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."
Shadows may hide you but also may be your grave
You're running today maybe tomorrow you'll be saved
You pray for daylight to save you for a while
You wonder if your children will face the killer's smile
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- murder's up for sale
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- where jail birds die
Face at the window leers into your own
But it's only your reflection still you tremble in your bones
How long can you hide? How long till they come?
A rat in a trap but you've got to survive
Once you were glad to be free for a while
The air tasted good and the world was your friend
Then came the day when the hard times began
Now your alone but alive for how long?
A knife at your throat another body on the pile
A contract to keep and it's service with a smile
Murder for vengeance or murder for gain
Death on the streets or a blackened out jail
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- murder's up for sale
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- where jail birds die
In Gangland you tell no tales
You're running today maybe tomorrow you'll be saved
You pray for daylight to save you for a while
You wonder if your children will face the killer's smile
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- murder's up for sale
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- where jail birds die
Face at the window leers into your own
But it's only your reflection still you tremble in your bones
How long can you hide? How long till they come?
A rat in a trap but you've got to survive
Once you were glad to be free for a while
The air tasted good and the world was your friend
Then came the day when the hard times began
Now your alone but alive for how long?
A knife at your throat another body on the pile
A contract to keep and it's service with a smile
Murder for vengeance or murder for gain
Death on the streets or a blackened out jail
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- murder's up for sale
Dead men -- tell no tales
In Gangland -- where jail birds die
In Gangland you tell no tales
Lyrics submitted by numb
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Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
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When We Were Young
Blink-182
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This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
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/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
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.
I think this song is about a formet gangmember who's left his life of crime behind, and is now a father. He is constantly on the watchout for his former friends, he's scared theyll come for him and kill him and/or his family for his betrayal. He used to enjoy his life of freedom, but now he's paranoid, and for good reasons too!
It took me a while to get used to this song, but I think it's pretty good.
It kind of reminds me of the movie Mad Max 2 for some reason.. haha.
they make it sound like they r talkin about a really bad prison or something. I dont know just a thought
fkn awsum drum intro clive burr was such a gun, but mcbrain is kik ass 2
Why do most Iron Maiden fans hate this song? I kinda like the jazzy-ness of it. If you are a drummer you can appreciate it more.
@Luke50001 dude ive loved iron maiden since before i could understand any words and i love this song too. Idk how anyone could not like it. Its fast af, the opening riff may be a little weak, but the tapping solo and harmony and everything else make up for it. Such a cool song
Another great song - don't know why so many people criticize it. I think the lyrics are very evocative, they really tell a story and put you in it.
Anyway, a pretty straight-forward thriller/adventure story based on Gangster films and such - just some guy on the run from the mob. Some of the books on Iron Maiden have pointed out this whole album seems to be about "escape" of one form or another, and this song certainly fits the bill.
Wasn't too impressed with this one. Had okay drumming and guitar, I liked the lyrics. But I don't really like the way Bruce Dickinson things this, not even the chorus.