Ask The Mountains

Vangelis' song 'Ask The Mountains' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of loss and the search for answers in nature. The repetitive plea of 'Don't come after' sets a tone of finality and departure, suggesting a relationship that has come to an end. The protagonist is leaving, and they implore their partner not to follow, indicating a need for solitude and reflection. This sense of departure is further emphasized by the line 'When you read this I'll be gone,' which underscores the irrevocable nature of their decision.

The lyrics then shift to a series of rhetorical questions directed at the natural world. By asking the mountains, springs, fountains, and the sun why their happiness couldn't continue, the protagonist seeks solace and understanding from the timeless elements of nature. This metaphorical dialogue with nature suggests that the answers to their emotional turmoil are as ancient and enduring as the mountains themselves. The imagery of 'wild woods, highlands,' and 'the cold breeze coming in from the sea' evokes a sense of vastness and isolation, mirroring the protagonist's internal landscape.

Vangelis, known for his evocative and atmospheric compositions, uses the natural world as a canvas to paint the complexities of human emotions. The repetition of 'Ask the mountains' and 'Springs and fountains' serves as a refrain, reinforcing the idea that nature holds the wisdom and answers that the protagonist seeks. The song's ethereal quality, combined with its poignant lyrics, creates a meditative space for listeners to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the search for meaning. In essence, 'Ask The Mountains' is a poetic meditation on the end of a relationship and the quest for understanding in the face of heartache.