Because of the extremely repetitive lyrics, I've found that the time in which this song was released plays a vital role in its meaning. A song that was written in Detroit Michigan segregation and integration were the issue of the day alongside economic issues such as the oil crisis and the Vietnam War. Ain't No Mountain High Enough helps illuminate that that a persons loved one will never have to be alone in nationwide crises.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough begins with:
"Listen baby, ain't no mountain high
ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough baby"
I think it's really int resting to look at the word choice, as the first line ends with high Marvin Gaye goes onto end the next line with wide. Throughout the song, the adjectives used to describe the physical barriers that have no chance standing between love are constantly changing but in the repetitive order of starting with one adjective and on the very next line, have its antonym.
As the song progresses, Tami Terrell says,
"My love is alive
way down in my heart
although we are miles apart."
I especially like this line because it personifies love, and it gives it breathing characteristics. It's almost like love will always be there for you, and the knowledge that someone is out there who loves you can keep you company in times of stress no matter what the physical distance.
Finally, the song is constantly using repetition of the word enough. This repetition is used to show the magnitude of genuine love and that it has really no physical quantity. That the miles that separate mountains are nothing compared to the love that one has, but it is the memories the two share that keep them connected, even when one person is not physically present.
Aside from being a COMPETE banger this song is definitely poetry.
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