About the Song
John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a sonic postcard that transports listeners to the breathtaking peaks and sprawling vistas of the Rockies. Released in 1972, the song became an anthem for Colorado and a celebration of the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountain range.
A Love Letter Disguised as a Song
At its core, “Rocky Mountain High” is a love letter. Denver, an avid outdoorsman who found solace and inspiration in the mountains, pours his heart out in the lyrics. Lines like “I’ve seen it raining fire in the mountains / I’ve seen the thunderbirds fly” paint a vivid picture of the Rockies’ grandeur and untamed spirit. The song isn’t just about the physical beauty; it delves into the emotional connection Denver feels with this majestic landscape.
Beyond the Lyrics: A Musical Journey
The melody of “Rocky Mountain High” perfectly complements the lyrics. The opening banjo riff sets a folksy tone, while the soaring chorus, punctuated by Denver’s passionate vocals, evokes a sense of exhilaration and freedom. The subtle use of strings adds a touch of grandeur, mirroring the majesty of the mountains themselves.
A Spark of Controversy, a Flame of Inspiration
Interestingly, “Rocky Mountain High” was initially banned by some radio stations due to misinterpretations of the “high” referenced in the title. However, Denver vehemently denied any drug connotations, insisting the song was a celebration of a natural high – the feeling of exhilaration and connection one experiences in the mountains. This controversy, ironically, only fueled the song’s popularity.
An Anthem That Endures
“Rocky Mountain High” transcended its status as a regional anthem. It became a celebration of nature’s beauty and a reminder of the restorative power of spending time outdoors. The song continues to resonate with listeners seeking adventure, solace, or simply a reminder of the awe-inspiring world around us.
A Legacy of Environmental Awareness
While celebrating the beauty of the Rockies, “Rocky Mountain High” also subtly touches on the importance of environmental protection. The seventh verse, referencing the potential destruction of the mountains by commercialism, serves as a cautionary tale. In this way, the song encourages listeners to appreciate and protect the natural world for generations to come.
So, the next time you hear “Rocky Mountain High,” close your eyes and let the music transport you. Imagine the crisp mountain air, the breathtaking views, and the feeling of being one with nature. John Denver’s masterpiece serves not only as a celebration of the Rockies but as a timeless reminder of the magic and wonder the natural world holds.
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Lyrics: Rocky Mountain High
He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming 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
When he first came to the mountains, his life was far away on the road and hanging by a song
But the strings already broken and he doesn’t really care
It keeps changing fast, and it don’t last for longAnd the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky
The shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby
Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain highHe 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
Now he walks in quiet solitude, the forest and the streams, seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight is turned inside himself, to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lakeAnd the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain highNow his life is full of wonder, but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he can not comprehend
Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the landAnd the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky
I know he’d be a poor man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky Mountain high, the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody’s high
Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high
Rocky Mountain high, Colorado. Rocky Mountain high