About the song
“Rocky Mountain High” by the legendary John Denver. Released in 1972 on his album Rocky Mountain High, this song became a monumental hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, and solidifying Denver’s image as the quintessential troubadour of the great outdoors. It’s far more than just a popular tune; it’s a deeply personal and profound ode to the transformative power of the mountains, a celebration of finding clarity and peace in the majesty of nature.
The lyrics of “Rocky Mountain High” are a beautiful and vivid narrative of discovery and belonging. Denver recounts his move to the Rocky Mountains, specifically Colorado, and describes the profound spiritual and emotional impact the environment had on him. He speaks of the “evergreen trees” and the “clear, crystal streams,” painting a picture of unspoiled natural beauty. The song uses metaphors like “coming home to a place I’d never been before” to express the deep connection he felt. It delves into themes of environmentalism, finding solace away from the hurried pace of city life, and the spiritual awakening that can occur when one is fully immersed in nature. The powerful imagery and the sense of yearning for that clarity and peace resonate deeply with anyone who has found sanctuary in the wild.
John Denver’s vocal performance on “Rocky Mountain High” is characterized by his clear, pure tenor and his signature earnest, heartfelt delivery. He sings with an almost reverential awe, perfectly conveying the profound impact the mountains had on his soul. There’s an undeniable warmth and sincerity in his voice that makes the listener feel the joy, peace, and clarity he found. His ability to blend storytelling with genuine emotion made him a unique figure in popular music, and this song is a prime example. He doesn’t just sing about the mountains; he transports you there with his voice.
The musical arrangement of “Rocky Mountain High” is a masterclass in folk-country orchestration, building from a gentle acoustic opening to a sweeping, almost symphonic crescendo. It features his signature acoustic guitar, complemented by lush strings, subtle piano, and sometimes traditional folk instruments that enhance the song’s naturalistic theme. The production is clean and expansive, creating a sense of grandeur that mirrors the vastness of the mountains themselves. The melody is instantly recognizable and incredibly uplifting, building in intensity and emotional impact, making it a song that feels both intimate and anthemic.
“Rocky Mountain High” resonated deeply with audiences worldwide because its message of finding spiritual solace in nature is universal. It became an anthem for environmental awareness, for the beauty of Colorado, and for anyone who seeks peace and clarity beyond the concrete jungle. Its enduring popularity and status as an official state song of Colorado are testaments to its powerful legacy. It remains a timeless classic, forever reminding us of the profound connection between humanity and the majesty of nature, and the spiritual uplift found in that “Rocky Mountain High.”
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Lyrics
He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Comin’ home to a place he’d never been before
Left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
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, it don’t last for long
But the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
Shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby
Rocky Mountain high
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, he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his 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
You talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high
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
Though he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky Mountain high
It’s the Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire, everybody’s high
Rocky Mountain high
Rocky Mountain high
Rocky Mountain high
Rocky Mountain high
Doo-be-dee (yeah)
