"Mountain Song" was the first song written by the band in 1985, before a band name had even been decided upon. The song was initially recorded in 1986 and featured on the soundtrack to the film Dudes, starring Jon Cryer. This version can also be found as a track on the 1997 alternate & live cut compilation album Kettle Whistle. "Mountain Song" was re-recorded in 1988 for Nothing's Shocking.
The single, first released in December 1988, features only the Nothing's Shocking version and not the 1986 original. The b-side "Standing in the Shower... Thinking" is also taken from Nothing's Shocking. The single was re-released on April 18, 2009, to help promote the Jane's Addiction box set A Cabinet of Curiosities, released the same month. The packaging was generally the same but contained several inserts promoting the box set and the band's albums.
"Mountain Song" was named the 71st best hard rock song of all time by VH1.
The message of the song is that everyone views things differently and is entitled to their own opinion.
Despite the title, there are only two uses of the word "mountain" in this song: the opening lyric "Coming down the mountain," and in the second verse, which starts, "I was coming down the mountain."
Lyrics
Comin' down the mountain One of many children Everybody has Their own opinion Everybody has Their own opinion Holding it back Hurts so bad Jumped out of my flesh And i said Cash in! Cash in now honey Cash in now Cash in now Cash in now honey Cash in miss smith Cash in now! I was comin' down the mountain Met a child she had pin eyes We had the same opinion Had the same opinion She was holding it back It hurts so bad Jumping out of her flesh And i said Cash in! Cash in now honey Cash in now Cash in now Cash in now honey Cash in miss smith Cash in now!