Fire On the Mountain

Album: Cradlesong (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This grandoise pomp rock number, which is built around one chord, draws upon Dave Eggers' What is the What for its lyrical inspiration. The 2006 novel is based on the real life story of Sudanese refugee Valentino Achak Deng. Thomas said in publicity materials: "You know how it is when you're in a book, you're living in that space. This is the first time I've ever done a song where I didn't really write down the lyrics; I just sang them."
  • Thomas told The Canadian Press that this stirring depiction of struggle and destruction amongst Sudanese isn't a political song per se, "It's a political situation, or a situation drawn out of politics, but it wasn't a political song," he said. "It is a human song."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.