"Cure the Sky" by Cody Jinks is a song that portrays the struggles and hardships faced by a rural community during a drought. The lyrics emphasize the lack of rain and its disastrous effects on the town. The song starts by describing the anticipation of rain during a summer storm, with thunder and lightning. However, the rain never arrives as it rolls on by, leaving the land dry and barren. This is symbolized by the repeated phrase "And it burns," highlighting the devastation caused by the drought. The consequences of the drought are evident throughout the lyrics. The river, which used to flow through the town, has dried up. The train tracks are covered in weeds, implying a lack of activity and commerce. Businesses, such as the truck stop, grocery store, and bank, have closed down due to the economic downturn caused by the drought. The song expresses the struggle of the community to make ends meet, to survive day by day. The children cry, but there is no time for play. People continue to work in the only way they know how, despite the hardships. They feel frustrated towards the skies that bring no rain and block the sun, the two crucial elements required for life. The lyrics also hint at a catastrophic event when a storm surge rushes past and destroys everything in its path. The river laughs as it washes away the land, the homes, and the hard work put into building a life. The song ends with a juxtaposition of hope and despair. Sometimes there is thunder and lightning, but the rain still doesn't come. The repeated line "And it rains" at the end suggests that when rain finally arrives, it brings both relief and destruction, representing the bittersweet nature of life's hardships. Overall, "Cure the Sky" is a poignant song that reflects the challenges faced by a community during a drought and serves as a commentary on the resilience and determination of individuals in times of adversity.
