Mountains Made Of Steam

A Silver Mount Zion's 'Mountains Made Of Steam' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of hope, despair, and the fragile nature of human dreams. The song opens with a vivid image of a stormy ending, where water sinks boats, symbolizing the collapse of plans and aspirations. The lyrics question whether to abandon hope entirely, casting it into the ocean, a metaphor for surrendering to the vast, uncontrollable forces of life. This sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the nature of dreams and the resilience required to hold onto them.

The song juxtaposes two contrasting futures: a 'busted future' and a dream that the narrator urges us to believe in. This duality is emphasized through the repetition of 'believe in,' creating a sense of urgency and collective resolve. The lyrics speak to the messy, thunderous hearts of people, suggesting that despite the chaos and uncertainty, there is a shared human experience that binds us together. The imagery of soldiers sleeping in fields and mothers nurturing gentle dreams further underscores the theme of vulnerability and the enduring hope for a better future.

The recurring motif of 'angels in your palm' singing 'gentle worried songs' adds a layer of ethereal beauty to the song. These angels represent the fragile, yet persistent nature of our dreams, which are described as 'mountains made of steam.' This metaphor captures the paradox of dreams: they are grand and towering, yet insubstantial and fleeting. The song ultimately invites listeners to find solace in the sweetness of dreams and the collective human spirit, even amidst the stormy seas of life.