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."
And I'm waiting for the day
I know you've got your part
And I'm waiting for the day
I know you'll have the heart
And I'm hoping that you'll say
That you loved me all this time
But it turns out just the same
And you break apart the things I had
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
And I'm waiting for the day
Inside my mother's clothing store
And I'm waiting for the day
What am I waiting for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
I know you've got your part
And I'm waiting for the day
I know you'll have the heart
And I'm hoping that you'll say
That you loved me all this time
But it turns out just the same
And you break apart the things I had
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
And I'm waiting for the day
Inside my mother's clothing store
And I'm waiting for the day
What am I waiting for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
Hold on, what do you take me for?
Hold on, what did you say that for?
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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/
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
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.
damn.... i definately connect with this song. i've been waiting for the day for this one guy to open up to me and tell me how he really feels but i've been waiting for too long. he's kind of bipolar so all his emotions get fucked up and some stuff he says don't come out right. i know deep down he wants to be with me though, he's just scared. he's scared imma get hurt:/
Like many of their songs, I think the meaning of 'Hold On' can be interpreted and representative of many situations.
To me, today, this song is about love, and waiting for love to be realised.
The first verse talks about waiting for someone, waiting in the hope that they will one day become the one to walk by your side. Waiting for the guy to show his vulnerability and take the chance that she might just feel the same way.
Her long lived hope and desire for him to love her the way that she loves him. Waiting for him until he feels the time, place and space is right to commit to something more.
Time continues to pass by and she continues to wait, holding out for the day he sees her and loves her in the way she does him. Despite the conscious decision to 'hold on', nothing changes and he 'breaks apart' the hope and desire she holds for something more with him.
The chorus is about her questioning why she allowed herself to wait for so long - not even considering other options as she was committed to him, or at least, committed to the idea of him and what they could share together.
The second verse is about her continuing to wait, in the safety of the space she knows. Perhaps justifying her decision (to 'hold on') to her friends / family, and maybe even to herself.
The chorus at the end may be about questioning him, if he had once told her to 'hold on' (until he gets himself sorted), but more likely about her questioning herself.
The above is how I interpret this song, today, as I feel it relates pretty well to something going on in my world. Tomorrow, the meaning could be different...
Saw them live tonight at the Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide, and Julia sang the house down with this track. So fragile, so ethereal - you could have heard a pin drop.
I like this song, Im suprised it doesn't have more responces.
about loving someone that doesn't seem to have a heart, and waiting on them to change but they won't..?
For me it's about love, waiting and disappointment. And about finally realizing that something you desperately wanted is not worth waiting for.
Beautiful song. I guess you can interpret it in many ways, but I also believe it's a song that easily can become important to you, and help you through a similar feeling.
i totally agree with mathilde
the first time i heard this song i was laying on this girls bed high as hell vibin with the lights off. we'd been seein each other for about 2 weeks. but prior to that i cut all connection with her for a year. i think its funny how relative this song is to our situation. the only difference is that we're good in the end..
This song has the exact same melody as one of their other songs! All Of Me, from the Chocolates & Cigarettes EP.
Also, same as This Old Wound by Dashboard Confessional. Not saying they ripped anyone off, it's a pretty basic melody, but to use it twice for your own songs is a bit strange... Oh well. Nice song.
Alot of Julia's songs seem to relate to one guy.. "A book like this" "All of me" "Hold on" Theres probably others... It seems he's a regular occurance, continually leaving her waiting, yet she won't let go.
Dazonic- they're probably ment to go together, if u look at the lyrics to all of me & hold on, I think they relate.
I think this song is about how she was led on. How a boy said something beautiful that meant so much to hear yet he breaks her heart but she still doesn't want to let go because she hopes these words will become true