Baby's in the Mountains
Peter Godwin Lyrics


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the streets are dirty - not made of gold
city lights city nights - it's hot and cold
how we loved it - young and young at heart
words and colours - we all played a part
she had it every way - she really got around
she's feeling frightened now- she thinks she'll settle down

baby's in the mountains - the air is cleaner there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna think it out
baby's in the mountains - of course she's higher there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna work it out
and think about the future

distorted time - bends the future
shadows and lines - everything's brighter
how we loved it - love at first lay
an old obsession - to go our separate ways
we had it every way - it really got me down
she's feeling guilty now - but what else has she found

baby's in the mountains - the air is cleaner there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna think it out
baby's in the mountains - of course she's higher there
baby's in the mountains - try to forget it all
and think about another romance

she had it every way - she really got around
she's getting frightened now - she thinks she'll settle down

baby's in the mountains - the air is cleaner there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna think it out
baby's in the mountains - of course she's higher there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna work it out
and think about the future

baby's in the mountains - the air is cleaner there
baby's in the mountains - she's gonna think it out
baby's in the mountains - of course she's higher there




baby's in the mountains - try to forget it all
and think about another romance

Overall Meaning

The song "Baby's in the Mountains" by Peter Godwin is a song about a woman who leaves the city to go to the mountains. The opening lyrics describe the city as dirty and not made of gold. The city is presented as a place of contrast, marked by city lights and nights that are both hot and cold. The lyrics suggest that the woman in question loved the city when she was young, describing it as a place where she played a part in a world of words and colors. However, as time passed, she began to tire of the city and started to feel frightened. This is where the chorus comes in, describing how the woman has moved to the mountains in search of clarity, fresh air, and a chance to think things through.


The second stanza of the song continues to juxtapose the city and the mountains. The city is described as a place where time is distorted and the future seems unclear. On the other hand, the mountains offer clear direction, and everything is brighter there. The lyrics go on to suggest that the woman has gone through a breakup with the singer, as they "loved it" before, but eventually went their separate ways. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, suggesting that the woman is going to work things out and think about a future, potentially with a new romance.


Line by Line Meaning

the streets are dirty - not made of gold
The city may offer opportunities, but it's not perfect.


city lights city nights - it's hot and cold
The city is constantly changing, it can be both amazing and challenging.


how we loved it - young and young at heart
We used to enjoy the city's youthful energy and liveliness.


words and colours - we all played a part
We all contributed to the vibrancy and diversity of the city's culture and community.


she had it every way - she really got around
She experienced the city's excitement and opportunities in every possible way.


she's feeling frightened now- she thinks she'll settle down
She's scared of the big city and she wants to find peace in a new environment.


baby's in the mountains - the air is cleaner there
She's now in the mountains where the air is refreshing and unpolluted.


baby's in the mountains - she's gonna think it out
She's taking time away from the city to reassess and gather clarity on the next steps.


baby's in the mountains - of course she's higher there
Being higher in the mountains symbolizes a new height and perspective in life.


baby's in the mountains - she's gonna work it out and think about the future
She's going to find a way to resolve her fears and uncertainties and look forward to a brighter future.


distorted time - bends the future
The uncertain and unpredictable nature of the future can be stressful and scary.


shadows and lines - everything's brighter
Sometimes you need to look at things from a different angle to see the light in them.


love at first lay
Love at first sight, but with a sexual undertone.


an old obsession - to go our separate ways
It's an old obsession of ours to want to leave a relationship and pursue separate paths.


we had it every way - it really got me down
We've done everything imaginable, but it all started to feel overwhelming.


she's feeling guilty now - but what else has she found
She's experiencing guilt for having to leave the city, but can't find anything better there.


baby's in the mountains - try to forget it all
She's trying to leave the past behind in the hopes of finding peace and new beginnings.


and think about another romance
She's considering the possibility of falling in love again in a new place.




Contributed by Carson B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@laurenjohnston3390

... one last thing, I have always felt the essence of what the song meant; honoured to have the details, however, shared by the very person who wrote it.

My father is actually a jazz pianist with a range of work (original member of The Poppy Family/'Seasons in the Sun'). In the late 70's he arranged/recored a chic dance track for Terry Jacks called 'Little High Thing' (Private Pink). I am a disco-child; still a favourite vintage track. In fact, Dj Dimitri (Paris) discovered and put it on a cocktail completion some years back.

I'm terrible to forward but, if you have a second (and can find it - several uploads), I could see it putting a smile on your face.

Warmest regards.

Lauren.



All comments from YouTube:

@petergodwin13

Thank you for following the music.. lifts my heart that people still do.. :)

@andi80s

I love this song so much!!!!

@petergodwin13

@@andi80s Thank you Andi! So happy that it still connects! :)

@andi80s

@@petergodwin13 <3

@PatrickGalbraith

SomaFM underground 80s plays a BUNCH of your music, which is why I'm here!

@PatrickGalbraith

and why I'm going to order some.

26 More Replies...

@yh7140

In 1984 I listened this track again, again and again - still love this song

@petergodwin13

Thank you!!!!

@user-dc9bq1nn9n

I remember this song played on WLIR a new wave station here in NYC. It was a "screamer of the week". Its a great tune. Thanks for the memories, didn't know how good everything was back then.

@petergodwin13

WLIR were very supportive of my music I remember. The 80’s was a very creative time. Thanks for remembering- I’m still making music - you’ll find it on YouTube. 🙏

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