About the song
“John Denver – Rocky Mountain High” is a quintessential American folk song that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1972. Written by John Denver and Mike Taylor, the song is a poetic and heartfelt ode to the natural beauty and serene majesty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where Denver found inspiration and solace.
Featured on Denver’s album of the same name, “Rocky Mountain High” stands out as one of his most iconic and beloved songs. The album itself was a commercial success, helping to cement Denver’s status as a leading figure in the folk and country music scenes of the 1970s. The song’s evocative lyrics and soaring melody paint a vivid picture of the breathtaking landscapes and the profound sense of peace and freedom that Denver experienced in the Rockies.
“Rocky Mountain High” achieved significant success on the charts, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. Its popularity has only grown over the years, becoming an anthem for nature lovers and those who find solace in the great outdoors. The song’s enduring appeal is a testament to Denver’s talent as a songwriter and his deep connection to the natural world.
John Denver’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics resonate with listeners, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a longing for simpler, more peaceful times. For many older listeners, “Rocky Mountain High” is more than just a song; it’s a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that nature can offer, and a call to reconnect with the environment.
The song’s legacy extends beyond its musical success. In 2007, the Colorado General Assembly recognized “Rocky Mountain High” as one of the state’s official songs, further cementing its cultural significance and enduring impact.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of John Denver or discovering his music for the first time, “Rocky Mountain High” offers a timeless and moving experience that captures the essence of Denver’s love for nature and his gift for storytelling. Its place in the pantheon of great American folk songs is well-deserved, and its message of finding peace and inspiration in nature continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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Lyrics
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 string’s already broken and he doesn’t really care
It keeps changing 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 lullaby
Rocky Mountain high (Colorado)
Rocky Mountain high (high in Colorado)
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
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
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)
Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
While 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
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)