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.
Jenny Jenkins
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Counting our vices dear, and the shit that got us here
When I looked up it didn't have to be a language
No written rules or commandments
It was enough to be alive
One by one, two by two
Miss Jenny Jenkins
Even if I made it
So we take our time and skip around some
Half my love is on the run, half my love is on the run
Chase it down while I'm young
My car broke down somewhere up on Mulholland
And we watched the lights break on the imported palms
And we laughed out loud at all of the bullshit here
I'm dying on promises dear, in the Hollywood sun
One by one, two by two
Miss Jenny Jenkins
You know I wouldn't change things
Even if I made it
So we take our time and skip around some
Half my love is on the run, half my love is on the run
Chase it down while I'm young
One by one, two by two
Miss Jenny Jenkins
You know I wouldn't change things
Even if I made it
The lyrics of Mt. Joy’s “Jenny Jenkins” tell of the carefree lifestyle of the artist, who chooses to live without strict rules or plans. The line “We don't come down, we just stay up all year” is a perfect example of this. He counts his vices, the questionable choices that brought him to his current state, but shows no remorse or guilt. It is in this lifestyle that he finds contentment, simply the fact of living being enough for him.
The song mentions Jenny Jenkins, who represents the idea that the artist does not want to change his lifestyle, even if he has the chance to improve his circumstances. The lyrics “One by one, two by two, Miss Jenny Jenkins, You know I wouldn't change things Even if I made it” convey a message of appreciation for the freedom and authenticity of his life. The last verse of the song speaks of the moment his car broke down on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, a sign that his carefree lifestyle is not without its challenges. However, he and his companions continued to enjoy their time, laughing at the superficiality and pretense of Hollywood while listening to the sounds of palm trees breaking in the wind.
Overall, the song Jenny Jenkins is a message about living simply, enjoying the moment, and not being attached to material possessions or the perceived glamour of popular culture. It's a call to live a free-spirited life that embraces the here and now.
Line by Line Meaning
We don't come down, we just stay up all year
We don't allow ourselves to falter and always remain in high spirits throughout the year
Counting our vices dear, and the shit that got us here
Reflecting on the mistakes and poor decisions we've made that brought us to our current situation
When I looked up it didn't have to be a language
Sometimes we can find beauty and meaning in things that don't necessarily have a tangible explanation or language to express it
No written rules or commandments
Free from the confines of traditional rules and regulations
It was enough to be alive
Simply existing and experiencing life can be fulfilling and satisfactory
One by one, two by two
Slowly and steadily, step by step
Miss Jenny Jenkins
Possibly a figurative or imaginary character, representing something or someone important to the singer
You know I wouldn't change things
Content with the current state of things and not wanting to alter it
Even if I made it
Even if I achieved great success or accomplished my goals
So we take our time and skip around some
We take our time and enjoy life, not always sticking to a strict schedule or plan
Half my love is on the run, half my love is on the run
Love is sometimes fleeting and volatile, with half of it escaping or leaving
Chase it down while I'm young
Pursuing love while still youthful and energetic
My car broke down somewhere up on Mulholland
Experiencing unexpected setbacks or difficulties in life, possibly in a glamorous setting
And we watched the lights break on the imported palms
Observing the shimmering and glimmering beauty of the palm trees at night
And we laughed out loud at all of the bullshit here
Finding humor in the superficial or disingenuous aspects of Hollywood and the entertainment industry
I'm dying on promises dear, in the Hollywood sun
Feeling weighed down by pressure and expectations, possibly from commitments made in Hollywood
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: James Samuel Cooper, Matthew Ryan Quinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rubenelevated6735
You guys are getting bigger and bigger every day.. Wish i could see you guys live someday.. Love from India!!!
@jennisonjenkins5032
Hi. It me. Ms. Jenny Jenkins
@jennyjenkins877
Same. lol
@Dbo704
😂
@Tigerhat_animations
😂😂
@Shiftready
Same ! Also a Jenny Jenkins LOL 😂
Yall, please also look up "Jenny Jenkins" folk song by Jerry Garcia.
@suhaybyousif6278
How has this song not blown up yet?!
@chewy7013
If anyone knows the fella at 2:40, I would like to get in contact with him. I met him at Electric Forest 2018, he had an immense impact on me, such a beautiful soul.
@humanphillips3091
Nice
@trewenthome5604
Im so heartbroken & yall music really heals. When I loved you it didn’t have to be a language. No written rules or commandments 😢