About the song
**Sugar Mountain** by Neil Young, a timeless classic released in 1968, is a poignant reflection on youth, loss, and the passage of time. This song, a staple in Young’s early discography, resonates with listeners of all ages, capturing the bittersweet nostalgia of growing up and leaving behind the carefree days of adolescence.
Young’s distinctive voice, with its raw honesty and emotional depth, perfectly complements the melancholic tone of the song. His lyrics paint vivid imagery of a mythical place called Sugar Mountain, a symbol of youthful innocence and carefree living. The song’s opening lines, “I remember the day I first came to this place,” immediately set the stage for a nostalgic journey into the past.
As the song progresses, Young recounts tales of youthful adventures and the carefree spirit that characterized his early years. He sings about riding motorcycles, dancing in the rain, and the thrill of first love. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness, reminding listeners of the fleeting nature of youth and the bittersweet joy of growing up.
The chorus of **Sugar Mountain** is particularly poignant, with Young repeating the lines, “Sugar Mountain, I’m coming home.” This refrain suggests a desire to return to a simpler time, a place where worries were few and happiness was abundant. However, the song also acknowledges the impossibility of returning to the past, as Young sings, “But I know I can’t go back, it’s too far.”
The song’s instrumental arrangement is sparse, allowing Young’s vocals and the lyrical content to take center stage. The acoustic guitar provides a gentle backdrop, while the harmonica adds a touch of melancholy. The overall atmosphere of the song is one of introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and memories.
**Sugar Mountain** remains a beloved classic for its timeless themes and its ability to evoke strong emotional responses. Neil Young’s heartfelt performance and the song’s poignant lyrics make it a must-listen for fans of folk rock and anyone seeking a connection to the past.
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Lyrics
Oh to live on Sugar Mountain
With the barkers and the colored balloons
You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain
Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon
You’re leaving there too soon
It’s so noisy at the fair
But all your friends are there
And the candy floss you had
And your mother and your dad
Oh to live on Sugar Mountain
With the barkers and the colored balloons
You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain
Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon
You’re leaving there too soon
There’s a girl just down the aisle
Oh to turn and see her smile
You can hear the words she wrote
As you read the hidden note
Oh to live on Sugar Mountain
With the barkers and the colored balloons
You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain
Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon
You’re leaving there too soon
Now you’re underneath the stairs
And you’re giving’ back some glares
To the people that you met
And it’s your first cigarette
Oh to live on Sugar Mountain
With the barkers and the colored balloons
You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain
Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon
You’re leaving there too soon
Now you say you’re leaving’ home
‘Cause you want to be alone
Ain’t it funny how you feel
When you’re finding’ out it’s real?
Oh to live on Sugar Mountain
With the barkers and the colored balloons
You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain
Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon
You’re leaving there too soon