Rocky Mountain Suite
DENVER JOHN Lyrics
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Two men and four ponies on a long, lonesome ride
To see the high country and learn of her people
The ways that they live there, the ways that they die
One is a teacher, and one a beginner
Just wanting to be there, wanting to know
And together they're trying to tell us a story
How the life in the mountains is living in danger
From too many people, too many machines
And the time is upon us, today is forever
Tomorrow is just one of yesterdays dreams
Cold nights in Canada and icy blue winds
The man and the mountains are brothers again
Clear waters are laughing, they sing to the skies
The Rockies are living, they never will die
Up in a meadow in Jasper, Alberta
Two men and four ponies on a long, lonesome ride.
The lyrics of Rocky Mountain Suite by Denver John speaks about two men and four ponies that go on a long and lonesome ride in Jasper, Alberta, to explore the high country and learn about the lives of the people there. One is a teacher, and one is a beginner, both wanting to discover and share the stories of the mountain region. They both try to convey the message of the beauty and danger that reside in the mountain region. The lyrics suggest how living in the mountain is in danger from too many people, too many machines hence the way of life of the mountain people and the mountains themselves is under threat. The time has now come, and something needs to be done to prevent the destruction of the mountainous region. The cold nights in Canada with icy blue winds, the man and the mountains are brothers again, which means that they are united in their struggle to protect their existence amidst external threats.
The lyrics provide a metaphor on how the mountains are alive and how their existence is threatened by humans, who do not take enough measures to protect and sustain mountain life. The song shows that the natural environment has its own story to tell, and we should respect and listen to it. The way of life of the people who live in mountain areas is unique and needs protection. Denver John urges people to take notice and address current and future environmental issues to protect the mountains, clear waters, and wildlife. The song "Rocky Mountain Suite" shows the beauty that hides within the mountainous region, and it also aims to remind us of the obligation to protect its beauty and unique features.
Line by Line Meaning
Up in a meadow in Jasper, Alberta
The song starts with the description of a specific place where two men and their ponies are on a ride, in search of adventure and knowledge.
Two men and four ponies on a long, lonesome ride
There are two men and four ponies and they are on a long, tiring and boring journey.
To see the high country and learn of her people
The men's journey is not just aimless but purposeful, as their goal is to learn about the ways of the people living in the mountains.
The ways that they live there, the ways that they die
Their quest includes understanding the traditions and beliefs that shape mountain people's living and also how they deal with death in such an environment.
One is a teacher, and one a beginner
The two men have different levels of expertise in their journey, with one being a seasoned teacher while the other is a novice.
Just wanting to be there, wanting to know
Regardless of their level of expertise, both are enthusiastic about the journey, eager to learn and experience new things.
And together they're trying to tell us a story
Through their journey, the two men want to recount a story, an account of their adventure and the things they learned along the way.
That should have been listened to long, long ago
Their account is important, as it should have been listened to a long time ago to understand the living situation in the mountains better.
How the life in the mountains is living in danger
The two men's story undoubtedly centers on the hazardous and challenging life in the mountains.
From too many people, too many machines
Life in the mountains is threatened by too many people and too many machines that harm the environment.
And the time is upon us, today is forever
There's a looming sense of urgency that this problem has to be dealt with quickly, as the present state of things could persist forever without intervention.
Tomorrow is just one of yesterday's dreams
If we don't act now, tomorrow will be a result of yesterday's inaction.
Cold nights in Canada and icy blue winds
The journey was tough, with the harsh elements making each day's travel more exhausting than the previous one.
The man and the mountains are brothers again
Despite the trials, the men grew attached to the mountains, understanding and appreciating her beauty.
Clear waters are laughing, they sing to the skies
The beauty of the mountains isn't lost on the men, who notice and appreciate the clear bodies of water and the beauty of the skies.
The Rockies are living, they never will die
The mountains are alive, and their splendor and magnificence will always be with us.
Together with ponies, over hills and over trees
The men, with their four ponies, traveled through difficult terrains, scaling hills and crossing over trees, to explore and learn more about the mountains.
'Neath the carpet of green, like a mantle so fine
The mountains, covered with a rich carpet of green, glowed magnificently, like a fine mantle.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DENVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind