Neil Young, like many iconic musicians of the 1960s, is known for his uncompromising nature, performing what he wants when he wants, often sidestepping the more popular tracks in favor of deeper cuts.
In an era that fostered creative freedom and revolution, this spirit of independence still influences the setlists of artists like Bob Dylan, who notoriously avoids playing his hits, and Young, who often follows suit. However, there is one song that Young will always include, solely for the joy it brings to his fans.
The 1960s created a unique breed of singer-songwriters who weren’t afraid to put their art ahead of audience expectations. They were empowered to believe their music mattered more than commercial success, which led them to take risks and defy conventions.
That same defiant energy continues to shine in the careers of artists like Dylan, David Bowie, and Young, all of whom have had moments where they rejected their biggest hits in favor of lesser-known tracks.
While Dylan’s reluctance to play his classics is well documented, Neil Young’s stance is similar. He’s often avoided more mainstream songs, opting instead to perform tunes that resonate with him personally. Yet, there’s one track he consistently plays, not because he loves it, but because it brings joy to his audience: ‘Sugar Mountain.’
Though it’s not one of his most famous songs, ‘Sugar Mountain’ carries a deep sentimentality. Written when he was only 19, it reflects Young’s early fears of growing old and losing his youth. The song’s bittersweet nature laments the passage of time, offering a nostalgic look back at innocence.
Its theme of aging resonated with fellow Canadian artist Joni Mitchell, who, in response, penned ‘The Circle Game,’ playfully teasing Young’s youthful concerns. Their friendship blossomed over the years, with Mitchell even introducing Young to future bandmate David Crosby.
Despite its personal significance, Young admits that ‘Sugar Mountain’ remains in his setlist for a different reason—it makes his fans happy. “I do ‘Sugar Mountain’ really for the people more than I do it for myself,” Young once shared. “It seems to really make them feel happy, so that’s why I do that.”
For an artist as steadfast in his creative integrity as Young, this acknowledgment of the audience is rare. He recognizes that fans spend a lot of money to see him perform, and while he delivers plenty of new material they’ve never heard before, he believes he owes them something familiar and comforting.
“‘Sugar Mountain’ is such a friendly song,” Young explained. “The older I get, and the older my audience gets, the more relevant it becomes, especially since they’ve been singing it for 20 years. It really means a lot to them.”
Though Neil Young is fiercely independent and refuses to be boxed in by expectations, his willingness to play ‘Sugar Mountain’ shows that even the most uncompromising artists are willing to give something back to the fans who have supported them for decades.
