The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto 'Mountain Song', which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. The hurt makes you different (You'll be a freak), but in the end you're not alone because she is like you - and she'll always be there (And I'll keep you company). She tells him that things won't get better by themselves (Don't cross your finger/Sundays will never change), the world and the bullies will always be out there (They keep on coming). But she knows it's hard but can help you when it feels too continue (Signal if you can't/Say, 'no more'). But she says you can bring yourself out by taking your life back (Don't be a fool, make it easier/You'll learn to say when). She says I see you are hurting because she was there too (Say you were me/Then you could see the view/You'll know we are equally damaged). She tells him to take things slowly (Find your name/Do it all the same equally) and to ask for help when it's too much (Signal when you can't breathe no more). Perhaps it's a loss, or bullying, or depression but the singer sees how it has broken him and it's familiar (Guess we're equally damaged).

The song is about reaching out to someone who has been suffering deeply by themselves (Maybe again/he will be alone)and to help them come out of the darkness.

For the damaged coda by blonde redhead