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Cloud Cult — When Water Comes to Life
Album: Feel Good Ghosts
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2900









Released: 2008
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 2
And when the angels come
They'll cut you down the middle
To see if you're still there
To see if you're still there

And underneath your ribs
They'll find a heart-shaped locket
An old photograph
Of you in daddy's arms
And then they'll sew you closed
And give you back to the water
From where we're all born
From where we're all born

And you'll feed the ghosts
And you'll feed the living
You'll be a stranger, and you'll be a friend
You'll be the leper, and you'll be the healer
You'll be the hero, and the tragedy

And when they sew you closed
They'll give you back to the water
From where we're all born
And when they burn your body
All that's left is sand crystals
Two tiny handfuls

All the rest is water, water, water, water
All you need to know
Is you were born of water
You are made of water
You are living water, water, water, water
All you need to know
Is you were born of water
You are made of water
You are living water, water, water, water.
Comments (267)add comment
This song came on in my car when I was driving my dog's body to be cremated this summer. It really broke me. 
Now wherever I hear the intro.  I just stop what I am doing and allow myself to ugly-cry for as long as I need to. 
 Darkmatter wrote:

I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.



so so so sad.
 tazmondpembroke wrote:
Too noisey. 
 

Just wait until Florence & The Machine comes up in rotation.
 tazmondpembroke wrote:

Too noisey.


If you are experiencing this problem, RP support recommends:

1. Turning down your volume
2. Moving away from your speakers
3. Putting your fingers in your ears

Note that complaining in the comments section is not a recommended solution.
this song is a beautiful force
Love the build.... 
I "discovered" this song listening to a Paste sampler yeeeeeeears ago, and forgot all about it after losing my music collection. Thanks for the reminder, and for playing such a beautiful song 
I've never actually 'listened' to this before. Wow.
Finding out the backstory, it's just so heartbreaking.
c.
 Darkmatter wrote:

I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.



I am often dismayed by the negative commentary and critical opinions often expressed on these pages, but I really enjoy some of the posts. The first time I heard this song was here and, Darkmatter is so right that context is meaningful. Reading the comment gave me the context necessary for me to appreciate the song that much more.
I want this song played at my funeral.

Not that I plan to ever die--I intend for my head to be put in a robot body as soon as that technology is available.   But in the event that I do, I want this song to be played at my celebration of life.
Was feeling better and better as song goes on...
This is as suggested - quite likable.
 Darkmatter wrote:

I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.



I had no idea. Now I feel bad for hating this song so much. Reading the lyrics with this in mind makes me feel so much empathy for the singer and I can appreciate the song in a new light.
 fatcatjb wrote:

my Sonos system won't let me skip this...Cloud Cult...I am trying to open-minded but it's not working



You LIKE Sonos and DISLIKE Cloud Cult? High Art demands Hi Fi!
They could teach Arcade Fire a lesson or two.  
I'm not crying, you're crying.
 aonley wrote:

nope



Nope to your nope.
Solid Yes. 
Solid 9!
I was surprised to tune in and find something that sounds so mellow on the main mix. I hope that there will be a bit more acceptance on the part of the main stream of how good the mellow is in the mix.
 Grayson wrote:
Cloud Cult is to Joy Division only in that you're kinda blown out into space for the first listen or thereabouts. Then all subsequent ones? Yeah, not so much. At all. But they go to top of my list for Bands Never Seen Live But Sure As Heck Would Like To. 
 

I can definitely vouch that this is a great band to hear live. I knew Cloud Cult from RP and was very happy to actually get to see them live. It was a great show and I spent some time on their website after the show learning more about the band. I saw a "comments" section on the website and submitted a "thank you" for playing such a great show. The lead singer replied back with a "your welcome" and we got to chat a bit. Not a lot of bands have such a person connection. Somehow I'm betting the band are the kind of people that listen to RP. : )


Likes the beginning.
 rlr511 wrote:
This band is amazing and needs to put out more music.  Of course I found them on RP .  Thank you RP!  And accidentally heard them this summer in MN on Lake Superior at a benefit concert for the Boundary Waters.  They are just as good live.  No room for haters
 
They are great fun live! One of the better shows I've been to.
 m_logie wrote:
"underneath your ribs
They'll find a heart-shaped locket
An old photograph
Of you in daddy's arms
And then they'll sew you closed
And give you back to the water...
And when they burn your body
All that's left is sand crystals
Two tiny handfuls
All the rest is water"

Heartbreaking
 

 m_logie wrote:
"underneath your ribs
They'll find a heart-shaped locket
An old photograph
Of you in daddy's arms
And then they'll sew you closed
And give you back to the water...
And when they burn your body
All that's left is sand crystals
Two tiny handfuls
All the rest is water"

Heartbreaking
 

that. just. brought. tears. to. my. eyes! 
A little Cloud Cult goes a long way.
one of my rare « godlike », thanks CC <3 
nope
oh damn, this is so sad. I have to say the band didn't really do much for me at first, but I'm totally a fan now, and after reading about their  loss, I love what they are doing
Too noisey.
 Grayson wrote:
Bigly Cloud Cult fan. Yuge. But Cloud Cult during a pandemic? A little too much of a good thing, shall we say.
 

Just up-voted the :D
 rlr511 wrote:
This band is amazing and needs to put out more music.  Of course I found them on RP .  Thank you RP!  And accidentally heard them this summer in MN on Lake Superior at a benefit concert for the Boundary Waters.  They are just as good live.  No room for haters
 
They're actually quite active and have a substantial catalogue. They have a set up where for $3 a month you can get regular releases and other fun stuff from them. They've been doing some outstanding online concerts from their individual living spaces. 
https://cloudcult.com
Bigly Cloud Cult fan. Yuge. But Cloud Cult during a pandemic? A little too much of a good thing, shall we say.
When Music Comes to Life!
This band is amazing and needs to put out more music.  Of course I found them on RP .  Thank you RP!  And accidentally heard them this summer in MN on Lake Superior at a benefit concert for the Boundary Waters.  They are just as good live.  No room for haters
Defines the word 'poignant', IMHO.
 EdmoJoe wrote:
A good song. I'm surprised by the negativity in the comments. Cloud Cult does not play straight up rock. Their music is complex, multi-layered and thoughtful. RP introduced me the CC and now I really like them a lot. To the "haters" out there, relax and let the Cloud Cult sound float over you. At worst, the song will pass in a few minutes and at best the song might take you somewhere new!
 
Could not agree more emphatically.  Cloud Cult is not for those with short attention spans.
Cloud Cult is to Joy Division only in that you're kinda blown out into space for the first listen or thereabouts. Then all subsequent ones? Yeah, not so much. At all. But they go to top of my list for Bands Never Seen Live But Sure As Heck Would Like To. 
"underneath your ribs
They'll find a heart-shaped locket
An old photograph
Of you in daddy's arms
And then they'll sew you closed
And give you back to the water...
And when they burn your body
All that's left is sand crystals
Two tiny handfuls
All the rest is water"

Heartbreaking
Never heard of these. Like it. Like it a lot in fact. 

This sort of thing is why I am very happy to give some hard-earned each month to Bill and co.
 RabbitEars wrote:
 

Nice! Thanks for sharing.
live
I like this more and more.  The heartbreak is primal and sits right up front from the first violin note to the last  - just one big goofy and glorious crescendo.  
 Darkmatter wrote:
I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.
 
Yes, so true.  Thanks to RP, I have come to really appreciate this band.
I think this band has really grown on me because of all of the haters! I mean, I can see how folks don't like their music, but it provides an interesting breakup to a normally mundane task (aka office drudgery).  . . and this song is pretty damn sad. 
Disneyland music
 Darkmatter wrote:
I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.
 I've been listening to the band ever since I first heard them here on RP a few years ago... I didn't know that. It made me look this up - interesting band. 

I can certainly see why some don't like the arrangement and the voice, but some context for the lyrics: it's about the singer's child who died.

As such, I think it is a very beautiful song.
I try to have an open mind when it comes to Cloud Cult...not working
This song and the children who love it keep Big Pharm in business. Jeez, take it down a notch or five. 
Seems OK to me, I don't get the hate...
my Sonos system won't let me skip this...Cloud Cult...I am trying to open-minded but it's not working


{#Crown}
Nice transition from Charlie Parker's Bird of Paradise. Well played sir, well played! {#Clap}
LIKING
 fatcatjb wrote:
Cloud Cult is my #1 all-time least-favorite band on RP
 

 
Agreed.  This track follows Camper Van Beethoven (again) and I have my full dose of weird.
 Castelfranco wrote:
 Hannio wrote:

Yeah, can't stand it myself either.  Does that hyper-emotive style of singing have a name?

  Yeah, it's commonly called "singing" - gotta learn to listen with your heart, boy! It's never too late.

 
+1
  I just luv this.. {#Cheers}
 Hannio wrote:

Yeah, can't stand it myself either.  Does that hyper-emotive style of singing have a name?

 



Yeah, it's commonly called "singing" - gotta learn to listen with your heart, boy! It's never too late.
I like the end of this. Somewhat epic, I dare say
Cloud Cult is my #1 all-time least-favorite band on RP
 
I totally think this sucks! cant rate lower than a 1.
Provocative lyrics,  
Not being ironic, this still gets me a bit misty-eyed. 7->8
At least it isn't U2 or David Byrne, I suppose. :O)
 w3weasel wrote:
..., and the warbling, unsteady, strained and whining voice.
 
 
Yeah, can't stand it myself either.  Does that hyper-emotive style of singing have a name?
grossly repetitive, and the warbling, unsteady, strained and whining voice.
 
Bill, please drop this one! 
why do they have a pre-puberty boy singing lead?


 RadioDoc wrote:
Still one of the worst songs in the library.  You'll play this trash but you won't touch much more creative artists like Pere Ubu?

 
I guess one person's "more creative" is another person's "unengaging". :-) 

It's all opinion...
 delectably awesome this.. {#Cheesygrin}
Good grief.  Camper Van Beethoven, followed by this.  Hard work for my ears.
Still one of the worst songs in the library.  You'll play this trash but you won't touch much more creative artists like Pere Ubu?
Is wow and flutter making a comeback? Maybe I need to listen to this again. 
 2020sk wrote:

Wow. I've heard this many times before, but obviously I haven't.

A song I found annoying, or at least worth ignoring, has now revealed layer upon layer of rich emotion. The amazing power of music to burst surprises on you! Like completing a sudoku puzzle, only infinitely more satisfying.

And Radio Paradise makes this possible. It's almost like having John Peel back.



 
Similar sort of experience with this band. Initially I found them grating. As I have listened more the complexity comes through. The album is really great too.
 WonderLizard wrote:
Great segue from "Turkish Dessert."

 
True that. Shame it's such a lame song. Thought it was Sarah Bareilles at first. Bye.. (STOP THAT RACKET!!!)
 Photo-John wrote:
snip.
Every time Bill plays it I turn off PR. It's all I can do. Now I'm going to turn on Spotify and clear my aural palette with some Ronny James Dio. Might elphen rocker save me!

 
I don't see how turning off Planet Rock is going to help . . .
 WonderLizard wrote:
Great segue from "Turkish Dessert."

 

Great minds think alike! Came here to type the same thing. 

And from here to Future Islands' "Spirit." Well done, Bill! 

 

Great segue from "Turkish Dessert."

Wow. I've heard this many times before, but obviously I haven't.

A song I found annoying, or at least worth ignoring, has now revealed layer upon layer of rich emotion. The amazing power of music to burst surprises on you! Like completing a sudoku puzzle, only infinitely more satisfying.

And Radio Paradise makes this possible. It's almost like having John Peel back.


 GypsyD wrote:
I do not often rate or comment on the music of RP, but I know that I listen from 6AM to 6PM for a reason. This song is one of them! Sometimes I get 'bored' with the playlist, but I know that they can only play so much in 24-7, without duplicating.

snip
 
Well, a tip o' the hat to you for listening 12 hours a day!  Beats the living daylights out of commercial radio, eh?  (And this band is one of the special things about RP!)
Folks don't like this band?  I think I've identified what is wrong with the world today!

It has creative instrumentation, unique vocals, and interesting lyrics.
What a bad time for the PSD button to fail.

Interesting. For the first few notes I thought it was Regina Spektor. I like the simplicity of the opening bars but it grows a little too busy for my taste towards the middle/end

.


Horrible...
clean 1 for me, as any Cloud Cult song (sorry, can't stand his voice)
not a hater, PSDer {#Wink} 
 Well said.

Zocket wrote:
Excellent transitions from Perez Prado - Mambo No. 5 to Khachaturian - Sabre Dance to Cloud Cult!  This is not my favorite song, but the intro works well with this sequence.  To me, this kind of thing is why I've listened to RP for so many years.

 


I do not often rate or comment on the music of RP, but I know that I listen from 6AM to 6PM for a reason. This song is one of them! Sometimes I get 'bored' with the playlist, but I know that they can only play so much in 24-7, without duplicating. This song I could listen to over and over (and do, LOL!) It makes me smile inside, as I agree whole-heartedly with the concept of it. It is just a 'feel-good' song. Thanks B&R for a great choice! Keep it up! {#Sunny}
Excellent transitions from Perez Prado - Mambo No. 5 to Khachaturian - Sabre Dance to Cloud Cult!  This is not my favorite song, but the intro works well with this sequence.  To me, this kind of thing is why I've listened to RP for so many years.
 markpeachey wrote:
To all the haters of cloud cult....maybe you should change radio stations. This is eclectic music and typical of what RP plays. If you don't like this sort of stuff go listen to your doof doof somewhere else and btw pull your head out of your own arse.

 
I enjoy their music. Quite clever, really. I have always accepted them as "comic relief" in the playlist. Not bad, just quirky for quirky's sake.
 bubink wrote:
So much anti-Cloud Cult around here....  {#Eyes}

I love this entire CD so much....  every song, every note, every lyric....  

 

I do too...it's whimsical and fun!   

                     {#Wave}
So much anti-Cloud Cult around here....  {#Eyes}

I love this entire CD so much....  every song, every note, every lyric....  
 markpeachey wrote:
To all the haters of cloud cult....maybe you should change radio stations. This is eclectic music and typical of what RP plays. If you don't like this sort of stuff go listen to your doof doof somewhere else and btw pull your head out of your own arse.

 

That's right.  There is no room here in RP for dissent.  We must all march lock-step into glorious musical sameness.
 dziebell wrote:
Nice intro music, but it should be totally instrumental.  gibberish for lyrics. 

 
I think that's the point.
To all the haters of cloud cult....maybe you should change radio stations. This is eclectic music and typical of what RP plays. If you don't like this sort of stuff go listen to your doof doof somewhere else and btw pull your head out of your own arse.
Bought this album based on this song and I wasn't disappointed. Recommended!
Stupid. Stupid lyrics. weak.
 bild wrote:

Well, it is likely true that you are made of water.

 
In fact, ~ 60% of each of us is H2O.  
I drink water ,, there for I am
 dziebell wrote:
Nice intro music, but it should be totally instrumental.  gibberish for lyrics. 

 
Well, it is likely true that you are made of water.
No one can say they don't stretch the conventions. Mystical, cerebral, surreal. Very interesting. I can't think of a band past or present with a remotely comparable sound. 

This is enough to make me change over to a cd. sorry.


Nice intro music, but it should be totally instrumental.  gibberish for lyrics. 
 Lewis_Cooper wrote:
Cloud Cult is the most talented and least cynical band in the last 20 years. Love all 9 of their albums, they have an unbelievable back story. Can't wait to photograph them on May 8, 2013 in San Francisco, most anticipated concert of my 53 years on this wonderful blue orb.
 
Lew, how were they?  Share a photo, dude.
Cloud Cult is the most talented and least cynical band in the last 20 years. Love all 9 of their albums, they have an unbelievable back story. Can't wait to photograph them on May 8, 2013 in San Francisco, most anticipated concert of my 53 years on this wonderful blue orb.
I really enjoy this whole album. But it appears it's not for everyone.
 EdmoJoe wrote:
A good song. I'm surprised by the negativity in the comments. Cloud Cult does not play straight up rock. Their music is complex, multi-layered and thoughtful. RP introduced me the CC and now I really like them a lot. To the "haters" out there, relax and let the Cloud Cult sound float over you. At worst, the song will pass in a few minutes and at best the song might take you somewhere new!
 
I dunno, this band sounds more like they are trying REALLY hard for their music to be complex, multi-layered and thoughtful, but failing big time.  Terrible song.  I love prog-rock and a lot of other music similar to this, but this is just bad.
 EdmoJoe wrote:
A good song. I'm surprised by the negativity in the comments. Cloud Cult does not play straight up rock. Their music is complex, multi-layered and thoughtful. RP introduced me the CC and now I really like them a lot. To the "haters" out there, relax and let the Cloud Cult sound float over you. At worst, the song will pass in a few minutes and at best the song might take you somewhere new!
 
{#Yes} Amen, brother!   {#Boohoo}

A good song. I'm surprised by the negativity in the comments. Cloud Cult does not play straight up rock. Their music is complex, multi-layered and thoughtful. RP introduced me the CC and now I really like them a lot. To the "haters" out there, relax and let the Cloud Cult sound float over you. At worst, the song will pass in a few minutes and at best the song might take you somewhere new!
More Cloud Cult please! I love their sound! Some of his songs are certainly more suitable for radio than others, though.
I hate Cloud Cult so much. Every time Bill plays it I turn off PR. It's all I can do. Now I'm going to turn on Spotify and clear my aural palette with some Ronny James Dio. Might elphen rocker save me!
Brutally bad!
 Shesdifferent wrote:
What a horrible song
 

Indeed.
What a horrible song
My heart breaks for him...as a father I can't listen to this.  I spent some time listening to CC stuff at first, but it was just about unbearable for me to listen to.  I know it was cathartic for him, and I know he's at a much better place now, but I hear him at a place where I don't want to even think about going - not that it was his choice.  Which might explain why I mute cloud cult when ever they come on.  I'm going to go hug my kids now.
 PA1749 wrote:
This song has really grown on me. Of course, if you've never had to stare down that hooded figure bearing a scythe, you won't get it.
 
Indeed.  Staring it down with a Deltonics .45 Magnifed loaded up with 240 grain JHP's tipped with garlic.

 
Omigod this sucks!!!
All hail the segue King!
I'm with you Bill, good stuff.
Jaa,good one,have to listen to some more CC.

I like it.  Bet it sounds great live. 


This song has really grown on me. Of course, if you've never had to stare down that hooded figure bearing a scythe, you won't get it.