Marillion - Ocean Cloud

Taken from the hugely succesful album "Marbles", this track is included on the double CD edition and is all about an ocean rower called Don Allum.
Biography by Geoff Allum.....

Don was born on 17th of May 1937 in London. At age sixteen he joined the merchant navy as a steward. Called up for national service he served nine years in the Royal Green Jackets (army unit). He entered as a private and left as a private in spite of many offers of promotion. He served in many of the world's trouble spots including Borneo, British Guyana, and Berlin. In 1971 he joined me in the row I was planning across the Atlantic; which we started on the 12th of January in Las Palmas, Grand Canaries and finished on the 26th of March at Barbados. Fifteen years later Don set out in the same boat the QE3 from Pasito Blanco, Grand Canaries and rowed in 114 days to Nevis in the West Indies. He started on the 30th of January and finished on the 23rd of May. He was 49 years old. The last two weeks of this voyage Don was completely out of water. And when he landed at Nevis his eyesight and hearing were failing and he had lost half his body weight. It was as a result of these deprivations that a few years later his kidneys failed several times and eventually led to the fatal heart attack that killed him.
Apparently recovered from the 1986 voyage Don shipped the QE3 to St. Johns, Newfoundland for the return voyage that had always been his intention to be the first man to row the Atlantic in both directions. He started from St John's, Newfoundland on the 21st of June 1987 and rowed to Dooagh, Ireland on Achill Island county Mayo in 77 days. He was fifty years old. During the voyage he suffered many capsizes and sustained a severe gash to his head when the compass hit him as the boat went over.
When just eighty miles west of Ireland a fall storm caught up with him and almost overwhelmed the boat. However (unknown to him) the people of Dooagh were expecting him and as the QE3 was swept down the coast the villagers used their car headlights to light the tiny beach as the QE3 was almost shipwrecked. The villagers waded into the sea and carried Don and the QE3 to safety.Don stayed in Dooagh for some time and the local people built a large monument in the town to commemorate his voyage. I believe this was the happiest time of Don's life.
So Don Allum became the first man to row the Atlantic in both directions and is still the only man to have rowed both ways solo [correct for the time of publishing - 1999]. He is also the only man to have completed three ocean crossings in a rowboat [correct for the time of publishing - 1999].
In the last years of his life Don suffered from poor health and two bouts of kidney failure and chest pains convinced him that he didn't have very long to live. In spite of my pleading with him he refused to get treatment. He said, " I have done everything I want to do." Don died on the 2nd of November 1992 from a heart attack at his flat in Heston Middlesex. He was the bravest of us all.
Geoff Allum
In all this time only a plaque has been placed near the point where he landed on Achill Island, County Mayo in Ireland after the final voyage.
It would be wonderful if his achievement could be recognised by way of a postumous Knighthood.

[@ryanvangent1994]

Marillion has a lot of young fans. I'm 18 years old and i really love Marillion. There are still people who listen to real music. Thanks Marillion! This is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. I'm sure of that.

[@samjeffs7396]

29 or 30 now buddy. I'm just turning 30 and have been a marillion fan since I was a kid.

[@scottpeth6926]

@@samjeffs7396 Nice. 43 now and have been obsessed since I was 15. Amazing band.

[@oldgriff8559]

It's now February 2021 I'm nearly 65 and it's the first time I've heard this masterpiece..what have I been missing for so many years..love Marillion..

[@derekgreen2358]

Man I'm 88 so keep on listening. It gets even better.

[@cockouwehand394]

Welcome!!!!!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@oldgriff8559]

Now nearly February 2024 and my love for this band just keeps growing and growing.

[@stefanmachler8295]

My all time favorite Marillion Song! Amazing arrangement, great atmosphere! And some wonderful musicians.

[@stephenvelden295]

Imagine having a song like that written about your life! A rare honour.

[@JorgeRivero-f2i]

Transitions in this masterpiece are just overwhelming...the best I ever heard among the greatest prog rock bands

[@mrb.5610]

Try 'Gaza' - although you probably have . . .

[@monkeydust7510]

An Honorable and fitting tribute to a brave and determined soul R.I.P Don Allum

[@rafaelricharddd]

Marillion is other level of music

[@Katehowe3010]

I agree my friend, but you need to hear the final two Talk Talk albums, if you haven't already!

[@waitinginthepipeline]

Marillion and Talk Talk my two favourite bands.

[@andredales2281]

Marillion .... Du 1er fish au dernier hogarth reste d un niveau supérieur. Ce groupe est juste magique, les rois du progressif . Les solos de rothery sont d une qualité mélodique incomparable ,perfection certain diront , ce groupe fait parti de ma vie depuis 40 années, en espérant qu ils continueront encore de nous régaler

[@pbeu3932]

Fantastic. Many decades of wonderful notes, compositions, emotions. Marillion at its best.

[@gregberry2339]

if this music doesn't stir something deep in your soul then you have no soul

[@JackRosei]

agree:)

[@Jpiva2]

yep...indeed!!!

[@MayoreodeComputo2023]

Lost and alone

[@katemurphy1915]

so true

[@positivelastaction3957]

This song carried me through a hard patch - it is forever cherished and special to me. When they played it during my first MW in Montreal back in 2011, it was pretty cathartic.

[@JorgeRivero-f2i]

This is an absolute prog masterpiece, as many of this superb band. Art rock at its best. Being a great fan of progressive rock, maybe Marillion is the band that I enjoy the most listening to (after Floyd.....). Long life to this cult and iconic band!!!!

[@colingregson8653]

Best underated band ever . Period !!

[@pamelakilponen3682]

One of the finest songs of the Hogarth era.

[@davidgranger6617]

One of the finest songs in all of Marillion.

[@kevincollins6122]

Why must people take two brilliant musicians and disparage one at the exaltation of the other. Fish and Hogarth are amazing and were integral parts of Marillion at different junctures. Their styles different, their sounds different, their stage presence different, but likewise breathtaking.

[@voornaamachternaam8755]

True....they are both genuine marillion singers!!!

[@mollybloom5681]

Exactly. I was devastated when Fish left and didn't give H a chance. Completly lost sight of Marillion for 20 years. Biggest miss out of my life. Today, I am actually happy that Fish went solo. We probably would have never heard of Steve and I am afraid that Fish's voice hasn't aged that well.

[@tilobley9407]

@@mollybloom5681 I was in the same mood at the end of eighties. For me, MARILLION had "died", when FISH left. Years later... coincidentally I zapped through TV programmes when a band played. It took some time to realize that it was MARILLION with new leading voice. And it was stunning, I was perplexed. First time I heard EASTER, SPLINTERING HEART and I recognized what I missed. Oh my god... Some time later BRAVE was edited with that great movie accompanying the album. And AFRAID OF SUNLIGHT I could see LIVE in Leipzig. It was extraordinary, overwhelming, incredible... And it was a lesson for me not to follow prejudices again. 😉

[@joeybenoit6269]

I think H took marillion a little farther along musically! Theatrically like Jethro Tull!!!! Beautifully!

[@pascalamadeus2558]

Different and unique.

[@martijn7416]

This music helps me to lift up

[@mausklicker]

music like this keeps the soul FRESH! my salute to all the members of MARILLION: the drummer, humble & solid backbone of the band. the bassist, always in his own energetic world lol (just watch them live). the singer, progressing this progressive rock band since 30 years. and my favorites and imho the SOUL of this band- the keyboarder and the guitarist! i lift my imaginary hat for all u guys! thanks for making art since 30+ years!

[@SUPAALBION]

I was one of the idiots who thought how can marillion carry on without fish. I was wrong. they have reached a new level.

[@Maskedfreakinabox]

yaay, I'm not the only sixteen year old on the planet who listens to Marillion! Thank god.

[@blairmcalister4628]

Never heard this until now...and only just finding Marillion......a master class of music....absolutely stunning.

[@johnnicholson8345]

enjoy your journey

[@Xeretix]

To have such a song written based on one's life story is a much greater and more meaningful recognition than all the knighthoods of the world.

[@MrStrat01]

Incredible music......Total eargasm ... Steve Rothery is as always hummmm .... a pure genius ! 83 dislikes !!!! They must have a poor and sad life...

[@AaronCCR]

This is my first time listening to Marillion, I can sense that I will be a fan of this for a while....

[@giclaros3269]

Con questa musica la fantasia vola oltre le quattro mura dove sono rinchiuso, prigioniero di questo assurdo lockdown. Marillion forever!!!!

[@domenicocaglioti892]

Hai pienamente ragione... W la musica🎤🎼🎹🎶 ma soprattutto i MARILLION

[@vinnievector]

I am a sailer , and followed Marillion all my life this captured it . Fantastic !

[@TheDutchskipper]

Vinne Vector, same here, well said.

[@princecharlie3217]

Or sailor

[@marlenerosset1573]

J'aime tellement de musiques différentes, du rock au pop, en passant par tous les styles. J'ai 51 ans, j'ai redécouvert ce groupe il y a env. 10 ans mais ce morceau... je ne sais pas comment l'expliquer... il est le plus touchant, magnifique, inspirant, profond, que je n'ai jamais entendu.

[@froggyfrench56]

Power and emotion what more could you ask for - takes a lot to bring a tear to my eye but this lot do!

[@SUPAALBION]

fish was amazing, but this band just keeps on giving. awesome then and awesome now.

[@simiaolinsdelima]

Fantastic !

[@TONYJONES61]

Many thanks!

[@velcingilles3756]

I have loved Marillion since I was a child, loved Fish and still love what he brought to the band. But this is equally as brilliant as Fish was. Hogarth and the band are awesome... Great album, as good as "Brave"!😎

[@dominicmeese5105]

Simply Amazing! It's full of emotion and ups and downs!

[@nelsonbautista3363]

My goodness!, an epic. It Reminds me songs like "Grendel", or Genesis` "Supper´s ready", That`s why progressive rock will never die...

[@gextvedde]

I don't usually thumbs up requests for thumbs up but anyone who gets how great this track is can have a thumbs up any time, especially if you're only 16. Enjoy my friend.

[@hads5279]

This song is just beautifully put together. I have seriously cried from how beautiful it is before.

[@Lovechild_WWII_Page]

Marillion have been providing the soundtrack to my life for the past 30 years - If you've never heard them, you have no idea what you are missing - These guys don't go with the flow, they innovate!

[@christinephilp6312]

I agree Darren. I have come back to them late, in my early 60s after following them in the 80s, and have so much catching up to do. I admire their independence artistically and morally. We could do with a few politicians thinking the same way! I mean generally and not at any specifically: when all said and done there aren't any huge differences, in my opinion.

[@SoniaDeCastro1]

Ditto, re: soundtrack for life

[@hads5279]

The keyboard and synth create almost a euphoric feeling.

[@mariomascia5609]

Da ascoltare in silenzio e percepirne le emozioni..

[@emanuelagobbi3483]

Ciao, mi sai dire in che album si trova ocean cloud?

[@heavydog70]

Emanuela Gobbi Nella versione "estesa" di Marbles, quella a doppio cd per intenderci Un brano monumentale

[@vladmarghitas3794]

I've been in a taxi today and I heard this. Late at night, my dissertation speech is on Monday. But I'm heartbroken. My girlfriend left me because I was too clumsy, too different, too incompatible with her, a lesser man... And she came to the conclusion that this is the case after 6 months of relationship, without ever telling me that these constitute too much of a problem for her. She was love bombing me at first, telling me that I was perfect for her. And I continued to be myself. After 6 months, she told me I was not, not anymore. My go to song in the beginning of the relationship was Rocket Man by Elton John. This was what I felt. Loved more than ever in her company. Loved for the first time and for the only time. Now I'm here, hurt, alone, incapable of making sense of this or finishing my paper. But this morning, I will fucking finish it for sure. And this song is my anthem for this. Thank you for listening guys

[@neilprocel3248]

God bless you brother soar like marrillion.

[@pheasantplucker6117]

Stumbled on this track at 74 . I left Marillion in the Kayley era. How wrong i have been. Amazing track.

[@SteveGoodness]

Marillion - the Soundtrack of my live. thx guys for this great piece of music.

[@GilbertoAtl]

Well, I´m speechless. I´m working on my computer, and I´v the feeling of the sand and waves whirling through my fingers. It´s the 16 th time I heard the song, and I feel sorry for not being able to know such a person. Those should be the men and women to lead us all, people full of courage, determination, and yet of human failures and emotions. Great spirit, great song. Greetings from Chiapas, México.

[@welshphantom8964]

Incredible music from an amazing band.

[@bobruss971]

The best Marillion song of the Hogarth era, IMHO. Epic, from the first sounds of the sea until the very end. Rothery plays his finest solo, truly playing his heart out. Just fabulous in every way.

[@apocwiar]

Marillion. How beautifully they can describe the nature's voices by sounds. And how perfectly they can merge voice with instruments. Oh yes.... If perfection doesn't exist then for sure they are so close to it.

[@markokampfelt3298]

Very touching❤

[@cudleydudley9215]

this song is in the memory of a man who rowed a boat three times across the atlantic ocean there & back three times ? i cant comprehend how the guy done that but he did read the story. the band have made the best tribute possible for don allum & his family. rip don.

[@officialpierluk]

I'm 23 but i beggan to listen to this amazing band at 18 or so.. its so inspiring

[@MW3LooksGood]

The most emotion I have ever felt in a song, ever. Every time I listen to this song, chills run down my spine. I close my eyes as I'm listening and I'm taken to somewhere else. Truly magical.

[@Javito379]

This is what Marillion does with every song they play, they take you to other places. Songs like Neverland, motreal, hapiness is the road, the gold el dorado and on and on they make you travel just siting on your couch!

[@johnblake2156]

This is the best band in the world. They are always under the radar. If you have not been to see them live you need to. If not buy there CD's and listen to them one by one. Start with the latest Cd's and work down.

[@paulgilliatt7829]

Surely start with grendel and work forward

[@denestandary3372]

It speaks from the deepest part of my soul...just think of the lonely boat in the ocean...let this song take you

[@TheStrataminor]

everytime I hear this, emiinds me what music from the heart sounds like...it can be anything, but true feeling holds you! Marillion....legends...

[@Stevek552]

Whatever awaits us Don Allen,.. You Sir, are a one of a kind tribute, and the finest of examples to the soul of the human spirit. I`m a spiritual rather than religious man sir, but with nature as our mother.. You are with her now.. May she bless you..

[@ruediratlos9908]

Thank you for this masterpiece!

[@angelina70744]

I am an "older" person but i think its GREAT that teens like you take the time to listen to Marillion. So thumbs up for you for daring to be different ;-)

[@Fons1958]

EPIC!!! Brillant - thank you Geoff and Don Allum - and Marillion...THE best band EVER! Yes; outstanding!

[@zaktabak4460]

No need for much words...just beautiful!!!! For me Marillion makes the best diverce music! Keep up the good work guys!!!

[@twistywillow]

Beautiful and breathtaking.... only Marillion can do that :-)

[@FunJam27]

I can't understand the 46 dislikes. The pics and music worked very well with the story to illustrate what this brave soul must have went through. I saw Marillion on CTTE 2014 and love their fascination with seafarers. The power of the seas must be what they draw on for inspiration. Beauty and power make a lovely couple.

[@Farweasel]

Its a pity, but I think I *can* understand it......... Suppose you're not too bright to start with, a bit miserable, sad with a crappy existance, you're never exposed to anything much beyond the lightweight crap that's the mainstay of the mainstream media, and you just want to asert yourself by lashing out at what you have sod all prospect of appreciating. If I was really cynical I'd expect the ratio of dislikes to be higher. So hey, maybe there's a glimmer of hope after all. Oh, interesting aside: I think Steve Hogarth's dad was in the Merc. And the huge leader explaining Don Allum's achievements adds a whole extra dimension. Brilliant TonyJ. Thanks.

[@TONYJONES61]

@@Farweasel Thank you so much for the very kind comment...

[@noobdebusca1757]

122 dilikes against that MASTERPIECE, the wolrd needs end

[@malokreatywny]

Fantastic song... the middle fragment about "time is revenge" is as good at it gets in putting music and words together to a dramatic effect. Top band.

[@hochetbernard1600]

sans doute la plus belle chanson en hommage à l'océan...merci MARILLION

[@josepirani6858]

i do love marillion and this song proves how great they are and they always will be!!!!!!

[@cudleydudley9215]

I went to dons plaque in dooagh in achill island to pay respect to a real legend rip the only one 🙂

[@jackiechris2]

i could listen to this over and over again...fantastic !!!

[@waynehillier]

I'm 75 and have only just got into Marillion ABSOLUTELY BRILLANT!! Never too late

[@talibe801]

Best of Luck in an Ocean of Marillion Music.🤗

[@mjpicard00]

I'm 70 and have had this music always in my head. I share with myself because it's not mainstream. Well I'm not either. We can be few and still be a powerful force

[@CaryDunlap]

I'm in agreement... I'm not a Fish hater, but I'm glad Hogarth got his chance to shine...

[@luisjoseibanezjimenez6725]

Creo que deberian seguir haciendo canciones como esta y dejar el pop a un lado. Esto es lo que realmente nos gusta de Marillion..... Rock sinfónico

[@talibe801]

saw Marillion playing live last weekend for the whole 3 days...what an amazing show,fantastic and geniuos the set up,the sound was amazing,everything was made with class!this song was an highlight.

[@vin65old]

The whole Marble experience is so emotionally sung and played this just has to my favorite album by the most refreshing group i have ever heard, thats why i have been a fan since 1982 ;)

[@rinotuccini7052]

Brillante . Magestuoso . Obra de arte.❤

[@CaryDunlap]

Seriously EPIC song... profound and moving.

[@martinschirrmeister9614]

Absolutely miraculous ... SCHIRRMI

[@BROTHER-52]

I read a readers digest book with Don's story in about 18 year ago what a adventurous soul ...long live his memory ..it seems to me (LIKE H SAID) That there is no mention of this great soul. In the historical records. Many have climbed mountains. And are honoured.. Yet what Don achieved was harder than Going up some hill somewhere.. At least marillion have honoured him for ever with this recording...

[@BROTHER-52]

Without a shadow of a doubt...This is definitely one of H"s best lyrical journeys...ultimate class. It moves you to the little q.e.3 row boat ..it is musically moving

[@Anyanyadir]

Best track on the album.

[@noobdebusca1757]

Marbles are MASTERPIECE

[@icepaw99]

I think it's safe to say that I will be listening to Marillion until the day I die. And then afterwards- I'll make sure it's played at my funeral too :)

[@tz125r]

What a wonderful song and tribute to a quite remarkable man.

[@thoomoo]

Incredible piece of music

[@eslamemara4277]

He's seen too much of life And there's no going back The loneliness calls him And the edge which must be sharpened He's losing it. And he knows. But there's a fighter in his mind and his body's tough The years have been unkind but kind enough The smell of the earth It's his favourite smell But he's somehow compelled to the stinging salt hell To the place where he hurts and he's scared And there's no one to tell And no one who doesn't listen "You can take all the boys and the girls in the world And I'll trade them this morning for my sweet Ocean Cloud I've seen too much of life So the sea is my wife and a sweet Ocean Cloud is a mistress I'm allowed For now." "You can take all the boys and the girls in the world I wouldn't trade them this morning for my sweet Ocean Cloud I've seen too much of life So the sea is my wife and a sweet ocean cloud is a mistress I'm allowed For now." "Only me and the sea We will do as we please." He remembers the day he was marched to the front By the physical knuckle head teacher of games 'Look lads' he declared, "This boy's a cream puff No guts and no muscles No spine and no stuffing" The whole schoolroom sniggered And silently thanked God it wasn't them.. But time is revenge. All the bullies grow weak And must live with faithless women who despise them I'll be in Barbados in a couple of weeks With a rum on the table and yarns by the yard A story to tell and a story to save ..unless she changes her mind I'll trade them this morning for my sweet Ocean Cloud I've seen to much of life so the sea is my wife And the sweet ocean clouds will look down on my boat tonight The wind changed I felt it run beneath my ear Like silk drawn across my neck A dream of your legs Defying gravity in love The medium wave Brought signals here from far away Your tender voice riding on the sea spray Something in the air For those who know the signs Something in the air A storm.. When I was alive When I was alive Don't wanna remember When I was alive Watch me watch me Paint this picture Stretchin Hurtin Cursin Watch me Takin it Takin it Takin it Takin it.... Watch me. Watch me. God above.. Between two planets In between the points of light Between two distant shorelines Here am I Between two planets In the black daylight of space Between two heavenly bodies The invisible man. Ripping out the radio I want to be alone "You can take all the boys and the girls in the world I wouldn't trade them this morning for my sweet Ocean Cloud I've seen too much of life So the sea is my wife and a sweet Ocean Cloud is a mistress I'm allowed I've seen too much of life So the sea is my wife And the sweet ocean clouds will look down on my bones tonight..

[@DaisyMeowMeow]

Kudos🎉

[@protocow]

This is when the use of the word "epic" becomes true and real

[@dublowe7256]

What a great story and song to match. My life is better now.

[@chirurgievideo3640]

Je viens d acheter marbles La perfection existe! Quelle inspiration quel talent Ce n est pas du rock prog c une symphonie pour certains morceaux !

[@brunono1970]

fabrice cattan Exact, j'ai des frissons à chaque écoute de cet album magique...Difficile de trouver des mots!

[@jacquesdrapeau7746]

Ta vraiment raison c`est un chef d`oeuvre

[@MrStrat01]

S'il n'y avait que "Marbles" encore, tout irait pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes mais il y a tous les autres albums depuis Seasons end qui sont géniaux..J'ai adoré l'époque Fish mais depuis l'arrivée de "H", le groupe a pris une autre dimension "cosmique". Ces mecs sont des génies. Vive Marillion !!

[@jacquesdrapeau7746]

Des Génies tu dit. Je suis a me demander si j`aime plus Pink Floyd que Marillion c`est pas peu dire effectivement vive Marillion

[@MrValeluis]

Música para el alma, excelente Banda, antes, ahora y siempre....grande Marillion

[@lessthanthreemetal]

One of the best songs ever made. Sounds like ‘70s Floyd.

[@JohnGehrke]

My favorite video on the entire internet - I am very grateful.

[@WhereRainDiesthLight]

MARILLION = MAGIC.

[@Nazgulbadger]

Really loved this song. Haven't listened to it for ages. Read Don's story, a very brave man, driven. Thanks

[@onetax]

This song is so inspired and tell about the epic of Don Allum in a very suggestive way!

[@racjonalista871]

Great song about great man.

[@Ubaldorojasm]

2018 and still here...an amazing piece!

[@1967davidfitness]

Lots of Brave in this too! Amazing album!

[@kevjards]

love the whole marbles album but this song,neverland,invisible man are just sublime pieces of music.hope they do another concept album at some point.

[@deathrider7]

My 2nd fave song on Marbles behind the haunting Neverland

[@metaldownm]

wow! for me too!

[@ShlisaShell]

♥ Same here! : ) \o/

[@marknorris4096]

deathrider7 Can't disagree however would also include The Invisible Man in that bracket.

[@CrapReviewer]

YES - I'm not the only teen who listens to this! Very true what your saying, loads of older people think we also to rap and rnb! We aren't all like that!

[@mihaigirghescu361]

beautiful song! always a pleasure for ears and soul

[@francospallanzani9981]

Mi ricordano i King Crimson anni '60. Meravigliosa musica.

[@richardwolter2368]

I did not listen to this band for a long time. Marillion is not comparable with any other rock group. Great download too.

[@Javito379]

The whole band is excellent, but in songs like this Mark Kelly and Steve Rothery really do your heart jump and try to get out!!!

[@decapvada]

If Rothery's very first note doesn't send shivers down your spine.... Well you're not part of the initiated!

[@raffaelepensiero5333]

Released on this day in 2004, amazing

[@winfriedzinser342]

hallo aus Deutschland! Diese Band ist großartig! Amazing Sound, peacefull. now im 57 years old and very sick but this music bring memories and let me looking forward! God bless all.

[@fernandadelgado6433]

MARILLION SIMPLEMENTE SUBLIME, CONMOVEDOR Y HECHO PARA SENTIRSE...