The Meaning Behind The Song: Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes
The Fleet Foxes are an American indie folk band from Seattle, Washington. Their music has been described as sounding like a mix between the Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel. Blue Ridge Mountains is one of their most popular songs, and it’s clear why when you listen to it. The band’s harmonization is beautiful, and the lyrics are deep and meaningful. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and answer some frequently asked questions.
What’s the Story Behind the Song?
Blue Ridge Mountains is a song from Fleet Foxes’ debut album, Fleet Foxes, released in 2008. Robin Pecknold, the band’s lead singer, wrote the song. He revealed that he wrote it during his senior year of high school while sitting in a government class. He had an idea for the melody and eventually fleshed out the lyrics on a backpacking trip.
The song is named after the Blue Ridge Mountains, which run from Georgia to Pennsylvania in the eastern United States. Pecknold has talked about how he loves the mountains and how they inspire him. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of longing for the mountains and a desire to escape to a simpler life.
What Are the Lyrics of the Song?
The lyrics of Blue Ridge Mountains are poetic and beautiful. Here they are in full:
“Lie down with me,
my dear
Lie down
Underneath this
Spell
And you’ll see
That we
Are not so
Different
Far afield from here
I saw
My own
Land
Blue Ridge Mountains
I saw
My own
Land
And many speculators
With thoughts
Unwary
Have carried away
My dear
And a love of
A finer degree
We’ll live on
Dust and gasoline
And maybe
Promiscuity
Lonesome
On the hills
High above
Our days
Are long
Our nights
No longer
Count the years
And they will be
Forgotten
Count the years
And they will be
Forgotten”
What’s the Song About?
The song is about escaping to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a simpler life. The opening lines of the song invite someone to lie down with Pecknold underneath a spell. The spell, in this case, is the beauty of the mountains and the sense of peace they bring.
Pecknold sees himself as no different from the person lying down with him. He’s trying to convey the idea that everyone has a desire to escape to a simpler life, regardless of their social status or wealth.
The verse about speculators refers to the exploitation of the natural resources in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pecknold is expressing frustration that the mountains are being destroyed for short-term gain, rather than being preserved for future generations.
The last verse is about the impermanence of life. Pecknold is saying that we should enjoy the simple things in life and not worry too much about the future.
What’s the Musical Style of the Song?
Blue Ridge Mountains is a folk song that features beautiful harmonies and acoustic guitars. The song has a slow tempo that gives it a relaxed, easy-going feeling. The band’s use of harmonies is one of their defining features, and Blue Ridge Mountains is a perfect example of this. The blend of the singers’ voices creates a feeling of warmth and comfort.
What’s the Reception to the Song?
Blue Ridge Mountains is one of Fleet Foxes’ most popular songs. It’s been streamed over 40 million times on Spotify alone. The song was praised by critics when it was released, with many highlighting the band’s beautiful harmonies and poetic lyrics. The album “Fleet Foxes” was very successful, debuting at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and earning a nomination for the Best Folk Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.
What’s the Cultural Significance of the Song?
Fleet Foxes are part of a wave of indie folk bands that emerged in the mid-2000s. The band’s music is characterized by its focus on harmony and acoustic instruments. Blue Ridge Mountains, in particular, has become one of the great folk songs of the 21st century. The song has been covered by a number of other artists, most notably by the band The Head and the Heart.
Did the Song Win Any Awards?
Blue Ridge Mountains did not win any awards on its own, but Fleet Foxes’ debut album was very successful and was nominated for several awards. The album was nominated for the 2009 Grammy Awards for Best Folk Album and the 2008 Shortlist Prize.
What Other Songs are on the Album “Fleet Foxes”?
The album “Fleet Foxes” contains eleven songs, including:
1. Sun It Rises
2. White Winter Hymnal
3. Ragged Wood
4. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
5. Quiet Houses
6. He Doesn’t Know Why
7. Heard Them Stirring
8. Your Protector
9. Meadowlarks
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
11. Oliver James
How Was the Album “Fleet Foxes” Received?
The album “Fleet Foxes” was highly acclaimed upon its release. It was ranked as one of the best albums of the year by numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME. The band’s use of harmony and acoustic instruments was praised, and the album was seen as a refreshing departure from the electronic and hip hop-dominated music of the time.
What Other Songs Are Similar to “Blue Ridge Mountains”?
Other Fleet Foxes songs that are similar to Blue Ridge Mountains include:
1. Helplessness Blues
2. Mykonos
3. Grown Ocean
4. White Winter Hymnal
5. He Doesn’t Know Why
6. Sim Sala Bim
These songs share the same focus on harmony and acoustic instruments that are prominent in Blue Ridge Mountains.
What Has the Band Said About the Song?
In an interview with NPR, Pecknold talked about the importance of the song to him:
“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me and say that that song helped them in some way or made them calmer, or it became a touchstone for a time in their life. And that’s the most you can really ask for with a song, you know, that it becomes a refuge for people.”
Who Are the Members of Fleet Foxes?
The current members of Fleet Foxes are:
1. Robin Pecknold – lead vocals, guitar
2. Skyler Skjelset – guitar, mandolin, keyboards
3. Casey Wescott – keyboards, guitar, vocals
4. Christian Wargo – bass, guitar, vocals
5. Morgan Henderson – woodwinds, violin, percussion
What’s the Band’s Discography?
Fleet Foxes have released the following albums:
1. Fleet Foxes (2008)
2. Helplessness Blues (2011)
3. Crack-Up (2017)
What Can We Learn from “Blue Ridge Mountains”?
Blue Ridge Mountains is a song about the beauty of nature and the human desire to escape to a simpler life. It’s a reminder that we should appreciate the simple things in life and not worry too much about the future. The song is a great example of the power of music to inspire and comfort people.
What’s Next for Fleet Foxes?
Fleet Foxes released their latest album, “Shore,” on September 22, 2020. The album features 15 songs and has been praised by critics for its beauty and positivity. The band has been touring in support of the album and has plans to continue touring in 2021.
Conclusion
Blue Ridge Mountains is one of Fleet Foxes’ most beautiful and poetic songs. The song is about escaping to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a simpler life. The band’s use of harmony and acoustic instruments is prominent in the song, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort. The song has become a touchstone for many people, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of nature and the human spirit.
