Story Behind The Song

"Coal Colored Clouds" is from a Spaghetti Western concept album. The song describes the protagonist on a rainy night as he hunts down his double-crossing fiancee and her demonic companion, a medicine show bootlegger.

Song Description

"Coal Colored Clouds" starts with a menacing train beat layered with guitar and accordion followed by threatening verses and a foreboding chorus. The song also contains a crashing middle section that morphs into a spooky jazz breakdown, which then roars into a mad ending of trumpet and vocals. The lyrics describe a horseman on a rainy night as he follows in close pursuit of his enemies.

Lyrics

His bride didn't cry when she thought he'd died,
And she skipped out of town with you by her side.
You shot him down and cursed his soul
And left him for the worms in a six foot hole.

But you can't out run the rain.
The clouds on high are taking aim at your brain.

A blackbird squawks, and you pick up the pace
As you touch the wanted sign nailed to your face.
You scurry like a cockroach afraid of the moon
And fear the sound of hoof beats will be coming soon.

But you can't out run the rain.
The clouds on high are taking aim at your brain.

Every stream and passing mile
Makes your yellow teeth strain a smile,
But the coal colored clouds worry your mind,
And you know by the thunder he ain't far behind.

But you can't out run the rain.
The clouds on high are taking aim at your brain.

As the wind rips through the trees,
Your bones are shaken by what they see.
A lone rider comes in sight
As a streak of lightning brightens the night.
The shape of his face burns your eyes like a flame,
And your eardrums pop when he calls your name.

You don't know when your end's going to come.
You don't know when your end's going to come.
Ain't no need in you trying to hide,
I'm going to put pennies on your eyes.
You don't know when your end's going to come.

The rain drops are warm like blood.
The rain drops are cold like your blood.