Clouds Across The Sky

jiguma

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Description

I've done a few big production numbers recently, and explored the Telecaster, but was really wanting to "get back to my roots" and do a simple, acoustic driven song. This is it - and simple it is, with trademark early jig harmonies and "hippie lyrics".
Had a ball doing the 12 string soloing.
Hope you like it - loud is best!

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Lyrics

Clouds Across The Sky
© 2006 Neil Porter

I’m just sitting back
Watching scattered clouds drift ‘cross the sky
Contemplating what’s gone wrong
Puzzled by the how and why

CHORUS A:
Will the magic river eagle
Still be fishing on the wing?
Will the gentle ocean giants
Still have their songs to sing?

I’ve been thinking ‘bout a baby girl
And her time here on this earth
How her world will look to her
Half a century from her birth

CHORUS A:
Will the magic river eagle
Still be fishing on the wing?
Will the gentle ocean giants
Still have their songs to sing?

I saw the news today
Glaciers are falling in the sea
No one’s really sure
Exactly what this means for you and me

CHORUS A:
Will the magic river eagle
Still be fishing on the wing?
Will the gentle ocean giants
Still have their songs to sing?

I’ve been sitting back
Watching scattered clouds drift ‘cross the sky
Puzzled by this crazy place
Puzzled by the how and why

INSTRUMENTAL VERSE

CHORUS B:
Have we let things go too far?
It seems too late, we can’t agree
I quite like it here
This planet really means the world to me

Song Stats

Hits: 3889
Comments: 83
Fans: 27
Plays: 537
Downloads: 41
Votes: 25
Uploaded: Nov 19, 2006 - 11:53:48 PM
Last Updated: Oct 16, 2007 - 01:59:50 AM Last Played: Nov 07, 2009 - 06:50:05 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Song Actions

Keywords:

jiguma (18)

Hardware:

Seagull S6 6 string acoustic guitar
Maton FG150 12 string acoustic guitar
Fender Precision bass
Rode NT3 mic
Behringer UB802 mixer/preamp
iMac G4

Software:

Logic Express

Comments

alfalpha	alfalpha said 1102 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	...the trademark works well! Neil, there's nothing like a bit of 'Jigging Hippy' A great song! Check out my latest song called Mania- w/DavisAmerica-The 'Sprout' Remix

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Cheers Alf Thanks for the quick comment Alf - much appreciated. See you Wednesday. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Feter	Feter said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	monday morning song ahh very soothing Neil ....a veyr nice mood I like the guitar so much realy neat guitar pickin ... well done !! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Cheers Feter Glad you liked this Feter my friend. Pleased that it soothed your thoughts on a Monday morning. Take Care, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

caroline	caroline said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	wooot!!! and not a moment too soon! fabulously pink and fluffy - thank you xoxoxoxx and ... nice line .. 'this planet means the world to me' too! Check out my latest song called clink that link mjrf

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Fluffy for sure! Thanks for the visit Caro - that line just fell into place, and I was really taken with it myself. Still get a smile each time I give it a listen. Can't get too much music for tree-huggers I say : ) Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Fluffy for sure! Thanks for the visit Caro - that line just fell into place, and I was really taken with it myself. Still get a smile each time I give it a listen. Can't get too much music for tree-huggers I say : ) Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	And as always I love your songs...and special this one....love your voice in this tune nice and calm fit so well to this great tune....KUDOS...10s all over it. Take care Kenta Ps:I have listen 5 times now...Cheers

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Calm it is : )
Kenta, I started out here at MJ doing similar songs to this, and really enjoyed going back to this very simple format - verse, chorus, verse, chorus etc. I used to play in a very good band (Marastique) which had just 2 guitars, flute, bass and congas, - everyoone except me sang - and we played lots of songs like this. Really glad you liked the soft feel to this - it was lots of fun to play.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Oh! that... Sounds really fun and wonderful...I think you have found the right line in this one....great way back.....Like we use too say here in Swede "it whas always better before"....Cheers Neil Take care Kenta

Cori Ander

Cori Ander said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Yes, Yes .. and Yes
Yes, Yes .. and Yes .. I say so because you have expressed much of what goes on also in my mind here on the other side of the world.

Some strange way the song make me happy .. think it is because it gives me company in some way. It kind of helpes me to express what I don't have the ability to express that well myself, (and with beautiful music on top of it).

So, thank you Neil! .. (again, maybe I should add, because you've done it many times before).

Check out my latest song called Guitar test — Martin CSN (Gerry Tolman Tribute)

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

tack själv mycket Curry!
It's been really nice to get back to a "soft" protest song - one that doesn't grate musically or lyrically, and one that has a message which is basically not political. I don't think I've done one like this since "Up To You".
Really glad that this one gets into your head Curry.
Peace,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

rovert10	rovert10 said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Another great one I gather you're talking about those big lumps of ice heading toward NZ. Really digging this stuff. Check out my latest song called Gears

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Cheers!
I'm particularly pleased that you liked this, as I would have thought that it was maybe a little outside your interest range. The big lumps of ice are part of the problem now, but the real problem is when they start melting .. and melting ... and melting. We probably won't see muc of an iimpact, but my granddaughter sure will (and then there's her kids and grandkids to think about). It kind of gets depressing when you start thinking about it too much. Thanks for the comment.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

rtcooper

rtcooper said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

A PERFECT SPACE
ROCK THE CRADDLE. RHYTHM and INFLECTION. HARMONICS AND HUMANITY. If "Hippy Lyrics" spell CIVILITY, I must be some sort of Hippy!

Love the Break Down Ending. The 12 is Fabulous AND Does Not sound like McGuinn! (How'd You Do That?).

I'll Bet The Gentle Ocean Giants add This One to their Songs. I Would.

Thsi is CLASSIC JIGUMA and sits high in my Very Best of MJ Collection, Neil. SO Well Done!

With Admiration and Very Best Regards,

Cooper

Check out my latest song called Intimate Anyway

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

COOP!
Thanks for the compliments Coop - I have to agree about the breakdown, I just love the sound of the Maton 12. I think the reason it doesn't sound like McGuinn is that I played it like a mandolin here - two mandolins in fact. Strangely, after all the big productions I've done of late, this was among the most satisfying.
Cheers,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

I read the news today... oh boy...
Well, I love this one, Neil... Everything about it except coming back in from walking my son to the bus stop in 30 degree weather and coming back in to find a picture of you in shorts at the shore...

This has got a taste of middle period Cockburn to it in the rolling beat and nicely rocking bass line, and the lyric lines lay nice and easy across the music. Very easy to pick out the thread of the song.

I absolutely love the 12-string solo.

The mix is great. I love how you started the song with the high hat fill thing, and I love how you've mixed with one prominent thing going on in each frequency range. Everything's got room to breathe.

The acoustic guitar is bright, clear, and just well played.

And then you do that wonderful thing that people from English-speaking countries do, of pronouncing 'glaciers' with three syllables. Nice old school jiguma vocals, although perhaps not the 'old school' five doublings... The singing is really nice...

Lyrically, I like the musing quality. It's just oblique enough to come across as the reflections of a thoughtful man, and it's never preachy, so it draws a listener in.

A real good one, Neil...course, it needs to be AGED a little...

Ed

Check out my latest song called Next Time Around (w/jiguma)

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Ah, you mean 30 degrees in the OLD measurement!
We're heading for 30 (proper) degrees here today, so I'm afraid it'll be back to the beach! That photo was taken at Point Byron, the most easterly point of Australia - here endeth the geography lesson. I have become aware of some of my tunes being very bass heavy, mainly because I usually mix on headphones (have to consider the neighbours - and the roos!), so made a conscious effort to limit bass in this and get a good spread too. Surprisingly, there are actually 3 tracks of 6 string (one strummed and a doubled picking track) as well as the duelling 12 strings (2 tracks) - plus countless percussion tracks, which possibly gives it a Cockburn feel.
I love "oblique" being used to describe the lyrics - jiguma's golden grail!
Cheers Ed,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

drakonis

drakonis said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

cleansing & dead on
Sigh... easy going laid back song, so nicely played and sung, with a message that has always screamed in my head. I love the juxtapositions you have here, such a playful way of singing such a serious message... the line "this planet really means the world to me", followed by "I think this is the end"... of the... song I think you meant? :) This is great, definitely faved folky sweetness!
ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Lullaby for the Inner Child

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

"The end is nigh"
sounded a little strong for the ending : ) Glad you liked this Eduard - I wasn't sure how it would go down here at MJ, so have been very pleased with the comments. It's the first one thast felt like I could call "Folk" for a very long while.
Thanks for listening,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Jim Bouchard

Jim Bouchard said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

really nice and sunny
funny how that is how it sounds to me even though the subject is clouds. Love that ending! "I think this is the end"... If there's one thing that sounds off to me is that there's so much high end, and a rolling-off some of the higher frequencies might be welcome to these old ears. Or a little more oomph in the midrange, I don't know, but something in the EQ doesn't sound right to me. But I don't mean to cast too dark a shadow on your wonderful creation here, and of course the sentiments contained within; this is a supa-dupa song!

Check out my latest song called Weather or Not w/awigze

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Sunny clouds : )
Thanks for listening and leaving a comment Jim. As I mentionad above, I mix on phones and have been trying to get a less boomy sound from the bass (especially after "BIG DRY", which just about blew me out of the car when the bass came in on may car stereo) - maybe I overcompensated a bit. There is a lot of percussion in this too, which would have added to the high frequencies considerably. As for the 12 string, I just love the trebly sound on that. I'll definitely add your comments to my memory for future productions though - one of the great things about MJ is being able to get very good suggestions from people like yourself. When I wrote this, I was imagining "summer clouds" more than the darker variety - although perhaps they are an unintentional metaphor which I hadn't really considered before. Lyrics are strange things which often only unfold for me well after I have written them.
Thanks again Jim, I always value your comments.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Roxylee	Roxylee said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Totally there Neil, I instantly love this song-everything; the words, your voice, your playing so skillfully, everything. Faverd & downloaded. Thank you for sharing this song with us. :-) Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Thanks Roxylee, very pleased you enjoyed my little ditty - thanks for listening and leaving a comment - much appreciated. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Ed_Moran	Ed_Moran said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Neil... Great tune and it's nice to get back to basics. Your song writing is top notch from music to lyrics. As a father (not a grandfaher) I also wonder what this world has in store for the next generation. The thought can be frightening but then again I am sure that all previous generations have felt the same way. Love hearing your work. Ed Check out my latest song called Cowboy (WIP)

jiguma	jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Thanks for stopping by Ed and for listening - really pleased you enjoyed the song and that there was some resonance for you. Having young children around certainly makes you think about the future. Peace, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Scott Carmichael

Scott Carmichael said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Your power of the pen
is understated and powerful... you have an economy of words (breivity is the soul of whit) that makes your point so much more effective... I'm so taken with the way you write that I have to go back a second time to hear the song... it goes right by and I've payed no attention to the things that I usually notice first.. you know.. guitar sounds and production and the like...

you have framed so well a thought that plagues us at this age... watching how much has changed in the 50 or so years we've been here... what will our children face? bravo

%u201Cthis planet means the world to me%u201D I wish I wrote that

Check out my latest song called Good Morning

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

50 years is a long time ...
well, at least in our view of things, and lots has certainly happened in the 56 years since I was born. The grandparent thing seems to shift the perspective somehow, and I am becoming more and more conscious of what our legacy will be for our children and our children's children. I don't see much point in writing blunt lyrics about this as it still manages to turn some people off - whimsical lyrics are certainly my weapon of choice.
Glad you liked the song Scott.
Peace,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jgurner	jgurner said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	Nothing better.... ...than going back to the basics. It's always a good idea to take a glance back as we move forward. Always loved the "classic jiguma" harmonies and the light, happy go lucky, airy acoustic guitar. It's like a warm sourther breeze coming in here on a cold Mississippi afternoon (cold for us, that is). It's a welcome gift. Check out my latest song called Bourbon Street Dawn

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Warm breeze
Joseph, glad to have warmed up your day a little : ) Another similarity with some of my earlier music is that this was done quite quickly - I had the chords (all 5 of 'em!) sorted out for a few weeks, but the lyrics came in a rush maybe 2 days before I recorded and posted it. I enjoy the quick song a lot.
Glad to see you back with a vengeance here - you are making some very nice music.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

thoddi	thoddi said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	hey What a great tune:) The twelve string solo is a winner! Very enjoyable mood and a catchy melody coupled with a groove that made me move in my chair:) Good one Neil! D/L Check out my latest song called Don't tell me what I can't w/KTB and Ingve

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Thanks Thor
There's a lot of percussion in this groove! Just felt right when I was doing it - especially the 12 string bit - I'm going to have to use it more often I think. Thanks for the invite to your Christmas party tune - not sure what I might be able to offer, but if something stands out to you, let me know.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)
	am i late to the party? nice one neil. has almost a tropical sound going on, and you in shorts i guess that confirms that. i guess you can use some of that glacier to mix in a marguitta. really makes for a great summer tune. you might of posted it to soon. well it warmed me for sure. good stuff! Check out my latest song called November

jiguma

jiguma said 1101 days ago (November 20th, 2006)

Tropical/topical indeed
Glad you stopped by for a listen Vic. It's heading into summer here (33 degrees C today) and the beach/surf activities are starting to happen (although the water's a bit cool still). I seem to write this style around this time of the year.
Cheers,
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

bug67	bug67 said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Fine, fine feeling Thanks for posting this, Jiggy. Cool breezes from down under. Extremely pleasant listen. Check out my latest song called Follow the Bouncing Bear With the Kazoo Blues in E (MJRF)

jiguma	jiguma said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Cheers Dave Pleased to warm up your Alaskan day Dave! Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

lholden

lholden said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)

Love the 12-string!
Neil,
I really enjoyed listening to your song. The message is universal even if the style is from your past. I especially enjoyed the harmonies and 12-string solo - so sweet! The guitar lines are very appropriate to the lyrics, setting such a lovely mood. At the beginning, I wanted a bit more volume on your voice... maybe it's just selfish! Although, it made me listen a few more times:) You have such a clear, charming quality to your voice. The innocence of the sounds suits this song perfectly. Excellent work - thank you so much for sharing your talent.
Cheers,
Laurie

Check out my latest song called Same Space (collab with jiguma)

jiguma	jiguma said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Thanks for the visit Laurie! This is my "gentler side" - a remnant of my early playing days. Glad you enjoyed it - the 12 string and harmonies are probably my favourite bits also :) Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

jiguma	jiguma said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Thanks for the visit Laurie! This is my "gentler side" - a remnant of my early playing days. Glad you enjoyed it - the 12 string and harmonies are probably my favourite bits also :) Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Mcboy	Mcboy said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	that rockin/ back and forth rhythm is so kool.....u r vocal just rides it like a surfer.......the earth needs our love more than ever.....what better messengers than musicians as u r self.......u get my order of merit medal for songs of substance and enlightenment.....enjoyed it much! Check out my latest song called Heros( aclarke/mcboy)

jiguma	jiguma said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Thanks M! Appreciate you spending a few moments to listen and comment on this little ditty Mcboy. Not much point going to all the trouble of writing lyrics if they don't say something :) Glad you liked it. Thanks - I love medals :) ! Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	So... This is what we get when you go off camping - vintage Porter! Great song, as we have come to expect from you, and with a message in reflection. I'll bet you had a few of these thoughts cross your mind while you were away. . - Harold

jiguma

jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)

Camping inspiration :)
Had a few thoughts like this for sure, but mainly my thoughts were "gee I hope those clouds don't dump on us" or "what's for dinner" :) The three weeks we were away were noticeably unproductive musically - probably because I took an old Yamaha nylon acoustic rather than my usual guitar. But since I've been back I've been on a productive roll - don't know where I got the time for all this when I was working fulltime. Glad you enjoyed it Harold.
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

FEEL

FEEL said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)

Yeah eagles will be fishing
and I suspect we will be under water. The only thing that's going to be happening are the birds. Joking aside, this is a serious issue and I'm all for stopping this global warming problem. As you finalize this song it brings to mind urgency. May we save this world for our children. Loved the song it starts out easy going and then reality sets in. Production is great, vocals are always on and nice chops. Thanks for sharing.

John

Check out my latest song called Pigs Fly

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Eagles Yeah, I suspect there is some urgency John. Apart from the global warming thing, there is also concern that we might blow ourselves up of course. At least Dubya seems on his way out!! Thanks for visiting, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

	said 1100 days ago (November 21st, 2006)
	Ocean Giants! A LOT OF Good timing going over here! Im loving and drooling all over this song, because of this I am now a big fan of your music, lyrics and songs!

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	:) Glad you enjoyed this one Tom, it's a little old fashioned perhaps, but the message is as urgent as ever! Thanks for listening and leaving your thoughts. Peace, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

kevmikwa

kevmikwa said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)

Poppy and fun
Quite a knack for the pop sounds - my favorite hippy from down under. Everything just clicks - a nice ambling pace. I like the mix - everything is present and has its own space. I'm always a fan of your drums and percussion. Lately I find myself searching for interline interjections whenever I listen to a jiguma song (i.e. the spoken "how and why" and "I think this is the end"), jig's the king of 'em! Thanks for sharing as usual, Neil.

Check out my latest song called Piece of Heaven

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Hi Mike!! I'm especially pleased to have you listen and comment Mike - thanks! I guess you can relate to these lyrics from a dad's point of view :) How's the little guy going? - everyone getting lots of sleep (lol)! My compliments to the family. Cheers, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Mokus	Mokus said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	I wandered lonely as a cloud... Neil, this is a great song, prefect for a quiet drive through the fall (proper) countryside. Just a great vibe with the guitar and bass...and genius lyrics... Nice!!! Check out my latest song called Ceci n'est pas une Fender

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	You're very kind! Thanks for listening and for your positive comment! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

perceptualvortex	perceptualvortex said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Love it Wow Neil, this is great. And you're right, a real contrast from my latest 'environmental tune' :-) I love that line about the gentle ocean giants... all the lyrics are cool... also This planet really means the world to me. Perfect. Check out my latest song called Machine Man (w Beastie Boys)

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Green peas A radically different approach from yours, but they both work - I think we're probably coming from the same place - just using different modes of transport : ) Peace, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Wildcat	Wildcat said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	thanx i just say thanx this time for sharing this...i love the guitarplaying in that...wonderfull part before its end...great songwriting and i love hippielyrics Check out my latest song called Somewhere in No Man´s Land

jiguma	jiguma said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Thank YOU! That guitar bit was my favourite too - oh and the ending : ) Danke sehr Tanja. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Profiteer	Profiteer said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Excellent Great stuff. Just sounds like a passionate artist at work. Inspiring. Check out my latest song called Still The Same

jiguma	jiguma said 1098 days ago (November 23rd, 2006)
	Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it Prof. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

bud	bud said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	Hippie lyrics and early jig harmonies sound just fine by me. This is a really excelent number put across with the confidence and energy of someone who's real comfortable with his music - which makes me feel real good. Thanks for the time spent. Check out my latest song called try not to think

jiguma	jiguma said 1098 days ago (November 23rd, 2006)
	Time spent ..... ..... I can assure you it is my pleasure!! Thanks Bud for stopping by. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

e46	e46 said 1099 days ago (November 22nd, 2006)
	perfect... acoustic driven song. What a fabulous arrangement that you've got going on there. I love the simplicity of the guitar, and even the shakers. Your harmonies are such that I would love to be able to achieve the same thing. Definitely added to fav's so I can find it in a flash ! Check out my latest song called So Selfish (The FINAL FINAL version)

chikoppi

chikoppi said 1098 days ago (November 23rd, 2006)

Must... resist... happy vibes. Too powerful!
What a great mellow feel - a good pairing with the optimistic and nostalgic lyrics. I think you could probably bring the vocals up slightly. The shaker and triangle add subtly but importantly to the character of the song. The backing vocals are nicely blended. The solo sounds very like a mandolin. Songs like this threaten to take the edge off my persistent state of rage, but I'll acknowledge a sweet song well-performed when I hear it!

Check out my latest song called Loop It or Lose It 9

MissChaos	MissChaos said 1097 days ago (November 24th, 2006)
	can't add much that hasn't already been said. I quite enjoyed this. Goes well with a smile and a beer. :-) Check out my latest song called Mama Cries - Album Version (MJRF)

	said 1097 days ago (November 25th, 2006)
	Best pic yet... ...although it's always nice to see you with a grandchild! RE the tuneage: Beautiful. I especially love the change-up for the choruses. All the right questions...asked by everyman. You may well speak for every decent and pensive human being here Neil. Classic Jiguma! ooooh...just got to the mandolin-ish guitar soloing. Niiiiiice..... Perfect ending! Be well man!

jiguma	jiguma said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)
	East coast Cheers Mike, the pic was taken at Cape Byron - the most easterly point in Australia. Glad the song suited your ears. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

kontakto	kontakto said 1096 days ago (November 25th, 2006)
	hippie song it's a good song with a flavor of the 70', the mix it's a little bright and the kick a little dry, but the guitar cover it up, I think it's a song for sunday morning intead.

paul f. page	paul f. page said 1096 days ago (November 25th, 2006)
	Great song... I love this song. Your mix is awesome in terms of balance and I am happy you just kept it all so simple. There's nothing dated about this kind of music as far as I'm concerned. Well done. Paul Check out my latest song called Double Etude

screamalexz	screamalexz said 1096 days ago (November 25th, 2006)
	pretty lyrics some rather nice lyrics on this one. the singing style is interesting, somehow reminds me of some of selters songs. production seems good, professional. i think it's a nice and finished piece. glad to hear another from you i know i've been away for some time. Check out my latest song called Die (Album Version)

kristyjo

kristyjo said 1096 days ago (November 26th, 2006)

Lots of comments already
and I'll add my two cents worth, too. I like the upbeat tune and the serious lyrics together. IMHO Your idea of a 'soft' protest song is really the way to go, rather than smashing people over the head with statistics and acusations. Pleasant and humable as well as thoughtful. What more could you ask for in a song?

Check out my latest song called What a Friend We Have in Jesus

jiguma	jiguma said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)
	Quiet The quiet approach works best for me - astrologers would say it's my crab-like approach to things, but it's just the way I work :) Thanks for the listen and the comment - really appreciate it. Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Scorpjammer	Scorpjammer said 1095 days ago (November 26th, 2006)
	Terrific Number You sure you're not writing lyrics for Midnight Oil? I could hear them doing this tune in their own crazy way. You paint quite a picture wiht your pen, Neil. A twelve string? Very mandolin sounding. Nice telecaster you're sporting there in the song art download. :) Definite keeper/Big and Tall Marks/Faved Check out my latest song called Seaside Samba

jiguma

jiguma said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)

Midnight Oil!
Saw them when my wife was pregnant with our now 25 year old daughter - a great band indeed :)
The 12 string certainly has that mandolin sound, which is good because my bass player fingers could never cope with a mandolin (and I love the sound). Try "The Big Dry" to hear the Tele.
Thanks for commenting!
Neil

---
Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322

Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

MisterFrap	MisterFrap said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)
	Very beautiful Neil, I love this song. Everything is great, the music, the lyrics and your playing. Faved & Downloaded. Cheers from Italy Luca Check out my latest song called Crazy Heart (vocals by Richard Schletty)

Rebsie

Rebsie said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)

The world needs more hippy lyrics
... and nice harmonies ... and lilting basslines.

Is that really a 12-string in the solo bit? Whooo ... it sounds like a mando. Very plinky-jangly. I wish I could get my 12-string to sound like that. (Ah, and now I read back through the other comments I see I'm not the first to point this out!) It sounds gorgeous anyway.

Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

onesweetworld	onesweetworld said 1094 days ago (November 27th, 2006)
	sweet song. makes me happy. really! :-) Check out my latest song called Hopes and Dreams

	said 1094 days ago (November 28th, 2006)
	Very nice, Neil! I like the lyrics and I'm sure I'm not the only one who ponders such things. The mix sounds wonderful as well.

Tadashi Togawa	Tadashi Togawa said 1093 days ago (November 28th, 2006)
	The blue sky in Australia. Is the atmosphere fresh? Feeling of coolness overflowing song. Composure of mind. Check out my latest song called Mexican taste

Macaudion

Macaudion said 1091 days ago (November 30th, 2006)

You are so very poetic...
...it just astounds me at times...

I sure hope that I'm not too late...

And yes, you have been involved in some fairly sophisticated stuff lately, but I don't believe that there's any escaping it for you, Neil. As simple as this perfect accompaniment seems to be, it does accompany a fairly sophisticated mind set. And I don't even like the "S" word - Regardless, I am referring to a "sophistication" that is of a more positive nature, and it is a big part of what is, "Jiguma". And oddly, when the goal is to be simple by someone who is as keenly intelligent as I know you to be, the end product will undoubtedly be, a complex and sophisticated perspective, made simple...
That's one of the many reasons why we keep coming back. That's what makes you classic. That's what makes Jiguma, timeless... I was hoping that I couldn't be late... - Thanks, Neil! Cheers! D

Check out my latest song called 123 iGetU

jiguma	jiguma said 1091 days ago (November 30th, 2006)
	Never too late :) Thanks for the kind words Macca - always glad to hear from and get your comment/feelings/insights. Cheers, Neil --- Clouds Across The Sky - http://www.macjams.com/song/26322 Check out my latest song called Lost In Translation (w Mike Watkins)

Dennis James	Dennis James said 1090 days ago (December 1st, 2006)
	I am feeling this.... ....I can identify so much with all the emotions and airs of this song. Most can I guess but....excellent anyway! Check out my latest song called Desolate.

Gav	Gav said 1086 days ago (December 5th, 2006)
	NIce I like the bass. It hold it all together very tight and simple. I like your use of imagery in the lyrics though I did feel in points that the lyrics were a little clich�d. Otherwise I really liked it - had a nice closeness to it and the production is very good. Thanks Gav Check out my latest song called Understand

racerat

racerat said 1083 days ago (December 8th, 2006)

smooth
Hey Jiguma,
I really dig this cut. The capo'd guitar solo split L & R was sweet. Your vocals and the stellar harmonies make this a really sweet song. Oh, and thanks for taking the time to drop by my page. Our styles are pretty divergent, but I have very wide tastes, and your sound strikes a nice chord (so to speak) with me.
I believe it or not, I was in a bluegrass band in years past, Even played on NPR live once. "Little Debbie and the Grits" we were called....so maybe we aren't that far apart after all....;-)

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Warren Smith

Warren Smith said 1082 days ago (December 10th, 2006)

Cloudy
When you find the right perspective, a good song practically writes itself. Here, the direct simplicity of the poetic language fits perfectly with the easy tone of the song and its simple straightward structuring. Likewise, the subject - though weighty - is unpretentiously direct: How worried should we be about the future?

Funny thing is, we know you are specifically referring to global warming, even though there is only one direct reference to it ("glaciers are falling into the sea") - which glaciers have been doing for as long as they've been around (they just seem to be doing it a lot faster these days : >). This tells me you have tapped into a universe theme, and you've deftly expressed a deep concern that is puzzling to much of humanity today.

For me, there is one special moment that reveals a thoughtful sophistication behind the upfront easiness of the lyrics, and that's when you shift the perspective from you contemplating the drifting clouds to your granddaughter do the same thing 50 years in the future - the clouds will probably be much the same, but how similar will her thoughts and concerns be? And it strikes home that the answer depends a lot on what kind of decisions get made, or don't get made, right now. This is good writing.

It also occurs to me that the drifting, scattered clouds are a perfect metaphor for the subject matter of the song - that we can all agree we are living under cloudy conditions, but exactly how to interpret that, and how to react in a meaningful way, is still puzzling.

Check out my latest song called Pushing and Pulling

hongshan	hongshan said 288 days ago (February 10th, 2009)
	Hi Neil I really love this song. It kind of reminds me a little of pink floyd with a sprinkle of Dylan and a good dose of 'Garfunkle'. A lovely piece and a good mix with thoughtful lyrics. I love the acoustic guitar solo. A great dreamy song. I still have to catch up to years lost on this site. There are so many good songs and not enough time! Micky Check out my latest song called Mr Gumby

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Artist Info

Name: Neil Porter

My old bio page looked pretty out of date, so it’s time for a new one: For the full story, see my interview in the MacJammer Blog "The Jiguma Is Up" by Tobin Mueller. I started to learn guitar when I was about 10 – but didn’t last long be... [see more]

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