11-29-18
It’s hard to have favorites. By its very own definition its placing one thing above all. I suppose this is why it’s always been hard for me to decide on a favorite song, album, artist, genre etc. My need for a certain sound changes daily.
For the last few years in evaluating what are my “favorites,” I have decided to forgo trying to answer this futile question. Instead I look at what those songs, albums, and artists have given, and continue to give to me.
There is no question that Cloud Cult has given me more than I could ever comprehend. Just like many of their fans I have been saved time and time again by their music, and their compassion. The balance of rock with spirituality isn’t something I have fully experienced. Their sound is massive, orchestral really. Their lyrics on paper read like hymns, and their harmonics are likened to transcendental chanting at many points.
There’s many artists that have provided catharsis and musical medicine throughout my life, however Cloud Cult provides it in a way that is completely unique. Their music is driven by an ethos that many say they have, but few maintain in their daily lives. The pursuit of understanding, and creating genuine connectedness, these push Cloud Cult to unparalleled levels.
A lot of Cloud Cult deals with the uncomfortable things. The feelings of loss, and grief being extremely high on that list. Blessings-Invocation 2 comes off of the band’s 10th studio album, one which is rooted primarily in the exploration of life.
For the last 8 years there is hardly a day that has gone by when the words of this song haven’t filtered through my mind.
“Let come what may come and let go of what goes.
The wind’s gonna blow where the wind’s gonna blow.
We’ll never know why it flows where it flows.
Let come what may come and let go of what goes.”
The first line may seem familiar, from Ramana Maharshi “Let come what comes, let go what goes,” he finishes with, “see what remains.” Personally I like the Cloud Cult version a little better, I don’t know why, I feel like there’s less neutrality, and bit more certainty in their lyrics. “The wind’s gonna blow where the wind’s gonna blow | we’ll never know why it flows where it flows.”
In moments where we are completely powerless to the chaos that surrounds us this seems to be the only salvation. Allowing one to give in to the unknown and move with it as oppose to fearing and fighting it.
There’s strength in flexibility. There’s power in relinquishing power and control. I hear this song, and I feel the words. I see spirit rooting into everything around, growing strong like a mountain, yet allowing the wind to not only shape the mountain, but move through it.
The first time I heard this song, honestly, I probably skipped over it. The cacophony of drums and inaudible harmonies collide into static, but if you listen carefully you hear it slowly untangle. That’s what was truly mystifying. Not the harmonics, but rather the ability to audibly create a sense of chaos the blends into tranquil security.
Lyrics:
Let come what may come and let go of what goes.
The wind’s gonna blow where the wind’s gonna blow.
We’ll never know why it flows where it flows.
Let come what may come and let go of what goes.
Bless the children, safe sleeping…
Don’t leave me, don’t leave me.
Bless the parents, hearts aching.
Don’t worry, don’t worry.
Bless the wakeless on their journey.
Travel safely, travel safely.
We’re the sleepless, always searching,
Light chasing, light chasing.