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.
Strangers
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ride through New York City like I'm famous
And if our lives don't work then we can change 'em
Lord knows we'll change, love will rearrange us, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Better not run when I'm hanging on, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
'Cause I am over you, I am over you
And I am over you, I am over you
I am over you, and I am over you
Flesh wound, little flesh wound
I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us
I'm everything I thought I was, even if I don't have much
My blue side, my fire eyes, my heart keeps me in the fight, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Better not run when I'm blind
'Cause I am over you, I am over you
And I am over you, I am over you
I am over you, and I am over you
Flesh wound, little flesh wound
Solo, other side now
I will be alright
Solo, other side now
I will be alright
I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us
The lyrics of Mt. Joy’s “Strangers” is a song that is about the aftermath of a failed relationship. The opening lines, “Well I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers / Ride through New York City like I'm famous,” suggest that the singer is trying to move on from a past relationship and start anew. The line, “Lord knows we'll change, love will rearrange us,” seems to reflect the realization that love is unpredictable and can quickly shift and alter the course of a relationship.
The song’s chorus – “If you want freedom, you better free someone / Better not run when I'm hanging on” – talks about the concept of holding onto something, whether it is a relationship or a feeling. The second verse, “I'm everything I thought I was, even if I don't have much / My blue side, my fire eyes, my heart keeps me in the fight,” is a self-reflection about the singer’s identity and thirst for growth despite experiencing pain and heartbreak.
Overall, “Strangers” can be seen as a song about navigating through the aftermath of a failed relationship, accepting the fact that change is a natural part of love and relationships, and finding strength in oneself to move on and embrace the uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
I suppose I'll need to start fresh with new people for a romantic connection
Ride through New York City like I'm famous
Travel through the city like a well-known celebrity
And if our lives don't work then we can change 'em
If our current situation isn't serving us, we have the power to make a shift
Lord knows we'll change, love will rearrange us, like
We will evolve and love will transform and shape us
If you want freedom, you better free someone
For those seeking freedom, they must first help others attain it
Better not run when I'm hanging on, like
Don't flee when I need your support and attachment
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Those in search of freedom must aid somebody else in obtaining it
Better not run when I'm blind
Stay with me when I'm unable to see the way forward
'Cause I am over you, I am over you
I've moved on and let go of our past together
And I am over you, I am over you
I no longer hold any attachment or feelings for you
I am over you, and I am over you
I've surpassed my affection for you and all remnants of what we had
Flesh wound, little flesh wound
The pain I carry from our relationship is minor and temporary
I'm everything I thought I was, even if I don't have much
I have lived up to my own expectations, regardless of my possessions
My blue side, my fire eyes, my heart keeps me in the fight, like
My fluctuating mood, intense gaze, and passion encourage me to press on
Solo, other side now
I am on my own and in a new phase of life
I will be alright
I will be okay and overcome any adversity
I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
I'll have to seek affection from unfamiliar people
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
I didn't wish to forget our past relationship
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us
Our quest for love altered our personality and identity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jacquelyn Miclau, James Cooper, Matthew Quinn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rosettesky
Lyrics (copied from AZ Lyrics)
Well I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And if our lives don't work then we can change 'em
Lord knows we'll change, love will rearrange us, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Better not run when I'm hanging on, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Better not run when I'm blind
Cause I am over you, I am over you
And I am over you, I am over you
I am over you, and I am over you
Flesh wound, little flesh wound
I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us
I'm everything I thought I was, even if I don't have much
My blue side, my fire eyes, my heart keeps me in the fight, like
If you want freedom, you better free someone
Better not run when I'm blind
Cause I am over you, I am over you
And I am over you, I am over you
I am over you, and I am over you
Flesh wound, little flesh wound
Solo, other side now
I will be alright
Solo, other side now
I will be alright
I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers
Go ride through New York City like I'm famous
And I did not want our love to be erased, but
Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us
Eliza Waters
Hey, I just want you to know I've listened to this song probably a thousand times now. It makes me feel infinitely better about life. So thanks for that Mt Joy. This song is an absolute gift.
kratos azar
Damn I love this song !
Ryan Boyle
Incredibly creative as usual. MTJ never stops impressing me. The sky is the limit when you’re this talented
Scott Drebsky
The music the world needs but doesn’t deserve🙌
gafnyms F
True
icandreamstream
I've been waiting for this music video since the song release, 100% worth the wait. You guys stuck to your roots and managed to do something super unique, yet it still hit me right in the feels. I teared up a little.
Meri
In love with this song since it was released, and the music video is bomb and on point. Mt Joy are my favorite band ever. I love the fact that their music has always a good message to send. Hope they'll get the attention and recognition they deserve and keep the same art they're releasing now. And I hope I will hear these musics live some day.
Todd Berman
What I love about the band, is that they didn’t start out to be a band. Solid songs with great musicianship and a strong social conscience without ego.
JP Yes I am
Me gusta esta canción, y el vídeo muy original, felicidades !!
Joey
I’ve listen to the Album a 1000 times. It’s a masterpiece. I’ve changed my favorite song so many times. Become is my favorite now. I wish nothing but good vibes and the best of luck to y’all.