Mountain – Sittin’ On A Rainbow: A Groovy Detour Through Bluesy Psychedelia
Nestled within Mountain’s 1970 album Climbing!, Sittin’ On A Rainbow stands out as a rollicking, bluesy track with a carefree vibe that complements the heavier, more anthemic offerings of the album. While Mississippi Queen often takes the spotlight as Mountain’s most iconic song, Sittin’ On A Rainbow offers a looser, groovier side of the band, showcasing their versatility and knack for combining muscular riffs with playful melodies.
The song captures a sense of joyful irreverence, fueled by Leslie West’s commanding guitar work and Felix Pappalardi’s earthy basslines. It’s a tune that feels like a jam session elevated to something greater, where every player seems to be feeding off the energy of the others. West’s raw, gritty vocals lend the track an authenticity that draws the listener into its easygoing yet electrifying atmosphere.
Musically, Sittin’ On A Rainbow straddles the line between hard rock and blues with a psychedelic tinge. The riff is infectious, driven by West’s Gibson Les Paul Jr. guitar tone, which delivers both punch and warmth. The rhythm section grooves along with a swaggering confidence, and the bursts of playful keyboard flourishes add an unexpected layer of texture. These elements combine to create a sound that’s both grounded and expansive, an earthy stomp with a touch of the cosmic.
Lyrically, the song leans into a sense of blissful escape, fitting the era’s penchant for music as a vehicle for liberation. Lines like “I’m sittin’ on a rainbow / Got a hole in my shoe” suggest a devil-may-care attitude, finding contentment in life’s imperfections and embracing the moment. The chorus, with its singalong simplicity, feels like a call to revel in freedom and possibility, even if it’s fleeting.
What makes Sittin’ On A Rainbow so engaging is its spontaneity. It doesn’t overreach for profundity or grandiosity; instead, it revels in the sheer fun of rock and roll. That sense of unpretentious joy is infectious, making it a perfect counterpoint to the heavier, more introspective tracks on Climbing!.
In the grand scheme of Mountain’s catalog, Sittin’ On A Rainbow is a reminder of the band’s ability to balance raw power with lighthearted grooves. It’s a hidden gem that captures the spirit of late ’60s and early ’70s rock—an era when experimentation, playfulness, and a bit of grit came together to create something truly memorable. For listeners, it’s a track that invites you to let loose, kick back, and, like the song says, sit on a rainbow.