The Jayhawks — Clouds
Album: Hollywood Town HallAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2183
Length: 4:45
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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God of the rich man ain't the God for the poor.
God, men and the state hospital is closed, and wouldn't you know
Winos and office girls in the park.
Wanted you alone to walk beside her,
Wanted you alone to live beside her, it was morning,
Better roads with light on them.
Chorus:
Can your diamonds talk to you, can you see them shine.
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time.
Can they guide you in your time.
Windows were broken by your dear one's hands,
Gates left swinging by your dear one's hands,
An old book salesman asked if he could step in.
The sidewalks you slept on held no rest.
Gave away the money you saved
In your trust, you're sorry now.
Light hits you funny at the time.
(Chorus)
The sidewalks, you slept on
They're so broken. They're so broken down
I'll meet you there. I'll meet you there.
Years before and the trees would start to bloom,
You walked outside, wanted back in your room, what did you hope for.
Turn the corner while you slept ?
God of the rich man ain't the God for the poor.
God, men and the state hospital is closed, and won't you know
Winos and office girls in the park.
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
God, men and the state hospital is closed, and wouldn't you know
Winos and office girls in the park.
Wanted you alone to walk beside her,
Wanted you alone to live beside her, it was morning,
Better roads with light on them.
Chorus:
Can your diamonds talk to you, can you see them shine.
Keep them hiding in your room, can they guide you in your time.
Can they guide you in your time.
Windows were broken by your dear one's hands,
Gates left swinging by your dear one's hands,
An old book salesman asked if he could step in.
The sidewalks you slept on held no rest.
Gave away the money you saved
In your trust, you're sorry now.
Light hits you funny at the time.
(Chorus)
The sidewalks, you slept on
They're so broken. They're so broken down
I'll meet you there. I'll meet you there.
Years before and the trees would start to bloom,
You walked outside, wanted back in your room, what did you hope for.
Turn the corner while you slept ?
God of the rich man ain't the God for the poor.
God, men and the state hospital is closed, and won't you know
Winos and office girls in the park.
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
Comments (183)add comment
The lead singer has a similar voice to John Linnell from They Might Be Giants; I happen to like TMBG so that's a good thing in my book :)
Such a sweet, jangly jam! So fun to hear this twangy, satisfying song...and the cover pic seems to fit quite well into this snowy, bone-chilling windswept stretch of Winter we're going through at the moment...good thing this music seems to make me feel warm inside!
This is an excellent album… Great songwriting and singing.
Great song and album.
Just perfectly crafted
Well thank you William. This album used to be in constant rotation. Like Halley's Comet time for it to come back around again.
Reminiscent of The Byrds to me. I have always loved this band and their harmonies as well as the way they tell a story. Take them with you on a long ride in the N.C. mountains and you will understand.
prkbenchmutation wrote:
Bet that was great!
Just saw these Folks last week with Emmlou Harris at Massy Hall. Excellent!
Bet that was great!
Just saw these Folks last week with Emmlou Harris at Massy Hall. Excellent!
stegokitty wrote:
I'm guessing
you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not
using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts
(the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at
rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this
song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
.h8rhater wrote:
Condescend much?
Perhaps the OP just confused this song with the Mary Jane's Last Dance/Waiting For the Sun discussion that has been going on in this thread and the thread for those songs.
Perhaps the OP should do some homework before sharing their ignorance with us!
Stupid, lazy American? teenager?
you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not
using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts
(the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at
rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this
song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
.h8rhater wrote:
Condescend much?
Perhaps the OP just confused this song with the Mary Jane's Last Dance/Waiting For the Sun discussion that has been going on in this thread and the thread for those songs.
Stupid, lazy American? teenager?
“Go ahead. Kansas said it's ok.”
What’s wrong with Kansas?
jukes1 wrote:
not to mention Blue Rodeo.
Heard a lot of Hoodoo Gurus in this one.
not to mention Blue Rodeo.
xkolibuul wrote:
Yep, that's the one song that got me interested in them but I didn't appreciate the rest of it as much!
By far my favorite Jayhawks tune here on RP. They seem to be working some uncommon harmonies on this song. Is it the usual lineup of vocalists for this band?
Yep, that's the one song that got me interested in them but I didn't appreciate the rest of it as much!
Heard a lot of Hoodoo Gurus in this one.
Not bad, but Mellow?
These guys put on a powerful live show.
By far my favorite Jayhawks tune here on RP. They seem to be working some uncommon harmonies on this song. Is it the usual lineup of vocalists for this band?
I drove all over the East coast doing stand up in the 90’s. This CD was often in my rotation. Great road music!
Webfoot wrote:
Go ahead. Kansas said it's ok.
meatmike wrote:
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Plus they stole their name from Kansas. That does it, I'm lowering my rating to a 7 and just try to stop me!!!
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Plus they stole their name from Kansas. That does it, I'm lowering my rating to a 7 and just try to stop me!!!
Go ahead. Kansas said it's ok.
meatmike wrote:
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Plus they stole their name from Kansas. That does it, I'm lowering my rating to a 7 and just try to stop me!!!
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Plus they stole their name from Kansas. That does it, I'm lowering my rating to a 7 and just try to stop me!!!
vandarbar wrote:
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
And they ripped off the couch-on-the-album-cover concept from CSN!
Will the travesty never end?
Great music this morning as always keeping me happy while I paint my house! Keep up the great work😎👍
I saw these folks at First Avenue when they were promoting this album, back in the day. Good memories.
Classic Jayhawks tune.
cohifi wrote:
So did I but absolutely no regrets!
I gave it a 9 a long time ago. Probably a bit optimistic in hindsight. 
So did I but absolutely no regrets!
vandarbar wrote:
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
When I saw “Tom Petty” and “ripping off” in the same sentence I jumped to the wrong conclusion. You meant someone had ripped off Mr Petty’s music? You live long enough you get to see everything!
This is one of my favorite albums. Not a bad song on it. These are the "real" Jayhawks (i.e., both Olson and Louris are there).
vandarbar wrote:
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
nutrod42 wrote:
Both great songs, but I don't hear much similarity. Same dude on the organ, but that's about it.
I don't hear it either. Really prefer this song, although I liked "Refugee" as a teenager.
I gave it a 9 a long time ago. Probably a bit optimistic in hindsight.
Never tire of hearing this band..
stegokitty wrote:
I'm guessing you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts (the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
Condescend much?
Perhaps the OP just confused this song with the Mary Jane's Last Dance/Waiting For the Sun discussion that has been going on in this thread and the thread for those songs.
I'm guessing you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts (the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
Condescend much?
Perhaps the OP just confused this song with the Mary Jane's Last Dance/Waiting For the Sun discussion that has been going on in this thread and the thread for those songs.
glad this one came back
treatment_bound wrote:
I'LL SAY IT AGAIN ON ANOTHER THURSDAY!
Man—I always perk up when I hear that opening!!
Let's get Thursday off and running...
Let's get Thursday off and running...
I'LL SAY IT AGAIN ON ANOTHER THURSDAY!
vandarbar wrote:
Both great songs, but I don't hear much similarity. Same dude on the organ, but that's about it.
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
Both great songs, but I don't hear much similarity. Same dude on the organ, but that's about it.
make that drive by truckers
a bit like drive truckers
Aud wrote:
How about the other way around??
I'm guessing you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts (the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
How about the other way around??
I'm guessing you're a teenager. That's not your fault, but what is your fault is not using this crazy new thing called "Google" ;) to check out the facts (the glaring facts indeed) before making a buffoonish attempt at rebuttal to an already wrong-headed claim by another person that this song is a "note-for-note" ripoff of Tom Petty's "Refugee".
Would love to hear more tracks from Rainy Day Music on here.
Another reason why I subscribe to and support RP. Bill, you glorious such and such... Don't you ever die!
vandarbar wrote:
You may want to listen to both songs - there is a clear resemblance but no "note-for-note" rip off (I assume you do not play a musical instrument or do not have a very good understanding of the English language if you believe it is "note-for-note"). It's not even them same chords, and certainly not the the same riff. The strumming has the same tempo and style, but you'd be hard-pressed to find an attorney to pursue a copyright infringement case for tempo and style. If you want to hear a closer "inspiration", listen to Tom Petty's "Mary Anne's Last Dance(1993)" and compare it to The Jayhawks' "Waiting For The Sun (1992)" which is on the same album as this tune.
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
You may want to listen to both songs - there is a clear resemblance but no "note-for-note" rip off (I assume you do not play a musical instrument or do not have a very good understanding of the English language if you believe it is "note-for-note"). It's not even them same chords, and certainly not the the same riff. The strumming has the same tempo and style, but you'd be hard-pressed to find an attorney to pursue a copyright infringement case for tempo and style. If you want to hear a closer "inspiration", listen to Tom Petty's "Mary Anne's Last Dance(1993)" and compare it to The Jayhawks' "Waiting For The Sun (1992)" which is on the same album as this tune.
vandarbar wrote:
How about the other way around??
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
How about the other way around??
Holy Plagiarism Batman!! What exactly was the point of ripping off, note for note, the opening of Tom Petty's "Refugee"??!! I just don't get it... AND its disconcerting!
Man—I always perk up when I hear that opening!!
Let's get Thursday off and running...
Let's get Thursday off and running...
PSD right to Ozzy...Nice.
WonderLizard wrote:
And now The Beatles, The Shins, and Puscifer...followed by the Jayhawks. Yes, indeedy.
The Beatles followed by the Jayhawks. All is good with the world...
And now The Beatles, The Shins, and Puscifer...followed by the Jayhawks. Yes, indeedy.
Hollywood Town Hall is one of my desert island discs. Not a bad song on the album. I do not understand how this album and The Jayhawks are not wildly popular. smh
treatment_bound wrote:
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
ScottishWillie wrote:
Still rockin' "The Spin Doctors" eh?
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
I bought both these albums in 1992 but I only listen to one of them now.
Still rockin' "The Spin Doctors" eh?
One of the few songs the volume goes way up when I hear the opening notes. Regardless of the naysayers, it gets a 9 from me.
1, 2 3... I met him in a crowded room... oh, wait... oh f**k it, nah nah nah nah nah NAH!
d-don wrote:
2+ years after d-don enjoyed it, I got to experience the CSNY to Jayhawks segue as well.
Awesome New Year's Eve selection!
I gotta admit, I felt really happy hearing those opening notes.
Nice follow up to CSNY.
2+ years after d-don enjoyed it, I got to experience the CSNY to Jayhawks segue as well.
Awesome New Year's Eve selection!
I gotta admit, I felt really happy hearing those opening notes.
treatment_bound wrote:
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
I bought both these albums in 1992 but I only listen to one of them now.
Vocal is a bit Phil Ochs-ish. ... I like
Goddammit, this is a good song!
One of my all time favorite songs from one of my all time favorite bands!
I was sure this had to be either Bob Dylan or his son? The Band playing in the background? Good stuff.
Great harmony ! From the Beach Boys to the Jayhawks, I love harmony. I miss the Everly Brothers.
The lead singer's voice is a tad like a young Willie....PS Happy 79th Mr. Nelson and thank you for all
you are and do..my your next 79 be as "entertaining."
The lead singer's voice is a tad like a young Willie....PS Happy 79th Mr. Nelson and thank you for all
you are and do..my your next 79 be as "entertaining."
I heard the grand-grandson of Bill Zimmerman is singing here!
PS
It's long and winding road to sound like Tom and the Petty's!
Saw these guys a few weeks ago on the current tour. Simply amazing. They sounded great, played a wide set of songs, and delivered. One of the best bands of the last 20 years.
Cover looks like Steven's first .......damn fine tune too!
Nice follow up to CSNY.
New album out !
cohifi wrote:
Sweet! 2nd Blue Rodeo reference I've read this month! Jill Barber is hot, too!
First time I saw the Jayhawks here in Seattle years ago (must have been about 1998/99 or so), I remember that a band called Blue Rodeo was supposed to open for them. But apparently something had happened to Blue Rodeo and they were replaced by this unknown (to me at the time) singer named Neko Case. She blew me away. And the Jayhawks were great too. They're touring right now, but skipping Seattle, annoyingly.
Sweet! 2nd Blue Rodeo reference I've read this month! Jill Barber is hot, too!
First time I saw the Jayhawks here in Seattle years ago (must have been about 1998/99 or so), I remember that a band called Blue Rodeo was supposed to open for them. But apparently something had happened to Blue Rodeo and they were replaced by this unknown (to me at the time) singer named Neko Case. She blew me away. And the Jayhawks were great too. They're touring right now, but skipping Seattle, annoyingly.
Seahunt wrote:
?? Do you mean Tim O'Reagan (Jayhawks drummer)? Far as I know he's not dead...
I worked on this song with my guitar teacher a last month. I have the tab if anyone is interested. Cool song. - Rest in peace Tim.
?? Do you mean Tim O'Reagan (Jayhawks drummer)? Far as I know he's not dead...
I worked on this song with my guitar teacher a last month. I have the tab if anyone is interested. Cool song. - Rest in peace Tim.
Back in 92 I happened to listen to this album by chance and since then I've become a big fan of these guys. They are not very well known here in Europe, which is a shame!
treatment_bound wrote:
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
Hilarious!
(I'm sorry to say I bought the Spin Doctors but the Jayhawks weren't even on my radar. I've since remedied that situation!)
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
Hilarious!
(I'm sorry to say I bought the Spin Doctors but the Jayhawks weren't even on my radar. I've since remedied that situation!)Happy tune 
martinc wrote:
Sweet! 2nd Blue Rodeo reference I've read this month! Jill Barber is hot, too!
Like this tune. Reminds me of Blue Rodeo. They don't ever seem to be played here though.
Sweet! 2nd Blue Rodeo reference I've read this month! Jill Barber is hot, too!
Always felt that Jayhawks are the way the Stones always wished they could be. Love them Jayhawks my friend.
The first couple of notes-and I woke up at 03:56 on a Sunday morning and stuck at work!!
Harmonies remind me of Everly Brothers - a rare sound.
I love the band and the college basketball team with the same name!
Laptopdog (Overcrowded, Overpriced & Overrated L.A.) wrote:
Gonna get me some dirt road backstreet
First song I've felt like muting in a long while.
Adios to all this concreteGonna get me some dirt road backstreet
If I can just get off of that L.A. Freeway
Without getting killed or caught
Down the road in a cloud of smoke
For some land, some land that I ain't bought...
Brilliant! 
Oh, it's Jayhawks. Nothing other than a nine, unless it's a ten. I just love the hell out of this band.
jagdriver wrote:
I hear it also.
Instrumentally, this track reminds me a lot of some Pure Prairie League stuff.
I hear it also.
Pharlap wrote:
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
shouldn't there be some kind of bizarro universe where these guys are superstars?
You'd think, but not in our real one.
In 1992, this great album made it all the way to #192 on the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.
In the meantime, The Spin Doctors debut LP sold 5 million copies.
DAMN YOU AMERICA!! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!!
(Pardon my bad Chuck Heston impersonation)
shouldn't there be some kind of bizarro universe where these guys are superstars?
Like this tune. Reminds me of Blue Rodeo. They don't ever seem to be played here though.
Instrumentally, this track reminds me a lot of some Pure Prairie League stuff.
Meat and potatoes for me......Way to pick 'em Bill!
Quite like this. Though not nearly as much as the album it has reminded me to listen to - Pavement's "Gold Sounds".
Very nice too!
vit wrote:
Agreed. Not a thing wrong with it.
I also agree good CD
Agreed. Not a thing wrong with it.
I also agree good CD
The guitar backing during the verses reminds me of the music from "Cool Hand Luke," which is probably something well known except by me.
The Beatles followed by the Jayhawks. All is good with the world...
Si!joanot wrote:
"Americana" de la buena .
First song I've felt like muting in a long while.
I hear Phish.
Sings like Arlo Guthrie
annersjen wrote:
Agreed. Not a thing wrong with it.
If you like this song, you should absolutely, definitely buy the CD. It's thoroughly great from start to finish.
Agreed. Not a thing wrong with it.
New CD from Mark Olson and Gary Louris coming out around the end of the month, I think. It will be nice hearing them together again..
Ho Hum
The only Jayhawks I like!
If you like this song, you should absolutely, definitely buy the CD. It's thoroughly great from start to finish.
"Americana" de la buena .
Nice hook....
oldman wrote:
Bill don't play NRBQ
National Republican Barbecue? (confused)
Bill don't play NRBQ
National Republican Barbecue? (confused)
colt4x5 wrote:
Bill don't play NRBQ
yeah, absolutely. willie nelson, backed by nrbq.
Bill don't play NRBQ
Nope - too middle of the road for my taste.
Great group, great song! But then again, I'm a little biased.
Glockman45 wrote:
"Pink Houses" maybe? That's the one with "Oh, but ain't that America..." in the chorus.
john melloncamp's um, damn i can't recall the name of that song.......listen to the guitar and the chorus oh yeah, CHECK IT OUT! thats it.
"Pink Houses" maybe? That's the one with "Oh, but ain't that America..." in the chorus.
john melloncamp's um, damn i can't recall the name of that song.......listen to the guitar and the chorus oh yeah, CHECK IT OUT! thats it.
I rated this a 7 on first few listens, but now, paying attention to they lyrics, up to 8. "Do your diamonds talk to you?" Indeed.
Love the Jayhawks! More Jayhawks, Bill!
like it - puts me in mind of Gram Parsons a bit
One (but certainly the best) of bands introduced to me by my wife from Minnesota. Every album has been a great new discovery to me! How I did not hear of these guys previously is another of life's mysteries.
yeah, absolutely. willie nelson, backed by nrbq.
Great band, worth investing time in, or it'll sound just like any other... In it's proper context, the band was as important as Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, etc...
I like this!
Pyro wrote:
Me, too. I could almost swear it was Willie, in the beginning.
Aw Jeeze Willie Nelson! I thought it was Arlo Guthrie.
Tonedeaf wrote:
For a minute I was wondering if Willie Nelson was doing a gig with someone... 
Me, too. I could almost swear it was Willie, in the beginning.
This song has got me tapping my foot. Really groovy! 
tlbritton wrote:
Don't know about you guys but this is one of THE best bands out these days... I've got all their albums - excellent - would recommend all of 'em... Just a "happy" band 
Agreed. Among the best and most under-recognized bands (I might chime in for The Mother Hips in that context) of the last 10+ years. While "Tomorrow Green Grass" is my all timer from the 'hawks, this one frequently finds itself emanating from my speaks as well.
Don't know about you guys but this is one of THE best bands out these days... I've got all their albums - excellent - would recommend all of 'em... Just a "happy" band
Rickvee wrote:
This album is a classic.
I agree and while this track is good there are much better songs on it.
dbenwen wrote:
One of those bands that should have been much bigger, IMHO.
Love Golden Smog as well.
I don't want the artists I love to get much bigger than this. If they were to become superstars it would detract from my enjoyment of them. And since they are probably in a position to play music all day long and still pay the bills I have to think they're doing pretty well.