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."
Savoy sides presents a new saxophone sensation
It's Parker's band with a smooth style of syncopation
Kansas City born and growing
You won't believe what the boys are blowing
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo
You'll be grooving high or relaxing at Camarillo
Suddenly the music hits you
It's a bird in flight that just can't quit you
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
We will spend a dizzy weekend smacked into a trance
Me and you will listen to
A little bit of what made the preacher dance
Bring your horn along and you can add to the pure confection
And if you can't fly you'll have to move in with the rhythm section
Either way you're bound to function
Fifty-Second Street's the junction
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's
Clap your hands and take a piece of Mister Parker's
Come on man and take a piece of Mister Parker's band
It's Parker's band with a smooth style of syncopation
Kansas City born and growing
You won't believe what the boys are blowing
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
You'll be riding by, bareback on your armadillo
You'll be grooving high or relaxing at Camarillo
Suddenly the music hits you
It's a bird in flight that just can't quit you
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's band
We will spend a dizzy weekend smacked into a trance
Me and you will listen to
A little bit of what made the preacher dance
Bring your horn along and you can add to the pure confection
And if you can't fly you'll have to move in with the rhythm section
Either way you're bound to function
Fifty-Second Street's the junction
You got to come on man
And take a piece of Mister Parker's
Clap your hands and take a piece of Mister Parker's
Come on man and take a piece of Mister Parker's band
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Mountain Song
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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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/
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Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
American Town
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Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
About Charlie Parker's music. He once recorded for Savoy Records. Smacked into a trance relates to using heroin.
I think the reference to 'Dizzy' is a dig at Dizzy Gillespie, who I believe once called Parker's music "chinese music" - he didn't like it. Using his nickname to describe a drug trance is kind of a slap (I dont' think Diz did drugs).
Two other references to Parker: "Relaxin' at Camarillo". When Parker was in California, he spent six months in Camarillo State Mental Hospital. He later recorded a piece with that name.<br /> "Fifty-Second Street's the junction": Parker often played at clubs on that street, in the forties a mecca for jazz musicians.
@rainwalk It was Cab Calloway who referred to Bebop as Chinese music
@rainwalk It was Cab Calloway who referred to Bebop as Chinese music<br /> "Grovvin High" also refers to a tune that Diz and Bird did under Diz' leadership. ....whoever came up with "You'll be Ridin by bareback on your armadillo" is pure inspired genius
The lyric is full of musical meaning, some already cited.
We agree it's about Charly Parker ("Bird"), and that he recorded several "sides" on the Savoy label. Parker's nickname, "Bird", was due to his high-flying rapid soloin ability.
"Relaxin' at Camarillo" is a Parker composition, perhaps inspired by his six month recuperation at the Camarillo asylum due to heroin addiction (hence the brilliant metaphor, "smacked into a trance").
"bird in flight"... obvious reference to Bird.
"Bring your horn along and you can add to the pure confection; And if you can't fly you'll have to move in with the rhythm section."
That's an invitation to sit in with the band. However, if your solo chops "can't fly" like Bird, then you'll just have to play with the rhythm section.
"Either way you're bound to function; Fifty-Second Street's the junction."
"Bird on 52nd St." was a 1957 Parker album, and "52nd St Theme" is the title track.
I am fortunate to live in Nashville, TN., home of a great SD tribute band, "12 Against Nature."