He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him twelve gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders".
Denver starred in films and several notable television specials in the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot and died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash of his personal experimental aircraft.
Higher Ground
John Denver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With the things they don't believe in
They are giving up their lives
For something that is less than it can be
Some have longed for a home
In a place of inspiration
Some will find the emptiness inside
They believe
[Chorus:]
Maybe it's just a dream in me
Maybe it's just my style
Maybe it's juat the freedom that I've found
Given the possibility
Of living up to the dream in me
You know I'll be reaching for higher ground
I will stand on my own
I will live up to the vision
I will trust in what I feel
I'd follow my heart until it brings me home
Brings me home
[Chorus:]
Keep me through the night
Lead me to the light
Teach me the magic of wonder
Give me the spirit to fly
[Chorus: x2]
John Denver's song Higher Ground is a powerful anthem about the pursuit of a better life. The song speaks of individuals who have strong beliefs and are willing to give everything to attain them, even if it means sacrificing their current situation. The opening lines set the tone of people living with things they don't believe in, and the pursuit of something better. They may have longed for a place of inspiration or belonging but feel an emptiness within themselves until they can give everything to achieve what they believe. The song lyrics about people reaching "higher ground" permeate the whole song, encouraging individuals to trust in what they feel, stand on their own, and follow their hearts to attain their dreams fully.
The chorus reinforces the belief that the dream is within them, the freedom they've found, and their style. The dream can be imaginary, but the "reach higher ground" portion encourages people to keep pursuing their dreams despite the challenges. John Denver's song Higher Ground is an ode to human determination and endurance, emphasizing one's power to achieve greatness with their spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
There are those who can live
Some people can live with beliefs and values that they don't necessarily agree with
With the things they don't believe in
They coexist with things that contradict their perspectives
They are giving up their lives
Their existence seems to lack purpose and direction
For something that is less than it can be
Yet they settle for a life that is mediocre and unfulfilling
Some have longed for a home
Others feel a sense of belonging and comfort in a place that inspires them
In a place of inspiration
This place offers them motivation and a sense of direction
Some will find the emptiness inside
However, there are those who feel empty from within
By giving it all for the things that they believe
But they strive to fill that void by wholeheartedly pursuing their beliefs
They believe
And their faith in their convictions remains unshaken
Maybe it's just a dream in me
Perhaps this is just a fanciful idea in my head
Maybe it's just my style
Or maybe this is simply my way of life
Maybe it's juat the freedom that I've found
Or maybe it's the liberation that I've experienced
Given the possibility
Considering the prospect
Of living up to the dream in me
Of realizing my aspirations
You know I'll be reaching for higher ground
I am determined to strive for something better and greater
I will stand on my own
I will be self-reliant and independent
I will live up to the vision
I will fulfill my purpose and achieve my goals
I will trust in what I feel
I will rely on my instincts and intuition
I'd follow my heart until it brings me home
I will persist on my journey until I reach my desired destination
Keep me through the night
Guide me through my struggles and difficulties
Lead me to the light
Show me the path towards enlightenment and clarity
Teach me the magic of wonder
Enlighten me on the beauty and enchantment of the world
Give me the spirit to fly
Empower me with the courage and strength to soar
Chorus
The recurring theme of the song to strive for something greater and to realize one's potential
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN DENVER, LEE HOLDRIDGE, JOE HENRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
Hey J Parker, Sorry to hear you're having these issues. Would you mind please emailing our support team an example album or track to support [at] sonichits.com?
J Parker
SonicHits just gets worse and worse. Albums that don't play,songs that don't play, tracks that are NOT the named song or even the right artist, adverts that cover content and cause the site to interrupt and buffer inthe middle of songs. I've got to find a better music site!