Rocky Mountain High - John Denver | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION! 

I SO miss the seventies. You couldn't take 2 steps without tripping over a great song!

That one line ..” Seeking grace with every step he takes “ never fails to give me goosebumps , beautiful song .

The very opening phrase "He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before" is phrase turning at its finest and the hallmark of 'S' tier lyricists/writers.

If you're looking for another John Denver song, you can't go wrong with "Annie's Song." One of the best melodies every written, and the pictures it paints in your head are amazing. It came to him while he was riding a ski lift. By the time he got to the top of the mountain, the song was basically complete in his head.

"He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before." Some pretty spectacular lyrics in this thing. Good pick.

What a great song. John Denver left us way too soon. RIP JD.

In Denver's autobiography, he wrote: "I remember, almost to the moment, when that song started to take shape in my head. We were working on the next album and it was to be called Mother Nature's Son, after the Beatles song, which I'd included. It was set for release in September. In mid August, Annie and I and some friends went up to Williams Lake to watch the first Perseid meteor showers. Imagine a moonless night in the Rockies in the dead of summer and you have it. I had insisted to everybody that it was going to be a glorious display. Spectacular, in fact. The air was kind of hazy when we started out, but by 10 p.m. it had grown clear. I had my guitar with me and a fishing rod. At some point, I went off in a raft to the middle of the lake, singing my heart out. It wasn't so much that I was singing to entertain anyone back on shore, but rather I was singing for the mountains and for the sky. Either my voice gave out or I got cold, but at any rate, I came in and found that everybody had kind of drifted off to their individual campsites to catnap. We were right below the tree line, just about ten thousand feet, and we hadn't seen too much activity in the sky yet. There was a stand of trees over by the lake, and about a dozen aspens scattered around. Around midnight, I had to get up to pee and stepped out into this open spot. It was dark over by those trees, darker than in the clearing. I looked over there and could see the shadow from the starlight. There was so much light from the stars in the sky that there was a noticeable difference between the clearing and everywhere else. The shadow of the starlight blew me away. Maybe it was the state I was in. I went back and lay down next to Annie in front of our tent, thinking everybody had gone to sleep, and thinking about how in nature all things, large and small, were interwoven, when swoosh, a meteor went smoking by. And from all over the campground came the awed responses "Do you see that?" It got bigger and bigger until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. Everybody was awake, and it was raining fire in the sky. I worked on the song - and the song worked on me - for a good couple of weeks. I was working one day with Mike Taylor, an acoustic guitarist who had performed with me at the Cellar Door and had moved out to Aspen. Mike sat down and showed me this guitar lick and suddenly the whole thing came together. It was just what the piece needed. When I realized what I had - another anthem, maybe; a true expression of one's self, maybe - we changed the sequencing of the album we'd just completed, and then we changed the album title."

This song literally brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. So beautiful, so perfect. John Denver was a genius.

"Calypso" is the John Denver tune to hear next. Another top notch vocal performance that gives me the same goosebumps I get from hearing "Rocky Mountain High"

Nobody can sing like John Denver. His voice is strong, bright and clear as a bell.

If anybody ever asked me, I probably would have said I was not a John Denver fan, but the reality is that I know all the words to his songs and I fall peacefully into his music. He has such a clear/clean voice and the simplicity of his acoustic guitar woven with the complexity of the background instrumentation delivers a sound that is so exclusively his own . "He was born in the Summer of his 27th year..." interesting perspective on life and moving toward what your soul tells you that you must. Beautiful song. I can't rate it because there is nothing else like it.

If you want to know how loved John Denver is, just check out the NFL game in Munich a few weeks ago, where a stadium of 75,000 people, in GERMANY, sang along to "Country Roads", and then kept singing even after the music stopped. He's one of those artists where, even if you're not into their genre of music, you still love his songs specifically.

Every word in a John Denver song is so purposeful, just an amazing poet and the musicianship and vocals are always perfect

Andy you mentioned that John Denver feels like a long lost friend. His song "Back Home Again" contains the lyrics "Hey, it's good to be back home again. Sometimes this old farm feels like a long lost friend." He was just a master of capturing that feeling. He's been gone 25 years now but he left behind a catalog filled with songs every bit as special as this one. I can't wait for you to check out more!

I’m in my middle 60s and this is still one of my favorite songs ever. I’m pretty much a rock/grunge/metal person but this song is basically perfect.

This song still give me goosebumps after all these years. This is a S tier song no question. We lost him way too soon.

Andy.... when you are ready to propose.... you take your girl to the beach, with a blanket and bottle of wine, cheese, etc and your guitar. You sing John Denver's "Annie's Song" to her and you will go down in history as one of the best proposals ever. ♥♥♥

in 2007, I was 47, and I went elk hunting in Colorado's Rocky mountains... it was my first trip out west. My first morning I began climbing, and I neared the top of a small mountain, I sat down, looked in awe at the scenery, and said... "Ok, John Denver... I get it." I was coming home to a place I'd never been before.

As far as songwriting goes, this song cant be any less than S Tier. One of my favorite songs of all time...Top 50 ever recorded, easy. This song is musical poetry. Gives me chills every time I hear it.

OMG! I'm an older lady who grew up on this music...loving it. Does my heart good to see young people appreciate it! Saw him live twice...sounded exactly like his recordings. Amazing artist! RIP Missed so much@

In the 70's here in England we watched John Denver in his own tv show every week. If you watch him you will see he was one of the most genuine people you could ever wish to meet. He was a beautiful soul when he was alive and the only difference now is he shines even brighter. He is sooo missed in this world of too many fakes. RIP John.

A&A, you’ll love his "Take Me Home, Country Roads", “Sunshine On My Shoulders”, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and "Annie's Song"!!!! One of the purest voices you’ll ever hear. A great singer/songwriter and guitarist. Colorado has his "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs. West Virginia’s state song is his "Take Me Home, Country Roads”.

"Wholesome" is the right word. A lot of Gen Xers grew up singing John Denver songs in elementary school music classes and watching him on Muppet specials. It maybe led to a bit of a backlash against him because he was so kid-friendly and unhip. But his talent was undeniable. I had to sing "Annie's Song" at a wedding once and I could barely get through it without choking up. It's just so beautiful.

John Denver… The best friend a song ever had. Straight up goosebumps, indeed.

You need more John Denver in your life. He showed up in movies too. He starred in a wonderful little 1970s movie called "Oh, God!" It's not a musical, but it is a vibe.

I also think it's very cool how he ended the same chorus with a different line, the best being the last "I know he'd be a poorer boy if he never saw an eagle fly", because there is something serene and magical when you see one, 1st time or 50th time. "The shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullaby" is another gem. He was such a poetic lyricist.

My husband was a bodyguard for John Denver in Tucson for a concert. He was into ping pong and would skate around the venue to do sound checks. My husband played many ping pong games with Mr. Denver and said he was a genuinely nice man.

So many favorites from John Denver. “Fly Away” w/ Olivia Newton John, “Sunshine on my Shoulders”, “Annie’s Song” and of course “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” This music is peaceful and beautiful, and we need it now.

One of my great guilty pleasures. There's no reason a big city boy growing up on R&B such as myself should be so into his music, but I was. The poetry, the soaring vocals, the romanticism be it person or place, is irresistible. Might even call it inspirational. Another great singer-songwriter taken from the world way too soon. RIP. Check out "Annie's Song" by him. It will melt your heart.

My favorite line in that song is, "Coming home to a place I'd never been before".

The “casual reply” makes it intimate between him and the mountains

His duet with Mama Cass singing "Leavin on a Jet Plane" is an amazing, iconic moment in music.

This album was HUGE when it came out, and it cemented John Denver's career (which had a considerable number of hits, as well as a TV variety show, Christmas specials, and essentially created an entire genre that dominated for 2-3 years and a lifestyle, as I recall). If you want to explore more of his stuff, I recommend starting with "Annie's Song", "Sunshine on My Shoulders" or "Thank God I'm a Country Boy."

His version of Leaving on a Jet Plane (the original, btw) is also killer.

John Denver is a poet musician that speaks directly to your soul. His writing, musicianship and harmonies are unmatched. Watch some of his live performance videos and you will hear just how good of a singer he is. He is flawless.

The first time I walked into the Rocky Mountains I literally broke down and sobbed. Talk about feeling so insignificant. Thanks for great reaction and a great memory. Will never forget the emotional reaction, just remember feeling, God has been in this place.

I hadn't heard this song in years, I honestly forgot how good it is. Thanks as always.✌

Growing up in Colorado during the 70s you could not escape the omnipresence of John Denver. It was definitely too much of a good thing. Now in my 60s I really appreciate his music so much more. Lyrically, musically, vocally, it's perfection. I'd also add it's about the best sing along music ever written. When you know every word it's pretty much impossible not to sing along at the top of your lungs when alone in a car (when people can't really see you)

I love seeing you young guys appreciate John Denver, an iconic artist, no one like him.

He was able to create such imagery through his music. Even if you’ve never spent time in the mountains, you can see it. You can feel it.

When you compose music that become official songs of two different states... that's pretty amazing

Annie’s Song and Sunshine On My Shoulders are two of his more beautiful offerings. I can get lost in so many of his songs. His cover of John Prine’s Angel From Montgomery is excellent. For a down home lively fun song, Thank God I’m A Country Boy is a real treat. Very infectious.

More song writing talent in one man than we’ve seen in the last 20 years

Great review guys, glad this one hit you the way it did. Denver was kind of ridiculed back in the day by the metal/punk crowd as being kinda geeky & commercial. But you could never deny his talent and songwriting gifts. Unbelievable vocal intonation, never failed to impress the pros, and as you say, he could really tell a tale with lyrics and mood. He was HUUUGE in the 70s, all over the charts as that perfect bridge between country & soft rock, so appealed to a very broad audience. RIP JD, you did us proud.

John definitely was genuine, he wore his heart on his sleeve. If you listen to more of his music you'll find this out. The sad thing about him being that way the press at the time had a field day bashing him. Thanks for doing this terrific reaction. You definitely nailed it.

Love this guy and his voice is so clear. His music and lyrics are some of the best written.

My favorite line…..coming home to a place I’ve never been before. His song writing and his voice just feels like a kind of magic. Chills every time. Thank you guys for this and of course all things. So many songs but Sunshine On My Shoulder is a fav.

This was one of your best videos -- EVER! Thanks SO MUCH for doing John. Back in the day, it was common for critics to make fun of John, Barry Manilow, Carpenters, ABBA, America, and others who wrote and performed beautiful melodic music that was impeccably crafted. John was one of the great American songwriters of his era, as well as an amazing performer and all-around entertainer. So many brilliant songs from this incredibly talented musician. His music continues to uplift and entertain through the decades. And he was a great citizen of planet Earth. Our troubled world needs many more human beings like him again. He and Gordon Lightfoot sang about Nature in ways nobody else has done. As for other songs, so many -- "Farewell Andromeda (Welcome to My Morning)," "Poems, Prayers, and Promises," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," "Back Home Again," "Follow Me," "Season Suite" (five parts, with gorgeous acoustic guitar work)... Milton Okun was the producer, and he produced much of John's best work. If you're unfamiliar with his work, he was a very important producer in our country's history. John's records were immaculately recorded/engineered, too.

I've been waiting for A&A to react to John Denver for a long time, He has more than one easy listening banger

"Annie's Song" should be next! It's such a beautiful song!

Great comments from you guys on this. It's fun to watch someone listen to a song for the first time that I've literally heard hundreds of times. John Denver dominated the '70s like few other people and this song is seared into many of our brains. His best album is a live concert recording with a full orchestra at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles called "An Evening with John Denver." Exquisite.

To me, Annie’s Song is absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Sunshine on My Shoulders, Calypso and Goodbye Again are also just great songs. A Song for All Lovers is very powerful.

I love that you comment on such a wide range of music. Even stuff that I havent heard or am not particularly a fan of. As an Australian kid of the 70s and 80s I grew up with a lot of this music, but some of the American bands never made it here as much more than one-hit wonders. Regardless, your enthusiasm and excitement in listening to and critiquing the music brings me joy and makes me re-examine some of it too. Bands that werent cool when I was a kid, that maybe deserved a second look that I hadnt had time to get round to yet for example. I like John Denver - although I often felt his persona was a bit too corny for me a lot of the time - but this song is beautiful and there are a handful of others of his that truly stand the test of time and quality. Looking forward to this! :)

I loved that Alex shared the experience this brought up for him. That warmth you feel, we loved him even in the gritty seventies. He sounded like love hope and sanity.

I love John Denver, for me this is a S Tier song 🎶 for me. This song brings back memories.

John Denver testified in the United States Congress against censorship in music! It's awesome and all too rare to have someone so "wholesome" defending the rights of fellow music crafters.... Rest in peace, sweet soul. 😇

Sunshine on My Shoulders is a whole moment in time too. You're there with him, looking at what he sees, feeling what he feels. It's a true moment.

A very sensitive appreciation, guys -- everything from the lyrics to the vocal lines to the lap steel to the mandolin? maybe a banjo? I never assume that these songs will speak to a new generation, but I'm glad to see this one in particular holds up. There aren't many songs about an authentic spiritual awakening. Love this one.

This is s tier all the way. The base run up. The strings can get lost in the immaculate lyrics. Doesn’t get better. This is not just a few guys strumming guitars. Every rhythmic stroke accents the feeling of the song.

Where do I start? First thing that comes to mind is how much intention the two of you put into your reactions. You don't just churn out three songs a day to make more money. You have purpose to how you do it and it's why I watch. I am so stoked this was S tier for you. The goose bumps you felt are the same ones I have felt since listening to this since I was a child. I still get them. Some other fantastic songs; "This Old Guitar", "Annie's Song", "The Eagle and the Hawk", "Poems, Prayers and Promises" and "Calypso" just to name a few. For just songwriting prowess, this guy is on the Mt. Rushmore with Dylan, Lightfoot and Stevens.

John was maybe the most un-ironically wholesome performer, if not person, there's been; both as a singer/songwriter and an actor. If you ever get the chance to watch the movie "Oh God," do it, do it, do it; both he and George Burns were perfectly believable in their characters and their chemistry together was, well, divine.

You’ve got to listen to “Annie’s Song” whether you react to it or not. It’s the most beautifully descriptive tribute to his wife. If you were hit by the words in the song, you will love Annie’s Song.

Actually, the line goes..."Talk to God and listen to the casual reply." It's just that he accents the word casual. THANK YOU GUYS so much! 🌿❤️🌿 I was waiting for this one. JOHN DENVER is a Legend! He died in the sky - he did love to fly. This was so touching and sophisticated * now if you would like to hear something down home and funny with the same talent, go listen to "Thank God, I'm a Country Boy!" 🎵 Front porch, blues grass in the best way. (Maybe not bluegrass but some fast-paced, knee slappin' fun done by a man who does music so well. ) Note: "Take Me Home Country Roads" is my family's song because we are from West Virginia 🎄✨️

Guys, I may have enjoyed this reaction more than any you’ve done. You gave it it’s due. You shared your stories, which I really appreciated. I’ve had my moments in nature that just spoke of the perfection being one with that moment. It stays with you and shapes you.

Yep. Anytime you hear goosebumps. S-TIER🤩

It hit me today why I enjoy you guys so much. I was a 70's teen and my circle really was like 70s show. We'd bring records to our friend's basement to share then talk about the music for hours. Some of those guys are gone now but I live that memory again with the two of you. -Thanks, c

Annie's Song is sublime!!! 🧡🧡🧡

'He was born in the summer of his 27th year.' One forever awesome lyric.

Alex is so dead on correct. This song really captured the feeling of being in the Rocky Mountains during the 1970's. When I was 15 I hitched hiked from California to Boulder, Colorado...and spent the last part of the summer camping out in one of the highest parts of the Rockies next to a mountain stream.

Without a doubt this is my favorite song from him. Especially when you learn just how autobiographical it is. He came to Colorado for the first time and felt at home. The fire in the sky was a meteor shower he and others saw and the trail looked like fire in the sky. Amazing, beautiful song.

Some of the best lyrics ever written - we lost this very talented man way too soon!

You guys have done this before, and you've just done it, again -- this was a *S-tier reaction.* Seriously. I know an S-tier song helps, inspires, etc., but you both really rose to the occasion (again, I say, again), matching the high artistry of the John Denver offering with your own mastery in this medium. Everything about your analyses, personal storytelling, composition breakdown, lyrics commentary ("casual reply"), riffing so connectedly off each other, the friendly-neighbor metaphor -- *perfctamundo!* 😇 🙏

Lyrics: [Verse 1] 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 [Verse 2] 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 [Chorus] 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) [Verse 3] 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 [Verse 4] 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 [Chorus] 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) [Verse 5] 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 [Chorus] 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 [Outro] 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)

Everyone in my family associates this song with my stepfather who was an amazing guy and an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Every year, his big road trip was out to Colorado from NY to go deer hunting with his nephews and meet some friends along the way. When he passed away several years ago, we obviously had to play this at the memorial.

I loved this reaction. I am 58 years old and have loved John Denver since I was a small kid. I have the reaction that Alex had every time I hear this song. The simplicity of it, while encompassing such depth and vivid imagery is just a masterpiece in my opinion. He just always makes me smile with most of his songs.

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and recorded. Goosebumps indeed.

I was lucky enough to see John Denver in concert twice,several years apart both shows were awesome! He was just as good live! At some point you have to listen to his song Poems ,Prayers and Promises it’s really beautiful!

Annie's Song should be next. thanks for this one! I needed some John Denver today!

A very underated artist. He got dismissed by a lot of folks because of his TV show and goofy personality in it. But when you look at the songs lyrically and musically, there are many that are exquisite. Lots of people forget he also wrote Leaving on a Jet Plane which was a hit for Peter, Paul and Mary. I would suggest Sunshine on my Shoulder. Annie's Song, Calypso next. And he was just as good playing live.

So much magic and lyricism in this one. Glad y'all got to enjoy it!

As a child of the 70’s John Denver is a favorite. He was everywhere and almost everyone liked him. He is a genuine person and it obvious when you seem him in interviews or performing live. Gone too soon.

Listening to this brought me to tears. John cared deeply for the environment and the song depicts this with beauty and grace. Sweet instrumentation. Very popular back in the day. Saw him in concert and loved it. (Starland Vocal Band was the warm-up!)

And think about this....he cranked out this beautiful music in the era of disco passing into metal handbanging.....and he struck a cord with all. He would go to any small venue, and just play. He garnered a huge following of people who were married to other genres. His genius as a lyricist, and his pure voice just killed it. I think there are a ton of heavy metal fans out there who might just now admit they has a secret stash of John Denver somewhere. I know I do. Good on you Alex. This is absolutely S-Tier talent.

His ability to hold notes, and seemingly never hearing him breathe to hit those notes amazes. So smooth.

The Eagle and the Hawk for amazing vocals…do the studio version please

I was living in Monterey when his plane went down into the bay. Sad day. I always wonder the songs that we would have heard but never will because of accidents that have taken many song writers lives before their time.

My absolute favorite John Denver song is "Matthew", which is a song he wrote about an uncle of his who died when he was young, and yet somehow the song is still just so joyful. He didn't lead a perfect life and he definitely had a drinking problem, but John Denver was one of those special souls you don't find very often.

Sincere props, gentlemen, to your homage of this prolific legend. Ironclad S-TIER, and you came through. Great video.

I am so happy that a couple of young guys like you can appreciate the poetry and the simplicity & intention of this wonderful song and singer. You need to check out "Back home again" &"Calypso". Rip John Denver

I’ve heard John Denver for years. Not something I’d play on my stereo, but now listening through high tech headphones…..wow! So beautiful, the guitars, and his voice!! ❤️ thx for this!

I've never been able to put into words why I love this song, but you guys did a great job of it.

Definitely "S" tier for me. I've heard this song a hundred times and never tire of it. "Comin' home to a place he'd never been before" is my favorite line in a song with many great lines.

He had a plethora of hits. My fav, that would be worth a listen is "Annie's Song." surlechapeau below lists some of his biggest hits. Nice reaction!

It's hard to imagine someone nowadays singing songs about his love of Nature and spiritual rebirth, but happy songs were a 70s specialty. Happy songs were a key ingredient in the whole carefree 70s post-hippy vibe.

It's important to see this song in the overall context of popular music of the time. John Denver, and this song in particular, was perfectly placed in the roots/country movement in music that happened in the early '70s.

"He was born in the summer of his 27th year, coming home to a place he'd never been before" is one of THE greatest lyrics in pop music history.

I can't say I'm excited by John Denver, but this song is nothing short of brilliant.

He has a voice that’s so pure. You have to listen to “ANNIE’S SONG “ it’s his best. His wife Annie is who he wrote it to. PLEASE listen to it next. Thank you

I was born in Wyoming and grew up in the Rockies. Most of my vacations, were in those mountains. This always brings me back to that time. I love it😊

The acoustic string army on this cut blows me away every time I hear this song.