Moses On The Mountain
Peer Gunt
The Struggle for Identity in a Modern World
Peer Gunt's song "Moses On The Mountain" delves into the challenges and disillusionments faced by young individuals as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful idealism and the harsh realities that often accompany it. The young man and woman in the song represent the universal experience of entering adulthood with high hopes, only to be met with the often unforgiving nature of the world. The metaphor of young love being as strong as a hurricane but blind highlights the intensity and naivety of youthful emotions, which are frequently at odds with the world's harshness, likened to a freight train running them down.
The refrain, "Who can be Moses on the mountain," serves as a powerful metaphor for seeking guidance, leadership, and a sense of purpose in a world that seems increasingly impersonal and materialistic. Moses, a biblical figure known for leading his people to freedom and receiving divine guidance on Mount Sinai, symbolizes the quest for higher meaning and direction. In the context of the song, this refrain questions who can rise above the superficiality and pressures of modern life to find true purpose and lead others.
The lyrics also critique the superficiality and control exerted by modern society. References to plastic cards, plastic smiles, and the impersonal nature of jobs and possessions underscore the sense of alienation and loss of individuality. The warning to not give away one's name or number reflects a fear of losing one's identity and autonomy in a world that seeks to categorize and control. Ultimately, "Moses On The Mountain" is a poignant reflection on the struggle to maintain one's ideals and identity in a world that often seems determined to erode them.