers and deep sensational vocals, placed them among the top gothic rock acts of our days. Their lyrical concept varying from dark eroticism to mystical endeavors is a perfect match to their powerful, emotional music. All this is portrayed in their four albums, which are an absolute must - have for all lovers of dark romantic rock music. Welcome to their musical spells and ceremonies...

Flying On The Ground
The Cascades Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is my world not falling down
I'm in pieces on the ground and my eyes aren't open and I'm
Standing on my knees

But if crying and holding on
And flying on the ground is wrong
Then I'm sorry
To let you down

But you're from
My side of town and I'll miss you

Turn me up or turn me down
Turn me off or
Turn me round, I wish I could have met you in a place where we both belong

But if crying and holding on
And flying on the ground is wrong
Then I'm sorry
To let you down
But you're from
My side of town and I'll miss you

Sometimes I feel like I'm just a helpless child
Sometimes I feel like a kid

But baby
Since I have changed
I can't take
Nothing home

City lights at a country fair
Never shine
But always glare, if I'm bright enough to see you
You're just to dark to care

But if crying and holding on
And flying on the ground is wrong
Then I'm sorry
To let you down

But you're from
My side of town and I'll miss you

Overall Meaning

The Cascades's song Flying On The Ground is a poignant and introspective piece that captures a sense of emotional upheaval and confusion. The song's opening lyrics, "Is my world not falling down, I'm in pieces on the ground and my eyes aren't open and I'm standing on my knees", set the tone for a song that is about feeling lost and vulnerable. The singer feels like his life is falling apart and he doesn't know how to pick up the pieces. He's searching for some kind of meaning or purpose, but he can't seem to find it.

The chorus of the song, "But if crying and holding on, and flying on the ground is wrong, then I'm sorry to let you down, but you're from my side of town and I'll miss you", showcases the singer's innermost thoughts and feelings. He's struggling to hold on to what little he has left, even if it means living in a state of emotional confusion and chaos. There's a sense of mourning and sadness in his voice, but also a deep yearning for something more.

The song's lyrics are full of metaphors and imagery that add depth and complexity to the emotions being expressed. The line "City lights at a country fair, never shine but always glare" speaks to the idea of feeling out of place, while the line "Sometimes I feel like I'm just a helpless child, sometimes I feel like a kid" conveys a sense of vulnerability and insecurity.

Overall, Flying On The Ground is a powerful and emotionally charged song that speaks to the universal experience of feeling lost and confused. The Cascades's haunting vocals and evocative lyrics create a sense of longing and melancholy that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Line by Line Meaning

Is my world not falling down
Am I not experiencing turmoil?

I'm in pieces on the ground and my eyes aren't open and I'm
I am broken and unable to see straight.

Standing on my knees
I am in a vulnerable position.

But if crying and holding on
Even though I may be emotional

And flying on the ground is wrong
And even if I am struggling to get by

Then I'm sorry
I apologize for being this way.

To let you down
I feel guilty for disappointing you.

But you're from my side of town and I'll miss you
I will mourn the loss of our relationship because we come from the same place.

Turn me up or turn me down
Adjust me however you please

Turn me off or turn me round, I wish I could have met you in a place where we both belong
I wish we could have met somewhere that felt like home for both of us.

Sometimes I feel like I'm just a helpless child
At times, I feel powerless and inexperienced.

Sometimes I feel like a kid
I feel young and immature.

But baby since I have changed I can't take nothing home
Since I've grown, I can't settle for less.

City lights at a country fair never shine but always glare, if I'm bright enough to see you you're just too dark to care
The setting doesn't matter if we can't connect emotionally. If I am curious about you, you may not feel the same.

But if crying and holding on
Still, even if I am emotional

And flying on the ground is wrong
And even if I am struggling to find my footing

Then I'm sorry
I apologize for being this way.

To let you down
I feel guilty for disappointing you.

But you're from my side of town and I'll miss you
I will grieve the loss of our relationship because we share a similar upbringing.

Contributed by Connor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

Bipin Poudel

I am blessed that I am quite fond of these old classics 😊

Peter Emmert

Amazing what a change of record labels can do!

Richard Skelly

6y↑1

The Guess Who also covered this Neil Young song in 1967. It made sense because Randy Bachman, in particular, befriended Neil when they were both ambitious guitarists growing up in Winnipeg. Flying On The Ground Is Wrong was one of four songs The Guess Who recorded while on their otherwise-disastrous brief relocation to England. To my ears, The Guess Who nailed it better than The Cascades. But this version is not shabby.