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."
She's breaking up, she's falling down
She's holding her fists up now
Her eyes meet my face but we don't look the Same
She walks away, on bloody knees
Her swollen face hides her tears
My mind strains for words but my tongue won't obey
You're just a shadow now of the girl I used to know
Your broken song is maimed and slow
You strain your face to bear that smile
Your teeth clenched tightly all the while
And though you search so thoroughly
For some place to put the blame
It only rests on angry shoulders
And you don't look the same
Your pretty face now contorted
Haggard with shame
I try to recognize your anger
I try to recognize your hatred
I try to find some purpose for your pride
So cease your screaming now because your
Voice is worn and hoarse
Your song insinuates divorce
Your poison love I won't pursue
Your not the lover I once knew
And though you speak so firmly of maxims so bold
Your lips mouth words of love
But still your voice is callused and cold
I try to understand what made this mess unfold
I'm sure you couldn't be blamed
Your features haven't changed
And yet I can't Imagine why you don't look the same
and your song of broken trust is grating on my ears
I'm tired of standing passive while you're preying on my fears
I'm tired of trying to fight, I'm tired of taking sides
You say that you're not angry but I see it in your eyes
I'm tired of hearing rumors, I'm tired of hiding shame
I'm tired of pointing fingers and never taking blame
I'm tired of trying to talk I've nothing left to say
I'm tired of going on so I'm going away
She's holding her fists up now
Her eyes meet my face but we don't look the Same
She walks away, on bloody knees
Her swollen face hides her tears
My mind strains for words but my tongue won't obey
You're just a shadow now of the girl I used to know
Your broken song is maimed and slow
You strain your face to bear that smile
Your teeth clenched tightly all the while
And though you search so thoroughly
For some place to put the blame
It only rests on angry shoulders
And you don't look the same
Your pretty face now contorted
Haggard with shame
I try to recognize your anger
I try to recognize your hatred
I try to find some purpose for your pride
So cease your screaming now because your
Voice is worn and hoarse
Your song insinuates divorce
Your poison love I won't pursue
Your not the lover I once knew
And though you speak so firmly of maxims so bold
Your lips mouth words of love
But still your voice is callused and cold
I try to understand what made this mess unfold
I'm sure you couldn't be blamed
Your features haven't changed
And yet I can't Imagine why you don't look the same
and your song of broken trust is grating on my ears
I'm tired of standing passive while you're preying on my fears
I'm tired of trying to fight, I'm tired of taking sides
You say that you're not angry but I see it in your eyes
I'm tired of hearing rumors, I'm tired of hiding shame
I'm tired of pointing fingers and never taking blame
I'm tired of trying to talk I've nothing left to say
I'm tired of going on so I'm going away
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Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
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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'
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"'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/
Punchline
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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.
Everyone always thinks of christians with craigs brother..religion doesn't matter in music..and especially not with a great band like this..