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.
Silver Lining
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Caught on the rail line
Up on the mountain
Caught on the rail line
My brother, let the heart just beat
Drink your wine, smoke your weed
My brother, let the heart still beat
And wear your silver lining
Wear it close to your skin
But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed
The love that took everything I own
Just take it oh oh oh
And tell the ones you love you love them
Teach only what you know, and oh
You better know it well
We drove from coast to coast
Down in New Orleans
Where the levees broke
You were tripping
I was driving
You were running
I was hiding
And you know I know how that feels
Don't get cheated, kid
Just sweep from your heels
And if you get carried away
Let the music play you through the pain
And wear that silver lining
Wear it close to your skin
But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed
The love that took everything I own
Just take it oh oh oh
And tell the ones you love you love them
Teach only what you know, and oh
You better know it well
Up on the mountain
Caught on the red light
Up on the mountain
Caught on the rail line
The song "Silver Lining" by Mt. Joy is a reflective piece about the ups and downs of life, conveyed through vivid imagery and emotional lyrics. The opening lines "Up on the mountain, caught on the rail line" paint a picture of a moment of pause, of being stuck between two places, and contemplating the journey ahead. The following lines "My brother, let the heart just beat, drink your wine, smoke your weed" invite the listener to find comfort in the simple pleasures of life, to let go of worries and embrace the present moment.
The recurring motif of the silver lining is used to convey the idea that even in the toughest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, something positive to hold on to. The lines "But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed, the love that took everything I own, just take it oh oh oh" suggest that life's struggles can come in many forms, but that it's important to accept them and move on, to focus on what really matters in life, which is the people we love and the things we know to be true.
Line by Line Meaning
Up on the mountain
In a state of elevation or emotional high
Caught on the rail line
Unable to move forward or make progress
My brother, let the heart just beat
Don't let the hardships of life stop you from living and feeling
Drink your wine, smoke your weed
Indulge in the simple pleasures of life to cope with stress and anxiety
My brother, let the heart still beat
Don't let the weight of the world stop your heart from beating
And wear your silver lining
Always look for the positive in every situation
Wear it close to your skin
Carry this positive outlook with you at all times
But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed
If these things are what get you through tough times
The love that took everything I own
Or if love has left you with nothing
Just take it oh oh oh
Embrace it and carry on
And tell the ones you love you love them
Express love and gratitude to those who matter most
Teach only what you know, and oh
Impart only valuable wisdom to others
You better know it well
Make sure you practice what you preach
We drove from coast to coast
Travelled far and wide, exploring the world
Down in New Orleans
Specifically, visited the city of New Orleans
Where the levees broke
A reference to Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused
You were tripping
You were in a state of confusion or chaos
I was driving
I was taking control and moving forward
You were running
You were avoiding your problems or trying to escape them
I was hiding
I was taking the necessary precautions to keep myself safe
And you know I know how that feels
I understand the struggle you're going through
Don't get cheated, kid
Don't let life or people take advantage of you
Just sweep from your heels
Brush off the negativity and move forward
And if you get carried away
If you lose yourself or get caught up in the moment
Let the music play you through the pain
Allow music to soothe and comfort you during difficult times
Up on the mountain
In a state of elevation or emotional high
Caught on the red light
Stopped or hindered from moving forward
Up on the mountain
In a state of elevation or emotional high
Caught on the rail line
Unable to move forward or make progress
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Matthew Ryan Quinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ShmeatPacker
Up on the mountain
Caught on the rail line
Up on the mountain
Caught on the rail line
My brother, let the heart just beat
Drink your wine, smoke your weed
My brother, let the heart still beat
And wear your silver lining
Wear it close to your skin
But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed
The love that took everything I own
Just take it oh oh oh
And tell the ones you love you love them
And teach only what you know, and oh
You better know it well
We drove from coast to coast
Down in New Orleans
Where the levees broke
You were tripping
I was driving
You were running
I was hiding
And you know I know how that feels
Don't get cheated kid
Just sweep from your heels
And if you get carried away
Let the music play you through the pain
And wear that silver lining
Wear it close to your skin
But if it's the drugs, the women, the wine, the weed
The love that took everything I own
Just take it oh oh oh
And tell the ones you love you love them
Teach only what you know, and oh
You better know it well
Up on the mountain
Caught on the red light
Up on the mountain
Caught on the rail line
@ThinkBeyondTheBox
This is the kind of song that you listen to at night. You're driving home from a long day at work. You pull up and yet you don't get out of the car until the song is finished. You just let it hit you.
@planetruths1373
I just drove around the block...
@kwclicks9961
100% accurate
@ErinMichelle
On point
@stevenbcarter5811
perfect explanation Thomas S...love this tune!
@danielgadberry4998
Holy fuck...this comment hit me hard. That feeling when you realize you're not the only one.
@shmaxwellolson5961
I didn’t know this song was about addiction. I just played the video for the first time in front of my family after dinner. I lost it when he pulled out that key tag. We lost my big bro over a year ago before i got clean. When i hear "My brother let the heart still beat" i can hear my brother saying it. I love you Mitchell and I miss you every day. I live for both of us now.
@bkgamerplayz1101
This deserves a comment:)
@bkgamerplayz1101
Thats very sad but beautiful
@thefattireflyer213
Beautiful