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.
Johnson Song
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Been running with the band
Sunny day, in line for pizza
When the rain came pouring in
But there's a band at the Bitter End
And they are playing your favorite song
Oh, but you play the tambourine wrong
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
The drummer plays like no tomorrow
Loudest band I've ever heard
I knew just what it was, but
I could not hear a word
And they're playing that Pixies song
Yes, you know just what I want
As you play the tambourine wrong
(They're singing)
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
(They're singing)
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
We dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
And I don't know of anyone who
Dances like you do
It's terrible, but oh, so honest
And it makes me want you
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
We dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
The lyrics to "Johnson Song" by Mt. Joy depict a scene in which the singer is taken out of California and finds themselves running with a band. They reminisce about a sunny day when they were in line for pizza, but then it starts raining. Despite the rain, there is a band playing at the Bitter End, and they are performing the singer's favorite song. However, there is a sense of disconnection as the singer notes that their companion plays the tambourine wrong. The repeated phrase of "Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la" suggests a joyful and carefree feeling, inviting everyone to dance away because "the Johnson's coming."
The second verse continues to highlight the singer's experiences with the band. The drummer's performance is described as loud, and even though the singer knows what the song is, they cannot hear the lyrics clearly. The band plays a Pixies song, which the singer appreciates, but once again, they notice the tambourine being played incorrectly. The repetition of the phrase "dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming" emphasizes the idea of letting go and enjoying the moment.
The final verse expresses the singer's admiration for someone who dances in a unique and genuine way, even though it may be considered terrible. The lyrics suggest that this person's dancing is both honest and captivating, evoking a desire within the singer. The song concludes with the reminder to dance away because "the Johnson's coming," emphasizing the need to embrace the present moment and the imminent arrival of something or someone important.
Overall, "Johnson Song" by Mt. Joy conveys a sense of carefree joy, celebrating the power of music and the enjoyment of dancing, even amidst life's uncertainties and imperfections.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me out of California
Remove me from my current situation in California
Been running with the band
I have been spending time and performing with the band
Sunny day, in line for pizza
On a sunny day, waiting in line to get pizza
When the rain came pouring in
Suddenly, it started raining heavily
But there's a band at the Bitter End
However, there is a band playing at the Bitter End (a venue)
And they are playing your favorite song
They are performing the song that you love
Oh, but you play the tambourine wrong
Unfortunately, you are playing the tambourine incorrectly
(They're singing)
The lyrics indicate a group of people singing
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Repetitive nonsensical syllables expressing excitement
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Keep dancing and enjoying yourself because the Johnsons are coming
The drummer plays like no tomorrow
The drummer performs with great enthusiasm and energy
Loudest band I've ever heard
They are the loudest band I have ever listened to
I knew just what it was, but
I recognized their music, but
I could not hear a word
I couldn't make out any of the lyrics
And they're playing that Pixies song
They are currently performing a song by the Pixies
Yes, you know just what I want
You understand exactly what I desire
As you play the tambourine wrong
While you continue to play the tambourine incorrectly
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Repetitive nonsensical syllables expressing excitement
Dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
Keep dancing and enjoying yourself because the Johnsons are coming
Oh la la la, oh la la la, oh la la
Repetitive nonsensical syllables expressing excitement
We dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
We continue to dance and have fun because the Johnsons are coming
And I don't know of anyone who
I cannot think of anyone who
Dances like you do
Dances in the unique way that you do
It's terrible, but oh, so honest
Your dancing may not be great, but it is incredibly sincere
And it makes me want you
Your dancing makes me want to be close to you
We dance away, 'cause the Johnson's coming
We continue to dance and have fun because the Johnsons are coming
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Caleb Nelson, Matthew Quinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sean Ramaker
Mt. Joy are simply amazing
ƬƁꪝ ɴᴀʏᴇᴇᴍ ⁰⁴ 𓅃
Love this song 💕 from Bangladesh 🇧🇩
Adam Chandler
So good!!!
TyRobot
this is the spiritual successor to The Band - Up On Cripple Creek 100% <3
Swiss Addict
I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midniiight toker.... Anyone else hear it?
Shrödinger’s Cat
truly a beauty
Rishi
Dope! 😊
Life Of Que
Youtube recommendations are doing me justice 😌🔥
Life Of Que
@sc6ut That's insane dedication with a crazy amount of passion🤯 Grind never stops for us all💪🏿
sc6ut
david has been on YT since i started using the site 🤯