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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

Young wrote this in 1964 on his 19th birthday, just after leaving his band The Squires. The song is about losing the idealism of youth.

Young recorded this on a Sony home tape recorder in Michigan.

Joni Mitchell wrote "Circle Game" after listening to this.

This was first released as the B-side of Young's first single as a solo artist, "The Loner." He used it as a B-side on a few other singles, but did not put it on an album until his 1977 Greatest Hits compilation Decade.

Comments:

Really a Martin D-18? Wow, the guitar quality sounds rich and resonant, I thought it had to be played on the 12-string; then I saw the concert video on youtube. I guess that says alot about the Martin guitar.
- Jamey, Chandler, AZ

my best friend/boyfriend always told me he wanted this song played at his funeral. on june 23 2009, he passed away in a drowning accident in ohiopyle. its wierd bcuz he was twenty (like it mentions in this song) when this song says now u say ur leaving home cuz u want to be alone aint it funny how u feel wen ur finding out its real, is about him.
- pam, washington, PA

I can see why some people think its about herion but it is clearly about youth and the comming of age. Is it a coinsidence that Neil Young was 19 when he wrote it? Of course not! Do you guys who think its about herion think that the herion is in the "first cigarette" or something? I think Sugar Mountain could be the name of a specifc place which represents youth and I was thinking that maybe the "girl just down the aisle" is getting married. Another reference to growing up.
- vic, brooklyn, NY

This song just gives it's own meaning to people...it all depends on your outlook i guess...i can relate because i'll be 20 in two months and i have had to grow up so fast in the past 6 months...life can be really tough, but this song reminds me of the kind of youth that I had and that I want back so badly...great song...love Neil Young
- Mandy, Morehead, KY

I heard this song for the first time just a few days ago on the radio. I listened closely to the lyrics because it was so gentle. And it seemed to me it was about leaving childhood. So I came to this website to see what others thought and was pleasantly surprised to see that a lot of people interpret it that way. I understand why someone would feel choked up hearing it. I felt the same way.
- Heather, Los Angeles, CA

Sugar Mountain was written in 1964 after leaving The Squires. Buffalo Springfield wasn't even formed yet.
- Jim, Riverside, CA

As I happen upon this site, how odd to see Sugar Mountain advertised as a ring tone... I first heard it as the b side to a single and as I read the comments I am struck by the interpretations. For me when I first experienced this song, it felt like these simple lyrics and melody captured my life in that ego-centric chemically induced state that I often found myself in Sugar Mountain felt lonely and haunting and whimsical. Still is.
- Mamma, Lakeside, AZ

"It is a song about children leaving home, looking back and realizing that the real world is ahead of them and their childhood is in their rear view mirror. To see children leaving home is one of the the harshest realities of life, but it is life. Love your children, they are what this life is all about." Matt Your post quickly brings to mind "Teach Your Children" CSNY I think you hit on a great tie-in
- Forrest Patterson, Noblesville, IN

"There are numerous references to carnivals. Barkers are folks that call you into play games and freak shows." Mike in Phoenix Your post is what I had been looking into that brought me to this site. I have been learning a bunch of Neil's acoustical song, which really gives one a better understanding of his ability to play as some of the intricacies of the fingering is so great. But after working with Sugar Mountain for some time a question came to mind of, is the word Barker, A barker like you suggest, or is it a family name. I had been going with the carnival barker because as you point out there are several references to carnivals and that seem to fit. But on further reflection there is also an aspect of Sugar Mountain being a place, a community, so could this be a family name as opposed to job? I tend to think you are correct it is the carnival barker but has any others heard or read about this reference in the past. Peace F.P.
- Forrest Patterson, Noblesville, IN

When our daughters were younger ( late '70's )We would sing them this song and rock them to sleep. It is a song about children leaving home, looking back and realizing that the real world is ahead of them and their childhood is in their rear view mirror. To see children leaving home is one of the the harshest realities of life, but it is life. Love your children, they are what this life is all about.................................. - dave, Homer City, PA What Dave said, I couldn't have said it any better. Matt.
- coconutdog, sydney, Australia

this song is one of my favourite Neil Young songs. before reading this ive always gotten the idea it was about how like you have to work hard to have a good life, not everything comes easy "you can't be 20 on sugar mountain" you cant be 20 and expect a perfect happy life until you die, but when your older you will see what a good life you had.
- LeeLee, Burlington, ON

Once, after a real bad day, I listened to this song maybe a dozen times in a row, and went into sort of a half sleep trance. It's totally awesome. But what are the second and third verses about? Girl just down the aisle? Hidden note? (reminds me of a scene from the Adventures of Huck Finn, kinda) Underneath the stairs and giving back some glares? Huh?
- Andy, Columbus, OH

Let me get this straight; people are crazy for NOT thinking this song is about heroin? Did the voices in your head tell you that? lol Why on Earth would anybody think this song is about heroin, or any drug experience? Sugar? Maybe that looks a bit like speed or something, but there's nothing else in the lyrics that suggests anything drug related. "The needle and the damage done" is about heroin, I know this because it has some actual references to it. Where are the drug references here? I think the meaning is fairly clear. Its a very wide stretch to say this is about heroin. Jeez, does EVERY song have to be a drug song?
- Malicious Matt, Squatney

When our daughters were younger ( late '70's )We would sing them this song and rock them to sleep. It is a song about children leaving home, looking back and realizing that the real world is ahead of them and their childhood is in their rear view mirror. To see children leaving home is one of the the harshest realities of life, but it is life. Love your children, they are what this life is all about..................................
- dave, Homer City, PA

This song always makes me sad, sometimes I even start to tear up, which isn't like me at all. I don't think any song has ever had a bigger emotional effect on me, which is also out of the ordinary, because I can get really into all types of music. It was a song (the first and last one)that my dad asked me to look up before my parents got divorced and my father moved out. I went through a tough year or so without seeing him. It just so happens that the song is about the loss of a youthful feeling of security. It's sadly fitting. Still, a beautiful song, one of my favorites.
- Jim, South Kingstown, RI

this seeminglly unfathomable song is about the agenda. young embraced the agenda. in this song he tries to pass it on i don't agree with the drug theory although lots of songs can be decoded with that idea in mind.
- bojinka, wichita, KS

Sugar Mountain is a beautiful song about a teenager learning to leave home and finally leave childhood behind. What nonsense to try to see a meaning about drug use - unless Young himself has suggested this may be true. Has he ? I can't find any comments by Young himself about this song. maybe someone else has ?
- William, near Geneva, France

Sugar Mountain was a teen club in Canada that you couldn't enter when you were no longer a teen. Duh.
- Rick, Arden, DE

This song is about the longing for the simple pleasures of youth. Who can forget going to a fair or carnival with their folks. There are numerous references to carnivals. Barkers are folks that call you into play games and freak shows. Floss is a carnival term for cotton candy. Balloons are ever present at carnivls,especially the game where you throw darts to win a poster or mirror.
- mike b, phoenix, AZ

I believe this has been released in at least three live versions, but never as a studio track. Is there any other song that can match that distinction?
- Steve, Saint louis, MO

This song is not about doing heroin...to me this song is about losing the idealism of youth (as mentioned). "Now you say your leaving home cause you want to be alone. Aint it funny how you feel when your finding out its real". That's a pretty clear reference to moving out of your parents house to work and make your own living. It's so true...when you are young you just live in the moment but the older you get the more you think of the future. Just another incredible song from Neil.
- Derek, Sarnia, Canada

I'm sure this is about doing Heroin, 20 cc, and heroin is sold in balloons. Hiding out and shooting smack. I hate drugs and heroin freaks, but I always like this song.
- Krug, Adirondacks, NY

I have always felt that this song is the essence of music in it's purest form! The only thing that ruins it for me though is the idiot at the end of the song that coughs just as Neil finishes the song. Couldn't he have waited just 5 more seconds for the applause to start? I wish they could have edited that out.

I read in RS in the late 70's that Sugar Mountain was a bar Neil used to frequent. You had to be 21 to get in.
- Ron, Bentonville, AR

The first time I ever heard this, it seemed like 10 minutes long. Is it just me, or is "Todd from NY" f@#%ed up? This song is about Neil's vision of paradise.
- Steven, West Carrollton, OH

You guys are crazy. This song is about doing herion.
- Todd, New York, NY

not sure the first time i heard sugar mountain but fell instantly in love with song. a friend of mine has it on boot leg version called young mans fancy recorded at the roxy in los angeles whats cool about the album it is basically harvest months before harvest was released
- joe, sacramento, CA

I was just thinking about that too Svend. Jonie Mitchell did write " the Circle Game" and the recording that was used on her album Ladies Of the Canyon is from 1966. Buffalo Springfield was formed in 1966.
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

There are a few dates that don't make sense, he turned 19 on November 12th of 1964, long before joining Buffalo Springfield. "The Circle Game" by Joni Mitchell was recorded by Ian & Sylvia in 1966, also before he left Buffalo Springfield. Perhaps Neil wrote his song on a later birthday?
- Svend, Toronto, Canada

I haven't heard this song in a long while. But I love it. It's one of the rarer gems by him.
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

The song refers to an all-ages night club in Winnipeg (actually an underage club -- you had to be under 20 to get in). In the early 1970s this song received huge airplay on campus and community radio stations, but is rarely heard today. Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game" was written as a response to "Sugar Mountain".
- Ekristheh, Halath, United States

I am completely mesmorized by this life changing song. My boss has a live and unapproved Neil Young cd. Best version of Sugar Mountain I've ever heard especially when the audience sings the chorus at the end... absolutely mind blowing!
- Meaghan, Queenstown, Australia

Great song, yes! But I love Seamus and Stephen as well!
- Ruud, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Once Stephen had told me his feelings towards Sugar Mountain I decided to give it a listen. What it did to Stephen is nothing compared to what it did to me. I couldn't believe the sound I was hearing, it inspired me to learn the chords on guitar and play it with my own 2 hands. Once I had learned the song I went over to Stephens and played him the song naked on my guitar as we sipped wine.
- Seamus Brennan, Riverside, IL

I recently was driving through "K Town" in Chicago and Sugar Mountain by Neil Young came on the radio. I had never heard this song before, but was instantly mesmorized by it. I had the tune stuck in my head all day. I feel as if i was blessed to have heard this gem of a song.
- Stephen Wilhelm, Riverside, IL

Later that day, when I was in the privacy of my own home, I went and downloaded Sugar Mountain off the internet. I listened to it once and instantly got hard. I then busted a quick nut and felt as if i was in heaven or even maybe, Sugar Mountain.
- Stephen Wilhelm, Riverside, IL

Neil Young actually wrote this on his 19th birthday while he was lying in bed sick. He then later went to a small bar and recorded this on a casette tape. In my opinion, this the other of the three greatest songs ever written.
- Greg, Oakville, Canada

And this is one of Neil Young's rarest songs. It is so hard to find that if you hear a radio station play it now, turn it up. This song is also only featured on one record and two CD's (Decade and Live Rust).
- Greg, Oakville, Canada

it's a beautiful song! one of my favorites by him!
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

He played this on his Martin D-18.
- Jim, Chicago, IL

Young wrote and recorded this sitting on the floor with a cheap tape recorder, while holed up in a hotel in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1968.
- Dan, Fort Collins, CO

09 November 1968 'Sugar Mountain' is recorded live in concert, by Reprise, during a show at the Canterbury House, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Paulus, Tasmania, Australia