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.
New President
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Might not work better give it all your energy, might not work and it’s here
And I know it now and I want you to see me tear it down
Yeah, I don’t know how things got so fucked up and I don’t know why we’d give up.
Yes, we need a new President we need to fall in love again
Yep, we need a new President we need to fall in love.
We're gonna march down this boulevard. Were gonna march down right now
We're gonna march down this boulevard. Were gonna march down right now
We're gonna tear down these fascist clowns, we're gonna tear them down right now.
We're gonna tear down these fascist clowns and free the world around us now.
Might not work better give it all your energy, might not work and it goes so slow
Might not work better give it all your energy, might not work I let go
And I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry its true
I’m sorry, same story, same story, same story, same fools
Same story, same story, same story, same fools
Same story, same story, same story, same fools
Might not work better give it all your energy might not work and it goes…
And I know it now, and I want you to help me tear it down
Yep, we need a new President we need to fall in love again
Yes we need a new President we need to fall in love
"New President" by Mt. Joy is a politically-charged anthem that calls for change and a renewal of love in society. The lyrics reflect a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the current state of affairs, particularly in relation to the presidency. The repetition of the phrase "might not work better give it all your energy" emphasizes the uncertainty and difficulty of pushing for change, while acknowledging the potential for things to move slowly or not work at all.
The chorus highlights the need for a new president, suggesting that the current leadership has failed to bring about the desired outcomes. There is a plea to "fall in love again," indicating a desire for a new beginning and a return to hope. The mention of tearing down "fascist clowns" expresses a disdain for oppressive or authoritarian figures and a rallying cry for liberation.
The bridge acknowledges a sense of remorse and regret, with the repeated phrase "I'm sorry, same story, same fools." This could be interpreted as a recognition of past mistakes and a plea for forgiveness, while also acknowledging the repetitive nature of societal issues and the role that individuals play in perpetuating them.
Overall, "New President" serves as a powerful call to action, urging listeners to engage in the pursuit of change, to demand better leadership, and to foster a renewed sense of love and unity within society.
Line by Line Meaning
Might not work better give it all your energy, might not work and it goes so slow
It may not be successful, but it's worth putting in all your efforts, even if progress is slow.
And I know it now and I want you to see me tear it down
I am fully aware of the situation, and I want you to witness me dismantling it.
Yeah, I don’t know how things got so fucked up and I don’t know why we’d give up.
Honestly, I have no understanding of how things became so messed up, and I cannot comprehend why we would choose to surrender.
Yes, we need a new President we need to fall in love again
Indeed, we require a new leader who can inspire us to rediscover love and hope.
We're gonna march down this boulevard. Were gonna march down right now
We are determined to walk confidently down this street, and we will commence the march immediately.
We're gonna tear down these fascist clowns, we're gonna tear them down right now.
We are going to dismantle and defeat these foolish and oppressive leaders, taking action without delay.
Might not work better give it all your energy, might not work I let go
Although it may not yield the desired outcome, it is preferable to invest all your energy and continue striving instead of giving up.
And I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry its true
I deeply apologize, it is regretfully true.
Same story, same story, same story, same fools
It's the same narrative repeated over and over again by the same ignorant individuals.
Might not work better give it all your energy might not work and it goes…
Although it may not succeed, it is advisable to invest all your energy, even if the progress is uncertain.
And I know it now, and I want you to help me tear it down
I have come to realize the situation, and I request your assistance in dismantling it together.
Yep, we need a new President we need to fall in love again
Certainly, we are in dire need of a new leader who can inspire us to experience love once more.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind