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.
Lemon Tree
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just found a lemon tree
It's a bad day for my enemies
Yes, there's sugar water in the breeze
And I'm ready, I'm ready
So someone play guitar for me
I'm ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
The sweetness is around the seed
And I'm learning to keep going
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
Got me ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
When all of the lights remain
This is all that our time contains
(Let it roll)
(Let it roll)
(Now that we're alive)
The lyrics to Mt. Joy's song "Lemon Tree" depict a sense of freedom and release from negativity. The singer begins by expressing their discovery of a lemon tree, which symbolizes something refreshing and joyful. They see it as a bad day for their enemies, implying that they are finding happiness despite any hardships or negative circumstances. The mention of sugar water in the breeze adds to the imagery of sweetness and pleasantness surrounding them.
The singer longs for someone to play the guitar, which could symbolize a desire for music and creative expression to accompany their newfound positivity. They express a readiness to leave their physical body, suggesting a desire for transcendence and escape from the limitations of their current state. This desire to escape is further emphasized by the mention of marijuana, as they claim that even a small amount gets them ready to leave their body.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of connected energy and the power of thoughts. The singer wonders how they could know that someone was thinking of them while they were in the lemon tree, suggesting a belief in a deeper connection between individuals. They highlight the importance of finding the good in every soul and seeking out positive energy, even in the face of lies and deception.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of liberation, urging listeners to find sweetness and positivity in life, to seek transcendence, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings.
Line by Line Meaning
I just found a lemon tree
I have stumbled upon a source of joy and positivity
It's a bad day for my enemies
Today is not a good day for those who wish me harm
Yes, there's sugar water in the breeze
There is a sense of sweetness and serenity in the air
And I'm ready, I'm ready
I am prepared and excited for what is to come
So someone play guitar for me
I long for the soothing music that will enhance my experience
I'm ready to leave my body
I am ready to transcend my physical self and experience something greater
And oh, this could be rage
This intense emotion I feel could be interpreted as anger
We're flying to the space
We are soaring into the unknown
Between the lies we told
In the midst of the deceiving stories we've shared
And find the good in every soul is all
To discover the goodness within each and every person
Connected energy or how would I know
The bond between us is evident, enabling me to sense your thoughts
You were thinking of me in the tree?
Were you contemplating our connection while surrounded by nature?
The sweetness is around the seed
The pleasantness exists in the core of the situation
And I'm learning to keep going
I am gradually discovering how to persist and move forward
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
A small amount of marijuana has prepared me for this experience
Got me ready to leave my body
It has enabled me to detach from my physical form and be fully ready
When all of the lights remain
In moments of stillness when everything becomes clear and evident
This is all that our time contains
This is the essence and value of what our time together encompasses
(Let it roll)
Allow the energy and momentum to flow freely
(Now that we're alive)
Now that we are fully present and alive in the moment
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Matthew Quinn, Samuel Cooper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dustin Rhodes
Corrected:
I just found a lemon tree
It’s a bad day for my enemies
Yes, there’s sugar water in the breeze
And I’m ready, I’m ready
So someone play guitar for me
I’m ready to leave my body
And all of this could be arranged
We’d fly into the space between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy, or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the dream?
The sweetness is around the seed
And I’m learning to keep going
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
Got me ready, to leave, my body
And all of this could be arranged
We’d fly into the space between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy, or how would I know
You were thinking of me?
When all of the lies remain
But this is all that our time contains
Let it roll
Let it roll now that we’re alive
Brenda ForEvergreen
I just found a lemon tree
It's a bad day for my enemies
Yes, there's sugar water in the breeze
And I'm ready, I'm ready
So someone play guitar for me
I'm ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
The sweetness is around the seed
And I'm learning to keep going
Just an itty-bitty hit of weed
Got me ready to leave my body
And oh, this could be rage
We're flying to the space
Between the lies we told
And find the good in every soul is all
Connected energy or how would I know
You were thinking of me in the tree?
When all of the lights remain
This is all that our time contains
Maximus Prime
Amazed they don't get more attention on YouTube. Easily one of the most original and talented bands working today!
Darlan Alves
Good taste is only for few people, and those are us
zepp 1968
Absolutely love this.
Today's music gets such a bad rap about being pure garbage .
But this is awesome
Great song...great musicians..
In 2022
J-Hall
Any recommendations for songs like this. I love the “beat drop” and need to find more songs like this!
Bite_Goons_fishing
highly agreed
Eric Eric
That’s what I always say such a great band
Forevermore
This band and song in particular has the potential to transcend me into this.... this feeling and energy, like I’v found and achieved something truly amazing and am filled with adrenaline and I can’t help but just run... run around a big city scape with a big smile on my face . Music like this is so powerful ! 🙌🏽
john kitching
Mt Joy have never done a bad song in my opinion 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Martin
Sooo dope you guys absolutely killed it like always!!!🤟🏼🤟🏼🙌🏼
Kristan Pinard
Most underrated band