Lyrics
Look out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
Alert to Cleveland about an approaching storm, symbolic of impending trouble or crisis
And it's runnin' right up on you
Emphasizing the imminent arrival of the storm and its impact on Cleveland
Look out Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Similar warning to Houston, predicting thunder on the hill, a metaphor for impending danger
Bye, bye, baby, don't ya lie so still
Farewell message, urging someone not to remain passive in the face of danger
Was Wednesday evenin' when first we heard the word
Setting the time when the news of the storm was first heard
It did not come by train nor bird
Clarifying that the news didn't arrive conventionally but was still alarming
T'was when Ben Pike stepped down to say
Introduction of Ben Pike, who warns that the town is in serious danger
"This old town's gonna blow away"
Ben Pike's assertion that the town is at risk of being devastated
Look out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
Reiteration of the storm approaching Cleveland
And it's runnin' right up on you
Stressing the immediacy and proximity of the storm's impact
Look out Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Extended warning to Houston, anticipating thunder, and urging action
Bye, bye, baby, don't ya lie so still
Repetition of the farewell message, advising against passivity
Chain lightnin' frightnin' as it may seem
Describing chain lightning and cautioning against dismissing it as just a dream
Must not be mistaken for just another dream
Highlighting the intensity of chain lightning and its potential significance
Justice of peace don't know his own fate
Suggesting the unpredictability of fate, using the justice of peace as an example
But he'll go down in the shelter late
Anticipating seeking shelter as the storm intensifies
Look out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
Repetition of the warning to Cleveland, emphasizing the approaching storm
And it's runnin' right up on you
Reiterating the immediacy and urgency of the storm's arrival
Look out Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Renewing the warning to Houston, predicting thunder on the hill
Bye, bye, baby, don't ya lie so still
Repeating the farewell message, advising against remaining inactive
Hidin' your money won't do no good (no good)
Advising against hiding assets or avoiding the impending crisis
Build a big wall you know you would if you could yeah
Suggesting the desire to build a protective barrier if possible
When clouds of warnin' come into view
Forewarning that when a warning becomes apparent, it will prompt action
It'll get the ol' woman right outta her shoe
Anticipating the impact of the warning on individuals, causing significant reactions
Look out, Cleveland, the storm is comin' through
Reiterating the imminent arrival of the storm in Cleveland
And it's runnin' right up on you
Emphasizing the immediacy and direct impact of the storm
Look out, Houston, there'll be thunder on the hill
Issuing a renewed warning to Houston, anticipating thunder on the hill
Bye, bye, baby, don't ya lie so still
Final repetition of the farewell message, urging against passivity in the face of danger
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