the Mountain Goats - Heel Turn 2 (Jordan Lake Sessions)

the Mountain Goats play “Heel Turn 2” for "the Jordan Lake Sessions". Recorded live in studio at Manifold Recording in Pittsboro, NC, on August 8 & 9, 2020
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LYRICS
Get stomped like a snake
Lie down in the dirt
Cling to my convictions
Even when I get hurt
Be an upstanding well-loved man about town
In your child's mind that's how it goes down
But I tried
The losing side
I don't want to die in here
I don't want to die in here
Drift down into the new dark light
Without any reservations
You found my breaking point
Congratulations
Spent too much of my life now trying to play fair
Throw my better self overboard, shoot at him when he comes up for air
Come unhinged
Get revenge
I don't want to die in here
I don't want to die in here
Stay good under pressure
For years and years and years
President of the fan club up there
Choking on his tears
Let all the trash rain down
From way up in the rafters
I'm walking out of here in one piece
Don't care what comes after
Drive the wedge
Torch the bridge
I don't want to die in here
#theMountainGoats #HeelTurn2 #JordanLakeSessions

[@MissAmericanPie88]

“The point of turning into the villain isn’t to become the villain: you just want everyone to see your pain.” -John Darnielle, Fall 2015 tour

[@jackm.j.3549]

I hate to be one of those guys, but this song saved my life. I genuinely don't know if I would have made it through a rough patch I had without it.

[@orenbec]

Love thy self, brother. I know it’s hard but just keep being you and find the love within. My 2 cents. Love you man. Hope you are thriving, now. Hugs, -Oren

[@sealabtucker9278]

Hey pal. It saved mine too. I even got HEEL TURN tattooed on my knuckles.

[@rickyreed1792]

It didn’t save your life, you saved your own life. This was just the soundtrack.

[@twinkletoesmcfingerbang9742]

End it now then, it’s not too late! Perhaps you shouldn’t have made it through then, if you credit a song to your salvation. In my opinion, you’re doing yourself an incredible disservice. This song didn’t do shit for you, not one fucking thing….YOU did it. Give the credit where it’s due, or be a whiny little pus filled vag. It’s your choice I suppose.

[@MotherSmuckers]

It’s ok to be a little punk rock sometimes

[@matthewhart3423]

I see a whole other metaphor in this song, about someone who tried to make everyone happy by being a people pleaser and being someone who they aren't, and they decided to burn the bridge of who they used to be and finally make themselves happy no matter who it bothers.

[@kingcrimson4133]

I think this interpretation, as well as the literal interpretation of a wrestler's heel turn, are meant to be taken together. I'm not a fan of pro wrestling, but the emotional image this song paints of what such an event means to both the wrestler and his fans is enough to bring me to tears.

[@Anonymous-vy1py]

Spot on. It's similar for me, although another way I look at it is just cos recent years I have felt too weak and unseen to fight back against the strong and seen world, so for me it expresses the frustration and redemption of that. "I don't want to die in here" [I.e. I don't want to die as my current self, I want my life to change before it's too late] Fair winds and following seas to you :)

[@polkaputo3226]

@@kingcrimson4133 i’m a huge wrestling fan, and you’re right. when it’s done right, heel turns can be legit traumatic. pro wrestling is a beautiful art form that speaks to the most fundamental aspects of being human. not only that, its whole business is toying with the audience’s emotions. heels especially have a responsibility to find your nerve and strike it as hard as humanly possible. back in the 80s-prior when wrestling was very different than it is today, it wasn’t uncommon for heels to be assaulted by fans - punched, stabbed, doused in battery acid, you name it. the lyrics in this song are not at all exaggerating. they’re meant to be taken literally and figuratively at the same time cus that’s what happens in wrestling. we’re taken on the entire journey of the good guy who grows tired of being the good guy getting him nowhere. it’s why we react so strongly when we finally see him snap.

[@Walterworld]

I agree , thats why I relate to this song

[@JimJones-ih1er]

It's fun, when you realize it's okay to reciprocate what some people give out, protecting yourself & watching all of others control of you burn

[@Walterworld]

Im 49 and my gramma , gramp, and mother all just died in quick succession,, Then my daughter had a baby, I went from grandson and son to grandfather seemingly overnight. Quite the pendulum swing.. Also self employed and i spent the last 10 years under charging and now my house is about to enter repo mode, This is the song i play on repeat while i cry..

[@christianhurry3219]

all brilliant musicians, but these sessions really highlight Jon's drumming! Tastefully done and such a nice feel!

[@doodlebug36]

I love that so much camera time is given to the brilliant Jon Wurster, one of the best drummers ever.

[@Anonymous-vy1py]

4:56 is someone ready and wanting to be transformed 5:28 is someone transforming 6:00 is someone transformed

[@2Stripez]

John Darnielle is a magical anime girl confirmed

[@Technodreamer]

*sighs and adds it to the favorites list*

[@Anonymous-vy1py]

4:10 the way John casually strolls through the corridors mid-song legendary

[@jare___]

I first found this song when I was in high school, a buddy of mine worked at a local record store and got a CD a few days early. This song, out of the whole album (which is a masterpiece as is) has stayed with me ever since. It’s one of the few songs I remember hearing for the first time. It meant a lot then, and a lot now. Myself, and a lot of other queer folks I know, have really resonated with it and the ideas behind it. Who knew a song about being a villain wrestler could be a beautifully painful and poignant allegory for the general queer experience! Absolutely top 3 favorite songs of all time for me.

[@bcurtis363]

You know it’s a song about making people hate you on purpose right?

[@bcurtis363]

Like….that’s quite a thing to say about the queer community

[@morganvincent8250]

Once a song's released, its not owned anymore. After that, Any interpretation is the right interpretation@@bcurtis363

[@vinnyoz4709]

@@bcurtis363 I know you posted this reply 5 months ago but I wanted to add my two cents. When I was in highschool and closeted I was pushed around and stomped on, but I was the good kid. I came out and the stomping just harder. But I took it because in the end, at least I was loved right? One day I just couldn't take it anymore, the emotional and physical and sexual abuse was too much. I didn't care that people loved me anymore I no longer cared that I was inspirational to those who "accepted" my identity. One day I turned around and punched a kid. And I became hated, but I was still loved, loved by those also pushed around and stomped on. I started talking back. I started fighting. I didn't care anymore. It's been 8 years and I've delt with my trauma in a healthy way. And I'm slowly helping my inner child heal. But when I hear this song I'm put back into that moment where it was all so much and it bubbled over and I threw that first punch. And it feels good. Sometimes being queer is about being openly hated. And that's okay. People will always cheer for me regardless of if I'm a face or a heel.

[@StephenGalet]

@@vinnyoz4709 you keep on fighting alright. Much love from Colombia.

[@mintmeal]

when john stands up for a second and disappears, just for him to show up again at the piano with the biggest smile on his face, and matty nodding back... this is probably my favorite performance of any song ever, beat the champ is so special and this performance is just perfect. the piano solo feels a lot less lonely than in the original with the rest of the band present, it's such a drastic change but god do i love it

[@NateMacT]

From his little shoulder groove move, to his open mouth bc it just feels right, to him looking up at Matt. An Absolute Spectacular display of emotion to witness, and dance too

[@StonerWaifu]

Totally wasn't expecting the guitar solo big rock ending there. This is probably my favourite performance of all time, of anything ever. The joy John exudes when he's on the piano is infectious.

[@Drijen]

Wurster is a drum-demon in man form.

[@blackwillow27]

“i’m walking out of here in one piece, don’t care what comes after” this line really resonates with me. I struggled with a huge rough patch at the end of college and i would get down on myself for not doing well enough on my work despite what i was dealing with. looking back on it now, my sentiment is more like… i SURVIVED. fuck the rest.

[@OliviaCLTFC]

i know everyone has their opinion on what the saddest tmg song is but this is it for me. it so brilliantly captures how depression turns you from jekyll into hyde. and then one day you have to look yourself in the mirror and realize what you’ve become and either fix it and repair those bridges or risk becoming even worse. beat the champ gets slept on as their best album imo.

[@sdm1568]

Alt interpretation - being something you're not, and burning bridges and cutting ties so the you can function. I came out as trans 15 years ago, lost all my family and friends because of it. My transition experience was a lot like that of a wrestling heel. At some point, you have to realize you need to get up out of the dirt, finish the damn match and keep your head up despite the trash and boos reigning down. I agree, this album is one of their absolute best.

[@claybowman1242]

It’s funny how my heel turn was just getting out of bed and deciding I deserve to live, I had to feel like a villain and really lean into it just for that. This song gets me ready to fuck shit up every time, an absolute favorite,

[@Malardanova]

I kept it together at the concert I went to a couple months ago but when tbis song started just those it few chords hit the dam was broken and the tears flowed. An easy favorite by the goats

[@pauldavidson6250]

This song taught me that it's okay to be an asshole. Sometimes.

[@colorlessking2983]

I don't see how it taught you that but good for you friend 👍

[@iodinex64]

I'M WALKING OUT OF HERE IN ONE PIECE, DON'T CARE WHAT COMES AFTER!

[@doodlebug36]

How anyone could give a thumb down to this would have to be insane.

[@somethingcooliguess]

I’ve been scouring the Jordan Lake Sessions videos trying to find the song where John just goes OFF on the piano at the end and was looking exclusively at videos where he starts on piano. So glad it wasn’t just a fever dream. Love this song and this session so much in particular.

[@grantm3332]

Always loved this song, and this version is even better!!

[@LiMCRiMZ]

This is one of the greatest videos to ever pass through my autoplay, automatically a huge fan of the sound 😍

[@pucktoad]

HT2 was a song I did not originally enjoy, but man as I listened it grew on me. The story of someone selling their soul.

[@hollyplays2478]

Can't wait to see the band in Denver tonight at the Larimer! My heart is hoping for Heel Turn 2, Broom People, Tidal Wave, Pale Green Things, and Palmcorder Yajna!

[@mattbrooks8708]

Not sure if that’s why you said this but they played literally all of those at the Gothic last night.

[@hollyplays2478]

@@mattbrooks8708 Yeah I saw that so I hope they don’t change the set list too much tonight!

[@eggspress8043]

did they play any?

[@papajohn6839]

This is one of my favorite mountain goats songs and this version is somehow even better than I could have imagined

[@AzaleaSprouts]

Gosh, the outro almost visits a sort of Baba O'Riley-esque kind of place and I am absolutely here for it.

[@brandonmeier1361]

This is just my favorite song ever I can't stop with this song. It's always in my head

[@samjan718]

Brings me to tears tbh

[@kyleholbrook302]

This version of the song is so brilliant!❤️

[@pahbody5336]

I’ve been listening to this one so much recently

[@DesperoVitae]

This is one of he most textured versions of one of the straight up best songs ever set to music. This is an all time best, for any band.

[@eldritchbf8223]

the second half of this video is a genuinely transcendent experience

[@TimChuma]

I still remember this song from their show at the Toff in Town in 2017. I ended up leaving early but remembered this one.

[@David-do8ng]

I've never headbanged at a Mountain Goats show before. This version is so good!

[@lumburgapalooza]

Favorite album of all time, an emotional journey from start to finish... about wrestling.

[@snackbaron1337]

I always come back to check the comments. Such a great version of such a great song🖤

[@ItTakesTwoReviews]

I love this version

[@HolaHola-tq8xx]

Outstanding! What a way to kick off he weekend!!! Come back to Germany soon.

[@notquiteaghost]

seeing you uploaded this, my absolute favourite mountain goats song, on my birthday sure is making me feel a way

[@loolhasj]

Fantastic. One of, if not my favorite Mountain Goats songs :-)

[@bear_6875]

Hot damn I love this song.

[@louisp.2798]

My favorite

[@chriswilson1372]

Absolutely amazing… nothing else I can say

[@DaeZey]

Absolutely sublime.

[@tjjamz1174]

Breathtaking

[@BFonville]

I was thinking "why is this song 7 mins?" Oh, well now.

[@Flangel66]

I am genuinely considering sending this song as my resignation letter for work. "I'm walking out of here in one piece: don't care what comes after."

[@drugbuddy665]

🔫 now do heel turn 1

[@colinplaceholder833]

thank you

[@Phished123]

I love the line "I dont want to die in here" because it hints at and can mean so many different things. As someone else in these comments said, it can help lend a metaphorical meaning of someone going through major life changes that make them realize they arent the person they thought they were. They need to change before its too late. It also speaks to the connection between the literal meaning of the song, about a wrestlers heel turn, to that figurative meaning. It also points to an old wrestling adage, that a major difference between the good guy and the bad guy, is that the heel is smart enough to not risk his life during the course of a match, and the face is too dumb/virtuous to know otherwise than to risk his life. In addition there is a bit of a tinge of hypocrisy in the cry of "I dont wanna die in here" at least in the literal interpretation, if you apply out of storyline logic. The wrestler turning heel has to know that in actuality, a well executed heel turn is more likely to end in him actually being hurt by the president of the fanclub, for example.

[@kingnone6656]

looking for 1 ticket to dallas show. will pay for 2 if need be

[@thebeesknees2point0]

Me: this song is beautiful and serious and emotional. Also me, singing to myself: “I don’t wanna dye my beard”

[@PeppertoCB]

wait a second this isn't lisa the pointless!

[@dreborst23x]

Is that a semi-hollow tele ?

[@mikewheatley5523]

It doesn't appear to be a fender (though they made a semi-hollow tele back in the 60's, briefly.) I, too, am curious to the exact type of gitfiddle matt is wielding

[@mikewheatley5523]

I've been curious about this myself for some time, and tonight did some digging. Accurate assessment, mostly, assembled by a luthier named Brian Haran in NC

[@singtomeofautumnleaves]

sometimes there's not enough letters to write the right words.

[@nihilistchannel4598]

This song is sung and kayfabe

[@Chrisnotthefirst]

This video is like watching Stairway to Heaven or Layla in an NPR Tiny Desk concert.

[@coribald]

well, go off i guess

[@texasfly8865]

If you've ever worked an office job with horrible culture, you know this feeling.

[@jarvvoitlus9458]

there's tough competition among mountain goats songs but i believe this takes the first place as transgender anthem

[@nicolebee3283]

Over Hebrews 11:40? That song is the most transgender to me.

[@staybored2088]

,

[@drluch1522]

The greastest band on the planet. That is all

[@jackm.j.3549]

I hate to be one of those guys, but this song saved my life. I genuinely don't know if I would have made it through a rough patch I had without it.