Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper first met in high school in Philadelphia and later reconnected in Los Angeles in 2016. Their shared love for music led them to collaborate once again. They named the project after a mountain in Valley Forge National Park near their hometown. Their debut single, "Astrovan," gained rapid streaming success, attracting the attention of drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos and keyboardist Jackie Miclau.
The band made their debut in 2016 with the release of their single "Astrovan," which was recorded in Los Angeles by Quinn, Cooper, and Byrnes.
In 2017, Mt. Joy signed with Dualtone Records, further solidifying their presence in the music industry. This was followed by the release of three singles in 2017: "Sheep," "Cardinal," and "Silver Lining," with the latter reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Triple A charts.
Throughout 2017, the now five-piece band recorded additional tracks with producer Jon Gilbert at his home studio in Pasadena, California, and released their self-titled debut album, Mt. Joy, on March 2, 2018. The song "Silver Lining" went to #1 on the Billboard Triple A charts.
Following their initial success, Mt. Joy embarked on extensive touring, performing at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, and Lollapalooza, while also opening for notable bands like The Head and the Heart, The Shins, Whitney, and The Revivalists. They also headlined their own North American and European tours.
Unfortunately, their tour with The Lumineers was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, Mt. Joy released their second studio album, "Rearrange Us," on June 5, 2020. The album was produced by Tucker Martine, known for his work with My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse. The songs on "Rearrange Us" range from folk-stomps to psychedelic reflections and gospel elegies.
In April 2022, the band announced their third full-length album, Orange Blood, which was released on June 17, 2022. The album was recorded at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia. Four singles were released ahead of the album, "Lemon Tree", "Orange Blood," "Evergreen," and "Bathroom Light." Their headlining tour for the album started in June 2022 and runs through November 2022.
Become
Mt. Joy Lyrics
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I was over the moon when you said all was possible
And I'm all signed up for the circus life in the flickering light
Of a backstage birthday we're singing in the hallway and we're drinking like we're scared
Oh, no touch
Oh, touch
I need someone to celebrate the wins
I need someone to share this with
Don't spend your whole life wondering why this ain't no normal life
Said you want to have a daughter, said you want to be a part of this big world
The lyrics of Mt. Joy's song "Become" speak to the feeling of yearning for something more, for a life beyond the ordinary. The opening lines, "Your strange isn't awake yet, I hope it is just sleeping in," suggest that there is a unique and unconventional aspect within the person being addressed. It is hoped that this aspect will eventually wake up and embrace the world in all its possibilities.
The lyrics further express a sense of excitement and optimism, with the line "I was over the moon when you said all was possible." It conveys a belief in the potential for greatness and the ability to achieve anything. The mention of the "circus life" and the "flickering light" suggests a life full of adventure and spontaneity, perhaps a metaphor for pursuing dreams and taking risks.
However, there is also a sense of longing for connection and companionship. The line "I need someone to celebrate the wins, I need someone to share this with" reflects the desire for someone to share in the joys and triumphs of life. This longing for connection is juxtaposed with the line "Don't spend your whole life wondering why this ain't no normal life," which implies that the singer understands and accepts the unconventional nature of their aspirations.
The closing lines, "Said you want to have a daughter, said you want to be a part of this big world," suggest a desire for legacy and a yearning to be actively involved in making a positive impact on the world. It reflects the longing for both personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose within a larger context.
Overall, "Become" captures the yearning for a life of possibility, adventure, and connection, while also recognizing the need for acceptance and a willingness to embrace the uniqueness within oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Your strange isn't awake yet, I hope it is just sleeping in
Your unique and unconventional side hasn't fully emerged yet, and I hope it's just temporarily dormant.
I was over the moon when you said all was possible
I felt immense joy and excitement when you expressed that anything is achievable.
And I'm all signed up for the circus life in the flickering light
I am fully committed to a life filled with unpredictability and constant change, symbolized by the flickering light of the circus.
Of a backstage birthday we're singing in the hallway and we're drinking like we're scared
We are celebrating a birthday behind the scenes, singing and drinking with a sense of urgency and fear.
Oh, no touch
Avoiding physical contact
Oh, touch
Desiring physical touch
Your strange is not awake yet, I hope it's just sleeping in
Your unique and unconventional side hasn't fully emerged yet, and I hope it's just temporarily dormant.
I need someone to celebrate the wins
I am in need of someone to rejoice in our victories together.
I need someone to share this with
I desire a companion to experience this journey with.
Don't spend your whole life wondering why this ain't no normal life
Instead of spending your entire life questioning why this isn't a typical existence, embrace the uniqueness and embrace the adventures it brings.
Said you want to have a daughter, said you want to be a part of this big world
You mentioned your desire to have a daughter and expressed your wish to be involved in this vast world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Matthew Quinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind