Thank you Mario But Our Princess is in Another Castle

Mountain Goats & Kaki King

We got a Nintendo switch over Christmas and so we’ve been playing Super Mario Odyssey (which I’ve almost beat) So good ‘ol Mario has been on my mind and I remembered the great Black Pear Tree EP and dusted it off — a minor masterpiece that’s not on streaming platforms. You have to find a physical copy and it’s not cheap! Or watch illegally on YouTube.

John Darnelle is one of these incredible songwriters who can write a song about anything. So he doesn’t need to hoard his great songs — he can always write more. And on any subject.

This beautiful piece of art is told from the perspective of Toad who is frightened, but Mario comes to his rescue. A silly song that has me tearing up this afternoon. Love the piano and the light snare treatment. Great vocals with Kaki coming in at the end. And thanks to whoever put this video together — it really made my day.

I waited here all by myself
The room was dark and it smelled like sulfur
I heard the screams from way down in the darkness
Felt pretty sure my life was over

I kept my hat on just for luck
Sang simple tunes the whole night through
I wondered if I'd wake to find myself in flames
As I waited here for you

Yeah when you came in
I could breathe again

I saw some guys dressed up like sorcerers
Blue robes that flowed above the ground
They came and went and I was frightened for my life
I tried not to make a sound

Just when my solitude was closing in
I heard a howl like screeching tires
And I told you the one thing I know how to say
Through the bright ringing drone of 8-bit choirs

Yeah when you came in
I could breathe again