Love Of The Mountains

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a poignant picture of enduring love and loss, anchored to a specific, natural landscape. The narrator observes two trees on a hillside, their upward gaze immediately evoking the memory of their parents, who lived and died on that same mountain. This establishes a deep connection between the land and the lives lived upon it, suggesting a cycle of existence tied to the enduring presence of nature. The central tension arises from the contrast between the vibrant life once lived and the quiet stillness of death. The chorus powerfully juxtaposes the "bright moon shining" and the "old wagon" with the "two graves" on the hillside, a stark reminder of the parents' passing. This imagery grounds the emotional weight of the song in the physical reality of their resting place, making the loss palpable against the backdrop of the unchanging mountain scenery. The lyrics excel in their use of evocative, sensory details to build a sense of place and memory. The narrator recalls the "burning of the green wood," the "fallen snow," and the "rippling waters," creating a rich tapestry of the mountain environment. These specific images, tied to the parents' life and the narrator's present experience, underscore the "love of the mountains" they shared, a love that seems to have imprinted itself onto the very landscape. Ultimately, the song's effectiveness lies in its quiet sincerity and its ability to connect personal grief with the timeless, stoic presence of nature. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the enduring reality of the parents' absence, while the natural imagery offers a sense of continuity and peace. It’s a tender reflection on how love and memory can become intertwined with the land, creating a lasting legacy long after lives have ended.