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Rocky Mountain High Lyrics
Artist: John Denver
Album: Rocky Mountain High
Rocky Mountain High
John Denver
Words by John Denver; Music by John Denver and Mike Taylor
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
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
But the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high
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 his memory
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 a clear blue mountain lake
And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high
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
And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky mountain high
It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high
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Comments/Interpretations
I was born in the summer of my 37th year.....
An awesome written song in which John Denver writes of ones experience of the saving grace of a loving GOD. Profound to say the least.....
what a song, what a writer-singer!
it's definitely 27th year
and it is a profound song
the irony in the lyrics makes it very captivating and interesting
but i don't really think it was necessarily about God
i think he was talking more about the beauty of the earth and how much it affected his life...and how much he appreciated it
Superbly written, performed and lived.....
This guy must have figured he was blessed by God and everyone who tried to relocate there after he did was simply "scars upon the land" . No wonder he was drunk and crashed and drowned. He lived in a dream world and never worked a day in his life.
about god?! you must be kidding, i would say he is worshiping plate tectonics more than anything
I think he's talking about hallucinating on some Peyote.
I was also born in my 33rd year by meeting the one
Let's just chalk ol' John up to a somewhat simpler, more naive time in our history. I haven't met anyone that subscribes to his line of thinking in quite some time. Far out?, more like long gone.
Naive, maybe. Simplier time, fer sure... Maybe it's about finding something greater than yourself, God, or plate tectonics, or...
kenagain59:
My brother: Have you a musical bone in your body? Your comments lead me to believe not. If writing this kind of music is so easy, why the "F" don't you get busy? I suppose you're too busy doing "real" work. Thank God or the gods for the artists among us.
My aunt was a close friend of John's in Denver and we have discussed his meaning of the song extensively. You all have missed the simple point of the song. It is truly about his appreciation of life and beauty. He did see man's overall invasive nature as "scars upon the land" which saddens us all. Yes he did get high in the early years, but his focus was on the beauty of the human spirit. That reads true in most of his music. An evening with John Denver speaks for itself.
what does he mean by born in the 27th year??plz explain
He was "reborn" when he moved to Colorado - at age 27.
I was born in the 27th year. I had a spiritual awaking. I realized during my whole life I was in denial and depressed. I began seeking help and turned my focus inwards and acknowledged my humanity. I learned to be humble; I learned empathy for others. I can relate to this song very much.
I love this song. The lyrics are so good.
Ogg like song. Good song. Make Ogg feel fuzzy like buffalo fur, but on inside. Sad John Denver dead. Ogg sing John Denver song to make him dead self happy (Ogg sing loud so John Denver can hear from grave in Colorado)!
"...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 a clear blue mountain lake..." I'm 50 years old and have always loved this song, but especially now, these lyrics speak to and about me. Thank you John...you are still missed...
I think many artists suffer from addictions. To me, he was a talented singer/songwriter who was concerned with the preservation of America's natural beauty. I don't believe he felt he should be the only person allowed to live in these pristine places, I think he was just frightened that one day they would be gone. Personally,
I prefer a yard full of trees over a manicured lawn any day.
Hey ogg thats true i sing that loud to but for a differnt reason i belive he is watching me and he is my god!!
You cant find a more true song. It is not just true in the words but true in the hart. God must have been jelous of us to take such a great man. I can wait to go to colorado. WE LOVE YOU JOHN DENVER
here people
Here Denver tells about the ....
Im being reborn on my 22nd year!
I am a native of Colorado and up towards Aspen, and around there is absoultley beautiful, I can see what he's talking about. John Denver is simply the best.
Just go and spend one night in the mountains and you will see what John was singing about.
I was born and raised in Colorado and those mountains will always be "my mountains" even thousgh I seen many others around world. I have been living in Costa Rica for a very long time and would love to go back to Colorado. I've been listening to Colorado Rocky Mountain High on my iPod for an hour.
This "beautiful man" has, or had, a mat at his front door saying "Go away. You're not welcome". Now there's a rocky mountain high colonic.
I hate that this great man had to leave us:(
i love his songs i love his lyrics!
This beautiful song makes three references to a night in August when Denver and some friends went up over 10,000 ft. to view the Perseid meteor shower. Under optimal conditions (high altitude, low humidity, dark skies) the Perseids can be quite impressive: "fire in the sky."
I was reborn in my 21st year when after serving 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard I packed up everything I owned and moved to Colorado. I lived and worked there for one ski season and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The images have never left my mind. The irony of it all was that it came on the radio as I approached the Eisenhour Tunnel bound for Summit County and as I exited the same tunnel when I was moving back to Florida. One of the most beautiful songs ever.
Great lurics that have stood the test of time....beautiful narrative. "Annie's song", another great love song was played at my wedding --- and every girl named Anne in the 70's!
He was singing of the Perseids meteor shower that occurs in late August every year when he sang "fire in the sky". He first saw it in HIS 27th year while camping at ~ 11000 feet near Aspen. I'm a Colorado native, and have seen it many times... there is nothing like it on earth when viewed from 12000 feet away from any city lights. So yeah, I want to keep "the scars" of more people and city lights out.
This song perfectly describes the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the peace and serenity a person can find there. John Denver is genius
I find it amusing that someone would say john denver never worked a day in his life. corect me if i'm wrong, but wasn't he a decorated Vietnam War Veteran? Anyone who has ever lived in Colorado knows exactely what he is talking about. I "was born in the summer" of my 22nd year, and lived there for a number of years. John captured the spirit of Colorado perfectly. Go climb a 14,000 foot peak there, and you will know what he was writing about. "You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply, Rocky Mountain high" -John Denver, RIP.
This song is not about GOD.
It's about the Tooth Fairy you idiots.
Well said Hardcare. I would also like to elaborate on your thoughts. John appreciated greatly the beauty around him in the land, people, and was spiritually aware of God. He was a dreamer, but wasn't dillusional as mentioned several comments above. He was a folk artist, writer, philanthropist, pilot, and wonderful singer. We lost him way too early. RIP John.
"Never worked a day in his life?" Whoever said that knows very little about John Denver and even less about what it takes to be a true singer/songwriter. Some people are celebrities because of ridiculous things like being really good-looking, or inheriting tons of money. But JD is famous because of his amazing voice, outstanding musicianship, and the ability to create songs filled with imagery, emotion and hope. I can't stand country music, and I don't agree with a lot of what John Denver believed, but I can't stand seeing someone belittle a "Body of WORK" as unique and powerful as the music of John Denver.
"Never worked a day in his life?" Whoever said that knows very little about John Denver and even less about what it takes to be a true singer/songwriter. Some people are celebrities because of ridiculous things like being really good-looking, or inheriting tons of money. But JD is famous because of his amazing voice, outstanding musicianship, and the ability to create songs filled with imagery, emotion and hope. I can't stand country music, and I don't agree with a lot of what John Denver believed, but I can't stand by and let someone belittle a "Body of WORK" as unique and powerful as the music of John Denver.
I think who ever said John Denver never worked a day in his life got to much time on theie hands.I have a Vester Stage Series guitar and I play this song over and over for my friends when we're up to my cabin enjoying the simple things in life. R.I.P. John my friend.
When we let go of whatever it is we're holding on to with all four paws, God replaces it with something a thousand times better, we're reborn.
this song is definitely about marijuana
RIP
Nothing to comment
I just happen to be moving to Colorado, and as a going away gift from my Dad, he gave me an old John Denver vinly record. He told me Rocky Mountain High was his favorite drinking song when he was my age(long story about how he could get beer, beans, cornbread, and an onion for 75 cents and this was the song he and his buddies would listen to)...the irony is that I am 27. I don't have a turn table so I decided to look the lyrics up and read them...life is really surreal when we open our eyes.
This is an amazing song. Obviously those of you leaving negative comments have never experienced the beauty and absolute serinity of the Rocky Mountains. I first went to the Rockies when I was 22 and have deep appreciation for this song. John Denver was an amazing man and to say he never worked a day in his life is absolutely ridiculous. Please explain what type of music you would have to write and sing to be considered doing work?
I am a huge fan of Denvers. I feel very sorry for the ones out there who cannot understand the profoundness and, depth of this particular song. It would take to many words to explain it to you. So,I will just try to keep it short. The song is about himself and,His life,his experiences. How the beauty and,appreciation moves and, inspires him.John had a way about expressing those things and,the very things that others tend to take for granted. He touches and, moves people,(most people). He had a way of touching ones heart and, soul at a higher level.HE is truly the worlds loss.
he was back home to colorado at 27th years.
I like your song and you know Denver is from a town in Colorado.
The 'scars upon the land' was a lyrical protest. He was referring to the efforts to destroy a mountainside to allow a few more people to watch the Olympics were they to come to Denver at the time.
I like your song.
Does anyone know what was JD meant when he "lost a friend but kept the memory"? Interesting to learn that some of the lyrics referenced a stargazing trip. Never been to the Rockies, but hopefully someday. Until then, I can close my eyes and enjoy the serenity of his songs.
I understand the first line perfectly. The 'home' I found was in my 58th. year and clear across the country in the Adirondacks, but I bonded with it as soon as I moved here. At peace with the people, land and all around me. Never felt that I belonged before.
As to 'lost a friend, but kept the memory', we've had a dear friend die from cancer but think of her daily. We're better for having had such a special person in our lives.
To me, John Denver sang about what was and is best about our country. Sad that so many feel his time and music has passed. It is filled with so much love and awe.
Its a great song,to really appreciate it you have to go to the rocky mountains. Breathe the air, check out he landscape and look for wildlife and really LIVE !!
I live up here in the Mountains of BC.. This is a beautiful song, and just because there is the word God in it people seem to get ticked and totally disregard the whole song as being old fashioned, therefore I disregard those people who are too ignorant to see beyond there own anger. He is a wonderful artist, and will continue to be for me regardless of what others think.
Being born in the 27th year refers to him doing EST (now the landmark forum) in the summer at age 27.
I was watching a show about jd just earlier and a friend of his said it was about a close friend that died . i love colorado and visit there often. john denver is in a class by himself
the 27th year there is something to this,
addicts often are from another time, world and can't bare being on earth so they block their pain with drugs, the pain of belonging to another place... a cleaner loving place.
Just learned this song (again after some 30 years) and will play it tonight at a x-mas gig. When it comes to songwriting, it doesn't get much better than John Denver. His music lives on......
I dunno..I like the song and all, but, John Dever grew up in an upscale suburb of Minneapolis...definatly had a very priveledged upbringing. I just find it curious how pampered rich kids can relate to "thank god i'm a country boy", etc...I can tell you, Edina, Minnesota is no "country boy" place!!..but, he did make good music..
love this song!!!!
All your responses are great and are a testament of what good, compelling, universally-appealing song writing fosters: a variety of ideas of what its about (as in Stairway to Heaven). RMH is a transcendent masterpiece, broad and vague enough to be meaningful to most anyone growing up in the west, yet heart-felt and emotional enough to be authentic, sweeping one away to another time and place. A true classic.
This high is about letting go, of the past (his life was far away), the losses (he lost a friend), the material things (more scars upon the land) and living in the awe of pure experience. The ancient whispers of this land speak to those who listen. Most of us on this page have heard it...and John is part of that now as his songs live on. RIP. And God bless all who seek and walk in this beauty and simplicity which is timeless.
John Denver is amazing! He is one of my favorite singers. This song is really touching and the lyrics are truly beautiful. I've never been to Colorado but I want to very badly because of him. John Denver was a great songwriter, a great singer, and a great man. We miss you John! RIP
This dude and his music rocks!
LOVE this song. Was a favorite of mine when I was young, and it had new meaning for me when I divorced at 27. Very inspirational, and filled with beautiful imagery and symbolism. Thank you John Denver for the beauty you added to the world.
why do songs about nature have to be about some sort of godly experience...maybe it was about a man or himself for that reason that came to the realization we dont need material things..we dont need to prove ourselves...we just need to be!!!!
If you have lived at all, and can listen to this song and not be moved you do not have a pulse!
I heard this driving home from lexington, VA to Asheville, NC and I had to pull over. My eyes were full of tears! You either get it, or you don't!
His songs were and are, GREAT!
My Rocky Mountain high started summer of my 17th year, 1975. My dad took my brother and me backpacking around the headwaters of the Rio Grande River, roughly near Creede, Colorado. I started singing "He was born in the summer of his 17th year ..."
I am simply humbled by john denvers music. He sang from the heart and spent time to mske his lyrics as good as possible. Who ever said he didn't work and smoked marijuana doesn't know what the song is really about. High can mean to differnt things I'm this song it means happy or high spirits. We all love you john and you are missed. P.S. God I hope you are treating him well. God is love
When someone is in their 27th year, they are actually 26 years old. Think about it...a baby in its first year is 0 years old...during its second year its one year old. During your 27th year you are 26 years old. It's only at the END of your 27th year that you become 27 years old. So all these posts that talk about the singer being 27 years old, you're off by a year.
This is a great song.
What a song. How it is possible to write and sing this kind of song.he must be an angle.
John wanted us to feel the way he did...looking at all these posts, he must have felt pretty good!
shame hes dead. awesome song though
I grew up in Carbondale, which is near Aspen. I was born in my 4th year. This place is the home of my heart. For those of you who have posted negatively, I feel sorry for you. If you have a soul, spend a night in the mountains near Aspen, and you will fully understand what he is talking about. I, too, have seen it rain fire in the sky. God dwells closest there, and he speaks often, if one only has the ears to hear.
Sarwar: He must be an "angle"? Like a 45 degree angle?
I heard this in the supermarket(where I always hear it), and I couldn't see the labels on the organic foods through the tears in my eyes. Poor John! You sad, drunken bastard!
SD - go somewhere quickly, and get a life. Seriously.
It was a sad day when he died. His songs were from the heart, and they Pop in my head all of the time, friends look at me funny, But I don't care, It's from the heart Baby, John wouldv'e loved that Rest in peace my friend!!
The lyrics about "tearing down the mountain to put in a couple more" relates to the winter olympics Denver, Co wanted to get in 1976. John Denver wrote this as his protest verse. "Bring in a couple more" were the ski jumps that would be constructed. There was enough backlash after this song, Denver pulled out their bid.
I was born in the fall of my 23rd year when I moved to Vail Colorado in 1991. I had never really appreciated nature even though I had grown up in a rural area. Now, when I look out my window each morning, I see what he was writing about. When I hike or ski, I feel more in touch with my spirituality. To see a meteor shower is like looking at fire in the sky. I have lost friends to the mountains - avalanches, climbing, etc., but we all know that actually living is better that waiting to die. Each new developer that comes to town takes away a little bit of the beauty of the area. When I am in the mountains, I truly feel a high that has nothing to do with drugs, alcohol, or anything but the beauty of my surroundings. Until you experience it, you will not understand.
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i like this song so much and john denver
colorado is beautiful. i have lived there for most of my life. but now i am in GA becuase of my dad's job. still, colorado sunrises/sunsets are plain amazing!
I wish John Denver could read these posts. I think he would have liked how this song still invokes so much discussion, especially about preservation. Thank you John, and my children thank you, and my grand children, etc...
Two thirds of these people are brain-dead.
I was born and raised in Colorado. My father was a Coloradan, and his father, and his father before that (if you've been counting, that makes me a fifth-generation resident of Colorful CO). With that being said, I can absolutely understand John Denver's distrust of growth and development here in Colorado. In my own lifetime (I'm 21), I have seen a frightening ammount of sprawl in what used to be quiet mountain towns (not to mention massive oilfield expansions). Yet, I don't think JD's intentions were ever to deter people from this captivating place. The lyrics of this song vividly capture the unworldly 'emotion' that is the Colorado Rocky Mountain High, something that everyone should experience at some point in their lives.
Thank you, John! I miss you.
Your brother, Jake.
After 22 yrs of service in 5 war zones. His songs and lyrics have a different meaning. Seeing some of the comments....whether its about God, nature, or whatever.....if you can use the words to heal, help and find yourself....it doesn't matter what he meant. I find serenity playing his songs on the shore of lake superior. Thanks for your words John...I'm alive and able to make my positive mark on the planet! God speed!
While I too didn't agree with JD's
tree hugging ways and thoughts.
I do give him credit for being a
master song writer. He was a unique individual. He had such a
soft and gentle way about himself,
but his lyrics were strong and powerful. RIP
I am a native to Colorado and I can't imagine a more amazing place. JD captures the most amazing place on Earth in my perspective. I have traveled many places and NOTHING compared to the Colorado Rockies. Seeing pictures of them are not enough. You need the cool and fresh moutain air, rugged terrain and breath-takeing sights for you to experience a high no amount of drugs can give you. If I had to chose from anything on Earth it would be the Colorado Rockies. I encourage everyone to cost and truly experince the Colorado Rocky High because I'm ADDICTIED!
I am a native to Colorado and I can't imagine a more amazing place. JD captures the most amazing place on Earth in my perspective. I have traveled many places and NOTHING compared to the Colorado Rockies. Seeing pictures of them are not enough. You need the cool and fresh moutain air, rugged terrain and breath-takeing sights for you to experience a high no amount of drugs can give you. If I had to chose from anything on Earth it would be the Colorado Rockies. I encourage everyone to vist and truly experince the Colorado Rocky High because I'm ADDICTIED!
Yes, its all due to Allah you sinners are living and enjoying a beautiful landscape.
You must confess that 'There is no god but Allah and Muhammed is his prophet"
I've only seen pictures of the Rocky Mountains being from the east coast. While on vacation in Gatlinburg, Tenn. I got a bird's eyeview of the Great Smokey mountains and the ugly scar of commercialism from the air of Pidgeon Forge.(my only helicopter ride). It helped me understand jd's lyrics a little better. John Denver will always be an American musical treasure, one of America's best singer-songwriters.
The only thing I would like to add to all the great comments is simply to remark on the beauty of Denver's voice. Always yes, but especially in this song. True he was a great songwriter but to me he had arguably the sweetest voice in pop, folk, rock, or country music. Death took him way too early. God bless you, Bob, wherever you are.
Thanks for the circular logic,
"Osama"
As for John D. He had that
clear voice and those optimistic
songs, I'm a fan.
The thing that absolutly floored me about John Denver, was when Rocky Mountain High was at the top of the charts and I, as a fifteen year old buck, was listening to it on my transistor radio, my DAD walks up and says, "hey! Rocky Mountain High, I love that song." John showed us that all bridges could be crossed.
Just got back from Colorado. This song was buzzing in my ears the whole time I was there. I hadn't thought about it for many years. John Denver captured the magic. I relieved it!!
Yep, ya gotta experience being in these mountains to fully grasp the song....as Marie said he 'captured the magic' and indeed he did...
This song touches your soul just like the Colorado Rockies do when your standing there amoungst them.
I just dedicated this song to my son upon his graduation. I hope the lyrics will continue to inspire him. 2009
From his autobiography
"Exploring inner space had become as important to my generation as the exploration of outer space," Denver's wrote in his autobiography Take Me Home, where he admits to getting stoned in Aspen in 1972 with friends Paul Lurea, Michael Shore, Don Straka and a gentleman named "Crow" with whom he also tripped on LSD. Denver wrote that the line from "Rocky Mountain High": "And they say he got crazy once, and he tried to touch the sun," came from that episode, but wasn't just about tripping. It was also about exhilaration, freedom and mortality.
John's clarion voice moved me in the 70's, 80's and still today in 2009. We experiment with something...love, danger, etc. He did, too. The one part of the lyric admits that and connects all of us to him. I am still so sorry that his life was cut short. He still had so many songs to sing perhpas to Annie.
The "Jeff Walker" Cover is awesome, too! :)
wow this song makes me want to leave my miserable life and move to Denver and start over. this song litterly brings tears to my eys. John Denver you were truely an inspired
artist!!
From someone who knew him the song was written about a friend with problems who came to stay with him for a brief period.
When John sings "I've seen it rain'n fire in the sky", he is referring to the Perseid meteor shower, which is beautiful to watch if you are in the Colorado Rockies.
Who ever thinks that John Denver never work ed a day in his life or makes fun of his music and death are real pricks and have no appreciation of music and song writing. I lived in Colorado, and wish I could return, and I play guitar but no way as sweet as Mr Denver. His death is an absolute loss to the music world and anyone who enjoys his music. Make fun of yourselves and your frustration that you could not experience and turn those experiences into words like John Denver had the talent to do. Shame on you !
I can't comprehend anyone failing to appreciate and understand John's music. He was artistic and thoughtful but he wasn't complex with his lyrics. They're sometimes deep but always clear. And the negative drivel...stick it.
So, John Denver "never worked a day in his life". So says some foolish non-John Denver fan above.
Try being in the music business. Try the songwriting, the recording studio time. Try the interviews, the road time, the concerts, the practise sessions with the band.
Just the music industry alone has demands that make the so-called "glamour job" of entertainer very much alot of work.
Inspirational, amazing, God fearing, loving,
talented and awesome John Denver was. His songs will live on forever. His smooth sultry
voice will touch many hearts to come. He is treasured beyond words. Strolling tears seem
never to end hearing some of his lyrics, but also leave you with a sense of hope and depth of self. I love this song and it is about being born again and how God can transform and change anyone's life if they only give Him a chance. Thank you John Denver...see ya in Heaven....Love, Debra
To me, John Denver is referring to problems he faced. Possibly alcoholism and/or drug abuse? He was born the summer of his 27th year; when he truly found more to life. He saw God's grace in the serene mountains of Colorado. So he lives in it everyday to keep him believing there really is beauty in life, not just trouble and dissapointment. He put into words brilliantly.
I think he was talking about the beauty of nature and finding himself. Reflection inward and a little humility will cure the self-centeredness that errods our souls.
Colorado is beautiful. It's very different from Tokyo :)
I like how he says "Friends around the campfire and everybody's high" I love this song!
I love this song. My dad and i sing it togather
After returning from my first long awaited trip to Alaska I can better understand the meaning of coming home to a place he had never been before. I have known a lot of talented entertainers, never met John, but wish I had. His music will live on long after all of us are gone.
Thank you John.
My Dad LOVED this song...was on as I got into the car on my way home from work...I can still picture the album cover from my childhood and my Dad picking the chords on his guitar. He never got to Colorado or Alaska, but I hope he's able to see both now and free from the alcoholism that took his life. RIP Dad, love and miss you always. Thanks John for a great song - I will always remember you both whenever I hear it.
More about John Denver "never worked a day in his life".
Did you know that he was one of 5 founders of "The Hunger Project"?
He was also appointed by President Jimmy Carter 2 years later to the Presidential Commission of World & Domestic Hunger. He personally took numerous trips to Africa to help them learn to grow food and be more self-sustainable. These trips he funded himself.
Doing some research for a presentation of a photographic journey of the last 13 years spent in CO on vacation. I was born in my 40th year honoring my mom's last request... a vacation in CO, her 65th and last year. 1996 was my first trip there and if God allows, I'll spend my retirement there. I grew up hearing JD's songs and words but, truly you most experience the wonders of CO for yourself, only then can you appreciate the full breathe of JD's words. Go, Seek, Find, God! and all his wonders!
I just heard of this song today!!! it is amazing i love it soooo much!!!!! i feel bad about his death! i wish i got to see him or meet him @ like a concert or something!!!! to bad he can't make anymore songs. i bet the next one would like be "Pine Peaks View." to bad!!!!
I shared this song with my babygirl in the 1990's and we have a bond and a love for the beauty of these united states.She is 19 now and I hear her still lovin it!
I've been to Colorado with friends and seen the Perseid meteor shower - ever since this has been one of my favorite songs.
I second EAGLE-WOLF's comments about John Denver's hard work. This song can offer a glimpse into transcendence. Some people just won't get it; too bad those are some of the people who most need to experience the grander aspects of a "Rocky Mountain High." I look forward to seeing the Perseid meteor showers some day...RIP John & Don, et al.
the guy he wrote about was addicted to getting high and he went to the mountains and with the natural beauty of the earth and God he is no longer addicted and he doesn't want more people in the mountains tearing it down
I think this song is absolutely beautiful. John thought that God didn't want more people in the mountains and he didn't want people to tear the mountains down!
redneck
Osama (6/10/09), you are very close, ("its all due to Allah you sinners are living and enjoying a beautiful landscape"). Yes, it is due to Allah/God/Jah/The Great Spirit, but it's not "you sinners" it's "US sinners. (Surely, you weren't excluding yourself, right?) I do hope you have the opportunity to connect with Allah in the kind of cathedral that only He can create - the Rocky Mountains are just one.
this is crap tought it was about him but not what im lookin for
Just went camping last night and got this song stuck in my head. There's nothibg quite like being Rocky Mountain high. RIP john
This line - 'And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun And he lost a friend but kept his memory' is about John's best friend, who committed suicide at age 18 by jumping off a cliff.
One of the most beautiful songs I heard over and over again and playing when I was DJ in AIR a long time ago! The other one is Daniel.
I agree totally with Sean about the song... to the others, I've this to say, never mind if you can see or comprehend beyond the lyrics. Let's leabve it there and we udnerstand..!
Kinda' of "coming of age" song in discovering the land ... yet one can come of age in this way in any year of our life
I moved to Colorado in 2006 and lived there for 4 years. It was like tearing out my heart when we had to leave. This song captures everything about living in the Mile High State. Though I wasn't born there, I now tell people I'm from Colorado 'cause I'll be back there one day soon.
the rocky mountains don't look so rocky, I think John Denver's full of shit!
no seriously, love his music
I was lucky enough to hear John sing live in concert. His voice and his lyrics are the purest I've ever heard. Concerning his untimely death, I am reminded of the saying, "..of all the words of prose and pen, the saddest are, it might have been"
His music lulled me to peaceful sleep during a dark period of time. Every night... My husband plays sings and plays his music for me on his guitar. I connect with his message. I regret never going to one of his concerts. I heard that is where he really connected with his fans.
Wow! This song really represents his love of colorado and how he feels closer to god there. This is a beautful piece and I love it!!!
For those who's "coming of age" years includes an introduction to the mountains. Could have been Colorado, Montana, Alaska ... or whichever one's you were introduced/born into.
Thanks John
i live in colorado and his song speaks the truth. beauty is in the eye of the beholder
My 42'nd year... The Sierra Nevada is now home.....
I saw John Denver in concert four times. He was a master at mesmerizing the audience. Everyone loved him as he sang his songs. As for this song, what a beautitul tribute to the beauty of nature and how it can elevate the soul. It will always be one of my all-time favorites.
it touches my heart like a psalm and my mind like a photo.
Sing on John. You are in the only place MORE beautiful than the mountains.
I can still remember the day my uncle came home from college and telling me to listen to this John Denver. "His songs are inspiring and full of hope." It's amazing that even today, I love listening to his songs and reflecting on the beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!
ummm its ok, if i was on it ill love it
i live in sheffield , UK , and im not proud . The places what John Denver sing about are absoloutely beautiful and inspiring , i hope to visit a a place like Colorado , West Virginia. :')
That song is absolutely the Hardest song, technically on a guitar, that I have ever tried to play correctly. The beautiful lyrics, and the wonderful melody, are in second place to the complex note structure and chord progression of the way that John, effortlessly, PLAYS this song. to do this properly, you have to be talented. He knew when he wrote it that it would be his signature piece.
I was born in Detroit in '65 and cannot remember a time in my life that I haven't listened to John's talent. I am in awe of this wonderful (however temporary) gift our maker has given us to experience. Praise you, John and peace eternal. Yes, I have experienced the Rocky Mountain High in Colorado greenliness, and just so happen to live in the rocky mountain state of Utah where the REAL rocks are... :P Someone send me some greenliness
hi godspeed,
I'm an atheist and I like this song too. find your own meaning in it, don't try to put your own agenda into the mouth of someone else.
John Denver's CD is just wonderful. God, it's good to be back home again played full blast on our long drive back from Fla. (to Canada) He may have been high at times, no doubt, but he was deep. We really have to think about his lyrics to know what he meant or was talking about in certain songs. I wish he was still in our world, so we could enjoy more of his music. Love him.
its good enough
IF YOU DONT GET IT,YOU DONT GET IT.NOT EVERYONE HAS THE MIND TO GRASP THINGS LIKE THIS.THAT IS WHY SCHOOLS HAVE A FEW SMALL BUSSES.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I was born in the summer of my 41st year. It wasn't Colorado, it was Glacier NP in Montana. But I get it. I TOTALLY get it!
go Blastoise! I hate school
I was Born on october 25, 1994. I've had a horrible life, i'm out. Go Dialga
I was only 15 years old when I learned about John Denver and fell in love with his music. His deep view of one's soul to connect with God's beautiful human beings and nature, has enable me to I have a positive out look since than. To those who don't understand we pray that one day you will. May John Denver soul rest in peace.
I think there are many layers to this song, but when he says "high" he meant it both as a reference to altitude and being high on marijuana. I believe this.
You people are ALL WRONG. If you had stopped to think about the lyrics for even a second you would see that this song is OBVIOUSLY a critique of the dominant paradigm in American business, especially hierarchical management structures. The "27th year" is widely accepted as symbolic of the deprecation of the role of middle management, and "rainin' fire in the sky" is right out of _Concept of the Corporation_ by Peter Drucker. "Friends around the campfire" is a call to action, a vision of a more egalitarian power distribution within the socio-military-industrial economic institution. I really don't know how to make it any clearer: This song is about restructuring the role of methodology in the assessment of strategic innovation.
Or, maybe it's about the Rocky Mountains.
D from C,you said it! I was born in Denver, lived in Frisco, the Springs, Leadville, have seen wild horses, beautiful storms, skied til I ended up in the E.R. and would do it all again, just to fall in love with life once more. The rocks, water, trees and air are my spirit and living away from them now, think of these places all the time. When you ache to hold the dirt there, you understand. Yes, Osama, us sinners are grateful to God as we each Understand God to be, for this beautiful land.
i definitely know about it "raining fire in the sky" since ive moved out here. i havent seen the meteor showers but i have seen some extreme weather where it looked like it was gonna rain fire. the crazy lightning storms out here, the stars, the beauty, it all makes sense once u come out to the rockies. i have become a fly fishing guide since coming to the rockies and i wouldnt go back to california unless i could live in the bay area. i love it here, and thank you john denver for expressing your love of our rockies in such a great song. its a "whole other trip" out here.
Is a matter of inspiration...we'll never see things as he did .i have no doubt he wad touched ....
Back when Werner Erhard created the 'est training,' that experience touched and changed the lives of a lot of people by getting them to see how they paid more attention to the stories they had about life - rather than what was actually happening to them. So John Duetschendorf (from Tucson High School) wrote a song about Werner who changed his whole life long after he was 'born.' And that's why Rocky Mountain High was played (and re-played)at 'est' events from coast to coast. It's just John's tribute to the influence Werner's 'est' training had on him. Simple as that, folks.
When RMH first came out in the 70's I was in my early 20's. An idealistic time for myself personally.I was born and raised in Boston and would go with my friends camping in the White Mountains of N.H. be it 80 degrees or 10 below.I truly loved nature and understood but,most of all felt the inner peace these trips and this song gave me. It is my favorite song of all time! When things in life get me down, I just look at my right for arm where I have tattooed the letters RMH.It brings a smile to my face and whatever it was that got to me just fades away.You were the best J.D.!!! You had a beautiful soul!!! You are and always be missed by me.
How music has changed. I grew up on his music, Thank God I'm a Country Boy.
"The day the music died" was about Buddy Holly. When John Denver left us, it died again.
Where is the next Buddy Holly? Where is the next John Denver?
This just makes me almost cry! How I would love to live this way - just simply and open and free. This is me.
I have been to Colorado,Wyoming and Montana on vacations.
To me there is nothing like the Rockies I missed being able to spend time in the Rockies but when I retire I plan on visiting the Rockies.
John Denver Rocky Mountain High sums up what being in the Rockies meant to me
He doesn't get the credit he deserves.
I have heard this song scores of times, and I still get chills every time. It has to be in the top twenty songs of the last 50 or so years.
In addition to RMH, an equally impressive and inspring tune was Poems, Prayers, and Promises. I was in Monterey the weekend he crashed his plane. The place will always harbour that sad day.
Thank you John Denver for writing the State anthem of West Virginia... Take Me Home Country Roads.
Critics can go eff themselves in the ear. It's poetry, a song, a beautiful song. Just enjoy it for what it is. If you can't do that, it's your own problem. Namaste mothaeffers. 80
My parents were smokin' so much pot when this song came out. I remember '73. Our family pictures look like a cartoon now. bwahahahaha...
it is just a good song that was written as an inspiration from his camoing trip, what he saw and what he felt. I Love the lyrics, it has differnt meaning to differnt people and if every person would have the opportunity to camp in the forest or mountain and see a meteor shower, an eagle fly and a stream running down a hill into a clear blue lake,every person who experienced it would be lost in thought other than of themselves.
I absolutely identify with the lyrics, having just completed another w-country drive along the northern route. The opening stanza is all about finding yourself and where you belong. A long-time easterner, I feel most at home in the mountains and high plains of the Westerns States, pick one, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho or New Mexico.
how can i escape from concrete forest and return to mountain home.
so touching .mind blowing.
Just a beautiful song about the beauty that surrounds us...you just need to be able to see it. Those who can't, don't understand.
I lived it! Every moment I lived in the mountains of Colorado was a gift!
i love this song im only thirteen and im so glad to already be introduced to this stuff and not the hip hop rap crap most kids are into
Angry thoughts are simply not welcome here or anywhere that is under John’s name.
Joyful and loving – keep it there please.
John denver, although very Christian, did not write this song about god, he mentioned directly in his video interview that this song was about gods country and the song being about him going camping.
I loved this song from the first time I ever heard it. The older I get it, the more I love it. John Denver really loved the land, as I do. I love John Denver!!
I loved this song from the first time I ever heard it. The older I get, the more I love it. John Denver really loved the land, as I do. I love John Denver!!
I recently moved from the big city of New York to a small town in South Carolina. I'm 69 years old and since my move the opening lines have been in my head over and over: "He was born in the summer of his 27th. (69th.?) year going homw to a place he'd never been before". So I just wanted to look up he complete song to get all the words. Wow!! - It's never too late to find beauty and happiness in your life. R.I.P. John.
I was born in summer of my 27th year. Thats when I controlled my alcoholism. I can appreciate the beauty of God's creation and sometimes I am so enthralled when in my mountainous rural home I feel like I can talk to God one on one. This song is so great it makes me cry.
I worked in Colorado for 3 months, mostly west of Denver, up in the mountains. Living in the east for my entire life, I never experienced such majesty. That was 15 years ago and I still vividly remember sitting outside a hotel in a very small town looking at the adjacent mountains in the dusk and feeling totally at peace with the world. It is truly a natural high. That beauty of nature gives a deeper understanding of what life is really about - if you haven't experienced it, please go and visit the back country in Colorado.
Just like his song "poems, prayers and promises", he is singing about getting stoned. John was a pothead and a drunk, which finally killed him.
RolandDoobies I am very sad for you. If that's all you saw in this man, you are blind. Keep rolan the dubbies, you'll need them.
John Denver died way too young. He left us with some of the most beautiful music and lyrics, and kids today have no clue.....
Love this song I lost my friend but kept his memory in Colorado . Bill love you man
This song is about the beauty of nature, I want to go to the Rockies someday and exprience the majasty for myself......before its gone forever.
I have reas every one of these comments, and i have to say that the only people who truely get this song and its lyrics are those of us who were fortunate enough to have experienced the rockys in person. I was 'born' in the winter of my 21st year, i couldnt get the mental pictures of the mountains out of my head if i tried, and wouldnt want to. This song is a masterpiece of poetry.
I first heard of this song sometime in the mid 70s when I was 13 years old and living in Hong Kong then. I am surprised I rememberd it today while praying to Allah swt for something really good that He did to me unexpectedly now
living in Nigeria. I just want to say that JD's RMH has a universal appeal.
The lyrics is simply awesome. But can someone please tell me the meaning of "I've seen it raining fire in the sky" ??
Many of the comments made by 'you' contributors are valid. However, I can't believe how it hasn't crossed your minds that RMH was, in fact, JD's suicide song?! So, I suggest you all go back and read the lyrics again and tie-it-in with JD taking his plane up with NOT ENOUGH fuel in the tank. To me it's as clear as "the silver clouds below".
Songs should have different meanings to the people who are hearing them. It doesn't have to mean the same thing to everyone. So no sense arguing. Just like whatever it means to you and how it makes you feel. John Denver songs really relax me and remind me of my childhood growing up in the country.
The song is about a friend of John Denver's that died in a sky diving accident in the Rockies, among other things. It was a transition period in John’s life and career and this accident made a big impact on him.
I believe the only God he speaks of is Spinozas God...''Raining fire'' refers to a meteor shower he witnessed without all the light pollution from artificial light.To the haters, why are you on this page in the first place?Go write your own songs then.
Can we just stop talking about God? The fact that there is ONE mention of God in the song is arbitrary. Lot's of songs have the word God in them. And bands too: It's Lamb of God a Christian rock band? Hell no!
This song sounds like its about starting a new life of happiness after growing away from a disapproving father...JD was a talented man...too soon to leave. With so much to do yet.
What a beautiful song and beautiful lyrics.Reading some of the comments...if people concentrated on the positives rather than the negatives this world would be a better place.: )
John was anything but a christian... he was a naturalist, a humanist and a soul that only found itself when touching other people's hearts.
It isn't necessarily God but repeated religious imagery suggests nature is an all-powerful thing, that nature is a religious experience and worth putting effort into experiencing, protecting, and sharing??
To kenagain5(:
You wrote "never worked a day in his life." His talents lead him to work as a singer/songwriter. Although it's a lot easier than manufacturing, construction work, any of the journeyman trades, cooking in a restaurant, police work, firefighting, and other hard physically demanding jobs, it is the course he took and did it well. Knowing that he was fortunate in that line, he started and supported different causes and foundations to give back. I have read different articles that suggest he was selfish about the land he loved; I don't know if it was to a point that it overshadowed his music and good works.
There are many nice words here to describe John Denver and I can't think of anything else to add but I will try. It was a treat watching John entertain us way back many years ago on his TV shows, movies and my sister collected his albums too so our house was filled with his charm and inspiration. I only wish he could have lived longer to enjoy the life he cherished so much and that more people could be more like him. He is gone and we can't replace him but we can remember him for his selflessness and beauty he had within through his body of works and accomplishments. Thank you John, for sharing all that beauty with us.
The passage of Amendment 64 gives this song new meaning- Rock on John- Rock on Colorado & Washington.
This song has a profound beauty in it's musical and lyrical depth and poetic style.
But it's not about God's grace.
This song, though it talks of talking to God, is not a song about his power.
It is about finding yourself in nature.
Thus, the "Rocky Mountain High," and the talking of nature. It's about being at peace in it.
And it's a beautiful truth
I knew Johns dad john deushendorf which is john jrs real name. He worked incredibly hard on his music. He was also a christian and his death was a tragedy but he was sober when he crashed it was failure of an experimental aircraft truly sad day for us all RIP john jr haters keep your comments to yourself you dont have an inkling of the talent of this young man
COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH was written for me to me and all about me. I shall describe more in memoir Rise of Epochal History you may order at randyfrushour.com
Or Itinerantprophet.com
It's a shame the Feds tried to censor this song. Colorado got back in the end. It's also a shame how people try to pigeonhole artists into some ideological framework that the artist probably never would have agreed to. Just listen to the song; it's about freedom, and a love of nature, and let it guide you to your own interpretation of what it means.
My parents played a growing stack of John's albums every Sunday morning in our house for years and we were lucky enough to see him perform live. He is a member of my family in the sense that he's such a huge part of my childhood and he lives on with us in his music.
My father took us to the Rockies on vacation a couple of times, in a station wagon towing a Jayco popup camper, and I left my heart in Leadville when I was 15, not with a boy, but in knowing that I'd arrived in the place that speaks to my heart. This song embodies what it means to experience that joy and wonder and peace in such a magnificent place. I'd go back to stay if I could.
i love this song in a simplistic way because the lyrics deals with the beauty of nature and john denver's love for his country
I am so fortunate to have lived my entire life in the Rockies, and after all these years, I am still in awe of their grandeur. The peace, solitude, and beauty I can find when backpacking is truly breathtaking. I wish I had the poetic artistry that John Denver was gifted with. Life seems so simple and serene when you finally summit a Fourteener. So quiet and clear. The rest of the world is so far away. John's passion is truly inspiring.
I'd like to respond to the idiot Kenegen59 several years ago who said he was drunk and glad he crashed. He was flying a kit plane that had the fuel transfer valve in a different place over his left shoulder and not between his legs where he could reach it in his harness. He was a great musician and a great pilot. You sir, are a horses ass.
@J-Rod This song isn't about marijuana you idiot. It's about the true feeling of a natural high from the beauty of the Rockies which you obviously know nothing about you close minded idiot.
My mentor in my musical aspirations. Just wish he was still alive to be able to see in concert.
fuck yea
i was born again when i went to Cedar Crest, New Mexico outside eof ABQ and i felt EXACTLY like this song :) i think he has an awesome voice and awesome songs C:
One At Last, I agree. I was born in the summer of my 42nd year, and I have loved this song ever since. I always loved the song, but never "GOT" what all the fuss was about. You see the mountains once and you're THERE! I actually went to school in 4th grade with John Denver's cousin. He was new to the class and none of us really believed him...new, you want to fit in. THEN, he brought family photos! WHOOPS! There was John!!! LOL
Beautiful song about just being high based on communing with your own inner stillness.
When you have a high like that you don't label it and call it god, or nature or anything (although those things may have brought it on) , you just soak it in. You just receive the gift.
And yes the context of the entire song makes it clear that you don't necessarily need drugs either to get there. The last verse is not about smoking pot. Funny how some people need to invent some "secret" literal meaning just to make themselveslook like their in on it. C'mon people - the whole song's about getting a transcendent high from contemplating nature.
This is one of the most finely-crafted songs I've ever heard. Simply a masterpiece in my opinion. I saw John perfom live a few years before he died. Even live his voice was pure, loud, and crystal clear. Outstanding voice. I'm a rock guy at heart but to this day that was probably the best concert I have ever seen. Man, I wish he was still around...
he was a grate man what a los
I love how people are changing the meanings of his words. It is clear that John Denver was a christian. Listen to many of his other song about praising God. You can choose not to believe or not, but don't you dare change the meaning behind it.
This is the song of my life. Just wish that John added an epitaph to the song.
I didn't pay any attention to John Denver, growing up, but realize now how awesome he was. If someone can find better lyrics than this bring it to me in a bottle.
Dropped acid in the mountains when he was 27.
I have always loved this song. My family has a mountain cabin that we visit frequently, so I grew up hearing this on the drive there. The lyric, "talk to God and listen for the casual reply" has really resonated with me, because that is how it feels in the mountains, far away from everything, with the "serenity of a clear blue mountain lake."
John Denver sang about the beauty in nature, people, and yes the mountains, but remembers giving credit to God for making it all possible. "You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply!!!" He kind of thanks god for the solemnity and the natural high the mountains he created afford him to praise god and think about his life and how he's trying to contribute his life to greater good of the world. God is at the "root" or the center of john Denver's rocky mountain high song and not the mountains. Something for you atheists to think about!
Osama there is only one God and Jesus Christ is his son! When he comes back again he won't be wearing a turban! If you don't like our Christian nation; then please go back to where you call home in the middle east, and stay there in the desert with the camels, and camel spiders.
Colorado's state song precisely captures the essence of living in the Rocky Mountains. Thank You John Denver! Cheers!
Love this song
I love this song, when I first heard it I was amazed. Because I was born again in my 27th year of life. The words of this song tell my story, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Until you've seen a shadow from the starlight, you can't possibly understand the emotional awakening he must have experienced before writing this song. I've visited Colorado many times but, like most other mortals, I still can't gather my thoughts into such an inspired and inspirational piece of work. He was special.
It's about smoking pot.
This song, it's true beautiful meaning, being sung by one of the greatest singer-songwriter of the 20th century, I could not ask for anything better. Thank you very much John D. I believe you are still writing songs and singing wherever you are now.
I love and will always miss you and the possible lyrics and songs that could have been.
All the neg commentators?-I feel sorry for your sad lives. Im pretty sure you couldn't see the beauty in anything. And John never worked a day in his life? Why don't you get out of your mothers basement, put away the roll playing games and grow up
Being true to yourself. One of the great songs of all songs.
The first two lines of this song kept coming to mind in the summer I was 27 years old and recently separated from my second wife. I identified with it thinking wrongly that it was the summer of my 27th year. Years later, I realized when you are 27 that summer is during your 28th year.
What matters is that it helped me through a very difficult time and, over 40 years later, I continue to be moved by the song.
I had the privilege of hearing him in concert in Asheville, NC during 1991 (?). It was a great concert.
The first two lines of this song kept coming to mind in the summer I was 27 years old and recently separated from my second wife. I identified with it thinking wrongly that it was the summer of my 27th year. Years later, I realized when you are 27 that summer is during your 28th year.
What matters is that it helped me through a very difficult time and, over 40 years later, I continue to be moved by the song.
I had the privilege of hearing him in concert in Asheville, NC during 1991 (?). It was a great concert.
The song is a great body of work, It stands on its on merit. for those that don't know or remember in 1985 at a senante hearing by the PMRC John spoke his mind about censorship.
Folk rock musician John Denver stated he was "strongly opposed to censorship of any kind in our society or anywhere else in the world", and that in his experience censors often misinterpret music, as was the case with his song "Rocky Mountain High". In addition, Denver expressed his belief that censorship is counterproductive: "That which is denied becomes that which is most desired, and that which is hidden becomes that which is most interesting. Consequently, a great deal of time and energy is spent trying to get at what is being kept from you." When Denver came up to give his speech, many on the PMRC board expected him to side with them, thinking he would be offended by the lyrics as well.
Thank you John
Folk rock musician John Denver stated he was "strongly opposed to censorship of any kind in our society or anywhere else in the world", and that in his experience censors often misinterpret music, as was the case with his song "Rocky Mountain High". In addition, Denver expressed his belief that censorship is counterproductive: "That which is denied becomes that which is most desired, and that which is hidden becomes that which is most interesting. Consequently, a great deal of time and energy is spent trying to get at what is being kept from you." When Denver came up to give his speech, many on the PMRC board expected him to side with them, thinking he would be offended by the lyrics as well.
Riddie Cueless, given the choice to believe either you or John Denver as to the meaning of "rainin' fire in the sky," I'll believe John, who said, as a guest on the Tonight Show, that it was a reference to ball lightning that he and others witnessed while sitting around a mountain campfire.
LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NUMBER 1 SONG
If you watched the John Denver special you would know it was about him and his wife and buddies up in the Colorado Mountains camping and getting a chance to see a meteor shower and its profound affect it had on him and about the natural high you get being one with nature and God. He learned to appreciate the simple things in life.
i just like it. i love it actually.
This is my favorite John Denver.
I. Love. This. Song. :)
and I miss John Denver :(
Johns body is gone
He left us the purest voice
I have ever heard
John's voice and music lives on
No matter what anyone says
Thks John Denver RIP