Away Out On the Mountain

Song Meaning

Jimmie Rodgers' "Away Out On the Mountain" isn't just a country tune; it's an anthem of escape, a yearning for a primal connection with a nature that probably exists only in the singer’s mind. The opening lines are a clear goodbye. He's packing up, kissing Susie Jane farewell at the fountain, and declaring his intent to reach that far-off 'land of the sky.' There’s a world-weariness implied, a need to shed the constraints of civilization, however romanticized that escape might be. The song isn't just about leaving; it's about a conscious rejection of the known for an unknown, idealized space. The lyrics paint a picture of a wilderness teeming with life, both real and surreal. Wild sheep, buffalo, and countless squirrels give way to the promise of making love to a turtle dove. This isn't just about solitude; it's about a reconnection with instinct, with the raw, unfiltered energy of the natural world. The later verses reinforce this theme, with the singer prepared to weather any storm wrapped in a grizzly bear coat. Even the dangers – 'snakes are vile and the zebras wild' – are embraced as part of the experience. This imagined mountain isn't just a place; it’s a state of mind, a realm where the rules of society no longer apply. Ultimately, "Away Out On the Mountain" speaks to a deep-seated human desire to return to something simpler, more authentic. Rodgers' lyrics, even with their whimsical touches (beavers paddling on walking canes!), tap into a universal longing for freedom and self-discovery. The mountain becomes a metaphor for a personal Eden, a space where the singer can feast on 'meat and honey so sweet' and find solace in the sounds of nature. Whether this escape is literal or metaphorical, the song's meaning resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of the wild.