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 recall the moment
Though I can't recall the day
Every other song to say
Okay
Wait because
Another lifetime of words
We'll be forgotten, burned
By the time you read this letter
Sing because
Oh, but the scent of your past
Will be forgotten, gone
By the time you reach the pretender
Oh, my berries again
Will be razed and be burned
By the time you reach the pretender
If I'm not there
To remind ourselves
I'll send a friend
With a plan
I only wanted you to be obvious
I only need you to let go
Wait because
Another lifetime of words
We'll be forgotten, burned
By the time you read this letter
All the scenes of our past
Sing because
Oh, but the scent of your past
Will be forgotten, gone
By the time you reach the pretender
Oh, my berries again
Will be forgotten burned
By the time you reach the pretender
The coffee's gone
And the rooster's rich
I only call if I could work
I only want you to be obvious
I only need you to let go
We don't need the shelter
And we barely feel the rain
We've been soaked to all begins
Or complain
We don't need the morning
And we barely need our names
I won't call the cause of comfort
Oh no, I'm not afraid
Ah
Ah
Ah
Though I can't recall the day
Every other song to say
Okay
Wait because
Another lifetime of words
We'll be forgotten, burned
By the time you read this letter
Sing because
Oh, but the scent of your past
Will be forgotten, gone
By the time you reach the pretender
Oh, my berries again
Will be razed and be burned
By the time you reach the pretender
If I'm not there
To remind ourselves
I'll send a friend
With a plan
I only wanted you to be obvious
I only need you to let go
Wait because
Another lifetime of words
We'll be forgotten, burned
By the time you read this letter
All the scenes of our past
Sing because
Oh, but the scent of your past
Will be forgotten, gone
By the time you reach the pretender
Oh, my berries again
Will be forgotten burned
By the time you reach the pretender
The coffee's gone
And the rooster's rich
I only call if I could work
I only want you to be obvious
I only need you to let go
We don't need the shelter
And we barely feel the rain
We've been soaked to all begins
Or complain
We don't need the morning
And we barely need our names
I won't call the cause of comfort
Oh no, I'm not afraid
Ah
Ah
Ah
Lyrics submitted by Xim, edited by Wingdingo, mark111288, monkeyninja69
The Pretender Lyrics as written by Ruth Anne Cunningham Matthew Radosevich
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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.
When We Were Young
Blink-182
Blink-182
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.
I hear some of the lyrics different. For example: 'I only want you to be happier, I only want you to let go' 'I'll only call if I get word' 'We've been soaked too long to care or complain'
Don't know whether yours or mine are right, but still.
Anyway, I reckon the song's about a guy who's dumping his girlfriend, and he can remember the moment he knew it was over but he 'can't recall the day': well, that's how memories like that work. People always ask 'when did this happen?' but, y'know... He's writing her a letter to let her know it's over, but he keeps having to start again 'another lifetime of words will be forgotten and burned by the time you reach this letter'. Lovely song, one of their best I think.
i always thought it was "i wont call the cops for comfort" i could be wrong though.
i always thought the last line was
"i won't call the cops for comfort, i know i'll get there first"
just pitching it out there
and its 'the SINS of your past" not the scent of your past, who transcribes these, anyway?
anyone can submit lyrics.<br /> there are quite a few mistakes on here, but i guess you gotta give the interpreters some credit for taking the time to post 'em. does anyone know how to edit theese?
xim, you are a dr. dog fan as well? wowow, i'm impressed by your good taste.
dr dog fleet foxes modest mouse the beatles. the four best bands ever
i'm pretty positive that it's this kid is right about everything except the last one. i'm thinking you're right that it's 'we've been soaked too long to care or complain.' also, i thought it was 'we don't need the MONEY' not morning.
such a cool song
a lyrical correction if you will...
i believe the line goes:
Libraries of guilt Will be forgotten, burned By the time you reach the pretender
Tho, "Oh, my berries again" is damn funny
and: We don't need the money And we barely need our names