San Bernardino
The Mountain Goats Lyrics


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We got in your car and we hit the highway
Eastern sun was rising over the mountains
Yellow and blood red bits
Like a kaleidoscope

And flaming swords may guard the garden of Eden
But we consulted maps from earlier days
Dead languages on our tongues
Holding on to our last hope

And the day was bright and fine
And the highway sign said, "San Bernadino welcomes you"

I checked us into our hotel and filled the bathtub
And you got in the warm warm water
I pulled pedals from my pocket
I loved you so much just then

And it was hard but you were brave, you are splendid
And we will never be alone in this world
No matter what they say
We're gonna be okay





We were safe inside
And our new son cried, "San Bernadino welcomes you"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Mountain Goats's song San Bernardino evoke a feeling of a journey to a new place, filled with hope and possibility, but tinged with uncertainty and perhaps a hint of danger. The opening lines describe the start of a road trip, with the singer and their companion hitting the highway, the sun rising over the mountains, and the colors of the landscape wild and vibrant. The reference to dead languages on their tongues hints at the weight of history and the unknown that they bring with them on their journey.


The second verse begins with the striking image of flaming swords guarding the garden of Eden, a reference to the idea of paradise being inaccessible to humanity. Despite this, the characters in the song press on in their quest, using ancient maps and relying on their last shred of hope. The line "And the day was bright and fine" is almost a mantra of reassurance, a reminder that there is still beauty and joy to be found in the present moment.


The final verse takes the listener into a more intimate space, with the characters settling into a hotel and taking care of each other. The act of filling the bathtub and pulling out petals becomes a gesture of devotion, a way of expressing the depth of feeling between them. The last line, where their new son cries out a welcome to San Bernadino, suggests that this journey is not just one of physical travel, but also a metaphor for the journey of life itself, with all its ups and downs, unknowns and discoveries.


Line by Line Meaning

We got in your car and we hit the highway
We started a journey together in your car and headed towards the highway.


Eastern sun was rising over the mountains
The sun was slowly rising in the east, casting long shadows of the mountains.


Yellow and blood red bits
The light of the sun was reflecting off of the landscape, making it appear yellow and blood-red in color.


Like a kaleidoscope
The mix of colors and patterns were constantly changing, creating a mesmerizing effect like that of a kaleidoscope.


And flaming swords may guard the garden of Eden
According to the Bible, the Garden of Eden was guarded by flaming swords, signifying the difficulty in accessing paradise.


But we consulted maps from earlier days
We looked at old maps to figure out the best route to take to reach our destination.


Dead languages on our tongues
We knew ancient languages that were no longer used but still helped us understand the history and culture of the places we visited.


Holding on to our last hope
Despite the challenges and obstacles, we continued to hold on to our hope for a better future.


And the day was bright and fine
The weather was good and the day was beautiful.


And the highway sign said, "San Bernadino welcomes you"
As we reached San Bernardino, a highway sign greeted us with a message of welcome.


I checked us into our hotel and filled the bathtub
After reaching the hotel, I took care of the formalities and filled the bathtub with water.


And you got in the warm warm water
You relaxed and enjoyed the warmth of the water.


I pulled pedals from my pocket
I took out some flower petals from my pocket, probably to decorate the bathroom or the bathtub.


I loved you so much just then
In that moment, I experienced a surge of love for you.


And it was hard but you were brave, you are splendid
We had gone through tough times but you displayed courage and resilience, making you a truly remarkable person.


And we will never be alone in this world
We have each other and will always be there to support each other in life's journey.


No matter what they say
Despite what others may say or think, we are confident in our love and relationship.


We're gonna be okay
We know that we will be alright, no matter what happens in life.


We were safe inside
We were safe and secure in the hotel room, away from the dangers or uncertainties outside.


And our new son cried, "San Bernadino welcomes you"
Our newborn son cried, as if to signify the start of a new chapter in our lives, in the welcoming city of San Bernardino.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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