1) The Choir were a ro… Read Full Bio ↴There have been two bands known as The Choir:
1) The Choir were a rock band in the mid-1960s from Cleveland Ohio, best known for the oft-covered song "It's Cold Outside". With the addition of singer Eric Carmen, they became The Raspberries in 1970. The band consisted of Dann Klawon on rhythm guitar, Dave Smalley on vocals & rhythm guitar, Wally Bryson on vocals, lead guitar, & bass, and Jim Bonfanti on vocals & drums.
2) The Choir (originally The Youth Choir) is an atmospheric alternative Christian rock band, led by Derri Daugherty on guitar and vocals, Steve Hindalong on drums -- who also writes most of the band's lyrics -- and Dan Michaels on lyricon, electric flute and saxophone. Originally formed in Southern California in the early 1980s, the band members moved to the Nashville, Tennessee area in the 1990s. Past members include guitarist Marc Byrd and bass guitarists Michael Sauerbrey, Robin Spurs, Bill Batstone, and the late Tim Chandler.
Each band member also has a depth of musical history outside of The Choir. Hindalong produced four successful City On A Hill albums, writing the well-known song "God of Wonders" with Marc Byrd. Daugherty has been a member of the Christian-alterna-pop-supergroup The Lost Dogs since it started in 1991, and Hindalong joined the group in 2006. Chandler was the bass player for years for Daniel Amos and that band's alter egos The Swirling Eddies, and passed away in 2018. Byrd was a member of Common Children, recorded with his wife Christine Glass as Glassbyrd, and is currently half of the post-rock duo Hammock. Michaels has been a Senior Vice President of Fair Trade Services (formerly INO Records) since 2000.
Clouds
The Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That colours our spirits white
The blood remains as warm
That paints black skies with fire
The word remains as high
That commands the snake to crawl
The promise ever true
That shatters the venom vile
But clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Shadows veil your eyes
The love remains as pure
That poisoned seas will ne'er dilute
The love remains a flame
That many waters can not quench
But clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Shadows veil your eyes
The ghost is ever bruised
Who defends me when I fall
The ghost is ever sure
Who holds tight for precious life
The blood remains as rich
That poor sinners drink like wine
The blood remains as warm
That paints black skies with fire
And clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Shadows veil your eyes
Clouds are round about you
Clouds are round about you
Shadows veil your eyes
Shadows veil your eyes
Shadows veil your eyes
(Clouds are round about you)
Shadows veil your eyes
(No dreams will 'er be shattered)
(By dark or dreary days)
(The light will vanish all the doubt)
(Just travel at the road)
('Til you reach the land of gold)
(There you'll see the God behind the clouds)
(Thank you, Louise)
In "Clouds," The Choir communicates a message of hope to listeners. Amidst the darkness and shadows of the world, the song reminds us that there is still light, love, and salvation present. The lyrics point towards the enduring power of faith and the belief that good will triumph over evil. The blood, word, love, and ghost mentioned in the song are all symbolic of the Christian faith and represent their steadfastness in the face of adversity. The blood remains red and warm, a reminder of Christ's sacrifice, and the word remains high, a symbol of the strength of God's teachings. Love is seen as a flame that cannot be extinguished, serving as an attractive force that sheds light in the darkest of places. The ghost is the defender and protector, offering guidance and hope to those who may falter.
Throughout the song, clouds are mentioned several times as a symbol of the trials of life. However, the clouds are not depicted as entirely negative entities. Rather, they are acknowledged as present, but one must continue to believe that there is light beyond them. Similarly, the shadows that veil eyes serve as a metaphor for the darkness that often overshadows our experiences. The song reminds us that our vision may be clouded, but the truth remains constant. The final verse of the song serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward, despite any setbacks that may arise. There is a promise that one can reach the land of gold, where God is waiting, and where all doubt will be dissolved.
Line by Line Meaning
The blood remains as red
The blood shed for us will always represent sacrifice and suffering
That colours our spirits white
The purity of the blood cleanses our souls of our sins and wrongdoing
The blood remains as warm
The warmth of the blood represents the passion and love that God holds for us
That paints black skies with fire
The blood brings light into the darkest of situations and sets things aflame with hope and inspiration
The word remains as high
The teachings of God forever hold a higher and more powerful place in our lives
That commands the snake to crawl
God's word reigns supreme, even over the snake that tempts us towards sin and wrongdoing
The promise ever true
God's promises to us are steadfast and will always be fulfilled
That shatters the venom vile
God's promises destroy the hateful and malicious actions of those who seek to do us harm
The love remains as pure
God's love for us will always remain untainted and unspoiled, even amidst chaos and confusion
That poisoned seas will ne'er dilute
No matter how much our world may be polluted and hurt, God's love will never be diminished
The love remains a flame
God's love burns eternally and shines through the darkness, guiding us towards the light
That many waters can not quench
Nothing in this world can extinguish the passion and strength of God's love for us
The ghost is ever bruised
The Holy Spirit that watches over us is often wounded and hurt by our actions and misdeeds
Who defends me when I fall
The Holy Spirit provides strength and support when we stumble in our lives
The ghost is ever sure
The Holy Spirit remains steadfast and devoted to us, even when we doubt and waver
Who holds tight for precious life
The Holy Spirit clings fiercely to us and protects us from harm, always valuing our worth and importance
The blood remains as rich
The blood of Christ holds within it a wealth of divine power and redemption for us all
That poor sinners drink like wine
Even those who are struggling and lost can find salvation through the blood of Christ
And clouds are round about you
Despite the presence of difficulty and confusion in our lives, God is always with us
Shadows veil your eyes
Sometimes our vision is clouded by the struggles we face, and it can be difficult to see the light
(No dreams will 'er be shattered)
God's promises and blessings are resilient and will never falter or be lost
(By dark or dreary days)
Even amidst sadness and chaos, God's light still shines and offers hope
(The light will vanish all the doubt)
The light of God's love will always triumph over fear and uncertainty
(Just travel at the road)
We must stay on the path set before us by God, even when it is difficult or uncertain
('Til you reach the land of gold)
Our struggles will eventually lead us to a place of peace, joy, and eternal life
(There you'll see the God behind the clouds)
At the end of our journey, we will finally see and understand the divine plan that has led us here
(Thank you, Louise)
A special dedication from the songwriter to a person named Louise
Contributed by Anthony N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.