Mountain Time

Molly Nilsson's song 'Mountain Time' delves into the theme of escapism and the search for a life beyond societal expectations. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has always dreamed of running away, feeling that there's nothing significant happening in their current environment. This sense of stagnation is juxtaposed with the possibility that life might just be beginning, especially when one is on the run. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of nightly adventures, seeking something new and exciting, yet feeling the pressure to conform to traditional roles and expectations, such as settling down and having children.

The song critiques the societal pressure to 'grow up' and follow a conventional path. Nilsson's lyrics express a longing for something more than the mundane routines and expectations of adulthood. The line 'It's like everyone round here have their watches set to mountain time' suggests a metaphor for people living in a different, perhaps slower, time zone, content with their predictable lives. In contrast, the protagonist feels out of place in this 'paradise' and would rather be on the run, seeking new experiences and rejecting the conventional life.

Nilsson's lyrics also touch on the idea of mental escapism. The protagonist feels they might be better off staying in their mind, where they can dream and imagine a different life. This internal world offers a refuge from the external pressures and expectations. The song ultimately celebrates the desire for freedom and the courage to pursue a life that is 'entirely new,' even if it means going against the grain and being perpetually on the run.