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."
Let's pretend that there's no hole in the wall
Let's pretend it never broke your fall
Let's not have our little talk tonight
Let's pretend everything's all right
Empty bottles and a blackened eye
And the kids cried themselves to sleep last night
I'm just trying to do the best I can
So I can’t promise this won't happen again
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself running wild
But I'll stay with you after our feelings die
So lets got out tonight, tonight
Freedom comes to me in thoughts and dreams
Better life than my reality
With love by choice, through family by design,
Where I'd want you too be mine
But the sun retreats and the full moon's high
So let's go out tonight
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself...
So peaceful so quiet.
You say you're leaving, but I don't think you should try it
My anger, my hatred
You can't go anywhere until you taste it
I love you dearly and I'm nothing without you,
I can't let go and I'm not about to.
I never meant to cause you any sorrow,
But I won't know how to go on if you're not here tomorrow.
Nothing growing, nothing changing
We haven't seen anything new for ages.
My prison, my hatred
Really sorry, but you have to face it.
I couldn't look into the mirror today
Still that stranger wouldn't go away.
And I can't bear to look you in the eye
Because I become all that I've ever despised.
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself running wild
But I'll stay with you until someone dies
So let’s go out tonight
Let's pretend it never broke your fall
Let's not have our little talk tonight
Let's pretend everything's all right
Empty bottles and a blackened eye
And the kids cried themselves to sleep last night
I'm just trying to do the best I can
So I can’t promise this won't happen again
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself running wild
But I'll stay with you after our feelings die
So lets got out tonight, tonight
Freedom comes to me in thoughts and dreams
Better life than my reality
With love by choice, through family by design,
Where I'd want you too be mine
But the sun retreats and the full moon's high
So let's go out tonight
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself...
So peaceful so quiet.
You say you're leaving, but I don't think you should try it
My anger, my hatred
You can't go anywhere until you taste it
I love you dearly and I'm nothing without you,
I can't let go and I'm not about to.
I never meant to cause you any sorrow,
But I won't know how to go on if you're not here tomorrow.
Nothing growing, nothing changing
We haven't seen anything new for ages.
My prison, my hatred
Really sorry, but you have to face it.
I couldn't look into the mirror today
Still that stranger wouldn't go away.
And I can't bear to look you in the eye
Because I become all that I've ever despised.
Were it not for faith or a little child
I could see myself running wild
But I'll stay with you until someone dies
So let’s go out tonight
Lyrics submitted by Gryphon
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Mountain Song
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Very powerful lyrics and an outstanding song. It's sad that there are families that do live in these situations. I've grown up in such a situation, so has my ex, most of my cousins, and siblings. I've also known friends who experienced similar dispositions, and not all of them were native. It's one of few that would break me down and make me cry. It's well done and I wish I could get a copy of Dead Issue.
The lyrics are expressed so deeply and well put. This is my favorite canadian band and needs to continue writing tunes for us to enjoy. The lyrics pretty much explains itself , I cant relate in the sense of being in that position but I can have a good perspective of it.Once again, Well put, lyrical wise, and awesome riffs from all members of the band.