From the Levitate (album) .. 2009.
Cyclone features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, keyboards); Bobby Read (reeds); J.V. Collier (bass); Sonny Emory (drums); J.T. Thomas (organ, keyboards); Doug Derryberry (guitar), Blake Mills (guitar).
Cyclone meaning
“Cyclone,” co-written by Bruce Hornsby and Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, reflects on the passage of time, the complexities of life, and the way youthful energy and optimism give way to introspection and acceptance. The song’s central metaphor of the cyclone represents power, change, and the ability to control one’s destiny. As the narrator ages, he reflects on the contrast between youthful vitality and the inevitable limitations of growing older.
The passage of time and uncertainty
The opening lines address the fleeting nature of time. “Most of our years have flown away with nothing much decided” suggests a sense of ambiguity about life’s direction and purpose. The line “the board we’re playing on, how it’s to be divided” conveys the idea that life is like a game, and much of it revolves around decisions about resources, priorities, and relationships. The “many-sided” question of whether more years will “die alone” highlights the existential uncertainty many face as they grow older.
Youthful power and control
When the narrator says, “When I was young there was nothing to know,” reminds us that in youth, life felt simpler, and there was a sense of invincibility and freedom. The line “the wind followed me wherever I’d go” symbolizes the ease with which he moved through life, almost as if nature itself bent to his will. The image of summoning a cyclone “with a wave of my hand” reflects youthful confidence and a belief in one’s power to shape the world. The cyclone here represents the storm of energy and potential that one can create and harness in their youth.
The dark game of life
The reference to “a game that’s only played in a darkened room with strangers” alludes to the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous nature of adult life. The “unmarked cards” and “eyes closed to dangers” suggest that life’s challenges and rewards are not always clear, and we often navigate it blindly, unaware of the risks involved. The metaphors of “jealousy folding” and “romance raising” evoke the emotional highs and lows of relationships and human interactions. The narrator reflects on having “spent several lifetimes there,” a reference to the repeated cycles of winning and losing, especially in love and relationships.
Fading power and reflection
As the narrator ages, he reflects on the loss of some of the power and control he once felt. The line “I believe I can still make the cyclone rise, just can’t see it so well with my fading eyes” suggests that while he may still possess the ability to invoke change and energy in his life, the clarity and confidence of youth have diminished. Aging has dulled his vision, both literally and metaphorically, but he holds on to the belief that the cyclone still exists within him.
The phrase “a mystery to myself” reflects the narrator’s realisation that even after all these years, he does not fully understand himself or his purpose. The line “not everything now I was born to be” suggests that life has unfolded in unexpected ways, and the narrator may not have fulfilled all the potential he once believed he had. However, there is a sense of acceptance in this realization, as he acknowledges that life doesn’t always go according to plan.
Choosing love and music over wandering
The narrator reflects on the power of love as a grounding force in his life. The line “if it wasn’t for love I might just be a wandering man” suggests that love has given him a sense of purpose and stability. Instead of aimlessly drifting through life, he has chosen to channel his experiences into music, singing “about it with this band.” This could be a nod to the way Bruce and Hunter have expressed their lives and emotions through songwriting and performance.
The magic of childhood
The song’s nostalgic reflection on childhood is evident in lines like “when I was a boy I could summon the moon with a crook of the finger and a homemade tune.” This image evokes the sense of wonder, imagination, and creativity that defines childhood. The ability to “ride the clouds” and “sing all the words to a wildcat’s cry” captures the sense of freedom and boundless possibility that comes with being young. It contrasts with the more restrained and reflective tone of adulthood found in the rest of the song.
The cyclone as a symbol of personal power
“Cyclone” explores the tension between youthful exuberance and the wisdom that comes with age. The cyclone serves as a symbol of personal power, both the literal power one feels in youth and the more nuanced, enduring power one holds onto in later years. The repeated refrain about summoning the cyclone “with a wave of my hand” captures the essence of the song: the desire to regain the sense of control and influence from earlier in life while acknowledging the limitations that come with time. Through its poetic and introspective lyrics, “Cyclone” offers a meditation on life’s journey, from youthful invincibility to mature reflection.