Up to the Mountain

Solomon Burke, Patty Griffin

About Up to the Mountain

"Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)" is a contemporary folk song written by Patty Griffin. The song touches upon emotions surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous 1968 "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech, given the day before his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee. Originally recorded by Solomon Burke in 2006 and Griffin herself in 2007, it has found greater prominence in performances and recordings since then by Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck, Susan Boyle, Crystal Bowersox, and Kree Harrison.  


Year:
2006
3:28
903 
#2

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I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere

Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to

Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so

The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
It's there I will go

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Solomon Burke

Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) was an American recording artist and vocalist, who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues as one of the founding fathers of soul music in the 1960s and a "key transitional figure in the development of soul music from rhythm and blues. He had a string of hits including "Cry to Me", "If You Need Me", "Got to Get You Off My Mind", "Down in the Valley" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love". Burke was referred to as "King Solomon", the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", "Bishop of Soul" and the "Muhammad Ali of soul". Due to Burke's minimal chart success in comparison to other soul music greats such as James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, Burke is often described as the genre's "most unfairly overlooked singer" of it… more »

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Written by: Patricia J. Griffin

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


20 facts about this song

Songwriter
"Up to the Mountain" was written by the talented Patty Griffin. She wrote the song in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., inspiring its soulful, gospel-like style.
Different Performances
The song has been performed by numerous artists, including Kelly Clarkson on "American Idol," Solomon Burke in his Grammy-winning album "Nashville," and Susan Boyle on her album "I Dreamed a Dream."
Kelly Clarkson's Performance
When Clarkson performed the song on the charity telethon "Idol Gives Back" in 2007, it was critically acclaimed and helped raise awareness for poverty-related causes.
Solomon Burke’s Interpretation
Solomon Burke's powerful rendition of "Up to the Mountain" on his "Nashville" album earned him a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2007.
Susan Boyle's version
The song was a standout track on Susan Boyle's debut album in 2009. It showcased her powerful vocals and emotional ability, which led to the album's enormous success.
Emmy award
A version of the song was performed in a duet by Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Beck at the Idol Gives Back 2007. The performance won an Emmy award.
Music Video
The music video for Susan Boyle's version of the song was filmed in various locations in Scotland and features shots of Boyle singing with breathtaking views in the background.
Chart Performance
Despite not being released as a single, Kelly Clarkson's version of "Up To the Mountain" managed to chart at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 due to its digital sales.
Emotional Connection
All three performers – Boyle, Burke and Clarkson – have often spoken about having a deep emotional connection to the song, with Boyle remarking that performing it brings her to tears.
Inspirational Message
The lyrics of "Up to the Mountain," inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I’ve Been to the Mountaintop" speech, convey a sense of hope and determination. This message resonated with many listeners, adding to the song’s popularity.
Singer Variations
"Up To the Mountain" was sung by three accomplished artists - Kelly Clarkson, Solomon Burke, and Susan Boyle - each giving the song a unique flavour.
Kelly Clarkson Version
Kelly Clarkson first performed "Up To the Mountain" during the Idol Gives Back concert in 2007. It is a critical acclaim that showcases her exceptional vocal range and ability.
Song Recognition
The strong and emotional rendition by Kelly Clarkson was highly recognized; it even won an Emmy for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program in 2007.
Original Songwriter
The song was originally written by Patty Griffin. She was inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech.
Solomon Burke Version
Solomon Burke, legendary soul music singer, covered "Up To the Mountain" in his album "Nashville" released in 2006.
Susan Boyle Version
Susan Boyle, the breakout star from Britain's Got Talent, covered the song in her third studio album "Someone to Watch Over Me" in 2011. Boyle's version is ethereal and touching, showcasing her powerful vocals.
Importance of the Song
For each artist, the song carries a significant emotional weight and represents overcoming a significant hurdle or reaching a peak, reminiscent of King's own life journey.
Audience Reception
Each version has been well received by audiences, with many praising the emotive lyrics and powerful performances.
Album Sales
Boyle's album "Someone to Watch Over Me," featuring "Up To the Mountain," peaked at number 4 on the UK charts and was certified platinum, signifying the song's popularity.
Song Message
"Up To the Mountain" is a song filled with emotion and depth that can make the listener feel hopeful and inspired, and all three versions convey this feeling beautifully.

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