Little Black Cloud

Little black cloud in the sky
Go ahead and rain on me
If you feel the need to cry
Set those teardrops free
I don’t mind the rain
I’m not scared of the pain
‘Cause nothing stays the same

I’ve been walking for so long
I’m not done walking yet
Don’t know if I can be strong
But I’ll still take that bet
Let the sky fall on down
Got two feet on the ground
And I ain’t ’bout to drown

So get as dark as you like
Let that thunder roll
Every time the lightning strikes
I just enjoy the show
Someday the sun will shine
It’s just a matter of time
And everything will be fine

It will surprise zero people that I wrote this song when struggling with a bout of depression. I’d hit that point in the cycle where I knew it would pass eventually, where I could see the upswing coming, but it wasn’t quite there yet. So: this song. Sad, but hopeful.

This past week was my 39th birthday. I was fortunate enough to score a mini-getaway to Chicago for a fantastic songwriting class with Ty and Ingrid from Mouths of Babes (still touring, if you’re in Cali – go check them out!). It centered on political songs, something I have definitely struggled with; I have the will, but cannot seem to write one I think is truly good enough for public consumption. The workshop was really lovely, with an incredibly talented bunch of musicians in attendance, and I was blown away by the songwriting skill on display.

My own contribution was…well, let’s say it was an awkward time for my ridiculous sense of humor to rear its ugly head. I haven’t quite finished the writing process for the song I started in the workshop, but I’ll share it when I do, for the sake of good order. Whether I am really happy with it or not. Because art.

The rest of the trip I spent catching up with some of my favorite people (but not all, because I live in linear time and also cannot teleport, even over short distances!). There was German food and John McClane and margaritas and recliners and many train rides. It was delightful, and I am renewed.

I recorded “Little Black Cloud” on the morning of my birthday. It’s not perfect, but I feel like it’s a good statement on my life at 39. It’s just a matter of time – everything will be fine.