Founded by Farrell and original bass guitarist Eric Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band Psi Com, Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Jane's Addiction's first release was a self-titled live album in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band's first two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation". The band's initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.
The band briefly reunited in 1997, with Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Avery on bass guitar. In 2001, a second reunion took place, with Martyn LeNoble—and later Chris Chaney—occupying the role of bass guitarist. In 2003, the band released its third studio album, Strays, before dissolving again the following year.
In 2008, the band's original line-up reunited and embarked on a world tour. Eric Avery, however, subsequently left the band in early 2010 as the group began working on new material. The band released its fourth studio album The Great Escape Artist in 2011, with Chaney returning to the band for its recording and subsequent tour. In 2016, Jane's Addiction were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One of many children
Everybody has their own opinion
Everybody has their own opinion
Holding it back hurts so bad
Jumping out of my flesh
And I said
Cash in now, honey
Cash in now
Cash in now
Cash in now, honey
Cash in Miss Smith
Cash in now, baby
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
I was comin' down the mountain
I met a child, man, she had pin eyes
We had the same opinion
Had the same opinion
She was holding it back
It hurts do bad
Jumping out of my flesh
And I said
Cash in now, honey
Cash in now
Cash in now, baby
Cash in now, honey
Cash in Miss smith
Cash in now, baby
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
The first verse of "Mountain Song" seems to be describing the frustrations of trying to communicate with others who hold different opinions. The metaphor of "coming down the mountain" suggests a journey of self-discovery, and the line "one of many children" implies a sense of conformity and lack of individuality. The repetition of "everybody has their own opinion" emphasizes the difficulty of finding common ground with others. Holding back one's own opinions is described as painful, and the phrase "jumping out of my flesh" suggests a feeling of intense discomfort and even desperation.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "cash in now," seems to be a call to action. It's unclear exactly what the phrase means in this context - it could be a call to sell out, to seize the moment, or to express oneself fully and without reservation. The use of the word "honey" suggests an intimacy or familiarity between the singer and their audience. The inclusion of "Miss Smith" as a specific person to be addressed adds a layer of specificity and individuality to the otherwise vague call to action.
The second verse introduces a new character, a "child, man" with "pin eyes." It's unclear exactly who this person is or what significance they have, but the fact that they share the singer's opinion suggests a sense of camaraderie or solidarity. This verse also repeats the idea that holding back one's opinions is painful and difficult.
Overall, "Mountain Song" seems to be exploring themes of individuality, communication, and self-expression. The repeated refrain of "cash in now" adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to these ideas, emphasizing the importance of expressing oneself fully and seizing opportunities when they arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' down the mountain
Descending from a high point, possibly representing a difficult time in life.
One of many children
Feeling like one among many, a lack of uniqueness or individuality.
Everybody has their own opinion
Each person has their own thoughts and beliefs that are unique to them.
Everybody has their own opinion
Reiterating that point of individuality in thought and belief.
Holding it back hurts so bad
Suppressing one's true feelings and opinions is painful.
Jumping out of my flesh
Feeling the need to express oneself strongly or intensely.
And I said
Introducing a new thought or idea in response to the current situation.
Cash in
Take advantage of the opportunity, to go for it.
Cash in now, honey
Urging someone to take advantage of a situation quickly and decisively, likely for personal gain.
Cash in now
Reiterating the urgency to seize the opportunity.
Cash in now
Encouraging someone again to take advantage of the moment.
Cash in now, honey
Once more, urging someone to act quickly and capitalize on the chance before them.
Cash in Miss Smith
Perhaps referring to a specific person who needs to take the opportunity presented.
Cash in now, baby
Using an affectionate term such as 'baby' to urge someone to act quickly and decisively.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
A repetition of sounds, possibly to heighten the emotional impact of the words spoken or to create a musical effect.
I was comin' down the mountain
Reiterating the opening statement in a different manner.
I met a child, man, she had pin eyes
Encountering someone who appears young or innocent, but with a sharp or astute gaze.
We had the same opinion
Finding common ground with someone, seeing eye to eye on a particular view or idea.
Had the same opinion
Reinforcing the fact that despite differences, commonalities can be found with others.
She was holding it back
Acknowledging that someone else was suppressing their own feelings or beliefs.
It hurts so bad
Confirming that holding back one's thoughts and feelings is a painful experience.
Jumping out of my flesh
Feeling a strong desire to express oneself with passion and intensity.
And I said
Another introduction to a new idea or thought.
Cash in now, honey
A repeat of the previous refrain to urge action.
Cash in now
Repeating that call to seize the opportunity before it passes.
Cash in now, baby
Continuing to use terms of endearment to encourage someone to take action.
Cash in now, honey
Emphasizing the importance of acting now to make the most of the chance at hand.
Cash in Miss smith
Referring once more to a specific person who needs to take the opportunity presented.
Cash in now, baby
Once more, encouraging someone to act quickly and decisively to capitalize on the situation.
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Repeating the sounds again, possibly to emphasize the need to act quickly or to create a particular effect.
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
A repetitive series of sounds, perhaps to create a musical effect or to express a particular emotion.
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Another repetition of the sounds used earlier in the song.
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Yet another repetition of the same sounds, possibly to create a sense of urgency or to emphasize the point being made.
Ooh-ooh, whoa-whoa-whoa yeah
Repeating the sounds once more to create a suitable ending to the song.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eric Adam Avery, Perry Farrell, David Navarro, Stephen Perkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@indiemixtape
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@susanbuss7275
From the movie parenthood. Nothing shocking was one of the greatest albums ever.
@starryeyes4224
I say aaahhh...
@gregorykrantz6396
Yeah I heard Jane Says and I was thinking this is the coolest shit I ever heard.
@susanbuss7275
Yeah I think it was on the movie parenthood.
@susanbuss7275
@@bfpeake933 I knew It oh lord yes girlfriend.
@PecosHank
YES!
@user-uo1qr6vn1q
Every Jane’s show back in the day was like a gathering of the tribes. The punks, metalheads, skaters, goths, hair metal and glam rockers, the potheads and hippies, college and indie rockers… from industrial fans to new wavers, surfers to hardcores, gays to straights, dopers to the D&D geeks, and everything in between. It was just a glorious mix of every subcultural group of the time…. And it was their music that was the one thing everyone could agree on.
@bornflippy1
Well said. They were genre bending and unique.
@leandroantelo7154
damn great comment