Elverum explained this change in an 2003 interview with Discorder, asserting that "Mount Eerie is a new project. The Microphones was completed, or at least at a good stopping point. I did it because I am ready for new things. I am new."
As Mount Eerie, Phil typically works with synthesizers, guitars, drums, and the accenting voices of Mirah, The Blow, and fellow K-Records/Anacortes, Washington friends. Mount Eerie's album "Seven New Songs of Mount Eerie" was also the first recording released on Phil's new label, P.W.Elverum & Sun. All songs from that recording are available for free download in the Internet Archive.
What?
Mount Eerie Lyrics
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"certainly we'll die
Eat shadows, bury candles.
Die."
When I was sturdier I thought
"So what? I am forever mountainous!"
Ever matter to my mountain mind.
Come years, come surging, I am tall!"
When I was "sturdier" I was secretly afraid,
And the fear was blinding.
As you can see. I am no rock.
Through mountain wind,
What I actually am is thinning clouds.
The lyrics of Mount Eerie's song "What?" express the singer's reflection on mortality and the realization that their previous beliefs about their own invincibility were misguided. Initially, the singer confidently proclaimed that they were mountainous, insinuating that they were strong and immortal. However, as time went by and they grew older, they realized that it was merely an illusion of strength. The term "sturdier" implies that they were once stronger than they are now, indicating that the singer is aging and perhaps experiencing physical decline, perhaps even death.
Despite the fear of mortality, the singer finds solace in the poetic imagery of "thinning clouds," suggesting a sense of spiritual or metaphysical transcendence beyond the physical world. The idea of clouds being ephemeral and constantly changing reinforces the notion that life is both transient and fragile. It also suggests that the singer is metaphorically lifting themselves out of the physical realm, implying the possibility of an afterlife or some other form of spiritual continuation.
As a whole, the lyrics of "What?" express the complexity and inevitable nature of death, as well as the fear and uncertainty that it can bring. However, it also contains a sense of optimism, as the singer seems to be embracing the mystery of their ephemeral existence and seeking a greater understanding of their place in the world beyond physical boundaries.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was sturdier I'd talk about how
"certainly we'll die
Eat shadows, bury candles.
Die."
In the past, I used to talk confidently about how death is inevitable and that there's no way to escape it. I believed that we must accept it and let go of our fears and indulgences before we pass away.
When I was sturdier I thought
"So what? I am forever mountainous!"
I used to think that my strength and resilience would make me invincible and unbreakable like a mountain. I believed that nothing could ever bring me down or make me feel vulnerable.
I bravely said, "No death of any kind could
Ever matter to my mountain mind.
Come years, come surging, I am tall!"
I used to boldly declare that death was not something that would affect me because my mind was set like a mountain - firm and unfazed. I was confident that no matter what challenges life threw at me, I would always stand tall and be unbreakable.
When I was "sturdier" I was secretly afraid,
And the fear was blinding.
Despite my confident facade, I was actually scared deep down. Fear had taken root within me, and it had clouded my judgment and my ability to confront my own mortality.
As you can see. I am no rock.
Now, I realize that I am not as strong or unbreakable as I once believed. I am vulnerable and fragile like everyone else, and I cannot deny or hide from that fact.
Through mountain wind,
What I actually am is thinning clouds.
Despite my previous beliefs, I am now aware that I am not a mountain, but rather something more fleeting and temporary like clouds that eventually dissipate and disappear. I am learning to accept my mortality and appreciate every moment of my life while I still have it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CRESWARD BRIAN BROUSSARD, CHARLES CARLISLE, JACOB FISCHER, JON FRY, WILLIAM HARGROVE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind