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."
Serpent upon the cross
Faith swept into blackness
So shall there be restitution
In the slaughter of the masses
Rise oh great deceiver
Return to the gardens alas
As it was so it shall be again
Enthroned in mirrored halls
The day of the false prophet has come to pass
There'll be a cleansing of the saints
Towards the left hand path desperate they crawl
All are guilty of their own demise
The burden of lies will swallow them all
Bring me the eyes of the father
Spill their wrists recite their vows
Lay the lamb of christ upon his altar
Slice vengeance in the neck of the sow
Demons of doctrine
Creatures of the cold
Forged preachers of hatred
Outdated gospel to the world of old
Serpent upon the cross
Faith swept into blackness
So shall there be restitution
In the slaughter of the masses
Scholars shield their fate
A void within the walls of sanctuaries (sanctuaries)
Fraudulent labor ripened with temptation and indulgence
For the true author of the soul to savor
As they gather in masses upon the hills beyond the sands
Rejoice the morning star rises in the east
The word of god departs from man
And as the centuries seam together
Shall we open our hearts to truth
Man is one with the fire in the center of the earth
Lucifer bring us rebirth
Lucifer
Light bearer
Bring us rebirth
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Faith swept into blackness
So shall there be restitution
In the slaughter of the masses
Rise oh great deceiver
Return to the gardens alas
As it was so it shall be again
Enthroned in mirrored halls
The day of the false prophet has come to pass
There'll be a cleansing of the saints
Towards the left hand path desperate they crawl
All are guilty of their own demise
The burden of lies will swallow them all
Bring me the eyes of the father
Spill their wrists recite their vows
Lay the lamb of christ upon his altar
Slice vengeance in the neck of the sow
Demons of doctrine
Creatures of the cold
Forged preachers of hatred
Outdated gospel to the world of old
Serpent upon the cross
Faith swept into blackness
So shall there be restitution
In the slaughter of the masses
Scholars shield their fate
A void within the walls of sanctuaries (sanctuaries)
Fraudulent labor ripened with temptation and indulgence
For the true author of the soul to savor
As they gather in masses upon the hills beyond the sands
Rejoice the morning star rises in the east
The word of god departs from man
And as the centuries seam together
Shall we open our hearts to truth
Man is one with the fire in the center of the earth
Lucifer bring us rebirth
Lucifer
Light bearer
Bring us rebirth
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
Rejoice
The day of satan and man is upon us
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,
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
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.