(I Always Called Them)Mountain

Song Meaning

Rita Coolidge’s '(I Always Called Them) Mountain' is a masterclass in emotional resilience, framed by the metaphor of perceived versus actual obstacles. The quiet strength of the song lies in its acknowledgment that life's challenges, while often daunting, are frequently smaller than we initially perceive. Coolidge isn't offering naive optimism; instead, she presents a mature understanding that reframing our perspective can be transformative. The 'mountains' we face become 'hills' not through denial, but through the enduring power of love and commitment. The lyrics analysis reveals a deep-seated belief in the strength derived from a loving partnership. The singer equates her heart to a diamond only made valuable by her partner's presence, further cementing the idea that love is the guiding light in her life. This idea is also conveyed with the lines 'Cause when there's nowhere to go/You're my river my boat to row/On top of everything it's a love that's real.' This is not just about romantic love. It's about the profound sense of security and direction found in a true connection. The 'river' and 'boat' imagery suggests a journey undertaken together, navigating life's currents with mutual support. The phrase 'love that's real' underscores the authenticity and depth of this bond, contrasting it with superficial or fleeting relationships. The song meaning hinges on this contrast: real love empowers us to face perceived 'mountains' with the understanding that they are manageable 'hills.' The repetition of the chorus reinforces this central theme. 'And I'll always call them mountains/But I knew they were only hills/And the things that we've been going through/I guess we always will' becomes a mantra of acceptance and perseverance. It's an acknowledgment that challenges are inevitable, but our perception of them shapes our experience. Ultimately, '(I Always Called Them) Mountain' is a testament to the power of love to reframe our reality, transforming seemingly insurmountable obstacles into manageable steps on a shared journey.