About the song
“Look at the Mountains” by Jimmy Cliff is a deeply reflective song from the 1972 album The Harder They Come, which also serves as the soundtrack for the iconic Jamaican film of the same name. Released during a pivotal moment in reggae history, the song exemplifies Cliff’s ability to convey powerful messages through simple yet profound lyrics, set against the backdrop of reggae’s distinctive rhythms and soulful melodies.
The meaning of “Look at the Mountains” is deeply tied to themes of resilience, empowerment, and the natural beauty of the world. Jimmy Cliff, known for his socially conscious lyrics, uses the song to encourage listeners to reflect on the beauty and challenges of life. The mountains in the song symbolize obstacles and struggles that are part of life, but they also represent strength, endurance, and hope. The song urges the listener to appreciate the grandeur of the natural world, using the mountains as a metaphor for life’s challenges, and to realize that overcoming them leads to personal growth and a greater appreciation for life itself.
Musically, “Look at the Mountains” features the smooth and laid-back reggae rhythms that Jimmy Cliff is best known for. The upbeat yet soothing groove creates a sense of calm, while still maintaining the powerful message of the lyrics. The song is built on a gentle rhythm guitar, a steady bassline, and subtle percussion, all of which create a peaceful atmosphere that allows the lyrics to take center stage. Cliff’s distinctive voice, with its rich timbre and emotive delivery, resonates with sincerity, adding depth to the song’s message of reflection and hope.
The release of “Look at the Mountains” in 1972, alongside the success of the The Harder They Come album and film, marked a significant moment in reggae’s journey into international recognition. The movie, which tells the story of a man’s struggles with the law and the music industry in Jamaica, became an influential cultural milestone. As part of this soundtrack, “Look at the Mountains” contributed to the wider appreciation of reggae as a form of music that could address universal themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. In this way, the song became an anthem for people around the world who were facing their own challenges, providing them with a sense of solidarity and encouragement.
In terms of social impact, the song became part of the global movement that helped to bring reggae into the mainstream. Jimmy Cliff’s message of hope and empowerment resonated not only with those in Jamaica but also with listeners across the world. His music was deeply tied to the political and social climate of the time, speaking to the struggles of marginalized communities, as well as the broader human experience of overcoming adversity. “Look at the Mountains”, in particular, is an example of how music can transcend cultural and national boundaries, becoming a universal call to resilience and self-reflection.
In conclusion, “Look at the Mountains” by Jimmy Cliff is a powerful and uplifting song that combines thoughtful lyrics, a reflective message, and the unique sounds of reggae to create a timeless piece of music. The song’s message encourages us to look beyond life’s difficulties and find beauty in the world around us. With its simple yet profound message, “Look at the Mountains” remains an enduring testament to Cliff’s ability to speak to the heart of the human experience, offering hope, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation of life’s challenges. Its influence continues to echo in the worlds of both music and culture, making it a significant contribution to the genre and to the broader narrative of reggae music.
Video
Lyrics
Mama look at the mountainPapa look at the seaMama look at the mountainPapa look at the sky i’m going up thereI’m going up there who’s coming with meYou know Faith can move mountainHoney, if you try i say FaithCan move mountain baby, it’s no lieIf i lose one eyeI still got one left to seeIf i lose one legI still got one left to climbMama look at the mountainPapa look at the seaMama look at the mountainPapa look at the sky i’m going up thereI’m going up there who’s coming with meYou know life it’s what you make itAnd I’m gonna make it goodThings don’t always turn upThe way they shouldBut I’m not prepared to take itNo, no, no, no, no they can move mountainHoney, if you try faith can move mountainBaby, it’s no lieMama look at the mountainPapa look at the seaMama look at the mountainPapa look at the sky i’m going up thereI’m going up there who’s coming with meMama look mama look at the mountainMama look mama look at the mountainMama look mama look at the mountainPapa look papa look at the mountain