Rocky Mountain High - John Denver | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!
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"He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before."
Some pretty spectacular lyrics in this thing.
Good pick.
It hits a special place Everytime I hear it and I've heard it for over 45 years now.
@@mark-be9mq Same.
@@evillemike2009 The lyric & the way he sings it sound like something you didn't know but Know is deeply true immediately.
Feels like a top 100 all time opening line, to me.
I was 22 but I had the same experience when I graduated from college and 5 days later moved to Aspen Colorado. Two days later I got to see JD in concert. This was in the early 90's and man, he could still sing, even Calypso. A lot of people think he's a bit cheesy but his music spoke to me and I didn't care what anyone thought. He wrote the type of music that kids have been singing at summer camps and adults around the fire for decades and continue to do. I even had a crazy motorcycle taxi ride through the busy streets of Bangkok where the driver and I sang Country Roads together at the top of our lungs. For those that have touched nature with their hearts and live life deeply, he wrote music that speak directly to that. Oh, and he was a great story teller too.
I SO miss the seventies. You couldn't take 2 steps without tripping over a great song!
Exactly! And in so many different genres!
The 70s were SO SUPER, THAT THE 80S AND 90S WERE NOT EVEN NEEDED!
i miss the 1970s Colorado when i was in High school here... Fk californians...
So very well said!
Boy is thar, so true, and in every Genre.
That one line ..” Seeking grace with every step he takes “ never fails to give me goosebumps , beautiful song .
The way he says graaaaaace...
I love the beauty of the line: _'I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly'_
It's such a simple and stunning acknowledgment of the amazing magnificence of this earth
Me too... a silent pilgrimage
"...comin' home to a place he'd never been before..." ... encapsulates the whole song in one line
its hit harder as you get older.
The very opening phrase "He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before" is phrase turning at its finest and the hallmark of 'S' tier lyricists/writers.
Couldn't agree more.
Excellent point!
what do you think that line means? Would love your thoughts.
@@Hal-lj7kpto me it means, he started a whole new life (what would end up being a beautiful thing) when he was 27 and decided to move to the mountains. "Coming home to a place he'd never been before" is almost to say he was meant to be there all along. And there he found his true self, and started his new life in the summer when he was 27.
@@Hal-lj7kpHe even says later in the song "you might say he was born again, you might say he found a key to every door." Which further supports the idea that he has started his life anew and the new life was perfect and where he was meant to be all along, thus finding his true self in the process.
Nobody can sing like John Denver. His voice is strong, bright and clear as a bell.
Yes..... Clear. bright , strong, ...soothing, angelic, heart wrenching, gets right to your soul... so so so sad he died so young
He is pure
Clarion
A critic once wrote that John Denver's voice was a song's best friend.
Never mentioned when top vocalists are discussed. Tragic.
What a great song. John Denver left us way too soon. RIP JD.
He definitely died like a rock star!
If you're looking for another John Denver song, you can't go wrong with "Annie's Song." One of the best melodies every written, and the pictures it paints in your head are amazing. It came to him while he was riding a ski lift. By the time he got to the top of the mountain, the song was basically complete in his head.
My favourite
I came to recommend this one too.
One of the best love songs ever written.
It was my wedding song. ❤️
That's absolutely true Jeff, and to elaborate further, John had just had an argument with his wife Annie previous to that trip to the slopes where he goes to clear his head. In an interview i read, he doesn't go into the subject of the conflict, but I found myself wondering A) what transpired in his head during that trip up the mountain? And B) was it a revelation or an epiphany that turned his hurt/anger into a song of love and inspiration? Simply an amazing singer/songwriter.
This song literally brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. So beautiful, so perfect. John Denver was a genius.
me too
I feel the same way about Country Roads. Tears in my eyes every time.
Same here.
"Calypso" is the John Denver tune to hear next. Another top notch vocal performance that gives me the same goosebumps I get from hearing "Rocky Mountain High"
And they should know that it's about name of the boat Cousteau owned for his TV special.
Came here to give that same feedback 😊
that song is so evocative of both being on the sea and the memory of such a specific point in time. not sure they'll get it as much, with them not growing up with the excitement of watching Cousteau every weekend.
A special song for my generation that grew up watching Jacques Cousteau documentaries and his ship Calypso.
Another great adventure lost to an era. I loved watching the various sea life they would often give us a glimpse of on television. It was fascinating! "Calypso" is an awesome song that helps you relive that excitement!
Every word in a John Denver song is so purposeful, just an amazing poet and the musicianship and vocals are always perfect
"He was born in the summer of his 27th year Coming home to a place he'd never been before"
just the single opening line, yet a whole song within itself
I miss him but he left us with beautiful genuinely heartfelt tunes.
One of personal favorites is from The Eagle and the Hawk “And reach for the heavens and hope for the future
And all that we can be and not what we are”
This is the musician worth doing a deep dive on.
John Denver. Died too soon.
If you want to know how loved John Denver is, just check out the NFL game in Munich a few weeks ago, where a stadium of 75,000 people, in GERMANY, sang along to "Country Roads", and then kept singing even after the music stopped.
He's one of those artists where, even if you're not into their genre of music, you still love his songs specifically.
Jason Bonham had the entire crowd singing Country Roads at the Sammy Hagar and the Circle concert in St. Louis back in August!! Good stuff.
Miyazaki was a fan, check out Whisper of the Heart. This led us to find screamo metal versions of country roads, and ones with bagpipes, it's all an excellent homage to JD's amazing ethos. Also, Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle uses it well.
I had that same experience at a Slipknot concert. Thousands of metal fans singing, "Take me home, country roads." ❤️
That was the first song, back when I was learning to play guitar in the 70's, when I HEARD the chords I played follow the melody (the G to Em change for you guitar nerds: "I hear her voice...."), and I knew I was onto something! Such a great song.
That was awesome!
In Denver's autobiography, he wrote: "I remember, almost to the moment, when that song started to take shape in my head. We were working on the next album and it was to be called Mother Nature's Son, after the Beatles song, which I'd included. It was set for release in September. In mid August, Annie and I and some friends went up to Williams Lake to watch the first Perseid meteor showers. Imagine a moonless night in the Rockies in the dead of summer and you have it. I had insisted to everybody that it was going to be a glorious display. Spectacular, in fact.
The air was kind of hazy when we started out, but by 10 p.m. it had grown clear. I had my guitar with me and a fishing rod. At some point, I went off in a raft to the middle of the lake, singing my heart out. It wasn't so much that I was singing to entertain anyone back on shore, but rather I was singing for the mountains and for the sky. Either my voice gave out or I got cold, but at any rate, I came in and found that everybody had kind of drifted off to their individual campsites to catnap. We were right below the tree line, just about ten thousand feet, and we hadn't seen too much activity in the sky yet. There was a stand of trees over by the lake, and about a dozen aspens scattered around. Around midnight, I had to get up to pee and stepped out into this open spot. It was dark over by those trees, darker than in the clearing. I looked over there and could see the shadow from the starlight. There was so much light from the stars in the sky that there was a noticeable difference between the clearing and everywhere else. The shadow of the starlight blew me away. Maybe it was the state I was in. I went back and lay down next to Annie in front of our tent, thinking everybody had gone to sleep, and thinking about how in nature all things, large and small, were interwoven, when swoosh, a meteor went smoking by. And from all over the campground came the awed responses "Do you see that?" It got bigger and bigger until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. Everybody was awake, and it was raining fire in the sky.
I worked on the song - and the song worked on me - for a good couple of weeks. I was working one day with Mike Taylor, an acoustic guitarist who had performed with me at the Cellar Door and had moved out to Aspen. Mike sat down and showed me this guitar lick and suddenly the whole thing came together. It was just what the piece needed. When I realized what I had - another anthem, maybe; a true expression of one's self, maybe - we changed the sequencing of the album we'd just completed, and then we changed the album title."
Thanks for sharing!😉
Very cool, thanks for taking time to share the story.
Thanks you.❤
Nothing like a songwriter relaying to us how a song we love was inspired. Great stuff.
in 2007, I was 47, and I went elk hunting in Colorado's Rocky mountains... it was my first trip out west. My first morning I began climbing, and I neared the top of a small mountain, I sat down, looked in awe at the scenery, and said... "Ok, John Denver... I get it." I was coming home to a place I'd never been before.
Yes! I hiked in the Rockies for the first time this past July and I was awestruck. Every time we turned a corner the view was even more amazing!
Beautiful tribute to John Denver my friend!❤️❤️❤️
I hope JD & the CO splendor made you forget about the Elk.
@@sparkle8400 all part of the journey
What a perfect embodiment of that beautiful lyric. Gave me chills.
Andy.... when you are ready to propose.... you take your girl to the beach, with a blanket and bottle of wine, cheese, etc and your guitar. You sing John Denver's "Annie's Song" to her and you will go down in history as one of the best proposals ever. ♥♥♥
If anybody ever asked me, I probably would have said I was not a John Denver fan, but the reality is that I know all the words to his songs and I fall peacefully into his music. He has such a clear/clean voice and the simplicity of his acoustic guitar woven with the complexity of the background instrumentation delivers a sound that is so exclusively his own . "He was born in the Summer of his 27th year..." interesting perspective on life and moving toward what your soul tells you that you must. Beautiful song. I can't rate it because there is nothing else like it.
The “casual reply” makes it intimate between him and the mountains
Andy you mentioned that John Denver feels like a long lost friend. His song "Back Home Again" contains the lyrics "Hey, it's good to be back home again. Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend." He was just a master of capturing that feeling. He's been gone 25 years now but he left behind a catalog filled with songs every bit as special as this one. I can't wait for you to check out more!
Exactly what I was thinking when he said "Back Home Again"-JD is a legend100%!!
Ditto!
So true Allison.
One of my favs. Growing up in the 70s on a small farm hearing it being played on a Sunday morning…top bunk bed, parents cooking breakfast on a winter morning ...Home was nothing fancy but it was warm, and had all the connections to life, nature, animals… and the neighbours were the community.
Great music all around, But ANNIE’s Song has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Feel like i would like that to be played on my deathbed…smiling on the way out….the simple joys made glorious memories!
It's the little things that make a house a home.
In the 70's here in England we watched John Denver in his own tv show every week. If you watch him you will see he was one of the most genuine people you could ever wish to meet. He was a beautiful soul when he was alive and the only difference now is he shines even brighter. He is sooo missed in this world of too many fakes. RIP John.
Your comment literally brought me to tears. How lovely.
Not too sure his ex wives and staff would share your sentiments. Great singer though.
@@paulhagger3895 Don'tcha just love Tabloid Newspapers ?
@@jimled50jl49 he actually admitted to assaulting his first wife
@@paulhagger3895 Good for you .... 2 sides to every story !
This song still give me goosebumps after all these years. This is a S tier song no question. We lost him way too soon.
I’m in my middle 60s and this is still one of my favorite songs ever. I’m pretty much a rock/grunge/metal person but this song is basically perfect.
One of my great guilty pleasures. There's no reason a big city boy growing up on R&B such as myself should be so into his music, but I was. The poetry, the soaring vocals, the romanticism be it person or place, is irresistible. Might even call it inspirational. Another great singer-songwriter taken from the world way too soon. RIP. Check out "Annie's Song" by him. It will melt your heart.
Me too, I grew up a fan of Led Zep, Floyd, Aerosmith, etc. HATED soft rock… except… I loved John Denver. I never told my friends!
Songs about finding one's soul are always uplifting, regardless of its genre.
I definitely hear where you're coming from, on loving an artist who is so outside of your usual musical wheelhouse, but no one should ever feel guilty about being a John Denver fan. His music is pure beauty. Now and then, he can even actually rock a bit too! 🙂 He wrote and recorded a great song in '72 called "Prisoners" that is more on the "rock" side of folk-rock.
Annie's Song
"Calypso" is my favorite John Denver song.
I hadn't heard this song in years, I honestly forgot how good it is. Thanks as always.✌
I love seeing you young guys appreciate John Denver, an iconic artist, no one like him.
As far as songwriting goes, this song cant be any less than S Tier. One of my favorite songs of all time...Top 50 ever recorded, easy. This song is musical poetry. Gives me chills every time I hear it.
Same.
You need more John Denver in your life. He showed up in movies too. He starred in a wonderful little 1970s movie called "Oh, God!" It's not a musical, but it is a vibe.
Loved it. Must have seen it 10 times. Wasn't a musical but it carried within it the same inspiration you feel and some of his songs.
One of my favorite Christmas movies is The Christmas Gift filmed in Georgetown, CO has JD as lead. It is a must watch every Christmas.
Also Sunshine on my Shoulders movie where his wife is dying...
He had a great sense of humor.
with George Burns, too! another unforgettable talent
I also think it's very cool how he ended the same chorus with a different line, the best being the last "I know he'd be a poorer boy if he never saw an eagle fly", because there is something serene and magical when you see one, 1st time or 50th time. "The shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby" is another gem. He was such a poetic lyricist.
Agree even the 50th time seeing an eagle fly is awe inspiring. And your mention of the other line, yes a gem, it is exquisite.
Denver's "The Eagle and the Hawk" has always been one of my favorites for that feeling of freedom of soaring on the wind. I only wish the song was longer!
A few years ago my husband, kids and I went fishing on the back side of a reservoir and there were several pairs of eagles flying around checking us out. I'll never forget my little boy pointing as eagles soared over his head. Every time I hear this I think about my youngest son and his sheer joy at discovering the mountains and the lakes of the Adirondacks.
Agreed! And he mixes up the instrumentals so it remains fresh and continues to evolve/unfold throughout the song.
My husband was a bodyguard for John Denver in Tucson for a concert. He was into ping pong and would skate around the venue to do sound checks. My husband played many ping pong games with Mr. Denver and said he was a genuinely nice man.
OMG! I'm an older lady who grew up on this music...loving it.
Does my heart good to see young people appreciate it!
Saw him live twice...sounded exactly like his recordings. Amazing artist!
RIP
Missed so much@
He was amazing live! He had this ability to be intimate with the audience so even if you were in a crowd of thousands you felt like he was talking to you. He told great stories along with the songs as well. I’ll never forget a story he told about how challenging it is to tune a 12 string guitar.
Me too. I love this man😊
A&A, you’ll love his "Take Me Home, Country Roads", “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "Annie's Song"!!!! One of the purest voices you’ll ever hear. A great singer/songwriter and guitarist.
Colorado has his "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs.
West Virginia’s state song is his "Take Me Home, Country Roads”.
I always thought Sunshine On My Shoulders was kind of sappy, but Take Me Home, Country Roads and Thank God I'm a Country Boy, definitely.
Jet Plane!
100% Annie's Song. My less mainstream suggestion would be "Matthew". That song made me cry the first time I was listening to it while driving through the midwest.
Great song recommendations. Some of the best of JD.
@@maitri1922 thank you
My favorite line in that song is, "Coming home to a place I'd never been before".
Exactly, a perfect way to convey his instant comfort with the beauty of a natural world he hadn't seen before!
That's how I felt when I moved to Colorado
"Wholesome" is the right word. A lot of Gen Xers grew up singing John Denver songs in elementary school music classes and watching him on Muppet specials. It maybe led to a bit of a backlash against him because he was so kid-friendly and unhip. But his talent was undeniable. I had to sing "Annie's Song" at a wedding once and I could barely get through it without choking up. It's just so beautiful.
John Denver… The best friend a song ever had. Straight up goosebumps, indeed.
This album was HUGE when it came out, and it cemented John Denver's career (which had a considerable number of hits, as well as a TV variety show, Christmas specials, and essentially created an entire genre that dominated for 2-3 years and a lifestyle, as I recall). If you want to explore more of his stuff, I recommend starting with "Annie's Song", "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or "Thank God I'm a Country Boy."
I remember when 'Country Boy' was a staple in Major League Baseball parks around the country
Its been long ago now but in the early to mid 70s there was no one, and I mean no one, bigger in music than John Denver.
'Sunshine on my shoulders' is were i go when i need a lift! ABSOLUTETLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!
@@chrisoakley5830 and think of just how many denim jackets got sold because of him! My sister used to have one of those life-size cardboard cut-outs from the record stores of him in her room in those years.
@@oboogie2 good point, that's something I hadn't thought about.
His version of Leaving on a Jet Plane (the original, btw) is also killer.
Seriously, they need to hit that. It's so different from the PP&M version that went to #1. I honestly find it more, well, genuine. Which doesn't surprise me. PP&M were singing a beautiful song. John Denver wrote it, as he wrote so many songs, to express what he felt, and when he sings it, you FEEL it.
(Not saying the PP&M version didn't deserve to go to #1 or that it's surprising that it did. They were a popular group, bringing out a beautiful song, and it hit at that right moment in time when people read into the complex emotions of men leaving for Vietnam. Yet I still feel more depth in John's version, even though he's "only" singing about going on the road as a touring musician. Though, to be clear, I'm not sure if PP&M were "thinking" of the Vietnam connection either -- just saying that I think it resonated with the public when it came out, because of that.)
I agree. P,P, and M was good, but I always preferred John's version. Sang it around the campfire in Boy Scouts, and we always sang along with Denvers version
His live version performed as a duet with Mama Cass is beautiful. Wonderful two-part harmonies.
Amen.
Yes!
So many favorites from John Denver. “Fly Away” w/ Olivia Newton John, “Sunshine on my Shoulders”, “Annie’s Song” and of course “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”
This music is peaceful and beautiful, and we need it now.
Don't forget "Leaving, On a Jet Plane".
@@chadheckman2693 yes!!
Additions to your list…Some Days Are Diamonds, Calypso, Wild Montana Skies, Shanghai Breezes, Perhaps Love…so many wonderful songs. John was a master storyteller and his songs all shoot straight to the heart and soul.
His duet with Mama Cass singing "Leavin on a Jet Plane" is an amazing, iconic moment in music.
Yes!
Agree.
Growing up in Colorado during the 70s you could not escape the omnipresence of John Denver. It was definitely too much of a good thing. Now in my 60s I really appreciate his music so much more. Lyrically, musically, vocally, it's perfection. I'd also add it's about the best sing along music ever written. When you know every word it's pretty much impossible not to sing along at the top of your lungs when alone in a car (when people can't really see you)
I still do the same to every song on "An Evening With John Denver" when I put it on in the car. :) And as a testament to the sing-along quality -- there's a video making the rounds on social media right now of the recent NFL game played in Germany, on 11/13. The entire stadium breaks into "Take Me Home, Country Roads".
I am in the same boat as you, grew up in Colorado in the 70's and the constant playing of his music burned me out. Now I too am in my 60's and whenever I hear one of his songs, his genius makes me envision the mountains and I want to chuck everything and move back there.
When you compose music that become official songs of two different states... that's pretty amazing
John Denver is a poet musician that speaks directly to your soul. His writing, musicianship and harmonies are unmatched. Watch some of his live performance videos and you will hear just how good of a singer he is. He is flawless.
He was able to create such imagery through his music. Even if you’ve never spent time in the mountains, you can see it. You can feel it.
John definitely was genuine, he wore his heart on his sleeve. If you listen to more of his music you'll find this out. The sad thing about him being that way the press at the time had a field day bashing him. Thanks for doing this terrific reaction. You definitely nailed it.
John Denver was so genuine, so earnest, that he cheerfully crossed over into "corny" for a lot of people. Or "cringe" as people would say today. Either you can handle that, or you can't. To be that genuine means being vulnerable. The 70s were such an odd time, coming off a lot of earnest feelings and expressions in the late 60s (well, as they say, decades are never neatly delineated; "the 60s", when people mean that hippie era, is really 1966 or 67 through about 1973). And then a sort of backlash against that idealism starts to set in -- the 70s (as a whole) are just as known for the rise of cynicism and discontent as they are for that early idealism. John Denver never turned to cynicism or discontent (even when singing about *feeling* discontent -- like in this song's 3rd verse, concern about impending environmental catastrophe). So of course those who DID become cynical, and who wanted to see art reflect those feelings, would bash him.
@@gryphonvert I couldn't have said what you said as eloquently as you did here. That is exactly what was going on at the time. John was a musical hero of mine when I was a kid in the 70's and still is to this day. RIP John Denver.
@@dp67dl93 Same here. :) Some of what I now recognize as going on in the 70s, is me realizing by looking back at it. As a kid in the 70s, sheltered from the concerns of adults, I remember the good stuff a lot better, and for me, John Denver was emblematic of that. I've only come to appreciate him more as time as gone on.
(Probably the closest I came to understanding the cynicism of the time was that I started reading "Doonesbury" at WAY too young an age, lol. My brother had several of the collected volumes, and man, the stuff about Nixon and Vietnam seriously flew over my head. But I drank it up.)
That's the perfect description of him--genuine.
John Denver testified in the United States Congress against censorship in music! It's awesome and all too rare to have someone so "wholesome" defending the rights of fellow music crafters.... Rest in peace, sweet soul. 😇
"He was born in the summer of his 27th year." Top tier opening lyric.
The first time I walked into the Rocky Mountains I literally broke down and sobbed. Talk about feeling so insignificant. Thanks for great reaction and a great memory. Will never forget the emotional reaction, just remember feeling, God has been in this place.
He made it:))) Beautiful place
Annie’s Song and Sunshine On My Shoulders are two of his more beautiful offerings.
I can get lost in so many of his songs.
His cover of John Prine’s Angel From Montgomery is excellent.
For a down home lively fun song, Thank God I’m A Country Boy is a real treat. Very infectious.
And he covered Prine's Paradise. That song is huge for me.
@@danmcconnell5941
Yes sir! Arguably Prine’s best.
@@danmcconnell5941
Prine’s Sam Stone is a dark and haunting song. His ability to write the world with vivid imagery and witty wordplay has always hit home with me.
The song he and Steve Goodman co-wrote, You Never Even Called Me By My Name, is a prime example. David Allen Coe’s version is still covered in honky tonks all across Texas.
I love John Denver, for me this is a S Tier song 🎶 for me. This song brings back memories.
My favorite line…..coming home to a place I’ve never been before. His song writing and his voice just feels like a kind of magic. Chills every time. Thank you guys for this and of course all things. So many songs but Sunshine On My Shoulder is a fav.
My secret is this was the reason I moved to Colorado. I was early 20s when I got there and 40 when I left. This song completely describes the clarity and renewal of the spirit you find in the mountains. Its an amazingly beautiful place.
Also… “ he would be a lesser man if he never saw an eagle fly” 🦅 🎵
More song writing talent in one man than we’ve seen in the last 20 years
Oh so TRUE!!!!!¡!!!!💚🙂
Sunshine on My Shoulders is a whole moment in time too. You're there with him, looking at what he sees, feeling what he feels. It's a true moment.
Thank GOD im acountryboy will have you trying to square dance!!
I love that you comment on such a wide range of music. Even stuff that I havent heard or am not particularly a fan of. As an Australian kid of the 70s and 80s I grew up with a lot of this music, but some of the American bands never made it here as much more than one-hit wonders. Regardless, your enthusiasm and excitement in listening to and critiquing the music brings me joy and makes me re-examine some of it too. Bands that werent cool when I was a kid, that maybe deserved a second look that I hadnt had time to get round to yet for example. I like John Denver - although I often felt his persona was a bit too corny for me a lot of the time - but this song is beautiful and there are a handful of others of his that truly stand the test of time and quality. Looking forward to this! :)
This was one of your best videos -- EVER! Thanks SO MUCH for doing John. Back in the day, it was common for critics to make fun of John, Barry Manilow, Carpenters, ABBA, America, and others who wrote and performed beautiful melodic music that was impeccably crafted. John was one of the great American songwriters of his era, as well as an amazing performer and all-around entertainer. So many brilliant songs from this incredibly talented musician. His music continues to uplift and entertain through the decades. And he was a great citizen of planet Earth. Our troubled world needs many more human beings like him again. He and Gordon Lightfoot sang about Nature in ways nobody else has done.
As for other songs, so many -- "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)," "Poems, Prayers, and Promises," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Back Home Again," "Follow Me," "Season Suite" (five parts, with gorgeous acoustic guitar work)...
Milton Okun was the producer, and he produced much of John's best work. If you're unfamiliar with his work, he was a very important producer in our country's history. John's records were immaculately recorded/engineered, too.
Great review guys, glad this one hit you the way it did.
Denver was kind of ridiculed back in the day by the metal/punk crowd as being kinda geeky & commercial. But you could never deny his talent and songwriting gifts. Unbelievable vocal intonation, never failed to impress the pros, and as you say, he could really tell a tale with lyrics and mood. He was HUUUGE in the 70s, all over the charts as that perfect bridge between country & soft rock, so appealed to a very broad audience. RIP JD, you did us proud.
Yes! I remember us mocking John in high school as hokey, but I did secretly like his music.
@@aWOKEn1445 Me too! :)
But deep down we knew it was good😅
"Annie's Song" should be next! It's such a beautiful song!
Love this guy and his voice is so clear. His music and lyrics are some of the best written.
Great comments from you guys on this. It's fun to watch someone listen to a song for the first time that I've literally heard hundreds of times. John Denver dominated the '70s like few other people and this song is seared into many of our brains. His best album is a live concert recording with a full orchestra at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles called "An Evening with John Denver." Exquisite.
One of my favorite albums of all time.
You know what heaven is? It is having John Denver and Karen Carpenter singing duets for you. Two individuals with the most pure, beautiful voices.
I've been waiting for A&A to react to John Denver for a long time, He has more than one easy listening banger
John was maybe the most un-ironically wholesome performer, if not person, there's been; both as a singer/songwriter and an actor. If you ever get the chance to watch the movie "Oh God," do it, do it, do it; both he and George Burns were perfectly believable in their characters and their chemistry together was, well, divine.
Yes!! Great, funny, movie!
To me, Annie’s Song is absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Sunshine on My Shoulders, Calypso and Goodbye Again are also just great songs.
A Song for All Lovers is very powerful.
The acoustic string army on this cut blows me away every time I hear this song.
I believe ‘Annie’s Song’ is John Denver’s best song… and as was mentioned, his use of colorful words in that song go unmatched
I loved that Alex shared the experience this brought up for him. That warmth you feel, we loved him even in the gritty seventies. He sounded like love hope and sanity.
His ability to hold notes, and seemingly never hearing him breathe to hit those notes amazes. So smooth.
'He was born in the summer of his 27th year.' One forever awesome lyric.
A very sensitive appreciation, guys -- everything from the lyrics to the vocal lines to the lap steel to the mandolin? maybe a banjo? I never assume that these songs will speak to a new generation, but I'm glad to see this one in particular holds up. There aren't many songs about an authentic spiritual awakening. Love this one.
Kids have been singing his songs at summer camps for decades.
Without a doubt this is my favorite song from him. Especially when you learn just how autobiographical it is. He came to Colorado for the first time and felt at home. The fire in the sky was a meteor shower he and others saw and the trail looked like fire in the sky. Amazing, beautiful song.
This is s tier all the way. The base run up. The strings can get lost in the immaculate lyrics. Doesn’t get better. This is not just a few guys strumming guitars. Every rhythmic stroke accents the feeling of the song.
The fact that John wrote TWO (great) state anthems is crazy.
As a child of the 70’s John Denver is a favorite. He was everywhere and almost everyone liked him. He is a genuine person and it obvious when you seem him in interviews or performing live. Gone too soon.
You’ve got to listen to “Annie’s Song” whether you react to it or not. It’s the most beautifully descriptive tribute to his wife. If you were hit by the words in the song, you will love Annie’s Song.
And think about this....he cranked out this beautiful music in the era of disco passing into metal handbanging.....and he struck a cord with all. He would go to any small venue, and just play. He garnered a huge following of people who were married to other genres. His genius as a lyricist, and his pure voice just killed it. I think there are a ton of heavy metal fans out there who might just now admit they has a secret stash of John Denver somewhere. I know I do. Good on you Alex. This is absolutely S-Tier talent.
Some of the best lyrics ever written - we lost this very talented man way too soon!
Alex is so dead on correct. This song really captured the feeling of being in the Rocky Mountains during the 1970's. When I was 15 I hitched hiked from California to Boulder, Colorado...and spent the last part of the summer camping out in one of the highest parts of the Rockies next to a mountain stream.
Everyone in my family associates this song with my stepfather who was an amazing guy and an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Every year, his big road trip was out to Colorado from NY to go deer hunting with his nephews and meet some friends along the way. When he passed away several years ago, we obviously had to play this at the memorial.
Classy move.
My absolute favorite John Denver song is "Matthew", which is a song he wrote about an uncle of his who died when he was young, and yet somehow the song is still just so joyful. He didn't lead a perfect life and he definitely had a drinking problem, but John Denver was one of those special souls you don't find very often.
Young man, you definitely did not talk too much. Thanks for skillfully articulating what I felt when I first heard this song 50 years ago. RIP John
I was living in Monterey when his plane went down into the bay. Sad day. I always wonder the songs that we would have heard but never will because of accidents that have taken many song writers lives before their time.
Yep. Anytime you hear goosebumps. S-TIER🤩
“Friends around the campfire and everybody’s hiiiiiiigh”. So 70s and I’m so grateful to have grown up during such a wonderful time for music. I’m 66 years old and this sounds just as great as it did when I was in high school. It has stood the test of time.
Actually, the line goes..."Talk to God and listen to the casual reply."
It's just that he accents the word casual. THANK YOU GUYS so much! 🌿❤️🌿 I was waiting for this one. JOHN DENVER is a Legend! He died in the sky - he did love to fly. This was so touching and sophisticated * now if you would like to hear something down home and funny with the same talent, go listen to "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy!" 🎵 Front porch, blues grass in the best way. (Maybe not bluegrass but some fast-paced, knee slappin' fun done by a man who does music so well. ) Note: "Take Me Home Country Roads" is my family's song because we are from West Virginia 🎄✨️
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Comin' home to a place he'd never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
You might say he found a key for every door
[Verse 2]
When he first came to the mountains, his life was far away
On the road and hangin' by a song
But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care
It keeps changin' fast and it don't last for long
[Chorus]
But the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby
Rocky Mountain high (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
[Verse 3]
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say that he got crazy once, and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend, but kept the memory
[Verse 4]
Now he walks in quiet solitude, the forests and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
[Chorus]
And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
[Verse 5]
Now his life is full of wonder, but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land
[Chorus]
And the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Though he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky Mountain high
[Outro]
Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (High in Colorado)
It hit me today why I enjoy you guys so much. I was a 70's teen and my circle really was like 70s show. We'd bring records to our friend's basement to share then talk about the music for hours. Some of those guys are gone now but I live that memory again with the two of you. -Thanks, c
Me, too! 😁❤️
James Taylor needs to be hit up ! Dude's a legend. He has a couple of "destination songs" in "Mexico" and "Carolina in my Mind" that are both great in a huge archive of great music.
I loved this reaction. I am 58 years old and have loved John Denver since I was a small kid. I have the reaction that Alex had every time I hear this song. The simplicity of it, while encompassing such depth and vivid imagery is just a masterpiece in my opinion. He just always makes me smile with most of his songs.
Guys, I may have enjoyed this reaction more than any you’ve done. You gave it it’s due. You shared your stories, which I really appreciated. I’ve had my moments in nature that just spoke of the perfection being one with that moment. It stays with you and shapes you.
It's hard to imagine someone nowadays singing songs about his love of Nature and spiritual rebirth, but happy songs were a 70s specialty. Happy songs were a key ingredient in the whole carefree 70s post-hippy vibe.
I feel that same way when Eric Clapton sings “You look wonderful tonight”. So many other words he could have chosen, but wonderful seems so respectful.
I was born in Wyoming and grew up in the Rockies. Most of my vacations, were in those mountains. This always brings me back to that time. I love it😊
The Eagle and the Hawk for amazing vocals…do the studio version please
totally agree !
Absolutely! I cannot listen to that song without belting it out at the top of my lungs!
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded. Goosebumps indeed.
I love classic rock. I looove Motown. But John Denver owns a special place in my heart. A true artist, a poet. If I’m feeling a little low I just say “play John Denver”, close my eyes and take in the instruments, the words and that voice.
A very underated artist. He got dismissed by a lot of folks because of his TV show and goofy personality in it. But when you look at the songs lyrically and musically, there are many that are exquisite. Lots of people forget he also wrote Leaving on a Jet Plane which was a hit for Peter, Paul and Mary. I would suggest Sunshine on my Shoulder. Annie's Song, Calypso next. And he was just as good playing live.
Where do I start? First thing that comes to mind is how much intention the two of you put into your reactions. You don't just churn out three songs a day to make more money. You have purpose to how you do it and it's why I watch.
I am so stoked this was S tier for you. The goose bumps you felt are the same ones I have felt since listening to this since I was a child. I still get them. Some other fantastic songs; "This Old Guitar", "Annie's Song", "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Poems, Prayers and Promises" and "Calypso" just to name a few.
For just songwriting prowess, this guy is on the Mt. Rushmore with Dylan, Lightfoot and Stevens.
Listening to this brought me to tears. John cared deeply for the environment and the song depicts this with beauty and grace. Sweet instrumentation. Very popular back in the day. Saw him in concert and loved it. (Starland Vocal Band was the warm-up!)
I was lucky enough to see John Denver in concert twice,several years apart both shows were awesome! He was just as good live! At some point you have to listen to his song Poems ,Prayers and Promises it’s really beautiful!
He was a great live performer. He sounded just like his albums. He was in Toronto, 1983. He did a cover of Gordon Lightfoot's " That's what you get for lovin me". Amazing!
Definitely "S" tier for me. I've heard this song a hundred times and never tire of it. "Comin' home to a place he'd never been before" is my favorite line in a song with many great lines.
Annie's Song should be next. thanks for this one! I needed some John Denver today!
The lyrics are crazy good. Now he walks in quiet solitude, the forest and the streams, seeking grace in every step he takes. His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand the serenity of clear blue blue mountain lake…
So much magic and lyricism in this one. Glad y'all got to enjoy it!
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is one of the most internationally recognized songs ever. I've heard it sung in bars in Europe, rooftop cafes in Asia, and in a Safari camp in Africa. It somehow even became an unofficial theme song for Oktoberfest in Munich. If you haven't heard it, give it a listen. It will make you long to go back home to the country, even if you've never lived there.