Clouds
The Go-Betweens · 16 Lovers Lane [1988]
They aren't up in the sky
I cupped them with my hands
And reached up high
I said to these clouds
"No more am I blind
I have to see straight
And that will make me unkind"
Visions of blue
I'm angry, I'm wise
And you, you're under cloudy skies
Blue air I crave, blue air I breathe
They once chopped my heart the way you chop a tree
Told to equate achievement with pain
I took their top prize and paid them back with rain
Visions of blue
I'm angry I'm wise and you
You're under cloudy skies
Blue air I crave, blue air I breathe
they once chopped my heart the way you chop a tree
Told to equate Achievement with pain
I stole their top prize and paid them back with rain
Visions of blue I'm angry I'm wise and you
You're under cloudy skies. Visions of blue
Preverse and strong and you
You're under cloudy skies
What I did once I now do everyday
Clouds
The Go-Betweens' 'Clouds' stands as a refined example of the band's signature blend of jangly guitar pop and melancholic lyricism. Recorded for the 1988 album 16 Lovers Lane, the track captures the group's mature sound during a period of significant artistic evolution. Known for their intricate harmonies and emotionally resonant songwriting, the duo crafted a recording that balances intimate vulnerability with a polished production style. This song reflects the band's enduring ability to distill complex feelings into concise, memorable melodies. As part of their extensive catalogue, 'Clouds' contributes to the rich tapestry of their work, showcasing the sophisticated interplay between vocals and instrumentation that defined their later years. The recording remains a testament to their influence on indie rock and alternative music.