From the recording Land Of The Living (2001)
(guitar tuned down a whole step (DGCFAD). I call it “slack tuning”)
I recall writing this early in the morning Sept. 8, 1996. It’s yet another song about the mountains. If ever I had a lyric mistakenly taken for an off-brand of bathroom humor this would be the one (It’s “torrid sea”, not “toilet seat”.)
I still revel in the simplicity and catchiness of the chorus; a memorable moment when those words were released from pen to paper. They flowed forth as if they were meant to be. A song of repetition: both in the error of my ways and the grace by which those moments are forgiven and forgotten. The sea, they say, has no memory. So perhaps the nautical setting for this song is appropriate. There seems to be no end to the faithfulness and patience of the Maker of broken records… As Tim Robbins’ character, Andy Dufresne, in the movie The Shawshank Redemption states, “Remember that hope is a good thing, and a good thing never dies”.
Lyrics
I Know The Mountains
don’t drink the water, don’t breathe the air
something’s not right, I am aware
hold my calls and stop the press
wait for a signal or any S.O.S.
drop my anchor, I must go ashore
to see for myself the wounds my vessel bore
map and compass lost I merely wander
but when I run away do you grow fonder?
I know the mountains will rise high again
I know the letters will make words again
I know the winter will grow warm again
a tiny man gets lost on a torrid sea
but most proclaim your victory
all I have, I give to you
so tear down these walls that you see through
I know the mountains will rise high again
I know the letters will make words again
I know the winter will grow warm again
do you grow tired of telling me the same thing?
you must grow tired of telling me the same thing
I know the mountains will rise high again
I know the letters will make words again
I know the winter will grow warm again
I know the mountains will rise high again