Look Out, Cleveland
The Band · The Brown Album [1969]
Look Out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
Was Wedn'sday evenin' when first we heard the word
It did not come by train nor bird
T'was when Ben Pike stepped down to say
"This old town's gonna blow away"
Chain lightnin', frightnin' as it may seem
Must not be mistaken for just another dream
Justice of peace don't know his own fate
But he'll go down in the shelter late
Look Out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
Hidin' your money won't do no good
Build a big wall, you know you would if you could, yeah
When clouds of warnin' come into view
It'll get the ol' woman right outta her shoe
Look Out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
Was Wedn'sday evenin' when first we heard the word
It did not come by train nor bird
T'was when Ben Pike stepped down to say
"This old town's gonna blow away"
Chain lightnin', frightnin' as it may seem
Must not be mistaken for just another dream
Justice of peace don't know his own fate
But he'll go down in the shelter late
Look Out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
Hidin' your money won't do no good
Build a big wall, you know you would if you could, yeah
When clouds of warnin' come into view
It'll get the ol' woman right outta her shoe
Look Out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
And it's runnin' right up on you
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Bye-bye, baby, don't cha lie so still
Look Out, Cleveland
The Band's 1969 recording 'Look Out, Cleveland' stands as a quintessential example of their signature sound, blending folk-rock with a distinct New Orleans jazz influence. Recorded for the album *The Brown Album*, the track features the group's characteristic interplay between lead vocals and a tight, rhythmic ensemble. The song captures the band's ability to weave together complex arrangements with straightforward storytelling, reflecting the era's shift toward more organic and improvisational rock styles. It remains a staple of their discography, showcasing their mastery of groove and their unique ability to create a cohesive musical identity that transcended regional boundaries.