Mountains
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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 this song represent the struggles and obstacles we face in our lives. The lyrics describe a land called Fantasy where there are seventeen mountains that are surrounded by the sea. The sea and the mountains are the only thing that ever made the singer cry, which is a metaphor for life's challenges. The devil is mentioned in the lyrics, and he tells the singer that every time someone breaks their heart, another mountain will appear. The sea will also one day overflow with all their tears, leaving them lonely.
The lyrics also mention Africa being divided and a hijack in the air, which represents the difficulties and chaos that can exist in the world. However, the chorus repeats that it's only mountains and the sea, reminding us that love will conquer all if we just believe. The line "There's nothing greater, you, and me" is a reminder that the power of love can overcome any obstacle in life, no matter how big or small.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time in a land called Fantasy
In a world of imagination and dreams, where anything is possible
Seventeen mountains stood so high
A great number of seemingly insurmountable challenges
The sea surrounded them and together they would be
Despite the obstacles, you feel trapped and overwhelmed
The only thing that ever made you cry
The overwhelming feeling of being beaten down by life's challenges
You said the devil told you that another mountain would appear
Someone convinced you that new challenges would arise whenever you're hurt
Every time somebody broke your heart
Whenever someone you love hurt you, you felt weaker and less capable
He said the sea would one day overflow with all your tears
Your hurt was so profound that it felt endless with no hope of relief
And love will always leave you lonely
The fear of being alone makes it hard to trust and love others
I say it's only mountains and the sea
These obstacles are only temporary and can be overcome
Love will conquer if you just believe (oh, yeah)
Have faith in love and yourself, and you can overcome any obstacle
There's nothing greater, you and me
Together, we are stronger and greater than any obstacle
Once upon a time in a haystack of despair
In a state of utter despair, where hope is difficult to find
Happiness sometime hard to find (yeah)
It's challenging to find joy in the midst of trials and difficulties
Africa divided, hijack in the air
Referencing the political climate of unrest and conflict at that time
It's enough to make you want to lose your mind
Feeling completely overwhelmed and hopeless
Guitars and drums on the one, huh, whoo
Musical interlude
It's only mountains (oh, yeah)
Reiterating that obstacles are only temporary and can be overcome
And the sea (and the girls sing)
The powerful forces of nature can be likened to life's challenges
There's nothing greater, you and me
Together we have the power to overcome any obstacle
Starvation, ow
Additional commentary on the state of the world and its difficulties
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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.