Top 15 Songs of 2008!: 11!

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS - HERETIC PRIDE

Looking back at all the songs selected thus far, you’d be hard pressed to find much musical similarity between them. But, there is one constant in all of these songs: they’re very reliant on the production. Even Constructive Summer, which is a straightforward rock song, really puts the music front and center. Heretic Pride is at the other end of the spectrum. John Darnielle, the band’s singer (and arguably, the embodiment of the band) carries this song on his shoulders, with the guitar, drums, and keys all relegated to second-class status. They certainly contribute to this song’s excellence, but it’s Darnielle’s unique, nasal voice that makes this one of the best tracks of the year.

This song is about, well…exactly what it says it’s about. It’s about a heretic being put to death and the joy he takes in being put to death. It’s the culmination of his dream. So, despite having a fairly morbid concept, the song itself is utterly uplifting and joyful. Take a look at some of these lines:

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And the sun’s so hot I think I’ll catch fire and burn up
in the summer air so moist and sweet
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And there’s honeysuckle on the faint breeze today
With every breath I’m drawing in
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I waited so long and now I taste jasmine on my tongue
And I feel so proud to be alive
And I feel so proud when the reckoning arrives

Seriously, this is one cheery martyr. As for the significance of the song…well, I think there’s some pretty obvious commentary on how religious fanaticism works. But, apparently this song also just sort of fits in with a lot of The Mountain Goats’ catalog. Also, I saw one person who interpreted this song as call to live a life you’d be proud of when your time comes, which I have to be honest, I really like.