Black Mountain
Isobel Campbell feat. Mark Lanegan Lyrics
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Flew into the sun, our bodies on fire
Betrothed to a mate, pray it is not so
Invoke father time, then he let her go
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
I know a dog much blacker than night
Who lives in a house where nothing is right
All sorrow and loving riches at bay
All watching a few to the (...)
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Some dream of coins or some beauty's find
But I want the truth while I serve my time
Most complex and pain, I'd share it with you
The moon looks bright, so come say I'll do
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
The song "Black Mountain" by Isobel Campbell feat. Mark Lanegan is a hauntingly beautiful track that is open to interpretation from the listener. The lyrics suggest the singer has met someone they trust implicitly and they both fly too close to the sun, resulting in their bodies becoming consumed by the flames. The phrase "betrothed to a mate, pray it is not so" implies that the singer may have been committed to someone else at the time, possibly referencing infidelity. They then invoke father time and come to terms with the loss of this person.
The second verse describes a black dog who lives in a house with a lot of negativity, but the singer sees beauty in this darkness. They express a desire for truth and honesty even if it comes with complexity and pain, wanting to share it with the person they trust. The final line suggests a willingness to commit to this person and move forward together.
The use of the repeated phrase "lie true" throughout the song adds to the theme of honesty and authenticity. The mysterious and poetic lyrics leave room for individual interpretation, but the emotional weight of the words is powerful nonetheless.
Line by Line Meaning
I met a man whom I'll never doubt
I met a trustworthy man
Flew into the sun, our bodies on fire
We had a passionate and intense romance
Betrothed to a mate, pray it is not so
I hope the person I'm supposed to marry is not my soulmate
Invoke father time, then he let her go
Time passes and things change, even if we wish they wouldn't
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Repetitive refrain
I know a dog much blacker than night
I know someone very troubled and unhappy
Who lives in a house where nothing is right
They live in a dysfunctional and unhappy environment
All sorrow and loving riches at bay
Despite their problems, they have love and affection
All watching a few to the (...)
Other people are paying attention and judging their actions
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Repetitive refrain
Some dream of coins or some beauty's find
Some people want money or physical attractiveness
But I want the truth while I serve my time
I value honesty and authenticity
Most complex and pain, I'd share it with you
I would share my deepest struggles and sadness with someone I trust
The moon looks bright, so come say I'll do
The night seems promising, let's make a commitment
Lie true lie true lie true lie true
Repetitive refrain
Writer(s): Isobel Campbell
Contributed by Mila K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.