About the song
Few artists have captured the heart and soul of the American West quite like Chris LeDoux. In Mountain Wild, he transports us to a world where the rugged beauty of nature meets the unyielding spirit of the cowboy. This song is not merely a collection of notes and lyrics; it is an invitation to embark on a journey through vast, untamed landscapes where every mountain and valley holds a story of perseverance, freedom, and raw adventure.
From the very first strum of the guitar, Mountain Wild draws you in with its earthy resonance—a sound that mirrors the natural rhythm of life on the open range. Chris LeDoux’s deep, authentic voice, weathered by years of experience under the wide skies of the American West, adds an irreplaceable layer of sincerity to the track. His vocal delivery is both contemplative and invigorating, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the call of the wild. It’s as if he is sharing personal memories of long rides through mountainous trails, where every twist and turn of the path reflects moments of both challenge and triumph.
Lyrically, Mountain Wild is a poetic celebration of life lived close to nature, where the land and the heart are intertwined. The song’s narrative invites the listener to recall the endless days of riding through rugged terrains, the sound of hooves against rocky ground, and the profound solitude that only the great outdoors can offer. It speaks to those who understand that there is a profound beauty in the struggle and that every hardship faced along the way ultimately shapes a person’s character. In every line, Chris LeDoux pays homage to the spirit of the cowboy—a spirit that is as much about resilience and determination as it is about embracing the unpredictable wonders of the natural world.
Musically, Mountain Wild is a perfect blend of traditional country instrumentation with a modern twist, characterized by a steady beat that mirrors the cadence of a long ride on a dusty trail. The instrumental arrangement is both robust and delicate, mirroring the stark contrasts found in nature—between the soaring peaks and the gentle slopes. This balance between strength and tenderness is what makes the song resonate deeply with an audience that values authenticity and the beauty of simplicity.
For those who grew up listening to the classics or have a deep appreciation for the enduring legends of Western music, Mountain Wild stands as a testament to the timeless charm of the cowboy lifestyle. It is a reminder that even in today’s fast-paced world, there remains a space for songs that evoke the majesty of open spaces, the thrill of adventure, and the enduring legacy of a life lived in harmony with nature. Through Mountain Wild, Chris LeDoux continues to inspire, proving that the call of the wild is eternal, and that the spirit of the cowboy remains as vivid as ever.
Video
Lyrics
There was a man that lived in the hills all by himselfChin whiskers’ hangin’ off his face, in the tree, there’s a hangin’ bull elkThe only friend he’s got in this world is a big old wild catThat sleeps down at the foot of the cave, kills off the big ratsI think I’d like to see this guy, well, I might just maybeBut everybody in the little bitty town, they say he’s crazyI asked a fellow what the story was, asked him just what happededHe said, “Boy, sit down, let me tell you about this mountain wild man”Mountain wild man up on the mountainMountain wild man up on the mountainHe had a job and a wife and a little bitty boy and things were just fine‘Til he caught that woman out a-runnin’ aroundAnd it kinda messed up his mindSo he went to the bar and he had a few drinks and he did a lot of thinkingHe could either kill that cheatin’ woman or drown his sorrows drinkingWell, he knew he couldn’t kill that cheatin’ womanOr they’d put him in a prisonAnd his heart and his pride were too damn strong for him to go to drinkingSo he broke the bonds of society and started walkin’He bought a rifle and an axe and a big Bowie knife and went to the mountainsMountain wild man up on the mountainMountain wild man up on the mountainBoy, I’m gonna tell you something your momma probably never told youJust what she never told you about your pa and why he left youNow you’ve heard the story of why he left this landWell, boy I know who your pa is, he’s that Mountain Wild ManMountain wild man up on the mountainMountain wild man up on the mountainMountain wild man up on the mountainMountain wild man-