I Love the Mountains
Lyrics
I love the rolling hills,
I love the flowers,
I love the daffodils,
I love the fireside,
When all the lights are low,
Boom-dee-a-da, boom-dee-a-da,
Boom-dee-a-da, boom-dee-a-da...
History and Meaning
This song originated as a Girl Scout camp song sung in a round, with the 'boom-dee-a-da' chorus being very recognizable. While its exact origins are uncertain and it has no known composer, it is estimated to have originated in the 1940s or early 1950s. The song's melody shares similarities with 1950s doo-wop chord progressions, drawing parallels to Hoagy Carmichael's 1939 composition "Heart and Soul." By the mid-1950s, it was already a staple among English-speaking Americans, particularly in outdoor excursions and educational programs, fostering an appreciation for nature. The "boom-dee-a-da" chorus consists of nonsense syllables rather than having a specific meaning, and the song's enduring popularity stems from its ability to create harmonious overlapping voices when sung in rounds around campfires.