The lyrics of the song "Big Black Cloud" by Joe Jackson describe a day filled with limitations and restrictions, where the Weatherman's predictions prevent the speaker from enjoying simple pleasures like wearing a fez, flying a kite, or having a picnic. The repeated plea to be saved from the big black cloud symbolizes a desire for relief from the overwhelming sense of negativity and constraint.

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Meaning of "Big Black Cloud" by Joe Jackson


"Big Black Cloud" reflects a sense of frustration and helplessness in the face of external factors that seem to constantly block the speaker's attempts to find joy or freedom. The Weatherman serves as a metaphor for authority figures or societal norms that dictate what is permissible, imposing restrictions and dampening spontaneity. The constant refrain to be saved from the big black cloud suggests a longing for liberation from these constraints and a yearning for a more joyful, carefree existence. The references to lack of luck, money, sex, and fun, as well as the image of Dawn breaking with Daddy in the gym and Mama wearing a frown, all contribute to the theme of struggle and dissatisfaction in various aspects of life. Overall, the song conveys a deep sense of frustration with the limitations and obstacles that seem to constantly overshadow the speaker's world, emphasizing a longing for release from this oppressive environment.