Song: “The Mountain and the Moon”

Behind the Song

Looking at my song journal, I wrote the first version of this song on April 16, 2004.

I assembled the version you hear today mostly from those elements, with just a few changes.

I think the song was inspired by that period of my life after my high school years. After four eventful years, this was a time when I felt discouraged and depressed, after my “dreams had lost some grandeur coming true.” If I had to sum up the song with one word, it would be weary.

The opening lines of the first two stanzas — “I am searching for a memory” / “I am mining for a melody” — were directly inspired by a collection of songs by different artists called “Searching for a Melody,” that a co-worker and fellow songwriter copied for me.

I still like that phrase. It sums up what I’m often doing these days: strumming chords, searching for a melody, breathing life into my lyrics.

Lyrics

I am searching for a memory
to get me through the night.
A lazy day when I was in my prime
a summer afternoon, drenched in light.

I am mining for a melody
that will put me fast asleep.
I'm so tired of all these victories,
just another thing I cannot keep.

I've seen the mountain and the moon,
what's left to do?
I searched the earth for something more,
but what for?

I am reaching for a remedy
to help me breathe at last.
'Cause I've been running from these hollow dreams,
of a lonely youth, long since past.

I am hoping for a holiday
where I can get some rest.
Far away from all these games we play,
from another obstacle, from one more test.

I've seen the mountain and the moon,
what's left to do?
I searched the earth for something more,
but what for?

I am searching for a memory
to help me on my way.
A little dream inside this stormy sea,
a bit of bravery for one more day.
A bit of bravery for one more day.
Just a little bit of bravery, so I can make it one more day.