Deep into autumn of 2004 Chris released his debut album "Exit Pesce" in an apartment. But it wasn't until early the following year when a little blurb by Rob van Alstyne of the Pulse Magazine was printed before anyone really took notice of the album, calling Exit Pesce "An under-the-radar-music-stunner-phenomenon"
In April 2006, Chris released "Patterns," which went on to receive more acclaim, including a Minnesota Music Award for Best Pop Recording (Chris also won the Best Male Vocalist award).
At the end of 2006, Patterns was kindly included in some local best-of lists, coming in at 10 in the Star Tribune's annual Twin Cities Critics Tally, and at 1 in Chris Riemenschneider's (Star Tribune Music Critic) top ten local albums list.
Mountain
Chris Koza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a parking lot
Overgrown with flowers and weeds
A screen hangs on, surrendering
Past the limits there's an old dirt road
There's a secret plot
People come and people go
In town the bookstore has a discount cart
Just a quarter for a paperback
Find "My Side of the Mountain" there
What else goes missing through the years
Later at the bar it's ten-to-close
Time for one last round
Take your glass and knock it back
Anyway, who's keeping track
You are free to go whenever you need to go
Things are always changing as sure as this river flows
I will love you for a long time; as long as anyone could ever know
I will love you for a long time, for a long time
For this brief window
The lyrics to Chris Koza's song "Mountain" paint a vivid picture of a small town in rural America. The first verse describes a neglected drive-in movie theater, its parking lot now covered in flowers and weeds, and the screen barely hanging on. Moving on, the second verse alludes to a hidden place down an old dirt road, where people come and go, leaving only an afterglow in their wake. The third verse takes us into the town itself, where the bookstore has a discount cart with a well-loved copy of "My Side of the Mountain," a classic children's book about living off the land. Finally, the song ends in a bar, where patrons raise their glasses for one last round, knowing that time continues to slip away.
The lyrics to "Mountain" are a reflection of the passage of time and the transience of human life. The use of natural imagery, such as the overgrown drive-in lot and the river that flows endlessly, contrasts with the built environment of the town, highlighting the inevitable decay and demise of all things human-made. The theme of love is also present, with the singer declaring their intention to love their partner for a long time in the face of this constant change.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a drive-in some miles out
There is a drive-in theater located at some distance from here.
There's a parking lot
There is an outdoor space reserved for parking vehicles near the drive-in theater.
Overgrown with flowers and weeds
Despite its existence, this lot has been neglected and left unattended for a while now, with plants having grown out of control.
A screen hangs on, surrendering
The movie screen, once the focal point of this place, still stands but in a state of resignation, conscious of its own futility.
Past the limits there's an old dirt road
Beyond the cleared areas there is a poorly maintained, unpaved path that leads to unknown places.
There's a secret plot
There is a hidden part of land that only a few people know about or have access to.
People come and people go
Individuals arrive at and depart from this piece of land for various reasons, leaving their marks on it.
Out of the fire into the afterglow
After experiencing intense moments or events, one may find oneself in a period of calmness, reflection, and contemplation.
In town the bookstore has a discount cart
Inside the city, there is a bookselling establishment that offers a section of reduced-price items.
Just a quarter for a paperback
One can purchase a pocket-sized, softcover book for an affordable amount at this store promotion.
Find "My Side of the Mountain" there
Among the available titles, one can acquire a copy of the novel "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George, written for young readers.
What else goes missing through the years
There may be other things or concepts that humans tend to lose or abandon over time and that are now rare or extinct.
Later at the bar it's ten-to-close
At a local establishment serving alcoholic beverages, closing time is rapidly approaching, and patrons must adjust their behavior accordingly.
Time for one last round
It's time to have a final drink before the venue is no longer available.
Take your glass and knock it back
Raise your container of alcohol and drink all of its contents.
Anyway, who's keeping track
It does not matter if one overindulges on this occasion because there is nobody concerned with monitoring one's behavior or making objections.
You are free to go whenever you need to go
You have the liberty to depart whenever you feel it is necessary, without any obligation to linger or explain yourself.
Things are always changing as sure as this river flows
The world is constantly in flux, as certain as the various bodies of water that circulate and alter course over time.
I will love you for a long time; as long as anyone could ever know
I will maintain a deep affection for you for an extended duration that surpasses standard measures of time or expectations of loving relationships.
I will love you for a long time, for a long time
I will continue to love you extensively, consistently, and without conditions, for however long we are meant to be together.
For this brief window
For the limited portion of life that we are allowed to spend together, we will make the most of it and cherish every moment.
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@vfkl
the best song of the album for me. I have Instagram, where I post some pictures and usually, I use your lyrics as the caption
I also saw rogue valley at the mercury lounge in manhattan once, a big fan of the band too
@aEstone14
Really enjoyed this. (:
@ChrisKozaMusic
+autumngreetings thanks for checking out the tune!
@benaaronmusic
Fantastic music and video, Chris.
This has a great melody and the words are written just perfectly.
Keep up the great work. From a fellow Minnesota songster, -Ben
@ChrisKozaMusic
+Ben Aaron Minnesota songwriters!!
@benaaronmusic
Chris Koza woo hoo!