where on earth is the sun hid away?

like the weather : 10,000 maniacs

click on the image below to listen

Here's a song I've been singing in my mind lately, given the skies we've been having in this part of the world. It kind of gets to you when it's like this everyday. I have not much to say, really, so I'll just let the song speak for itself. Oh, maybe I'll say one thing: Natalie Merchant, who sings here, has a new retrospective of her post-Maniacs career. Creatively called Natalie Merchant Retrospective 1990-2005, it's a double CD that includes highlights of her solo career on disc 1, and rarities, live and previously unreleased tracks on disc 2. Merchant is one of my favorite voices and lyricists in rock, so this album must be a must.

Like The Weather

Natalie Merchant

The color of the sky as far as I can see is coal grey.

Lift my head from the pillow and then fall again.

With a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather.

A quiver in my lip as if I might cry.

Well by the force of will my lungs are filled and so I breathe.

Lately it seems this big bed is where I never leave.

A shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather.

A quiver in my voice as I cry:

"What a cold and rainy day. Where on earth is the sun hid away?"

I hear the sound of a noon bell chime.

Well, I'm far behind.

You've put in 'bout half a day while here I lie

with a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather.

A quiver in my voice as if I might cry:

"What a cold and rainy day. Where on earth is the sun hid away?"

Do I need someone here to scold me

or do I need someone who'll grab and pull me out of this

four-poster dull torpor pulling downward.

For it's such a long time since my better days.

I say my prayers nightly this will pass away.

The color of the sky is grey as I can see through the blinds.

Lift my head from the pillow and then fall again.

A shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather.

A quiver in my voice as if I might cry:

"What a cold and rainy day. Where on earth is the sun hid away?"

I shiver, quiver, and try to wake.