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."
I remember it was cold outside, staring off into space, hoping to see you there. If I close my eyes I can feel you breathe, and I remember it was cold outside. Streaked faces waiting for spring, it's not much longer now for two hearts filled with hope. May I have this dance? I hope it could last the rest of my life. Are you still afraid? The promises I made, inside these hands, will never be broken. For you these words aren't enough, there should be more, but they're everything I am, they're everything I feel. If I could have this dance, I'd pull you closer, you'd feel me tremble, but I could show you the world. Just take my hand, and this time I wont ever let go.
Lyrics submitted by PLANES
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings

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,

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.

Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
“I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.

Another Love
Tom Odell
Tom Odell
I think the meaning is pretty clear. This person got really burned in a previous relationship, and because of this is unable to love and show care in his present one, even though he so badly wants to. It's lovely song, and very sad. You can really feel how defeated and frustrated he is with himself.
i think that this is one of penfold's most beautifully written songs. "i remember it was cold outside, staring off into space, hoping to see you there. if i close my eyes i can feel you breathe." it's so pure, so sincere...
"Just take my hand, and this time I won't ever let go."
'this time" ? Sounds to me like the reason the words aren't enough for her is because well.. they weren't enough for HIM last time. Weren't enogh to keep him there the first time, so why are they this time?
Well, we all makes mistakes, eh?
it's just so honest. the guy loves the girl w/ all he has. but she can't just believe his words. she wants more. but words all he can give her because are the best way he knows how to show her. the are filled with all of him.
wow. lovely song. the honesty in it makes me tear up.
its also romantic. "If I could have this dance, I'd pull you closer, you'd feel me tremble, but I could show you the world..."
dose anyone know why he doesnt sing some of the lyrics? like "...staring off into space, hoping to see you there..."
i really really like this song. remings me of my ex boyfriend.. definately one of those songs you listen to when your mad in love with someone.