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."
Well it don't matter 'bout the things they say
We got nothing to left to prove
And we wouldn't have it any other way
So let them make their move
When you got something that's as strong as this
Don't matter if you fall
You get back up and face another day
Ready to make that call
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
I'm the thunder to your lightning
Can you feel it?
What we got is so exciting
It's a love they can't deny
Now me and you we got a simple heart
We don't need that much to make it run
Our souls are living proof right from the start
You got to get your knees dirty one by one
So when you look at me I wanna cry
This is good as all I ever need
Cause I'll be with ya till the day I die
Something that we both believe
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
They can't take it, they can leave it
We don't care cause
This will always be our secret
For the rest of our lives
Nothing can bring us down
We'll always be around
Nothing can stop us now
I ain't a dreamer, I know what's real
And you are just the same as me
So if the cards of life can't break the deal
Then what is there left to see
Roll out the freedom bell and cross your heart
Cause me and you we love to sing
And they don't like it they can go to hell
So come on baby make it ring
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
They can't take it, they can leave it
We don't care cause
This will always be our secret
For the rest of our lives
We got nothing to left to prove
And we wouldn't have it any other way
So let them make their move
When you got something that's as strong as this
Don't matter if you fall
You get back up and face another day
Ready to make that call
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
I'm the thunder to your lightning
Can you feel it?
What we got is so exciting
It's a love they can't deny
Now me and you we got a simple heart
We don't need that much to make it run
Our souls are living proof right from the start
You got to get your knees dirty one by one
So when you look at me I wanna cry
This is good as all I ever need
Cause I'll be with ya till the day I die
Something that we both believe
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
They can't take it, they can leave it
We don't care cause
This will always be our secret
For the rest of our lives
Nothing can bring us down
We'll always be around
Nothing can stop us now
I ain't a dreamer, I know what's real
And you are just the same as me
So if the cards of life can't break the deal
Then what is there left to see
Roll out the freedom bell and cross your heart
Cause me and you we love to sing
And they don't like it they can go to hell
So come on baby make it ring
Nothing in life is easy
Nothing in life is free
[Chorus]
They can't take it, they can leave it
We don't care cause
This will always be our secret
For the rest of our lives
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Thunder and Lightning Lyrics as written by Roy Z Robert Halford
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
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/
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
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