Julia
Mt. Joy Lyrics


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Straighten my sweater, fix my spine
Step up in line, I'm ordering food high
And I don't know why
I'm so nervous I won't make it
'Cause that's my favorite waitress
Those big brown eyes
I don't know what I ordered
But you're smiling like I can't afford it
Ooh

Addicted to TED talks
Waiting for lift off
But I didn't know it if it's doing much
'Cause I just lost my mind
In the fluorescent lights of my life
In my mind, a river running free like rabbits

But Julia
Fix me a blue sky in the world sun
And i'll be back now
Julia
How long, how long till I'm all gone?
'Cause here I am

Just stumbling down
Elysian Fields
A spanish moss
And a sudden feel
Silver moonlight in the trees
And the devil's in my bloodstream
Don't say you love the old me

Just stumbling down Elysian Fields
Your vision coming clear
And I don't know where home is
And the doors wide open

Julia
How long, how long, how long, oh lord, oh lord
Julia
How long, how long till it's all gone?
How long, how long?




'Cause you deserve a man to lead you in
But here I am just stumbling down Elysian Fields again

Overall Meaning

In "Julia," Mt. Joy sings about a man who is infatuated with his favorite waitress, Julia. As the song progresses, he seems to be battling with a sense of confusion or uncertainty in his own life, perhaps struggling with addiction, and he looks to Julia to fix him, to provide a "blue sky in the world sun." He recognizes that Julia deserves someone who can lead her, but he feels lost and "stumbling down Elysian Fields" – a reference to Greek mythology's "fields of happiness" where the blessed dead resided. The man seems to realize that he may not be that someone, but he's still drawn to Julia and can't shake his feelings for her.


The chorus of the song, with its repetition of "Julia, how long, how long till it's all gone?" can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one hand, it could be a plea to Julia to give him some kind of direction or hope in his life. On the other hand, it could be a question that the man is asking of himself – how long until he loses everything to his addiction or sense of aimlessness? Ultimately, the song seems to be about grappling with these big questions and seeking some kind of clarity or solace.


Line by Line Meaning

Straighten my sweater, fix my spine
I'm trying to keep my composure and make a good impression.


Step up in line, I'm ordering food high
I'm feeling anxious and nervous about making even simple decisions.


And I don't know why
I can't explain why I'm feeling so uneasy in this situation.


I'm so nervous I won't make it
I'm afraid of failure and not living up to my own expectations.


'Cause that's my favorite waitress
I'm especially anxious because I value this person's opinion.


Those big brown eyes
I find this person attractive and charming.


I don't know what I ordered
I'm too nervous to remember the details of the transaction.


But you're smiling like I can't afford it
I'm worried about seeming poor or inadequate in front of this person.


Addicted to TED talks
I'm interested in learning and expanding my horizons.


Waiting for lift off
I'm hoping to achieve something significant or transformative.


But I didn't know it if it's doing much
I'm uncertain whether my efforts are actually paying off.


'Cause I just lost my mind
I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality or sanity.


In the fluorescent lights of my life
I feel like I'm living in a sterile and artificial environment.


In my mind, a river running free like rabbits
My thoughts and emotions are scattered and hard to control.


Fix me a blue sky in the world sun
I'm hoping this person will help brighten my day and lift my spirits.


And i'll be back now
I'll return to this person and this feeling of happiness.


How long, how long till I'm all gone?
I'm worried about how much longer I can keep up this facade before I break down.


'Cause here I am
Despite my anxieties and insecurities, I'm still trying and still present.


Just stumbling down Elysian Fields
I feel lost and aimless, without a clear direction in life.


A spanish moss
A symbol of the South and its haunting beauty.


And a sudden feel
A sudden realization or sensation that overwhelms me.


Silver moonlight in the trees
A serene and peaceful image that contrasts with my internal turmoil.


And the devil's in my bloodstream
Something dark and dangerous is coursing through me.


Don't say you love the old me
I'm afraid this person won't accept me for who I really am.


Your vision coming clear
I'm starting to see things more clearly and honestly.


And I don't know where home is
I'm struggling to find my place in the world and my sense of belonging.


And the doors wide open
There are endless possibilities and opportunities, but I don't know how to choose.


Julia
This person is a source of comfort and happiness in my life.


How long, how long till it's all gone?
I'm worried about how long these good feelings will last before they fade or disappear.


You deserve a man to lead you in
I'm acknowledging this person's worth and value, and hoping to be a positive influence in their life.


But here I am just stumbling down Elysian Fields again
Despite my best intentions, I'm still struggling to find my way in life and relationships.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Matthew Ryan Quinn, James Samuel Cooper

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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