Between Two Mysteries

Album: Wind's Poem (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This atmospheric song was inspired by a mountain climbing adventure Mount Eerie's Phil Elverum embarked on up Mount Baker, which is in his home state of Washington. In our interview with Elverum, he explained: "It's the only actual alpine legitimate mountain climbing trip I've been on with ice picks and ropes and stuff. And I was just thinking about the absurdity of that endeavor, like getting to the top of the mountain and seeing, well, this is here. And then the world keeps going up above us. Like, there's more space."
  • Phil Elverum has no idea why he chose the name Mount Eerie for his solo project, and that mystery is reflected in this song. He told us: "I'm constantly thinking, What does this band name mean? Which is kind of why I have this name, because there's something to it that I don't quite understand, so I keep making up these songs to try to explain this ambiguous concept. It's kind of like a looming mountain above the world, invisible."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Curt Kirkwood of Meat Puppets

Curt Kirkwood of Meat PuppetsSongwriter Interviews

The (Meat)puppetmaster takes us through songs like "Lake Of Fire" and "Backwater," and talks about performing with Kurt Cobain on MTV Unplugged.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?