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."
Ice age, heat wave, can't complain
If the world's at large, why should I remain?
Walked away to another planet
Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand
I move on to another day
To a whole new town with a whole new way
Went to the porch to have a thought
Got to the door and, again, I couldn't stop
You don't know where and you don't know when
But you still got your words and you got your friends
Walk along to another day
Work a little harder, work another way
Well uh-uh, baby, I ain't got no plan
Well I float on, maybe would you understand?
Gonna float on, maybe would you understand?
Well I float on, maybe would you understand?
The days get shorter and the nights get cold
I like the autumn but this place is getting old
I pack up my belongings and I head for the coast
It might not be a lot but I feel like I'm making the most
The days get longer and the nights smell green
I guess it's not surprising but it's spring and I should leave
I like songs about drifters, books about the same
They both seem to make me feel a little less insane
Walked on off to another spot
I still haven't gotten anywhere that I want
Did I want love? Did I need to know?
Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow?
The moths beat themselves to death against the lights
Adding their breeze to the summer nights
Outside, water, like air, was gray
I didn't know what I had that day
Walk a little farther to another plan
You said that you did, but you didn't understand
I know that starting over's not what life's about
But my thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth
My thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth
My thoughts were so loud, ah
If the world's at large, why should I remain?
Walked away to another planet
Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand
I move on to another day
To a whole new town with a whole new way
Went to the porch to have a thought
Got to the door and, again, I couldn't stop
You don't know where and you don't know when
But you still got your words and you got your friends
Walk along to another day
Work a little harder, work another way
Well uh-uh, baby, I ain't got no plan
Well I float on, maybe would you understand?
Gonna float on, maybe would you understand?
Well I float on, maybe would you understand?
The days get shorter and the nights get cold
I like the autumn but this place is getting old
I pack up my belongings and I head for the coast
It might not be a lot but I feel like I'm making the most
The days get longer and the nights smell green
I guess it's not surprising but it's spring and I should leave
I like songs about drifters, books about the same
They both seem to make me feel a little less insane
Walked on off to another spot
I still haven't gotten anywhere that I want
Did I want love? Did I need to know?
Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow?
The moths beat themselves to death against the lights
Adding their breeze to the summer nights
Outside, water, like air, was gray
I didn't know what I had that day
Walk a little farther to another plan
You said that you did, but you didn't understand
I know that starting over's not what life's about
But my thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth
My thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth
My thoughts were so loud, ah
Lyrics submitted by RebeccaSaxon, edited by ftpk, LymonLemon, camila521
The World at Large Lyrics as written by Eric Judy Dann Gallucci
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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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,
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
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'
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/
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'm surprised more people haven't noticed the connection between this song and Float On. The World At Large literally flows right into Float On. They even have the same chords. The guitar part in the chorus of Float On is played on a loop in this song at a slower speed. I think the two sentiments in each song are connected. Maybe he's a drifter and he's not sure what he wants, but deep down he knows everything will be alright.
My thoughts exactly. The fact that The World At Large flows into Float On might mean that whatever sad things happen, good news will always follow.
I think the reason for that is the little transition between the two songs. Maybe they did want people to make the connection so easily.
I feel like this very often. Drifters seem to have a rough life, but they may also epitomize freedom. As I have aged, I found that I became a slave to my possessions. I worked a job to afford better possessions; considered staying someplace instead of pursuing an excellent opportunity out of fear that all of my possessions would either have to be moved or stored. I've many a time thought about just taking my guitars and motorcycle and leaving everything behind. I wish I could float on, but my wife wouldn't understand, and I think she is more attached to our belongings than I am.
This song is about expressing a wanderlust; a restlessness that never goes away. It is about leaving old connections and belongings behind in favor of freedom from the traps of modern life. It is wondering about the sanity of having a wanderlust, and taking comfort in books and songs about drifters.
I understand. To quote an earlier Modest Mouse song: The Universe is shaped exactly like the Earth: If you go straight long enough, you'll end up where you were.
I hope you find a way to take that trip with your guitars and motorcycle
@suzukijay
Just about living on a whim and living freely, but not in the tone it is usually spoken about with. A dark undertone is there saying how he almost is just searching for something, and will keep floating and drifting. I love the line "The moths beat themselves to death against the lights." because he knows that he is just searching for something he will never get to and something he thinks will bring happiness, but he'll never get it. However he doesnt really care, he'd rather go on killing himself looking for bliss.
This song makes me feel like I'm ok in the world. Its very reassuring, thank you MM.
This song is about feeling like you haven't met your potential in life, and no matter where you go or what you do, you never meet or fulfill it. It is about having so many choices in life and not knowing what choices you are here for or which are best for you.
The world is chaotic, and nothing is 100% for sure, even if it seems to be. That is where the line "The moths beat themselves to death against the lights, adding their breeze to the summer nights." comes in.
He realizes that no matter how much he tries to make the right choice or plan, there are always outside problems where you can't make a difference. They happen naturally and sometimes unannounced to you.
"Outside, water, like air was great. I didn't know what I had that day." Was one of the only times he felt right in the world. Be it in air, or water, he felt like it was great. Yet the next line...
"Walk a little farther to another plan, you said that you did but you didn't understand." Seems like he can't find someone who understands him, even though they said they did. Maybe it is a self-reference. Maybe he thought he understood his problem, but really didn't.
Like others have said, this song can be interpreted many different ways line by line. All in all, it is a sad song about not knowing where you are or where you are going.
@Someone Noone "The moths beat themselves against the lights, adding their breeze to the summer nights" is about struggling to reach something that is unattainable and while you strive so hard for it, it ruins you. However, there is a benefit to that your struggles brings to others even if it is small
This song reminds me of "Into the Wild" and that boy, Chris McCandless, who was going to find unbridled freedom or die trying. In actuality, he just couldn't conform to society's expectations. We all have that desire/thought to some extent.
that was a good movie
this song to me means, basically the type of life he lives. any band is constantly touring "I guess it's not surprising but it's spring and I should leave"- usually when bands start touring. they have no stablilty. he is a drifter "to a whole new town with a whole new way" and never stays anywhere long enough to enjoy it "I still haven't gotten anywhere that I want." he keeps moving on because that is what is expected of him with their success, and he can not get used to settling in one place anymore "I know that starting over is not what life's about. But my thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth."
i think meesahunt made a really good point. the last quote, "but my thoughts were so loud I couldn't hear my mouth," for example could mean that when he is performing he is either deafened by the speakers or he has ear plugs and he can't hear what is coming out of his mouth, which are his thoughts expressed through his songs.
also, he mentions how he's barely in one place long enough to go "to the porch to have a thought" before he's off to the next town. however, "you still got your words [songs] and you got your friends [band members]."
then "moths beat themselves to death against the lights / Adding their breeze to the summer nights" much like his band repeatedly plays the same songs over and over in order to share their art with the everyone, even if it's only a little 'breeze' in the world of music.
I can just say one thing, Modest Mouse is the masters of writing lyrics. I mean they got like 100 different metaphors in each song and every metaphor stands on its own and have endless meaning.I have not heard one single song that I could not relate to. And this song reminds me of so much. Best band ever.
such an amazing song