This song was inspired by one of my favourite places in the world - the SS33 road out of Northern Italy over the Simplon Pass into Switzerland. The song's an allegory of course (like most Smivets songs) but that road is actually truly epic. Converted from a country track to a major route by the emperor Napoleon, it has everything - drama, romance, history, jaw dropping vistas. Oh and pretty much perpetual roadworks. We always like to stop and picnic right on the top of the pass - not this year or last year thanks to Covid, but maybe next...

Pulled in off the mountain highway The sparkling stars were closer than before Isiah said 1997 Ezekiel 2024 But all their prophecies came to nothing Which should have been no surprise Because faced with a wait for truth We are comforted by lies Mountain highway Mountain highway Well it never fails to stop your heart That majestic mountain highway As it twists betwixt the rocky rifts From Domodossola to La Valais The ascent has a scent of victory Like for Bonaparte before This impressive means of transportation Became an avenue of war Mountain highway Mountain highway We drove the mountain highway We were the best we'd ever been Came across an ugly crowd of misfits And found we fit right in But as we crested the airless summit We didn't see which way they went Stomping on the brakes Against the mad headlong descent Mountain highway Mountain highway Mountain highway Mountain highway