Web
Analytics
Join the HITS Discord and leave your suggestions for this wiki, talk about your edits, or just chat with fellow Tally Hall fans!

Difference between revisions of "Variations On A Cloud"

From Tally Hallmanac: The Ultimate Tally Hall Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Moved trivia and reference to new Live Performance section. Cleaned up references)
 
(38 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
  |title = Variations on a Cloud
  |title = Variations on a Cloud
  |albumart = Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
  |albumart = Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
  |writer = Joe Hawley
  |writer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |singer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |singer = [[Joe Hawley]], [[Rob Cantor]]
  |album = n/a
  |album = [[Hawaii: Part II]], [[Variations On A Cloud EP]]
  |duration = 3:10
  |duration = 3:10
  |genre = <!-- Rock is default genre. Please DO NOT use wonky or fabloo rock, we're looking for actual genres, here.  List other genres if there's a definite style heard such as Rap, Dixieland, Jazz, Doo-wop, etc. -->
  |genre = World
  |language = English
  |language = English
  |addtlInfo =  
  |externalLinks = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJCLUhBzBM8 Youtube]<br>[https://open.spotify.com/track/5ELOH7ea3ZkSeWTMIpWGDv?si=011fb10e1d564486 Spotify]<br>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/album/hawaii-part-ii Bandcamp (Hidden Track)]<br>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/track/variations-on-a-cloud-instrumental Instrumental (Bandcamp)]
}}
}}
''Variations on a Cloud'' is a bonus song given to customers who pre-ordered copies of [[Hawaii: Part II]]. It is listed as the zeroth track of [[Hawaii: Part II]], but does not come with the album download.
'''Variations on a Cloud''' is a song by [[Joe Hawley]] and [[Rob Cantor]]<ref>[https://tallyall.club/go/members/Miracle%20Musical/Hawaii%20Part%20II/ミラクルミュージカル.pdf Miracle Musical. Hawaii Part II Liner Notes.] December 12th, 2012. ''Tallyall.'' Accessed: December 15th 2023.</ref><ref>https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=Variations+On+A+Cloud&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Writer%2FComposer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=Hawley&SearchForm.Search_Type=all BMI Repertoire Index. 'Variations On A Cloud' Accessed: December 15th 2023.</ref> under the musical project [[ミラクルミュージカル]]. It was given out on 9/11/12 as a bonus to customers who pre-ordered copies of [[Hawaii: Part II]].<ref name=AMAVariations>[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/a5ouhk/we_are_joe_hawley_ross_federman_and_bora_karaca/ebp826b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Reddit AMA] ''Reddit.''</ref> It was listed as the "zeroth" track of [[Hawaii: Part II]], and, originally, the song did not come included with a download of Hawaii: Part II, but now does, if one were to purchase it through the Miracle Musical Bandcamp page.<ref>[https://miraclemusical.bandcamp.com/album/hawaii-part-ii Hawaii: Part II Bandcamp] ''Bandcamp.''</ref>


It can currently be obtained by purchasing the postcard from the merch page[http://music.hawaiipartii.com/merch/postcard] on the official site, which includes a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II.
== History ==
===Conception===
It is unknown when, specifically, the song was written, but an instrumental can be heard in a [[Tally Hall's Internet Show]] outtake named People Making People. This was likely a comedy routine done by Joe Hawley around 2007, as this is when most of Tally Hall's Internet Show was shot.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZzeSAtOCFM Internet Show Outtakes. YouTube Video.] ''YouTube.''</ref>
The song features musical themes from [[Murders]], [[Isle Unto Thyself]], [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major]], and [[Ruler Of Everything]]. The song was based on the September 11th 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, which likely had a big effect on Joe's life.


This song features musical themes from [[Murders]], [[Isle Unto Thyself]], [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major]], and [[Ruler Of Everything]].
===Pre-streaming release===
Variations was released on the 11th of September 2012 as a digital download bonus for those who had pre-ordered Hawaii: Part II. The song was not available anywhere else, even after the release of the album on 12th December 2012.<ref name=AMAVariations></ref>


For a brief period the song could be obtained by purchasing a physical postcard from the (now defunct) merch page on the official site,<ref>[http://music.hawaiipartii.com/merch/postcard Postcard Merch Webpage (Now defunct, as of 2018)]</ref> which included a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II, and a hand-drawn doodle signed by Joe Hawley.<ref>[https://www.hiddeninthesand.com/blogs/joe-hawley/2013/08/music-video-for-hawaii-part-iis-stranded-lullaby/ Coz Baldwin. Music Video For Hawaii Part II's Stranded Lullaby.] 2013. ''Hidden In The Sand.''</ref>


{{Magic Lyrics}}
===Release to streaming services===
 
On the 11th of September 2015 a music video for Variations On A Cloud was uploaded to YouTube. The video is in memoriam to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The video splices together videos and pictures of the attack, overlaid with pictures and videos of clouds, in greyscale. The vocalists of the song are represented through colourful puppet characters.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcu9WmHPdbM "ミラクルミュージカル – Variations on a Cloud" YouTube Video] ''YouTube.''</ref> The video originally had comments of confusion from fans, many not knowing if it was supposed to be a joke or a genuine memoriam; comments were disabled on the video and all other Miracle Musical videos.


===Vinyl Release===
''Main article: [[Variations On A Cloud EP]]''


On June 18th, 2019, an announcement was made that fans would be able to pre-order a 7-inch, 45rpm white vinyl of 'Variations On A Cloud', with the B-side containing [[White Ball (8​-​Bit)]] and [[Dream Sweet In Sea Major (8​-​Bit)]]. In addition to the vinyl, fans would also receive a limited edition embroidered wool hat, embroidered with the ミラクルミュージカル insignia.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190622023907/http://www.hawaiipartii.com/variations-vinyl Pre order link, June 22nd 2019], archived from [http://www.hawaiipartii.com/variations-vinyl?fbclid=IwAR0dAYJTwK24uXmBMyL_E33z4cvVMLrXZmbc0kmAJOSkV1PY2kmoopip2oI The Original]. Via The Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9th January 2024.</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/hawaiipartii/photos/a.791781347573057/2247536135330897/?type=1&theater Vinyl pre-order announcement on facebook.] ''Facebook.'' 18th June 2019.</ref> Pre-orders were done through annarbortees.com, a T-shirt company based in [[Tally Hall]]'s hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan.<ref>[https://partners.annarbortees.com/products/miracle-musical-variations-on-a-cloud-white-vinyl-7-single-45rpm-limited-edition-embroidered-wool-hat annarbortees.com. Miracle Musical Variations On A Cloud White Vinyl 7 Single 45rpm Limited Edition Embroidered Wool Hat. Accessed 18th June 2019.] ''Annarbortees.''</ref>


===Removal From Services===
On August 13, 2021, Variations on a Cloud was removed from streaming services, causing confusion from fans. However, the song was then brought back on September 11 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the 9th anniversary of the songs release, very likely an intentional move by Joe Hawley or another member.


On June 4th 2022, the video for the song was removed for violating YouTube’s community guidelines. As a result, the comments were reactivated on the Miracle Musical YouTube channel.<ref>[https://x.com/_H_II_/status/1533137503737237504 [6:23 PM] Jun 4, 2022. "This has no effect on your channel"] ''[[Twitter]]''. Takedown notice. [Tweet.]</ref>


==Live Performances==
On June 23rd 2016, Joe Hawley would perform at Sonic Lunch 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At this performance he would play Variations On A Cloud solo, with the song transitioning to a cover of ''Jump'' by Van Halen with the backing track sampling [[The Beatles|John Lennon]]'s ''Imagine''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxPLsCRY2a0 Jeff Baker. Joe Hawley-Variations On A Cloud: Sonic Lunch; Ann Arbor, MI 06.23.2016.] ''YouTube.'' [Video.]</ref>
<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNg3pXBAAYg Variations on a Cloud live at Sonic Lunch 2016, YouTube.] ''YouTube.''</ref> This references a mashup of the two tracks made by Mister Buzz from 2014<ref>[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1agttj Mister Buzz. 'John Lennon & Van Halen Mash Up Jump and Imagine'] ''Dailymotion''. 30th January 2014. Accessed December 15th 2023.</ref>


==Trivia==
* Joe's vocals for Variations were recorded in a barn, in a covered boat<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/a5ouhk/we_are_joe_hawley_ross_federman_and_bora_karaca/ebp1t20?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Miracle Musical Reddit AMA] ''Reddit.''</ref>
{{Magic Lyrics}}


==External Links==
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEAE_4XTwnE YouTube (Audio Only)] <br>
[https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/variations-on-a-cloud-single/1016959822 iTunes / Apple Music]


==References==
<references/>
{{Hawaii: Part II}}
{{Hawaii: Part II: Part ii}}
{{Solo Singles|image=[[File:Variations-cloud-cover.jpg|195px|left]]}}
<includeonly>[[Category:Songs]]</includeonly><includeonly>{{#ifexist: {{{writer}}} | [[Category:Songs by {{{writer}}}]] | }}</includeonly>
<includeonly>[[Category:Songs]]</includeonly><includeonly>{{#ifexist: {{{writer}}} | [[Category:Songs by {{{writer}}}]] | }}</includeonly>
[[Category:Songs with Music Videos]]
[[Category:Songs by Joe Hawley]]
[[Category:Songs by Rob Cantor]]

Latest revision as of 12:50, 27 May 2024

Variations on a Cloud
Variations-cloud-cover.jpg
Written by Joe Hawley, Rob Cantor
Appears on Hawaii: Part II, Variations On A Cloud EP
Sung by Joe Hawley, Rob Cantor
Duration 3:10
Genre World
Language English
Links: Youtube
Spotify
Bandcamp (Hidden Track)
Instrumental (Bandcamp)


Variations on a Cloud is a song by Joe Hawley and Rob Cantor[1][2] under the musical project ミラクルミュージカル. It was given out on 9/11/12 as a bonus to customers who pre-ordered copies of Hawaii: Part II.[3] It was listed as the "zeroth" track of Hawaii: Part II, and, originally, the song did not come included with a download of Hawaii: Part II, but now does, if one were to purchase it through the Miracle Musical Bandcamp page.[4]

History

Conception

It is unknown when, specifically, the song was written, but an instrumental can be heard in a Tally Hall's Internet Show outtake named People Making People. This was likely a comedy routine done by Joe Hawley around 2007, as this is when most of Tally Hall's Internet Show was shot.[5] The song features musical themes from Murders, Isle Unto Thyself, Dream Sweet In Sea Major, and Ruler Of Everything. The song was based on the September 11th 2001 World Trade Center terrorist attack, which likely had a big effect on Joe's life.

Pre-streaming release

Variations was released on the 11th of September 2012 as a digital download bonus for those who had pre-ordered Hawaii: Part II. The song was not available anywhere else, even after the release of the album on 12th December 2012.[3]

For a brief period the song could be obtained by purchasing a physical postcard from the (now defunct) merch page on the official site,[6] which included a download code for the song along with a code for Hawaii Part: II, and a hand-drawn doodle signed by Joe Hawley.[7]

Release to streaming services

On the 11th of September 2015 a music video for Variations On A Cloud was uploaded to YouTube. The video is in memoriam to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The video splices together videos and pictures of the attack, overlaid with pictures and videos of clouds, in greyscale. The vocalists of the song are represented through colourful puppet characters.[8] The video originally had comments of confusion from fans, many not knowing if it was supposed to be a joke or a genuine memoriam; comments were disabled on the video and all other Miracle Musical videos.

Vinyl Release

Main article: Variations On A Cloud EP

On June 18th, 2019, an announcement was made that fans would be able to pre-order a 7-inch, 45rpm white vinyl of 'Variations On A Cloud', with the B-side containing White Ball (8​-​Bit) and Dream Sweet In Sea Major (8​-​Bit). In addition to the vinyl, fans would also receive a limited edition embroidered wool hat, embroidered with the ミラクルミュージカル insignia.[9][10] Pre-orders were done through annarbortees.com, a T-shirt company based in Tally Hall's hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan.[11]

Removal From Services

On August 13, 2021, Variations on a Cloud was removed from streaming services, causing confusion from fans. However, the song was then brought back on September 11 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the 9th anniversary of the songs release, very likely an intentional move by Joe Hawley or another member.

On June 4th 2022, the video for the song was removed for violating YouTube’s community guidelines. As a result, the comments were reactivated on the Miracle Musical YouTube channel.[12]

Live Performances

On June 23rd 2016, Joe Hawley would perform at Sonic Lunch 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At this performance he would play Variations On A Cloud solo, with the song transitioning to a cover of Jump by Van Halen with the backing track sampling John Lennon's Imagine.[13] [14] This references a mashup of the two tracks made by Mister Buzz from 2014[15]

Trivia

  • Joe's vocals for Variations were recorded in a barn, in a covered boat[16]

Lyrics

Both of us see a cloud
Or whatever we may believe
Being it may be proud
Or whatever we want to see

OK, jump

Cirrus in [Cumulus] light [dark] you lie [vow]
Give us varying [colorful] shades of grey
Floating inside [outside] the sky
Show us everything [nothing] everyday [in any way]

OK, jump to end it all
Let this one be to break the fall

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
[But I thought you knew me truly?]
Something different than we started with in the world
[Does it even matter to me?]

I was in the hearing
Bumming a humble clearing from Caligula
In his Shangri-La La La

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
[But I thought you knew me truly?]
Something different than we started with in the world
[Does it even matter to me?]

Miracle worker I saw you begin it
Walking the water [so soft on the rain]
See what you see in the surface [a limit]
Ladies and gentlemen, please

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
[Join if you wish]

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back

We've been to this scene [These days it's hard to find friends]
Aboriginal meme [But opportunities bend]
Had a smotherful mother full of meddle and steam [And we spend the chance sleeping on the top of the fence]

Can't believe what we've seen
Won't be burned to the ground
Though we make ourselves castles
Every tide we're around

Do you like how I walk? Do you like how I talk? (It's a little bit of magic to end the world)
Do you like how my face has learned to tick like a clock? [But I thought you knew me truly]
I have a wonderful life, I know a powerful Bob (Something different than we started with in the world)
He eulogizes me for being geocentric (ha ha ha ha!) [Does it even matter to me?] 

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back
And coming

Extended Lyrics

Both of us see a cloud
Or whatever it may believe
Being it may be proud
Or whatever we want to see

OK, jump

Cumulus dark you vow
Give us colorful shades of grey
Floating outside the sky
Show us nothing in any way

OK, jump to end it all
Let this one be to break the fall

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
But I thought you knew me truly?
Something different than we started with in the world
Does it even matter to me?

I was in the hearing
Bumming a humble clearing from Caligula
In his Shangri-La La La

It's a little bit of magic to end the world
But I thought you knew me truly?
Something different than we started with in the world
Does it even matter to me?

Miracle worker I saw you begin it
Walking the water so soft on the rain
See what you see in the surface a limit
Ladies and gentlemen, please

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
Join if you wish

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back

These days it's hard to find friends
But opportunities bend
And we spend the chance sleeping on the top of the fence

Can't believe what we've seen
Won't be burned to the ground
Though we make ourselves castles
Every tide we're around

Do you like how I walk? Do you like how I talk? 
Do you like how my face has learned to tick like a clock? 
I have a wonderful life, I know a powerful Bob 
He eulogizes me for being geocentric 

Keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back

Why don't we keep it coming back
And coming back
And coming back
And coming

I get up
And nothing gets me blind(?)
You got it tough!
See (?) toughest around

And I know
Just how you feel
You got to ro-o-o-oll with the punches
To whats real

Can't you see I'm standin' here I got my back against the (?) the machine
I'm not the worst thing you've seen
Don't you see what I mean!?

HEY YOU!
What's that?! Who said that?!
Baby how you've been?
You say you don't kno-o-o-ow don't know 
To no begin

Can't you see I'm standin' here I got my back against the (?) the machine
I'm not the worst thing you've seen
Can't you see what I mean!?

Might as well jump
Go ahead and jump
Might as well jump, JUMP!
Go ahead and jump
Might as well jump
Go ahead and jump

External Links

YouTube (Audio Only)
iTunes / Apple Music

References

  1. Miracle Musical. Hawaii Part II Liner Notes. December 12th, 2012. Tallyall. Accessed: December 15th 2023.
  2. https://repertoire.bmi.com/Search/Search?SearchForm.View_Count=&SearchForm.Main_Search=Title&SearchForm.Main_Search_Text=Variations+On+A+Cloud&SearchForm.Sub_Search=Writer%2FComposer&SearchForm.Sub_Search_Text=Hawley&SearchForm.Search_Type=all BMI Repertoire Index. 'Variations On A Cloud' Accessed: December 15th 2023.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Reddit AMA Reddit.
  4. Hawaii: Part II Bandcamp Bandcamp.
  5. Internet Show Outtakes. YouTube Video. YouTube.
  6. Postcard Merch Webpage (Now defunct, as of 2018)
  7. Coz Baldwin. Music Video For Hawaii Part II's Stranded Lullaby. 2013. Hidden In The Sand.
  8. "ミラクルミュージカル – Variations on a Cloud" YouTube Video YouTube.
  9. Pre order link, June 22nd 2019, archived from The Original. Via The Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9th January 2024.
  10. Vinyl pre-order announcement on facebook. Facebook. 18th June 2019.
  11. annarbortees.com. Miracle Musical Variations On A Cloud White Vinyl 7 Single 45rpm Limited Edition Embroidered Wool Hat. Accessed 18th June 2019. Annarbortees.
  12. [6:23 PM Jun 4, 2022. "This has no effect on your channel"] Twitter. Takedown notice. [Tweet.]
  13. Jeff Baker. Joe Hawley-Variations On A Cloud: Sonic Lunch; Ann Arbor, MI 06.23.2016. YouTube. [Video.]
  14. Variations on a Cloud live at Sonic Lunch 2016, YouTube. YouTube.
  15. Mister Buzz. 'John Lennon & Van Halen Mash Up Jump and Imagine' Dailymotion. 30th January 2014. Accessed December 15th 2023.
  16. Miracle Musical Reddit AMA Reddit.
Hawaii: Part II
Hawaiipartii-cover2.jpg
Hawaii: Part II: Part ii
Hawaiipartii-partii-cover.png
1. Introduction to the Snow (Instrumental)
2. Isle Unto Thyself (Instrumental)
3. Black Rainbows (Instrumental)
4. White Ball (Instrumental))
5. Murders (Instrumental)
6. 宇宙ステーションのレベル7 (Instrumental)
7. The Mind Electric (Instrumental)
8. Labyrinth (Instrumental)
9. Time Machine (Instrumental)
10. Stranded Lullaby (Instrumental)
11. Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Instrumental)
12. Variations on a Cloud (Instrumental)
13. Introduction to the Snow (Demo)
14. Isle Unto Thyself (Demo)
15. Isle Unto Thyself (Wee-Oh)
16. Black Rainbows (A Capella Demo)
17. Black Rainbows (Chanting Tutorial)
18. White Ball (Piano Melody Demo)
19. White Ball (Bridge Demo)
20. White Ball (Solo Demo)
21. White Ball (Ad Libs)
22. White Ball (Raw Strings)
23. White Ball (Giggle)
24. Murders (Demo)
25. Murders (1949 Steinway Samples)
26. Murders (Vocal Effects)
27. 宇宙ステーションのレベル7 (Disco Chorus)
28. 宇宙ステーションのレベル7 ("Heaven")
29. The Mind Electric (Demo)
30. The Mind Electric (Demo 2)
31. The Mind Electric (Demo 3)
32. The Mind Electric (Demo 4)
33. The Mind Electric (Cojum Dip Instrumental)
34. The Mind Electric ("Help Me/Axon-Dendrite")
35. The Mind Electric ("Gott")
36. The Mind Electric ("Teslacoil" Synth)
37. The Mind Electric ("Simon" Synth)
38. The Mind Electric (Reamplification Effects)
39. The Mind Electric (Sample - Sam Ku West Harmony Boys - "Sunkist Hawaii")
40. The Mind Electric (Sample - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Gloria - "Trinitatis")
41. Labyrinth (Chorus Demo)
42. Labyrinth (Royal Lions Chorus)
43. Labyrinth (A Capella Verses)
44. Labyrinth ("I Rewind")
45. Time Machine (Demo)
46. Time Machine (Demo 2)
47. Time Machine (Demo 3)
48. Stranded Lullaby (Demo)
49. Stranded Lullaby (Demo 2)
50. Stranded Lullaby (Demo 3))
51. Stranded Lullaby ("Ghost")
52. Stranded Lullaby (Sound Effects)
53. Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Demo))
54. Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Demo 2)
55. Dream Sweet in Sea Major (Electric Guitar)

Solo Singles
Variations-cloud-cover.jpg

By ミラクルミュージカル
Variations On A Cloud · Candle On The Water

By edu / Andrew Horowitz
Have a nice day (interludinal) · Miss Melody · Lemons and Pears · HEY YOU! · Hummingbird

By Rob Cantor
Shia LaBeouf · Christian Bale Is At Your Party · Old Bike · Ghost · Shia LaBeouf Live

By Joe Hawley
Special (feat. Isaac Castor & Nabors) · Since I Don't Have You (feat. Coz Baldwin and Casey Shea) · Weird Bed &/or Yes Please · Yes Please &/or Weird Bed · Sleigh Ride Invincibility Star · Everything Means Nothing To Me (Instrumental) · Everything Means Nothing To Me (feat. India Valladares Lovelace IV) (removed)