i must have sang this song a thousand times when it came out in the early 70's...but it wasn't until 25 yrs later i was driving a truck across country and and pulled over on the side of the road to actually see the beauty in the landscape when just then an eagle flew about 10ft over my head and immediately the verse came to me...' i know i'd be a poorer man if i never saw an eagle fly '....i just stood there amazed knowing then what he was talking about...one of the most breath taking moments in my life....i've been a changed man ever since....thank you John...
I started listening to John Denver in 1968, and it wasn't until last week that I saw an eagle flying, in New Jersey of all places. Rocky Mountain High was the first thing I thought about. Then I cried about John being gone.
hey can you imagine today's and catch a better Rocky Mountain High then you could back then except for Coors beer Coors Coors beers went all the Hellenistic ass back then nothing now
"I've seen it raining fire in the sky" is in reference to the Perseid meteor showers he and a group of his friends watched while sitting around a campfire. The "high" was the pure joy he felt for being in the mountains, not smoking like a lot of people think. The song briefly became controversial that year when the U.S. Federal Communications Commission was permitted by a legal ruling to censor music deemed to promote drug abuse. Numerous radio stations cautiously banned the song until Denver publicly explained that the "high" was his innocent description of the sense of peace he found in the Rockies. In 1985, Denver testified before Congress in the Parents Music Resource Center hearings about his experience: This was obviously done by people who had never seen or been to the Rocky Mountains, and also had never experienced the elation, celebration of life or the joy in living that one feels when he observes something as wondrous as the Perseid meteor shower on a moonless, cloudless night, when there are so many stars that you have a shadow from the starlight, and you are out camping with your friends, your best friends, and introducing them to one of nature's most spectacular light shows for the first time.[4]
Remember his testimony to Congress concerning censorship in music? Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Frank Zappa, and John all testified. The panel of Congressmen thought pure and wholesome John Denver would play ball. Instead he completely destroyed them. It was epic. It is on You Tube if you look for it.
@Xander Bucher,Altitude,meteor showers,party like it's the early 70's that's what the song title refers to..I'm living in Durango it's a good life here.
"Poems, Prayers, and Promises " as well as "Sunshine Shine on My Shoulders". I'd come home from work and put on a John Denver tape, pick up my little daughter and dance till supper was ready. Peace and Love dear India.
@@deannacrownover3 I was in my 20's in my profile picture from 70-75 and the song reminds me of so many evenings and friends. Good times all around. Peace and Love Deanna
My favorite 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” My interpretation- He came to Colorado at the age of 27 and had such a strong experience connecting with nature that it was spiritual. He finally felt at home, like he was coming home.....to a place that he had never even been to. That’s how strong of an impact it had on him. He was reborn that year. His eyes were opened and he saw everything in a new light so it was like life was just beginning. Pure art to say all of that in 3 lines ❤️
claimguy I am in awe of his ability to convey something that meaningful in 3 simple sentences, and in a heartfelt beautiful way. Not everyone has that ability.
I've always thought it works as a song about Christianity, especially given that the phrase "born again" is straight from the New Testament. I believe he's said that it's NOT about conversion, but that's how I hear it.
I grew up on John Denver, my mom saw him live in 72 in Gunnison Colorado. He changed her life. And thus mine. His voice is one of the voices of my childhood.
John Denver became a conservationist in his later years. Rocky Mountain high, high on nature! "Talk to God and listen for the casual repky", great poetic music!
If you have never had the exquisite pleasure of visiting the Rockies, I can tell you that this song is on point! One of the most beautiful sights in our country!
I grew up listening to John Denver’s music. I remember well the day I got the news that John had died in a plane crash. John left behind a part of his own soul in his recorded music. I never tire of John Denver music; I don’t think I ever will. Ave Maria.
For anyone who has never been out of the city, when you get away from all the lights and get up above the clouds and look up at the night sky, it is a glorious sight no matter what mountain range you choose. And pair that with a meteor shower, omg! Just find out when there's a meteor shower, grab some friends or family, get some camping gear (you may want cots) and supplies, lay on your backs and just watch the light show with the backdrop of the Milky Way galaxy and the rest of the universe. It's something that you'll never forget as long as you live. This song captures about as much of that beauty as a song can. It's all about getting back to nature and appreciating the simple things.
When my husband was stationed in Colorado, we got to stay there for 3 years... If you do someday choose to go there for a visit, you will understand as I did what exactly he meant by "I've seen it raining fire in the sky"... The thunderstorms and the magical explosions of colors in the sunsets.... I never saw such beauty before I experienced the Rocky Mountains, and I've never seen it again since. The serenity, the peace, the quiet... Your spirit is able to look inward, as he describes, and you can find yourself in something that is larger than yourself... you can find this larger-than-life majesty within your soul, as you simultaneously become the smallest part of a natural world itself. The aspen trees, the streams, the random natural lakes... At the foot of Pike's Peak on the leading edge of the Rockies to the west, and then just look to the east and there are the plains. This wild and beautiful land is certainly something to behold... I sincerely hope you are able to go there someday and experience it. :-)
Deborah, you need to take those words you just wrote here and write your own song with them, you so beautifully described that feeling your get in the Rockies to a tee. Thanks for sharing!😊😊😊 God didn't waste all that beauty on you, that's for sure!
I was named after Annie's Song. My first name is Annateneille. Named after Annie's Song and Captain and Tennille. My nickname? Annie! My mom loved her some John Denver! I still remember the day he crashed his Craft into Long Beach, California, we lost another great musician that day.
I live in the Rockies. It is one of the most enchanting places on earth. If you haven’t done so, you must do yourself a favor, India, and leave the city to experience the beauty and inspiration that parts of our beautiful America can provide. And bring your young ones along. You will never regret it nor forget it.
Colorado Rockies are amazing...They just leap up in the air and they are so jagged and tall. I lived there for many years and I really miss it sometimes. Thanks! ...small story...I was in Junior High in 1972 and just moved to Denver. John Denver became a symbol of the huge environment movement that just seemed to swell up everywhere. We all wore down vests, blue jeans, and hiking boots like we were ready to do a mountain trek at any time. Words really don't describe the importance of John Denver and the symbol he became of everything we all felt. Anyway, thanks for the memory!
in 2007, I went to Colorado with my dad a couple of my brothers on an archery elk hunting trip. It was my dad's favorite place (he passed recently) and he wanted to share this with us. I was always familiar with this song and always liked it. One morning, all alone, I hiked to the summit of a high peak and was in complete awe of what I was witnessing. I sat up there for 6 hours, just looking down, and I actually said out loud... "OK, John Denver... I get it." The words to this song are immaculate! "Coming home to a place he's never been before." Gosh darn right!
5:54 Colorado is unbelievably beautiful. If you’ve never been there you are missing out. Actually, those of us not there right now are missing out! This song still gives me chills. Some of my earliest memories are my family going to Colorado for vacation, riding in the back of the car hearing this song on the radio. Man, the 70’s were such a wonderful time for music.
He was so into the beauty and simplicity of nature and trying to understand how people cant see the need to keep the world pure. The scars he is talking about is all the expansion of man n our destruction of Gods creation. Your face as you were tryong to contimplate the meaning is priceless. This was a seriously deep thoughtful song. Plz do more JD. Goodbye again is my all time fave n id love to see your reaction to it. Love the channel girl. Keep up the pace. Youre doing great
I also recommend a lesser known John Denver song "Whispering Jessie". It might make you cry but make your spirit soar . Rocky Mountain High is a stone cold solid folk hit. The lyrics take you to the mountains and the forests and leaves you there forever. John Denver's departed spirit is still roaming those Colorado mountain forests to this day.
Seeing the Rocky Mountains in person is EXACTLY how John Denver described it!! The beauty and the majesty of those mountains is overwhelming. And I'm proud to say that when my son sings this song, he sounds almost exactly like him and I love it!!
In the 70's it was a pleasure to watch my mom tap her foot and sing this song. So many memories of my childhood. Good memories. Young lady your reaction video put a smile on my face. Thanks.
I know more about singing and music now than I did back then. Denver is not an artist I listen to, I am suddenly discovering how wonderful his voice and his control is.
There was controversy for a little while about this song, climbing that John was talking about being on drugs that's not what he was talking about. They was talking about being on a natural high, aka feeling peacefull, at ease, and at home in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. The first-hand experience I can say it is beautiful up there. I'm born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains, but I definitely have an appreciation for the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
I lived in colorado when this song came out.I know exactly what the meaning of this song is about.I lived in the san Juan mountains and back then it was beautiful
I understand that high...been to coloraso twice as a little girl...but made a trip yearly to W VA up until age 11 or 12 when my grandparents lived there. Coolfont and Arizona didnt have the same rocky mountains, but gave me that same feel....that high from the awe and wonder...and the HUGENESS of nature. 💗
The story is John went out to Colorado to go hiking and camping with friends... While out there he saw an eagle fly that night by the fire there was a meteor shower and they they were smoking a few joints, it was late 60s early 70s. It was such an experience that they all decided to write the song by the fire... Rocky Mountain High was born... IF ever a camping trip was ever such a life changer it was this one.
Love, love, love John Denver......if there were never anymore music from anybody - that's enough right there its just that simple..... loving your reactions to Johns music.....
Eagle and the Hawk, a favorite of mine and is just beautiful. Saw him a couple of times in concert in the 70’s always grateful that my mom made that happen for me.
Back in the 70's everybody was gettin' high. He loved nature and the beauty of it but Maryjane was all natural as well. I can't imagine a campfire back in the 70's surrounded by hippies who were not high. :)
I was lucky enough to see John Denver twice live in concert. That man could sing and hold an audience captive with just his voice and guitar. I feel so lucky that I have that memory. Songs like Calypso, Sunshine on my Shoulders are so uplifting; Matthew can still bring me to tears. A genius of a song writer and performer who deserves more acknowledgement.
I'm a native of Michigan. Have been my entire life, just about. I've lived in a few other states but never long term. I use to live in a western suburb of Denver Colorado. Not far from my residence there was a beautiful area just where the Rocky Mountains began to really protrude upwards thousands of feet. John Denver used to own a lot of acreage there. That state is so beautiful. The lyrics in many of his songs really do capture and describe everything perfectly.
I think it's the high of experiencing nature in it's purest form, as he says 'he was born in the Summer of his 27th year' - it was as if he saw the beauty of nature for the first time, even if he'd seen this place before. 'You might say he was 'born again', a form of his eyes being opened to see the true essence and awe of that place.
I always took it to mean the sort of natural euphoria you feel when you see something incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring. And can we just talk about the pure songwriter genius of the first two lines. "He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before."
I have been skiing in Utah, Colorado and Montana. The Rocky Mountains are a awesome sight. Not only is he a great guitar player he has incredible vocal range.
They used to sing his song "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" at the Baltimore Orioles baseball games during the 7th inning stretch. And on Sept. 20, 1997 - just three weeks before he died - Denver appeared in Baltimore for a benefit concert at the Baltimore Arena (now called Royal Farms Arena) and surprised baseball fans earlier in the day when he showed up at the Orioles game, dancing and mouthing along to "Country Boy" while atop the O's dugout during the seventh-inning stretch.
I grew up in the 70s and this is music to my soul. He was known as a nature lover/ conservationist/ wildlife lover and did a lot of benefit concerts for these causes. He used to do a lot of Christmas specials out in the Colorado mountains... I even remember a special he did where he literally took The Muppets camping! He will always be loved by me because as a kid, he made it 'cool' to be into nature and wilderness. It meant a lot to see an adult standing for this and being gentle and kind. I grew up to be a bee keeper/ have a wildlife habitat property of my own, thank you JD!
Big fan of John Denver, his music always relaxes me and puts a smile on my face. The next John Denver song you *MUST* review is "Calypso", another tribute to nature and ode to a legend.
john denver was one of the three musicians who testified before the senate in the mid 80s. most everyone expected him, the wholesome nature-boy, to side with the moralists. but he didnt. his experience a decade earlier with moralists denouncing this very song gave him a pretty convincing argument against censorship. years later many ppl confirmed that denver had been the one tp change their mind on the debate, so john denver is owed a lot of gratitude by many people!
Some Days are Diamonds Some Days are Stone. Another great song. Great memories, my dad and I used to dance to this together when he was still alive. I think you would like this song along with many others from this great singer, songwriter.
I love this song. John Denver was a beloved entertainer, who, like Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, is still missed by the people who loved him. He was also an actor. You should watch the comedy, "Oh, God!," starring John Denver and George Burns. It was the highest grossing comedy of all-time, for a while at least. As for the next song of his to react to, "Calypso," is a great song about the famous ship that Jacques Cousteau took the world on televised voyages of discovery, showing the world the ocean's depths and the incredible creatures of the deep. It was a big hit and I think you will really enjoy it.
His voice is my childhood. As a multi generational Coloradoan, his music speaks to me and so many others. I lived in Florida for quite awhile, and quite literally had to avoid him. Every time I hear him I’m filled with such emotion, I always cry. What a remarkable storyteller. And FYI, he wasn’t talking about pot. He was talking about his experiences being high in our mountains, seeing “fire from the sky” was him seeing meteor showers at night. Man, I’m tearing up now.
Henry Deutchendorfer was transformed when he first visited Colorado. He was a city boy, but after getting a taste of the wilderness could never go back.
Das is Goot, ya?! Would you say there is a bit of German mysticism woven into his fabric? I grew up listening to Edelweiss and German folk songs from my Grandpa, how about you? There seems to be a unique spirit in each musical style, his bond to that spirit world incredibly strong. But I love listening to the Commodores, 5th dimension, Harry Belafonte - all go on unique spiritual journeys.
John is just beyond amazing. Sincere, super skilled picker, very underrated voice. My 70-yr old brother been playing guitar and trying to sing for over 50 yrs because of John D 8-track tapes.
"He was born in the summer of his twenty-seventh year, coming home to a place he'd never been before." Staggering dichotomy, and that's just the first line. Amazing storytelling in a song that became a punchline for too long.
The spiritual high of being in an overwhelmingly beautiful place. John was awe struck by Colorado and moved there. He described the shadows created by starlight at high elevations as "softer than a lullaby". Fantastic John
My favorite John Denver song.... actually made it a point to listen to it every time I drove through the Aspen area of Colorado. Listen to his song "Starwood in Aspen"... or ANY of his songs actually. Bit of trivia, he was almost on the space shuttle Challenger, but had to back out. Christa McAuliffe was chosen instead. His song "Flying for Me" is a tribute to that great loss.
I listen to this song and I cry from the beauty of it. I've never been to Colorado but this makes me homesick for it. I have feelings similar to expressed in this song to my own home here in Florida. I appreciate the natural beauty of the place, and this song just keeps those feelings fresh.
Getting high is no different from sitting at the bar ordering drinks. To each their own. Mama always said "everything in moderation, including moderation at times".
Beautiful song, and I'm so happy you are enjoying the music of John Denver. He was special. I hope you get the chance to come out west some day, India. You mentioned the mountains of Tennessee, and as beautiful as they are, they are hills compared to the mountains in the west.
John Denver was one of the most beautiful souls on the planet and one of the original environmentalists. I had the pleasure of bumping into him on the sidewalk in the early 80's, all the way over here in Australia, North Queensland. He was so relaxed and friendly and happy to chat with me while we strolled down the street. I'll always treasure that day.
I met John aat the Aspen Thrift Store the day he and his family brought his newly adopted son, home. He was so proud and in love with that adorable little guy. I'll never forge the smile he had on his face. I was privileged to come to know him as a friend.
I agree, every one of his albums has an assortment of hidden gems worth listening to. As a retired musician, one of my faves is 'This old guitar'. It hits real close to home and I enjoy playing it for my late wife (it was one of her favorites) when I reminisce of the good old days.
1972??!! Such along time ago but feels like yesterday when great songs and artists like this used to dominate the airwaves...such great times and music i wish i could go back to....
John Denver was The first person to talk about taking care of the earth. Clean water clean sky recycling. Fabric bags for Christmas presents. He was that awesome and ahead of his time. Thank you for your reaction. You made my day.❤️😃
My top 5 male singers, John Denver, Roy Orbison, Freddie Mercury, Ray Charles and David Ruffin/Marvin Gaye, they both deserve a place. Top 5 bands, Queen, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, the Beach Boys and Switch. All of them had a divine genius for making music and in my opinion it hasn't been surpassed since.
I love so many of John Denver’s songs. If I had to choose a favorite it would be Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to my Morning). I find it very spiritual. It’s impossible to be sad when listening to it.
This man's music helped get me through puberty. It's hard to be sad or down when listening. My favorites are The Eagle and the Hawk, Rocky Mountain SUITE, Matthew, and Annie's Other Song.
I was 12 when this song came out and it gave me pride for my home state. I know "Take me home country roads" was his coming out party but this song really kicked his career into high hear. He became known as the "nicest guy in show business" according to Casey Kasem. I'm still proud of that for him. Rest in peace John.
I first heard this around 1998 and was so taken by the song, that day I went out and bought every John Denver CD I could find. I ended up finding about 50 songs of his I really like. He was very good in the movie, "Oh God".
You have to remember that at that point in time, DDT had made the Eagle very, very rare to see anywhere. They almost went extinct! So to refer to seeing an Eagle fly was like saying you got a personal invitation to something EXTREMELY RARE! You could have gotten an audience with the President easier than having an encounter with a real live Eagle. This was one of the issues that spawned the entire movement for Nature Conservancy. A LOT of major changes followed these events. Whaling became illegal in most civilized Nations, DDT got banned outright in the USA, and they are still working on a global ban. So you can see how this would have touched a major emotional place for most people of the time.
I grew up in Wyoming, and this song helped remind me of where I wanted to be. It took time to get an education, but I came back, and live in Montana now. I was never not going to live in the Rockies. My brother tried that, and he was unhappy his entire adult life. He killed himself at the age of 60, in a suburb of Chicago. I listen to Casey's Last Ride, and think of him.
Rocky Mountain High refers to the Beauty and Splendor of the Rocky Mountains. Along with the thin air after a certain height you get this euphoric effect. He wasn't talking about high as in a drug or alcohol induced high.
I've always loved his song 'High Calypso'. A song about Jaques Cousteau's ship and the exploration and adventures he had. I've always dreamed of going on that type of adventure.
It's "Aye, Calypso.." like sailors say. But the song is just named "Calypso", although he starts off the chorus with "Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to...."
I feel the same about Montana. The Rocky Mountains where I grew up are stunningly beautiful, and profoundly spiritually uplifting. Sweet smelling fields of wildflowers in the spring thaw. 🙂
A singer/songwriter who never really got his due. He was different than everyone else as he crossed Folk and country in a unique way that just makes you smile. I might be a little prejudiced tho. I was raised in Colorado. When you go up into the Rockies and get off the beaten path, you don't need drugs to feel at peace with yourself. The beauty of nature takes care of that for you.
