the jayhawks, “clouds”
from: hollywood town hall, 1992
“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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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?”
Even though it surely exists in obscurity, this is a quite monumental song. As with so many pieces I get intrigued by, I often don’t know what to make of the lyrics. But I love em. Does a family member have a mental health breakdown, blow their financial inheritance, and wind up on the street leaving their human connections in shambles? Did they forget to turn to their inner treasures to help them face their personal insurgencies? There is some complex, specific energy charge this story carries. And there is a definitive Jayhawks sound with which this little beauty oozes. The instrumental guitar driven intensity builds, augmented by the legendary harmonies that Mr. Olson and Mr Louris are the kingpins of. Maybe the one gem you can walk away with from listening is: “God of the rich man ain’t the god for the poor.”
Mr. Louris & Mr. Olson who didn’t always get along too well, reunited in 2008 to create this competent song collection.
Peter Case
“There’s two kinds of justice everybody knows
One’s for folks up on the hill
The other down below”