Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
Well, I just got back from a break in the fight
I was weighing in heavy but still feeling alright
All I hear in the distance, mines and shells
Here come the sirens wailing, another attack to be repelled
Do you think we're gonna make it?
I don't know unless we try
You could sit here scared to move, or we could take them by surprise
It's submission that they want
It's surrender that they need
When we're doing it their way their aims will be achieved
They're gonna come when you're not ready
When you're not too well-prepared
They're gonna prey upon your weakness, no man's soul is ever spared
You've got to stand up, yeah, and fight them
Show them what it's all about
This man is not for sale, there will be no backing down
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
They won't get me, they won't get me
Though they never cease to try
They won't get me, they won't get me
I would rather fight and die
They won't get me, they won't get me
Well my friend, will they get you?
When they get you when they get you
You tell me, what are you gonna do?
Do you think we're gonna make it?
I don't know unless we try
You could sit here scared to move or we could take them by surprise
It's submission that they want
It's surrender that they need
When we're doing it their way their aims will be achieved
They're gonna come when you're not ready
When you're not too well-prepared
They're gonna prey upon your weakness, no man's soul is ever spared
You've got to stand up, yeah, and fight them
Show them what it's all about
This man is not for sale, there will be no backing down
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
I was weighing in heavy but still feeling alright
All I hear in the distance, mines and shells
Here come the sirens wailing, another attack to be repelled
Do you think we're gonna make it?
I don't know unless we try
You could sit here scared to move, or we could take them by surprise
It's submission that they want
It's surrender that they need
When we're doing it their way their aims will be achieved
They're gonna come when you're not ready
When you're not too well-prepared
They're gonna prey upon your weakness, no man's soul is ever spared
You've got to stand up, yeah, and fight them
Show them what it's all about
This man is not for sale, there will be no backing down
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
They won't get me, they won't get me
Though they never cease to try
They won't get me, they won't get me
I would rather fight and die
They won't get me, they won't get me
Well my friend, will they get you?
When they get you when they get you
You tell me, what are you gonna do?
Do you think we're gonna make it?
I don't know unless we try
You could sit here scared to move or we could take them by surprise
It's submission that they want
It's surrender that they need
When we're doing it their way their aims will be achieved
They're gonna come when you're not ready
When you're not too well-prepared
They're gonna prey upon your weakness, no man's soul is ever spared
You've got to stand up, yeah, and fight them
Show them what it's all about
This man is not for sale, there will be no backing down
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
We shall succeed
Stand up and fight, and I'll stand up with you!
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
this song is about warjust read:'all I hear in the distance mines and shells here come the sirens wailing another attack to be repelled do you think we're gonna make it? I don't know unless we try you could sit here scared to move or we could take them by surprise'. I just finished watching Black Hawk Down ten minutes ago so it makes sense to me. Dropkick Murpys rules, i just discovered them, this is the next cd im buyin. Hooray for Irish and Scots!!!! it's submission that they want it's surrender that they need when we're doing it their way their aims will be achieved