About the song
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” penned by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966, stands as a timeless anthem of love and resilience in the face of adversity. Initially written before the duo’s tenure at Motown, the song found its first success in 1967 when Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell recorded it for the Tamla label, a division of Motown Records.
The backstory of the song’s creation is as compelling as its lyrics. Ashford and Simpson, eager to secure a place at Motown, declined British soul singer Dusty Springfield’s request to record the track, viewing it as their “golden egg” to enter the Detroit-based label. Their strategy paid off when Gaye and Terrell, under the production of Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol, transformed the song into a vibrant duet that resonated deeply with audiences.
Terrell’s vocals, recorded initially without Gaye present due to her nervousness, blended seamlessly with Gaye’s later additions, creating a chemistry that defined their partnership. The song climbed to number 19 on the Billboard pop charts and peaked at number three on the R&B charts, solidifying its place as a hit and marking the beginning of a series of successful duets between Gaye and Terrell.
The success of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” paved the way for subsequent Ashford/Simpson compositions performed by Gaye and Terrell, including classics like “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing.” In recognition of its cultural impact, the Gaye/Terrell rendition was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, further cementing its status as a cherished musical gem.
Over the years, the song’s enduring appeal has transcended generations, finding its way into popular culture through its inclusion in soundtracks such as the 1998 film “Stepmom,” the 2000 film “Remember the Titans,” and the 2014 blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Each rendition and adaptation reaffirms the song’s universal message of love conquering all obstacles, making it a beloved classic cherished by listeners worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high
Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough, baby
If you need me call me, no matter where you are
No matter how far, don’t worry, baby
Just call my name, I’ll be there in a hurry
You don’t have to worry
‘Cause, baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Remember the day I set you free
I told you you could always count on me, darling
From that day on, I made a vow
I’ll be there when you want me
Some way, somehow
‘Cause, baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Oh no, darling
No wind, no rain
Or winter’s cold can stop me, baby, na na, baby
‘Cause you are my goal
If you’re ever in trouble
I’ll be there on the double
Just send for me, oh, baby, ha
My love is alive (woo)
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I’ll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can
Don’t you know that there
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Don’tcha know that there
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough