It reached #23 in the U.S. but only #48 in the UK. The B-side was the instrumental "Alexa de Paris", one of the few tracks from this project featuring a guitar solo, and is one of a handful of instrumental tracks that Prince recorded in the '80s. Both songs appear in the film Under the Cherry Moon, with the video for "Mountains" playing as the credits roll. The version shown on MTV to promote the single was in color as opposed to the film's black and white version
Mountains
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seventeen mountains stood so high
The sea surrounded them and together they would be
The only thing that ever made you cry
You said the devil told you that another mountain would appear
Every time somebody broke your heart
He said the sea would one day overflow with all your tears
And love will always leave you lonely
I say it's only mountains and the sea
Love will conquer if you just believe (oh, yeah)
It's only mountains
And the sea
There's nothing greater, you and me
Once upon a time in a haystack of despair
Happiness sometime hard to find (yeah)
Africa divided, hijack in the air
It's enough to make you want to lose your mind
I say it's only mountains and the sea
Love will conquer if you just believe (oh, yeah)
It's only mountains
And the sea
There's nothing greater, oh-oh, you and me
Guitars and drums on the one, huh, whoo
Whoo
(Bobby on the drum, ah)
It's only mountains (oh, yeah)
And the sea (and the girls sing)
There's nothing greater, you and me
Starvation, ow
Mountains
in Prince's song can be interpreted as obstacles that we face in life which can seem insurmountable at times. The mountains could also be symbolic of emotional burdens that weigh us down and make it difficult to move forward in life. The song begins by describing a land called Fantasy, which could represent a place where dreams come true or a place where one can escape from reality. In this land, there were seventeen mountains that were so high, and they were surrounded by the sea. These mountains were the only thing that ever made you cry, which could mean that the obstacles and emotional burdens we face in life are what cause us to feel pain and sadness.
The devil, in this song, is a metaphor for negative thoughts and people who bring negativity in our life. He tells you that every time somebody breaks your heart, another mountain will appear. This could mean that every time you encounter a setback, it will seem like an obstacle that is insurmountable. The devil also says that the sea would one day overflow with all your tears, and love would always leave you lonely. This could represent the feeling of hopelessness that one feels when they face obstacles, and it seems like there is no end to their suffering.
Prince's chorus is a reminder to stay positive and have faith that love will conquer all if you just believe. He is saying that the obstacles in life may seem like mountains, but they are not insurmountable. He reminds us that love is the most powerful force in the world and that it will ultimately conquer all. The song's bridge talks about the distressing things happening in the world, like Africa being divided and hijackings, but even amidst the chaos, we can still overcome with love.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time in a land called Fantasy
In a faraway, imaginary land
Seventeen mountains stood so high
There were 17 tall mountains
The sea surrounded them and together they would be
The mountains were surrounded by the sea
The only thing that ever made you cry
The mountains and sea were the only things that made you emotional
You said the devil told you that another mountain would appear
You believed that the devil told you that every time you were heartbroken, another mountain would appear
Every time somebody broke your heart
Whenever someone hurt your feelings
He said the sea would one day overflow with all your tears
The devil also said that one day the sea would be filled with your tears
And love will always leave you lonely
Love will always make you feel alone
I say it's only mountains and the sea
I think the mountains and sea are not as important as they seem
Love will conquer if you just believe (oh, yeah)
Love will overcome your emotions if you have faith in it
There's nothing greater, you and me
Nothing is better than us being together
Once upon a time in a haystack of despair
During a time of hopelessness and misery
Happiness sometime hard to find (yeah)
It's sometimes difficult to find happiness
Africa divided, hijack in the air
There was separation in Africa and a hijacking in the sky
It's enough to make you want to lose your mind
It's so frustrating that it makes you feel crazy
Guitars and drums on the one, huh, whoo
Musical instruments playing a beat
It's only mountains (oh, yeah)
The mountains are not as significant as they seem
And the sea (and the girls sing)
The sea is being sung about by female singers
There's nothing greater, you and me
Nothing is better than us together
Starvation, ow
A cry for those who are hungry
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lisa Coleman, Prince Rogers Nelson, Wendy Melvoin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DABUAS69
This world is far less cool place without Prince. R.I.P. to a true legend.
@zorkwork3841
You're so right..I don't think Prince would like the current world we're living in..too much hate and division...Love you Prince..talent...brains..looks..real deal
@Samdemaeyer
@@zorkwork3841indeed
@jeffreysherring2636
💟
@tonyktown
This was probably THE GREATEST overlooked songs from that era. The level of Prince's genius will never be replicated. I hope where ever Princes spirt elevated to, it's an eternal 80's realm.
@melodyal3357
this is such lovely comment:))💜
@johnredding9048
Girls and boys and anotherloverholein ur head are also exquisite! Great album.
@BostonHollyAndSnoop
He dancing and singing with my dogg, Snoop, my Mother and my best friend Mark. My Mother died in April, my Dogg died in April, then Prince. My Dogg born 6/7, BMF Mark on June 7, Prince, June 7. (even my grandfather born June 7 lol). But I dread April(s).
@mishawilliams4319
One of my favorite songs from Prince so happy fun 😊
@thegrimyeaper
Prince never wanted his music on YouTube. His spirit is PISSED.