In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I wake up every morning, bright and early
Roll out of bed but I'm never quite alone
Tension is pulling me in all directions
And I'll be done once you use me as a rope
Sometimes the pressure will just drive you crazy
At any time I could explode
I need some piece of mind, it's got me tired
Don't wanna lose it, but I'm turning down that road
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
I sit in traffic every single morning
Just as I arrive, I'm slaving to the grind
Making the money so I feed my family
But I can't raise them, 'cause I ain't got the time
I got no free days on my busy schedule
I turn the page and it's the same
Don't like my situation, you don't either
Don't wanna look back scared, I will get away
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
But every now and then
I drive alone
And over all
Hot summer days
A gentle breeze that feels alright
Home alone
And I can't feel the pain
Only strain
Enjoy the sights
I feel alive
When actually here just feels alright
Far from home
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
Roll out of bed but I'm never quite alone
Tension is pulling me in all directions
And I'll be done once you use me as a rope
Sometimes the pressure will just drive you crazy
At any time I could explode
I need some piece of mind, it's got me tired
Don't wanna lose it, but I'm turning down that road
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
I sit in traffic every single morning
Just as I arrive, I'm slaving to the grind
Making the money so I feed my family
But I can't raise them, 'cause I ain't got the time
I got no free days on my busy schedule
I turn the page and it's the same
Don't like my situation, you don't either
Don't wanna look back scared, I will get away
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
But every now and then
I drive alone
And over all
Hot summer days
A gentle breeze that feels alright
Home alone
And I can't feel the pain
Only strain
Enjoy the sights
I feel alive
When actually here just feels alright
Far from home
I need a moment cause I've spread myself to thin
We all need a moment in our lives
Works hard, the days too long
And that's just where it begins
Tension has had us all this time
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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.
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Pretty basic meaning, but amazingly put together.
First part of the song that sounds stressed and (as mentioned) 70-ish, it's about a "working stiff" and how bad their life is going, and how stressed and tense they are
The second more western sounding bit is him unwinding and relaxing over the open road (could be metaphorical, could be literal).
Love the MJ-ish opening :)