the Mountain Goats - Fresh Tattoo (Official Lyric Video)

From the album "Jenny From Thebes," out October 27 on Merge Records

Illustration by Daniel Murphy
Animation by Stephanie O'Byrne

FOLLOW the MOUNTAIN GOATS

FRESH TATTOO

Tattoo of the seventh shield
Still wet on my skin
You’re all crumpled up at the curb there
I think I’m going to take you in
Always had to follow my instincts
Usually I’m out on my own
You there by the road, wet and helpless
What happens if I take you home?

Well, you may forget the whys and where's
Of an old tattoo on your forearm there
But usually you recall the day you got one
And usually it fades in the sun

Headed for a season in exile
As the oracle predicted
According to reliable sources
In thirty days I’m getting evicted
Trying not to scratch where it itches
It takes a certain level of discipline
Not even half a second by the light switch
Let the future flood right in

Well, you may forget the whys and where's
Of an old tattoo on your forearm there
But usually you recall the day you got one
And usually it fades in the sun

Usually the lines grow faint
Like old house paint
Just a way to mark the years gone by
You lay on the couch three weeks
Until the color came back into your cheeks
I’d seen ones like you before
Plenty came through before

Legend on the shield in Greek
“What’s that say?” you said
I gave you an answer that I thought you’d buy
All of this will disappear in the twinkling of an eye

Well, you may forget the whys and where's
Of an old tattoo on your forearm there
But usually you recall the day you got one
And usually it fades in the sun
But not this one

Recorded January 16–22, 2023, at the Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Trina Shoemaker, assisted by Isaiah Page and Cade Roberts. Mastered by Brent Lambert.

Played by Alicia Bognanno, John Darnielle, Matt Douglas, Peter Hughes, and Jon Wurster, joined by Matt Nathanson and Kathy Valentine. Arrangements for strings and horns by Matt Douglas; strings played by Karen Galvin. Trombone by Evan Ringel.

[FodderMoosie]

Hey everybody, I think the Mountain Goats are a really good music group.

[Affexion_]

"until the color came back into your cheeks" couldn't hold back the tears after that. Like realizing that stranger in the store really is an old friend you thought died years ago.

[WhitneyWasson]

just lovely. having a little cry for my late friends who don't get to hear each new Mountain Goats song.

[NotJonJost]

3:20 If anyone wants to know what the tattoo actually says, here are several translations:
"I will bring him home and he shall have his city and shall walk in his ancestral house." (David Grene)
"I bring this injured exile back, to claim his portion in his father's hall." (John Stuart Blackie)
“I will bring this man back and he will have his city and move freely in his father's halls.” (Herbert Weir Smith)
This is from the play Seven Against Thebes, by Aeschylus. It is a statement made by Justice, embossed on a shield held by one of the titular seven, who are trying to retake Thebes for the sake of one of Oedipus' sons (the other son and he agreed to rule Thebes in alternating years, but the other son refused to step down).

[ramblingnonsense]

Wurster is fucking killing it on these Jenny songs so far. Some incredible drum grooves. But also, killer sax and horns going on here.

There's a terrific swell to both releases so far.

So hyped for another album, Mountain Goats fans stay winning.

[peachparker]

rock opera album. jaw dropped. im still in shock. i dont think i'll ever come out of it . the excitement is inescapable. unreal. indescribable. oh my god

[vik]

It really feels like John is tapping into his best musical and storytelling instincts on this one. It's shaping up to be my favorite since Transcendental Youth. Can't wait for more!

[nickl]

This is actually one of my favorite things John has ever written

[jamesburmester]

I’ve been listening to MG for decades it’s the hippest nerd music around

[Chessheromusic]

I’ve loved them all my life. And you’re right this is his best songwriting.
Them; granddaddy, the weakerthans and chesshero.
All have a unique beautiful songwriting style that is completely unique

[issymcinnes]

Love it already, but I can just tell this one will be a grower- unbelievably excited for the album

[davidfrisch]

One of my oldest friends died yesterday. This song helps a bit. Thank you! ❤

[nathannakonieczny]

I feel personally attacked by this song, I love it.

[ChloeEmily-pk]

A slow drift in to the snowbank heading down the mountain path. Brakes locked up. See it coming from a mile away. Brace for impact. It's not gonna hurt as bad as you might think. Mom Loves you John. You were always the best prophet for sharing Mothers gifts. Mom is sooo PROUD of you.

[khalewren]

The excitement i feel for this album is indescribable

[petrzelka]

So excited for this, their songs somehow feel nostalgic even if its the first time i listen to them

[forcederror]

I’m from the future and it is a good song

[jamesculverhouse]

Every single time i listen to the album and it gets to this song i have to either wait until im home from work or i just stop what im doing at home and watch this video. ❤

[georgesbugs]

I was falling asleep last night and this came into my head, put it on first thing next morning. so catchy

[davidskog]

I've had this on repeat for two weeks. What a great song! ❤