Cloudbusting by Kate Bush: The Meaning and Story Behind the Song

1st March, 2024

When Kate Bush released Cloudbusting in 1985, little did the world know that this song would become a hauntingly beautiful narrative, weaving a tapestry of emotions, history, and personal connection. The song, which remains one of her most iconic and beloved tracks and is taken from her album Hounds of Love, delves deep into the bond between a father and son, set against a backdrop of scientific ambition and governmental scrutiny. It’s a story that resonates, a melody that lingers, and a testament to Bush’s unparalleled ability to tell a story through music.

The Inspiration Behind Cloudbusting

The inspiration behind Cloudbusting traces back to a book that Bush stumbled upon quite by chance. Peter Reich’s A Book of Dreams is a poignant memoir that recounts his life with his father, Wilhelm Reich, a disciple of Freud turned controversial scientist. The elder Reich’s fascination with orgone energy and his invention, the cloudbuster, intended to manipulate weather patterns, form the crux of this touching song.

Orgone energy, according to Reich, was a universal life force that could be harnessed for various purposes, such as healing, sexual vitality, and even weather control. He built a device called the cloudbuster, which consisted of metal pipes and cables connected to water, to draw orgone energy from the atmosphere and create or dissipate clouds. Reich believed that by doing so, he could improve the climate and the environment, as well as the mental and physical health of people.

However, Reich’s unconventional theories and practices soon attracted the attention and ire of the authorities, who deemed him a fraud and a danger to public health. In 1954, a court order banned him from selling or distributing his orgone-related devices and materials and ordered him to destroy them. Reich refused to comply, and in 1956, he was arrested and imprisoned for contempt of court. He died in prison in 1957, leaving behind his son, his legacy, and his dreams.

The Lyrics and Meaning of Cloudbusting

Kate Bush’s songwriting prowess shines as she narrates the story from young Peter’s perspective, encapsulating his memories, his dreams, and the pain of losing his father to the clutches of the government. The lyrics say, “I still dream of Orgonon…You’re making rain, and you’re just in reach” not only evokes the physical act of cloudbusting but also symbolises the unreachable, the lost, and the deeply cherished.

Orgonon was the name of Reich’s estate and laboratory in Maine, where he and his son conducted their cloud-busting experiments. It was also the place where Peter felt closest to his father and where he hoped to see him again. The song captures the childlike wonder and innocence of Peter, who believed in his father’s vision and shared his passion for nature and science.

The chorus, “But every time it rains, you’re here in my head, like the sun coming out,” is a powerful evocation of memory and presence, suggesting that those we love never truly leave us. They’re in the rain, in the sun, and in every little thing that reminds us of them. It’s a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has ever lost someone close, making Cloudbusting a song that touches the soul.

The Symbolism of Cloudbusting

Cloudbusting transcends the literal interpretation of its lyrics, offering a rich tapestry of symbolism. The cloudbuster itself can be seen as a metaphor for human endeavour and the desire to control the uncontrollable. It speaks to the universal longing to hold onto moments of joy and connection, despite the inevitable forces that may seek to disrupt them.

The Music Video and Cultural Impact of Cloudbusting

The music video for Cloudbusting, directed by Julian Doyle and conceptualised alongside Terry Gilliam, is a short film in its own right. With Donald Sutherland portraying Wilhelm Reich and Bush herself stepping into the shoes of his son, the video is a visual extension of the song’s narrative. Set against the lush backdrop of the Vale of White Horse in Oxfordshire, it’s a poignant portrayal of hope, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

The video begins with Reich and Peter setting up their cloudbuster on a hilltop as they prepare to make it rain. They are successful in creating a storm, but their happiness is fleeting because soon after, agents surround them and arrest Reich and take his device. Peter tries to stop them, but his father tells him to flee. As Reich is taken away in a truck, Peter runs after him, clutching a book that his father gave him. The video ends with a flashback of Reich and Peter enjoying a sunny day at Orgonon, as Bush sings, “Ooh, I just know that something good is going to happen.”

The video was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and becoming one of the most popular and influential music videos of the 1980s. It also sparked a renewed interest in Reich and his work, as well as in Bush and her music.

Cultural Impact of Cloudbusting

Over the years, Cloudbusting has transcended its origins to become a cultural touchstone. Its haunting melody and rich narrative have inspired countless artists, leading to covers and samples across various music genres by artists such as Placebo, Utah Saints, and Charlotte Martin. It has been featured in several TV shows and movies, such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Gossip Girl, and more.

Yet, at its heart, Cloudbusting remains a deeply personal story of a son’s love for his father, set to a melody that lingers long after the song has ended.

Conclusion

Kate Bush: Cloudbusting (Music Video 1985)

Kate Bush’s Cloudbusting is a song that encapsulates a journey into the heart of human emotion, a story that resonates with the universal themes of love, loss, and the indelible marks they leave on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories are the ones that come from the heart, set to a tune that echoes through the ages.

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Kate Bush Cloudbusting Lyrics

Verse 1
I still dream of Orgonon
I wake up crying
You’re making rain
And you’re just in reach
When you and sleep escape me

Pre-Chorus
You’re like my yo-yo that glowed in the dark
What made it special made it dangerous
So I bury it and forget

Chorus
But every time it rains you’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out
Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen
I don’t know when
But just saying it could even make it happen

Verse 2
On top of the world, looking over the edge
You could see them coming
You looked too small in their big black car
To be a threat to the men in the power

Pre-Chorus
I hid my yo-yo in the garden
I can’t hide you from the government
Oh, God, Daddy, I won’t forget

Chorus
‘Cause every time it rains
You’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out
Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen
I don’t know when
But just saying it could even make it happen

Chorus
And every time it rains
You’re here in my head
Like the sun coming out
Look, your son’s coming out
Ooh, I just know that something good is going to happen
I don’t know when
But just saying it could even make it happen, oh
Ooh, just saying it could even make it happen

Bridge
Yeah, yeah, yay-yo
“We’re cloudbusting, daddy”
Yeah, yeah, yay-yo
Yeah, yeah, yay, yo
Yeah, yeah, yay-yo
Yeah, yeah, yay, yo
[Outro]
The sun’s coming out
Yeah, yeah, yay-yo
Your son’s coming out
Yeah, yeah, yay-yo