John Denver, born on December 31, 1943, was a well-known American singer-songwriter who made simple, honest music. His songs like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain High” spoke to many people.
He wrote and sang about 300 songs during his life, earning 12 gold and 4 platinum albums for his work. He appeared in TV shows and movies too, reaching fans beyond music. His life ended on October 12, 1997, in a plane crash, but his music and work for nature stay with us.
About the Song
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver came out in 1971.
John Denver’s song tells of missing home and the hills of West Virginia. With its simple tune about mountains and rivers, it became West Virginia’s special song, touching people everywhere.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | Definitive All-Time Greatest Hit |
| Release Date | April 6, 1971 |
| Writers | John Denver, Bill Danoff & Taffy Nivert Danoff |
| Producers | Susan Ruskin & Milton Okun |
Country Roads Lyrics by John Denver
Verse 1
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze
Chorus
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Verse 2
All my memories gather ’round her
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Chorus
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Bridge
I hear her voice in the morning hour, she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Driving down the road, I get a feeling
That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday
Chorus
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Outro
Take me home, (Down) country roads
Take me home, (Down) country roads
Live Performance of Country Roads
1. Country Roads Live from The Wildlife Concert 1995
2. Country Roads Live from Around the World in Japan 1981
Similar Songs Like Country Roads
Here are some songs by John Denver that share similar themes, musical elements, and emotional tones with “Country Roads“:
- “Rocky Mountain High”: A heartfelt tribute to the natural beauty of Colorado, this song shares the same sense of connection to a cherished place.
- “Back Home Again”: With its warm melodies and nostalgic lyrics, this track reflects a longing for home reminiscent of “Country Roads.”
- “Annie’s Song”: It is a deeply personal and melodically rich ballad, evoking the same heartfelt emotion and gentle acoustic sound.
- “This Old Guitar”: A sentimental reflection on the comfort of familiar things, echoing the tender, homespun quality of “Country Roads.”
- “Sunshine on My Shoulders”: It is a mellow and comforting tune that captures the simple joys of life and nature, much like the soul-soothing feel of “Country Roads.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did John Denver Write “Country Roads”?
John Denver and his co-writers created this song based on the simple beauty of roads and memories of going home.
What does Mountain Mama Mean in “Country Roads”?
“Mountain mama” is a nickname for West Virginia, showing the state’s caring nature and how it cares for people like a mother.
What State are “Country Roads” Actually About?
The songwriters got ideas from Maryland’s roads but chose West Virginia as the song’s main focus.
Is John Denver Singing About West Virginia or Western Virginia?
The song talks about West Virginia as its state, not about the western part of Virginia.
