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."
[THE GATHERING THE NIGHT BEFORE:]
Time has come
The dawn shall see us off again
Glory rides
The stars shall be our watching guide
We know
God is ready
And he's willing
To fill our veins it takes my mind away
Hot sun
Splitting thunder
Deafening
Violent storms
We sail atop the highest wave in search of our viking gold
And turn our backs into the night
We sail into the night
As the mighty desert wind blows through the mountains
Still she sails our trusty ship across the sea
And we raise our glasses high to this good life
See our torches brandish light upon the free
Cowards running to the hills no courage in their eyes
Shadowed terrors prey on them no mercy in their eyes
Their battle's over long before they have a chance to pray
But we shall stand steadfast our ground
Unmoved through the day
Let us drink to the spirit
That has given us the power
To rule with the mightiest of swords
Through all of the
Land
[VOYAGE:]
[DEAD CALM:]
[APPROACHING STORM:]
Our ship now listless drifting aimlessly through the tide
This calm before the storm screams over high
This must be madness cause the sky is growing blacker
Than the shadow of a dead star in regression of its power
If the darkness that surrounds you leaves you nowhere you can run to
I impolore you fall down to your knees
And pray these tentacles released their grip
[STORM:]
Well you and I do not belong here
Will we return
I cannot believe
Strong winds
Twisting and tearing our sails off
I'm hiding my eyes
You are fading away
[ENCHANTMENT:]
[LEGEND:]
Misfortune paints their lonely story
A thousand years shall endure
Unfold the tale of that dark day
Their mystics ship so far from sure
They sailed away
Into
Another sea
A mystery
To us all
Beware the waves
You sail upon
In ships so strong
It is our belief
This story's true
Time has come
The dawn shall see us off again
Glory rides
The stars shall be our watching guide
We know
God is ready
And he's willing
To fill our veins it takes my mind away
Hot sun
Splitting thunder
Deafening
Violent storms
We sail atop the highest wave in search of our viking gold
And turn our backs into the night
We sail into the night
As the mighty desert wind blows through the mountains
Still she sails our trusty ship across the sea
And we raise our glasses high to this good life
See our torches brandish light upon the free
Cowards running to the hills no courage in their eyes
Shadowed terrors prey on them no mercy in their eyes
Their battle's over long before they have a chance to pray
But we shall stand steadfast our ground
Unmoved through the day
Let us drink to the spirit
That has given us the power
To rule with the mightiest of swords
Through all of the
Land
[VOYAGE:]
[DEAD CALM:]
[APPROACHING STORM:]
Our ship now listless drifting aimlessly through the tide
This calm before the storm screams over high
This must be madness cause the sky is growing blacker
Than the shadow of a dead star in regression of its power
If the darkness that surrounds you leaves you nowhere you can run to
I impolore you fall down to your knees
And pray these tentacles released their grip
[STORM:]
Well you and I do not belong here
Will we return
I cannot believe
Strong winds
Twisting and tearing our sails off
I'm hiding my eyes
You are fading away
[ENCHANTMENT:]
[LEGEND:]
Misfortune paints their lonely story
A thousand years shall endure
Unfold the tale of that dark day
Their mystics ship so far from sure
They sailed away
Into
Another sea
A mystery
To us all
Beware the waves
You sail upon
In ships so strong
It is our belief
This story's true
Lyrics submitted by Idan, edited by Octavarium64, sokorny
Ghostship Lyrics as written by
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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/
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
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.