The Mountain Goats - No Children

If this song doesn't break your heart, I suspect you might not have one.


Quick, what's the saddest song in the world?

Incorrect, the answer is No Children by the Mountain Goats. (hint: your answer was irrelevant)

Musically, simplicity is the order of the day.  Acoustic guitar provides the songs core, with a simple set of chords that provide the songs undercurrent.  The bass walks around the chord progression, almost serving as more of a lead than is usual for the instrument.  A piano accents the chord changes and occasionally takes over for the vocals with a melody of such stately beauty it resonates in the heart long after the song ends.

Vocally, John Darnielle's voice sounds thin and desperate, but never weak.  He sings with such venom and such passion that the songs message would be conveyed even to someone who never spoke the language.

Venom and Passion are this songs lifeblood.  It tells the story of a failed relationship that hasn't disintegrated.  And you can't help but shake the feeling that it's not going to either.  The couple portrayed in this song is one that's been together for years, one that has grown thick with hatred but is still too stuck together to break apart.

Part of the appeal of the song is that the reasons for the strife are never alluded to (except possibly by the title) instead it focuses on stark images of discontent and self loathing.  Neither party comes off better here.  Instead we're left with the image of love turned toxic.

When the piano comes in, it near lifts us out of the crushing bleakness of the song, but the lyrics will stay with you long after the melody is over.

Hopeless, haunting and achingly beautiful.  Your life is less complete without having heard it.

Posted in: goats, mountain, mountain goats, Music, Music Review, no children, the mountain goats