Rocky Mountain High
DENVER JOHN Lyrics


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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 lullabye
Rocky mountain high (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 his memory

Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest 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 raining fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
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
I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky mountain high

It's Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
Rocky mountain high
Rocky mountain high
Rocky mountain high
Rocky mountain high




Rocky mountain high
Rocky mountain high

Overall Meaning

The song "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver is a song about the beauty, serenity, and freedom of the mountains. It tells the story of a man who, at the age of 27, finds his way to the mountains for the first time and experiences rebirth and a new sense of purpose. He sees everything in a new light and finds joy and peace in the natural world around him. The lyrics describe his journey as he climbs mountains, walks through streams and forests, and seeks to understand the beauty of God's creation. He reflects on the transience of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.


The song speaks to the power and majesty of the Rocky Mountains and the way that they can transform a person's life. Denver paints a picture of a man who has found something greater than himself in the mountains and has been able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Yet, the song also speaks to the threats facing these mountains, as people continue to try to tear them down to build more infrastructure and leave scars upon the land. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources and experiencing the beauty and freedom that the mountains provide.


Line by Line Meaning

He was born in the summer of his 27th year
The singer feels like he truly started living at 27, like a rebirth.


Coming home to a place he'd never been before
The singer feels a deep connection to the mountains as if he was always meant to be there.


He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
The singer has moved on from his old life and is starting anew, with a fresh perspective.


You might say he found a key for every door
The singer's experiences have taught him valuable life lessons.


When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
The singer's previous life was vastly different from the solitude and majesty he finds in the mountains.


On the road and hanging by a song
The singer's life was previously unstable and he was struggling to make ends meet.


But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care
The singer has let go of his previous struggles and is content with living in the moment.


It keeps changing fast and it don't last for long
The singer recognizes the fleeting nature of life's ups and downs.


But the Colorado rocky mountain high
The singer finds a sense of awe and wonder in the beauty of the Colorado mountains.


I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The singer has witnessed stunning natural phenomena in the mountains.


The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
The serenity of the mountains brings the singer a sense of peace.


Rocky mountain high (Colorado)
The singer associates the beauty of the mountains with a sense of joy and contentment.


He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
The singer has explored the mountains and discovered their many wonders.


He saw everything as far as you can see
The singer felt a deep sense of exploration and wonder in the mountains.


And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun
The singer recognizes the lure of the mountains can drive people to attempt dangerous and impossible feats.


And he lost a friend but kept his memory
The singer has experienced tragedy in the mountains but has not forgotten the people he has lost.


Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams
The singer now finds joy in the peace and tranquility of the mountains.


Seeking grace in every step he takes
The singer looks for beauty and meaning in everything he does.


His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The singer has gained a deep sense of introspection in the mountains.


The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
The singer finds peace and tranquility in the beauty of the mountain lakes.


Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
The singer has found joy and beauty in the mountains, but still recognizes their inherent danger.


Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
The singer finds it difficult to understand why people would want to damage or destroy the natural beauty of the mountains.


Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
The singer questions the value of material gain at the expense of the natural world.


More people, more scars upon the land
The singer recognizes that excessive human activity can cause lasting harm to the environment.


I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
The singer recognizes that his experiences in the mountains have enriched his life.


It's Colorado rocky mountain high
The singer again expresses his deep sense of joy and wonder in the beauty of the mountains.


Friends around the campfire and everybody's high
The singer celebrates the joy of being in nature with friends, and the sense of euphoria that can come from it.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Reservoir One Music, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JOHN DENVER, MIKE TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@brandonanderson1057

I got divorced at 27 and after several months of trying to figure my life out I took John's advice. I took a week off of work and hiked eight of Colorado's beautiful 14ers. I saw fire rain, I looked down on silver clouds below me, and I made a lot of awesome mountain friends. The man that I am today was born on that trip. My wife and kids are very grateful for the effect that this song had on me. Thank you Mr. Denver.

@drakehonest2

Hello how are you doing?

@bhvgcfx459

I have a similar story, being married and divorced 2x by 26 and I got a clue. The rest of my life has been fantastic. Going away and figuring yourself out is number one. We could probably have far fewer issues in this world if we worked on peoples issues

@youtuberk1577

@@bhvgcfx459 The last line is so true . I implement in my own life

@babynieve9612

Good for you man cheers 👍

@ejkalegal3145

Why is every guy in the US named either Brad, Brandon or Peyton?

118 More Replies...

@user-gp2sl6qx9r

I'm Korean and I'm 27 years old. Are the Rocky Mountains as beautiful as Mr. Denver sings about? It makes me want to go there.

@threedstables

Driving in the Western and Northwestern part of the United States is stunning .. his words in this song are so true, I hope you get to experience it .. 🙋‍♀️ 😊

@BarryHart-xo1oy

I know what you mean-l’ve never been to the Rocky Mountains myself,but from what l’ve heard,they’re quite impressive.

@rayromero815

Absolutely

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