Suite: Clouds, Rain

David Gates' song "Suite: Clouds, Rain" is a poetic exploration of life's emotional and existential journey, using the imagery of clouds and rain as metaphors for the highs and lows we experience. The song opens with the singer observing clouds from an airplane, reflecting on their ever-changing nature and how they mirror his own feelings of being both high and low. This duality suggests a sense of disconnection and introspection, as he contemplates his place in the world and the transient nature of emotions and experiences.

The clouds serve as a powerful symbol throughout the song, representing both freedom and the burden of carrying one's feelings. Gates sings about how clouds bring his emotions to the surface, whether he feels ashamed or proud. This indicates a deep connection between the natural world and his inner life, where the clouds act as a canvas for his thoughts and feelings. The airplane journey becomes a metaphor for his life's journey, filled with moments of reflection and the constant movement towards something or someone meaningful.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to rain, which Gates describes as giving life and revealing hidden secrets. The rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal, as well as the inevitable challenges we face. Despite the rain, the singer remains unbothered, finding beauty in the reflections it creates on the highway and the promise of a rainbow. This resilience and acceptance of life's ups and downs are further emphasized in the closing lines, where he advises to think of green when raindrops fall, suggesting hope and growth even in difficult times. The song ultimately conveys a message of embracing life's journey, with all its emotional complexities, and finding solace in the natural world's beauty and cycles.